
Seattle seen from the Space Needle at dusk
Starting in the downtown Seattle Center neighborhood, you’ll get your bearings by visiting the iconic Space Needle, a futuristic 520’- tall observation tower that whisks you up to 360 degree views of Seattle and beyond, way beyond. Come early or later (open until midnight) for smaller crowds – especially pretty to come right before dusk. The restaurant at top is pricey. Just in front of the Needle, you’ll find the EMP (Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Museum,) a fantastical blob-like mass designed by Frank Gehry. EMP pays homage to local boy Jimi Hendrix with extensive exhibits as well as a large interactive area where visitors can try out their own music. My husband was happy in his own jam session with an electric guitar. Science fiction buffs will flock to that section.
On the same block lies the Pacific Science Center, appealing to families with interactive areas focusing on dinosaurs, insects, marine life, etc. – and a fun water park outdoors where adults play along with kids. A gorgeous gem, visit the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, with room after room of Seattle-glass artisan Dale Chihuly’s incredible work as well as gorgeous natural flower gardens surrounding them. If you’ve ever been into the V&A in London, it is Chihuly’s chandelier that hangs over the entrance foyer.

Pikes Place Market

Seattle Aquarium's marine tidal pool

Copper River salmon at the Crab Pot
You’ll definitely need to see the Ballard Locks, more properly known as the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. Built in 1911, this fascinating landmark and its adjoining museum draw onlookers daily as it shows how Seattle’s freshwater lake system is protected from the saltwater of Puget Sound. The locks also have a ‘fish ladder,’ designed to help the migrating salmon “jump” up the levels to enter the fresh water of Salmon Bay. A glorious arboretum lies in front of the locks, filled with an assortment of exquisite trees and flowers. The locks are open all year from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m, but tours and visitor center hours vary seasonally.
Beyond the locks, take in a stroll in the charming Ballard neighborhood – once a bastion of Scandinavian immigrants, now a hip enclave of bistros and shops with brick streets and shady lanes. Seattle is full of these pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods – others are Belltown (where we serendipitously encountered the delicious, inexpensive and undiscovered Sarajevo Lounge – yes, with Bosnian food and entertainment!,) Fremont (find the giant troll – everyone will know what you mean,) Madison Park and Magnolia, to name a few. Despite that Seattle drizzle, EVERYone seems to be outside, but on a sunny day – they are basking. The area is chock-full of cyclists, and a really special way to get your Seattle sightseeing in while having a bit of exercise is with the Seattle Sampler bike tours, led by the acclaimed and very well-run Bicycle Adventures. The operator is willing to work with those who don’t need hotel rooms, and those who want a shorter tour than the standard 4-day-er. The tour includes three city days and one in the magnificent Cascade Mountains, cycling through an old railroad tunnel to head down into waterfalls, thick forests, rock walls, lakes and tumbling rivers – what a extraordinary way to get out of the city for a short respite.

And that orginal coffee shop!
Where to Stay: The Best Western Executive Inn is perfectly situated – if you have a west facingroom then your window will look out on the Space Needle, (a three-minute walk away) the Pacific Science Center, the EMP and Emerald City Trolley Stop. A very pleasant 15-minute walk through the Belltown neighborhood takes you to the waterfront and Pikes Place.
For more about Seattle, click here. www.visitseattle.org
Images © Mark Rush