Day Tour in Seattle
 

We're in Seattle for a day while we're on our way to Alaska on a cruise (mid-May). We'd like to do a walking tour. Especially like to see the new "trendy" areas for shopping, eating, art galleries, museums, etc. <BR>Where would you point us to? Streets, neighborhoods, hot spots, that would be fun to see? <BR>Thanks for your input!

Dear David: <BR>Since you will be heading out on a cruise, I'm assuming you're staying downtown? <BR>Here's one of several possible itineraries: <BR>Start your day by walking down to the Pike Place Market. Get there early, as the farmers and vendors set up; it's the most interesting time, and the crowds will not yet have arrived. Plan to have breakfast at an old-fashioned Market eatery like the ATHENIAN, or just grab a cup of coffee, some croissants, bagels, or whatever and go to Steinbrueck Park to enjoy the view (if it doesn't rain; in May, you have chance). Ignore the panhandlers; they don't bite. <BR>After breakfast, and your market tour, walk the Hillclimb steps down to the waterfront and the Aquarium. Spend some time in the aquarium. Fascinating slice of Puget Sound life. By the way, the octopus gets rotated every few years (i.e., returned to the sound and replaced by a new one), so she can make octopi puppi. Puget Sound octopuses, by the way, are the LARGEST in the WORLD. (And they taste good, too! You can buy them fresh in the Pike Place Market--they're much more exciting than those standard--issue salmon; or you can savor them at local sushi bars or Chinese restaurants). <BR>From the aquarium, head south along the water-front to Yesler Way and Pioneer Square. Lots of old buildings, plus art galleries, shops, great bakery (Grand Central), book shops, et al. Poke around. Enjoy yourself. But don't have lunch here. <BR>For lunch, double back on First Avenue to the Seattle art museum and have lunch in the cafe (great stuff), or walk the few blocks up Jackson the International District (also known as "Chinatown") and have dim sum. Be sure to visit Uwajimaya, a Japanese supermarket/department store with a truly amazing selection of goodies from fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood, to porcelain elephants. <BR>After lunch, walk back along Fourth and Fifth to the downtown shopping district. Most of the exciting shops are within a few blocks of Westlake Mall. <BR>For dinner, you could return to the waterfront, or walk north to Lake Union to dine at a lakefront restaurant. Not the best food in town, but the views and atmosphere are great. (If you're worried about the length of the walk, and if it's feasible, it is. I used to have an office near Lake Union and I walked to the Pike Place Market, the waterfront, and Uwajimaya--and back--all the time.) <BR>Or, better yet, take a taxi to Rover's in Madison Valley for a GREAT dinner. <BR>That's all I can think of right now. If you give some details of what you like and like to see, I can provide you with LOTS more stuff to do. <BR>

David, John gave you LOTS of great ideas. I would just add (since you asked) that the current "trendy" area for shops and restaurants is Belltown, roughly First and Second Avenues, on the stretch north of the Pike Place Market and south of Seattle Center. <BR> <BR>A couple more restaurants suggestions (agh, just one night in Seattle! So hard to choose!): in addition to Rovers, my faves are Wild Ginger (pan-Asian) and Palace Kitchen (eclectic Northwest).

David: <BR>Sheri is right about Belltown, but I tend to think of it more of an evening than a daytime place. It seems to mostly dead (a.k.a. business-oriented) but comes alive in the evening. <BR>I second Sheri's restaurant recommendations, but since we're going to Belltown, I'd add Flying Fish, and El Gaucho.

<BR>John - you make me want to go right downtown now and walk around!! :))

Thanks for the great suggestions. That was exactly what I was looking for. We live in San Francisco and will be sailing into Seattle for only the day and depart before dinner. So we won't even have time for dinner! It's been many years since we've visited Seattle, so we're looking forward to the little time that we do have. <BR>John, thanks for the detailed suggestions and Sheri thanks for the heads-up on the "trendy" area. Any other suggestions for the latest "hot spot" for lunch? How about a spot for afternoon coffee and people-watching? <BR>Thanks again!

David, be sure not to miss Pike Market. I am not sure where to go for lunch. enjoy your trip and cruise. Seattle is a great city, have fun!