We will be in Seattle Memorial Weekend for 3 days, I need a list of Not to Be Missed places, things to do, etc. Also, is the Edgewater a good place to stay??

Pikes Market is worth a visit. I liked the giant tower, but that may be a bit touristy for some people. If you are from inland, try to get on the wter for a while, either a ferry boat or a harbor tour.
BAK

As mentioned before, Pike St. market is a " must see'. its right above the Edgewater, and YES!! the Edgewater is a very nice hotel..try to get a room on the bay side,,GREAT views..and if so inclined, can fish from your room..Lots to see, right there along the water front also,,shops good food,etc.
Seattle center is another great spot,,
take a ride to the top of the space needle..the sunday brunch is awsome!!!
For something a little different, go to pioneer square, and take the underground tour,,If you didnt know, Seattle had a fire in its early years..
Rather than tearing down and starting over, they just built on top..So, you can take a tour of the underground
"city"..The guides are rather entertaining..
If your into aviation, the museum of flight at boing field is interesting also..Hope you have fun, its a great city!

oh, one more place..look across the bay
from the Edgewater.
There is a road over there that follows that spit of land. If its a sunny warm day, make your way over there. and follow that road out around the hill..There is a great beach on the tip of that spit..plus you get some good views of downtown seattle from the other side..

Mt. Ranier. Mt. Ranier. Mt. Ranier. Rent a car and make the drive.

Hi Leslie, have lived here nearly 30 years, and agree with all of the above. The Edgewater is where I refer lots of people to, and one of my favorite places for views (of the Sound) and ambiance, to have Sunday breakfast. While it is touristy, do see the view from the top of the Needle. And if time, take a ferry --- anywhere!

I was in Seatle last fall with a huge convention, and found some of the friendliest, most helpful waiters, waitresses, hotel people, cab drivers and store clerks I've ever met! The sights are lovely, take the monorail to the Space Needle. Though pricey, the food at the top is very good. And the views are magnificent. There are a lot of very good restaurants and clubs in Seattle. But I have to say that the very nicest thing about the place was the people!

Rick, where can we get specific information about the Edgewater? Are they on the net? Where can we call for reservation/rates/availability information?

For Polly - on the net try:
http://www.noblehousehotels.com/edgewater/locate.html

I'll add one thing - if you have time, get on a ferry boat and go see at least one of the local islands - Bainbridge is the most commercial and Vashon the most rural. You'll need a car, but it's a fun trip. Also, don't miss the Boeing Museum if you have any interest in airplanes. Dick

I just typed a long message but the server puked and I lost it all, so I'll post a shorter message...

Space Needle is overrated and over-priced ($8.50 for 750ft?). Columbia Center is cheaper and taller. I also think the underground tour is over-rated ($7 to go see three basements?)

Try these on top of the other suggestions.

Lake Washington/Arboretum - Rent a canoe at UW (stadium) and go around enjoying the marshes and trails around the arboretum. Can't miss.

Walk down Broadway - This is the heart of Capitol Hill (the "hip" section of Seattle) where cute shops, cafe's, and eateries line the street. It is also the only place where you will see people walking around on sidewalks.

Have a "two percent double tall with hazelnut" at B&O cafe in Capitol Hill for some authentic Seattle coffee experience - and no, you don't have to say "latte" they know what you mean.

Have Drink in Belltown - go where the locals go on weekends. Try Brick Street Cafe or Belltown Pub and have a microbrew or two.

IMAX theater in Seattle Center - Brand new, state-of-the-art facility. Recently saw Everest there and it was AWESOME!!!

Hi Leslie,

Here are some definite must-sees:

Pike Place Market,
Space Needle/Seattle Centre,
Pioneer Square,
Discovery Park,
The Ferry - to anywhere,
The Waterfront,
Pacific Place,
Nordstrom,
Woodland Park Zoo,
Broadway,
Belltown,
Washington Park/Arboretum/Japanese Garden,
Westlake Centre,
Fullers,
Gameworks,
Alki Beach,
Seattle Art Museum,
Rainier Square,
Green Lake Park,
Volunteer Park/Asian Art Museum,
City Centre,
Bay Pavilion,
Bell Street Pier,
Shilshole Bay,
Lake Union,
and
STARBUCKS!!!!

Took a boat ride the other day on the Spirit of Seattle, pretty nice day and a ~2 hour view of the bay with food and entertainment. The Edgewater Inn no longer allows fishing from the balconies, too many fish being found in the wrong places of the rooms. There is a lot of construction going on right now around the Needle -- Safeco Field and the Rock'n Roll museum plus roads. The Needle is a nice place to have a meal and see the whole view, despite the ney-sayers.

You can't miss the coolest, most wonderful restaurant in Seattle, the Kingfish Cafe. It's in a residential area of Capitol Hill, at the corner of 19th Ave. E and Mercer. Amazing soul food served in a casual, comfortable, beautiful atmosphere, all owned and operated by three sisters who have managed to create an experience unmatched in the city. Trust me, don't miss it!

hi. i agree with an earlier respondent about alki beach. while out there eat at salt's on alki or the alki cafe (less formal than salty's but very good.) art supplies?...daniel smith is the best in the west. books?...elliot bay bookstore.
enjoy

http://seattle.sidewalk.com/

This is a VERY helpful website to both Seattle natives and visitors.

Would like to know if anyone stayed at Pioneer Square Hotel and if it is in a safe area.

For all those who would like a great panaramo of the city but can't afford (or won't pay) the price of going to the top of the Space Needle.... go to Volunteer Park in Capitol Hill. You'll see a brick water tower. Walk the 3 or 4 flights to the top and get a 360 degree panaromic view - you can see Mt. Ranier, Mt. Baker, the Olympics, the islands, everything (IF it is clear). And it's FREE.