Seattle in 4 days
Feb 15th, 2001, 09:57 AM
#2
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Make the obligatory trip to Pike's Place Market, though in my humble opinion, it is greatly over-rated. Do spend some time in Pioneer Square and take the "Underground Seattle Tour." Of course, go to the top of the Space needle and be aware that there are 'guides' on the exterior observation deck pointing out specifics of the view. There is a little out-of-the-way park just off Queen Anne north of the Space Needle where photographers go to take the fantastic shots of the city that show up in all the travel brochures. Kerry Park, I believe is the name, and it is worth a visit both day and nite. Even if your plans don't include visiting areas accessible by ferry, be sure to take the ferry SOMEPLACE. That ride is an experience in itself. And, by all means, use Fodors mini-guide ( http://fodors.com/miniguides/mgresul...ur_section=ove )
to find additional things to see and do.
to find additional things to see and do.
Feb 15th, 2001, 10:39 AM
#4
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We here in Seattle have a not-so-funny joke that Fourth of July is the last weekend of winter. Outdoor BBQs scheduled for that weekend are inevitably rained out. However, since this winter has been so dry, who knows what the late spring/early summer will bring this year.
Hmm, Pike Place Market over-rated but Underground Tour recommended? I think the exact opposite! I love the Market and shop there often for amazing produce and other fresh foods and the European atmosphere. It's way more "real" to me than the hokey Underground Tour, but to each his or her own!
As far as "nice" hotels near the Space Needle, well, by my definition of "nice", there aren't any...it's mostly chain motels over there. I'd stay downtown if you want a nice hotel, and take the monorail over to the Space Needle.
Hmm, Pike Place Market over-rated but Underground Tour recommended? I think the exact opposite! I love the Market and shop there often for amazing produce and other fresh foods and the European atmosphere. It's way more "real" to me than the hokey Underground Tour, but to each his or her own!
As far as "nice" hotels near the Space Needle, well, by my definition of "nice", there aren't any...it's mostly chain motels over there. I'd stay downtown if you want a nice hotel, and take the monorail over to the Space Needle.
Feb 23rd, 2001, 01:01 PM
#5
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If you really want to stay near the Space Needle there is a new Hampton Inn SUites right there; however if you want a nicer hotel I would recommend the W, Hotel Monaco, or the Four Seasons downtown. Hotel Monaco is my favorite. They have a very friendly staff, a nightly wine reception and great rooms.
As for the weather in June - expect rain and then you might be pleasantly surprised if it is sunny.
I would defintely check out the EMP while you are here. Also, find out who is playing at the concerts on the pier.
As for the weather in June - expect rain and then you might be pleasantly surprised if it is sunny.
I would defintely check out the EMP while you are here. Also, find out who is playing at the concerts on the pier.
Feb 23rd, 2001, 08:51 PM
#6
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I agree (and live here in SEA). Don't stay near the Needle - not a great neighborhood and not really near anything. For things to do:
Wineries on the Eastside (Woodinville)
Definitely the ferry ride (Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge requires reservations)
Jazz Alley (if you enjoy jazz)
Mt. St. Helens
Snoqualmie Falls (best hamburgers and caramel corn at the Snoqualmie Candy Factory down from the falls!)
Weather - every day is different - people who live here could care less about the weather as far as allowing it to stop whatever they want to do. Just bring a raincoat with a hood so you're prepared! Have a great time. Please feel free to email me if you have any other ?s.
Wineries on the Eastside (Woodinville)
Definitely the ferry ride (Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge requires reservations)
Jazz Alley (if you enjoy jazz)
Mt. St. Helens
Snoqualmie Falls (best hamburgers and caramel corn at the Snoqualmie Candy Factory down from the falls!)
Weather - every day is different - people who live here could care less about the weather as far as allowing it to stop whatever they want to do. Just bring a raincoat with a hood so you're prepared! Have a great time. Please feel free to email me if you have any other ?s.
Feb 24th, 2001, 08:12 AM
#8
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Take a ferry over to the San Juan Islands for the day. We went up to Seattle last Memorial Day and found the San Juan Islands to be one of the highlights of the trip.
As for the weather, I go up there atleast once a year for business. And no matter what time of year I go, I tend to encounter some rain. But I've also experienced some incredibly nice weather...often on the same trip.
Pike's Market is definitely worth a visit. And there's a new mall in downtown that opened a few years ago that seemed to be a hit with the wife. More upscale than most and a top notch Nordstroms. There's a southwestern restaurant there at the mall called Desert Fire which had great chicken fried steak with jalapeno gravy. Also make a drive over to the marina area and try Chinooks for seafood. And Salty's on Alki is great for a drink on the patio - overlooks the city skyline.
As for the weather, I go up there atleast once a year for business. And no matter what time of year I go, I tend to encounter some rain. But I've also experienced some incredibly nice weather...often on the same trip.
Pike's Market is definitely worth a visit. And there's a new mall in downtown that opened a few years ago that seemed to be a hit with the wife. More upscale than most and a top notch Nordstroms. There's a southwestern restaurant there at the mall called Desert Fire which had great chicken fried steak with jalapeno gravy. Also make a drive over to the marina area and try Chinooks for seafood. And Salty's on Alki is great for a drink on the patio - overlooks the city skyline.
Feb 24th, 2001, 11:08 AM
#9
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The day before our first trip to Seattle, I called a friend who had lived there - She said "don't miss the San Juan Islands." We spent two nights at a convention in downtown Seattle - doing many of the things listed above and then jumped on a ferry to Orcas Island. We stayed at a lovely hotel called Rosarios. The story behind Rosarios was that just after World War I a very rich mayor of Seattle had been told he had only 6 months to live. He moved to Orcas Island and built a Mansion and proceeded to live another 20 years. That mansion is now the hotel we stayed at - and I think the beauty of the island and the views and the wildlife and the fresh air would help anyone live another 20 years.
The next day, we took another ferry to Victoria island and visited Buchart Gardens and Victoria. That night we ferried to Port Townsend for dinner and Port Ludlow for the night. We drove back in to SeaTac the next morning for our flight out.
We did a lot in a very few days - but the sun shines much more often in the San Juans than in Seattle and the Trip was great! I would caution one thing though - we did this trip in early April and did not have any trouble finding a place to stay on Orcas Island or in Port Ludlow. I understand that in the Summer, you MUST make reservations way in advance and I have hear that sometimes you must be able to show that you have accomodations reserved before the ferry companies will allow you one their boats.
Have Fun!
The next day, we took another ferry to Victoria island and visited Buchart Gardens and Victoria. That night we ferried to Port Townsend for dinner and Port Ludlow for the night. We drove back in to SeaTac the next morning for our flight out.
We did a lot in a very few days - but the sun shines much more often in the San Juans than in Seattle and the Trip was great! I would caution one thing though - we did this trip in early April and did not have any trouble finding a place to stay on Orcas Island or in Port Ludlow. I understand that in the Summer, you MUST make reservations way in advance and I have hear that sometimes you must be able to show that you have accomodations reserved before the ferry companies will allow you one their boats.
Have Fun!
Mar 1st, 2001, 02:55 PM
#11
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The Edgewater Inn is not far from the space needle, neither is the Westin if you want to stay "downtown". But there are so many nicer hotels in Seattle, someone already mentioned Hotel Monaco, and there is the Alexis hotel. I would worry less about the location of the hotel, as everything downtown is accessable by free bus, monorail, taxi...
Mar 2nd, 2001, 11:08 AM
#13
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We visited Seattle for a week last June and had beautiful weather....60-70 degrees and lots of sun...just a bit of "mist" on some mornings. We highly recommend The Hill House Bed & Breakfast...just a 15 minute walk from the downtown area...great rates, nice neighborhood, delicious breakfasts, and the host is full of advice for travelers. We spent a good while in the Pike Place Market, also enjoyed the Seattle Arboretum and Japanese Gardens. There are many good places to eat...too many to list here ! Good Luck !
Mar 2nd, 2001, 11:43 AM
#14
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You will probably have good weather in late June, it usually only turns bad to ruin the 4th of July weekend. It did not rain last year on the 4th, but it looked like it would. This year the 4th will be during the middle of the week, so the weather is more likely to be good. 
If you will have a car, another option is to stay at the Embassy Suites in Bellevue/Factoria. It is near (but not so close as to be noisey) both I90 (east/west) and I405 (north/south), so you can easily visit wherever you wish around the Sound. But, then you will have to pay for parking in Seattle proper (about $10/day).
If you won't have a car, then the B&B sounds nice. I am not really impressed by the look of the Edgewater. It is right next to Alaskan way, and it's REALLY noisey walking along the docks there.
If you will have a car, another option is to stay at the Embassy Suites in Bellevue/Factoria. It is near (but not so close as to be noisey) both I90 (east/west) and I405 (north/south), so you can easily visit wherever you wish around the Sound. But, then you will have to pay for parking in Seattle proper (about $10/day).
If you won't have a car, then the B&B sounds nice. I am not really impressed by the look of the Edgewater. It is right next to Alaskan way, and it's REALLY noisey walking along the docks there.
Apr 9th, 2001, 12:37 PM
#15
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Steve,
I just got back from Seattle. I stayed at the Ramada on 5th. It was about equi-distant from the Space Needle and downtown.
The area around the Space Needle didn't appeal to me much. It's not a really happening place at all after dark and there are a few rough-ish areas around there. The same for where I stayed.
In terms of sightseeing my trip was mostly business so I didn't have a whole lot of free time to sightsee. Downtown I did enjoy the Pike Place Market and environs and the waterfront. If you are a book lover Elliot Bay Books in the Pioneer Square district is probably the biggest (and neatest) bookstore I have ever seen.
Hope that helps
Keith
P.S. It was cool and windy when were were there. It rained a bit but it was light misty rain mostly. I'd say it was mostly to partly cloudly the better part of the trip with some periods of sunshine. I got around pretty well with a lightweight lined water resistant jacket.
Getting around downtown, we usually walked or took the bus tunnel.
I just got back from Seattle. I stayed at the Ramada on 5th. It was about equi-distant from the Space Needle and downtown.
The area around the Space Needle didn't appeal to me much. It's not a really happening place at all after dark and there are a few rough-ish areas around there. The same for where I stayed.
In terms of sightseeing my trip was mostly business so I didn't have a whole lot of free time to sightsee. Downtown I did enjoy the Pike Place Market and environs and the waterfront. If you are a book lover Elliot Bay Books in the Pioneer Square district is probably the biggest (and neatest) bookstore I have ever seen.
Hope that helps
Keith
P.S. It was cool and windy when were were there. It rained a bit but it was light misty rain mostly. I'd say it was mostly to partly cloudly the better part of the trip with some periods of sunshine. I got around pretty well with a lightweight lined water resistant jacket.
Getting around downtown, we usually walked or took the bus tunnel.
Apr 9th, 2001, 03:40 PM
#16
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I'm not a Seattle native, but live in the Bay area and have loved time spent in Seattle. We like to stay at the Inn at the Market. Right at the Pike Place Market and within walking distance to the waterfront and the trolley to Pioneer Square as well as the monorail to the Space Needle. Sheri has given you some really good advice, and I agree that I really like Pike Place Market far more than the underground tours in Pioneer Square. Just as fog is a part of SF, so rain is a part of Seattle and you just need to anticipate you will have some. That said, our last June visit was incredibly beautiful and we returned sunburned! It's a really nice city with some fantastic restaurants.
