NorthwestMale

I cannot for the life of me understand just which part of this screams out to "solo, older female" , or to anyone giving them advice.

Gardyloo

Where did anyone recommend the OP hang out in Hilltop or down by JBLM?

NorthwestMale

Uh, in case you're not familiar, the point used to represent central Tacoma in online mapping... is six short blocks from the "Hilltop District" light rail stop.


But don't worry, Solo, older female travelers... the wise guys on Fodors are sure that the thugs won't pick you. And just as sure that Tacoma's thugs would never travel 6 blocks the short way to lurk in the area that you're visiting downtown (6 short blocks down hill, no less).

To some amusement, the first mention of "Hilltop" here was offered by someone else. Solo, older female travelers should take careful note of same.

julies

So, I thought I would follow up and let you know what I did.

I ended up booking an early flight into Seattle so that I would have one day there prior to the family get together. I left my suitcase in the baggage check at the airport and took the light rail into Seattle (got a senior one day pass for the incredibly low price of $2). I was in downtown Seattle by 10 and had six hours there before I needed to take the light rail back to the airport to meet people. And, I was lucky that it was a gloriously sunny day since the rest of my trip was in very cool and rainy weather.

I got off the light rail at the international area stop and walked around Pioneer Park and went to the National Park Service's Klondike Gold Rush historic park. It was interesting and definitely worth the 45 minutes or so I spent there. Then I went over and walked along the touristy waterfront with all of its restaurants, especially enjoying the small area of shoreline that is being restored to its original state, for a while before boarding the Bainbridge Island ferry. It was a lovely trip across the water, and if I had had more time I would have stayed on Bainbridge and explored it for a while. But, I immediately got back on the ferry heading back. I wished I had binoculars with me for looking at the shoreline. I think I saw where the area where the sculpture park was but wasn't sure. If it was the correct area, I don't think it would have been worth the walk down there.

Then, I spent the rest of my time wandering through the market and buying some food and gorgeous flowers. It was an easy trip back to the airport where I picked up my suitcase and met family.

As far as Tacoma the waterfront Silver Cloud Hotel was lovely, and there is an extensive pathway along the shore that I was able to walk when it wasn't raining. I also went on a car tour of Tacoma in the rain and got some idea of how the city and its neighborhoods are laid out. We also drove to Fort Defiance Park which is gorgeous, and I would have loved to walk the trails if I had more time and if it hadn't been raining.

All in all, I felt I got a taste of downtown Seattle. And, May is a glorious month to see all of the flowering shrubs in Tacoma's early 20th century neighborhoods.

TDudette

Thanks for sharing w, julies. Sounded great.

suze

Hooray!!! Thanks so much for letting us know how things worked out. That sounds like a terrific way to spend a day. We've been having glorious weather lately here, so I'm glad you got a little of it for your time here.

bon_voyage

Thanks so much for sharing your what you wound up doing! You covered a lot of ground with an interesting variety of experiences during your day in Seattle and got a taste of what has been a glorious spring.

Daniel_Williams

Julies—So glad you decided to give Seattle a look despite your doubts. So happy also you hit Seattle at its meteorological best. On a day with clear skies with the Olympic Mountains visible against the backdrop of the Puget Sound, Seattle can be such a delightful place to be. How great you were able to squeeze in the ferry to Bainbridge Island!

Daniel