Seattle - Off the Beaten Path?
 

Husbo and I are considering a three-day weekend in Seattle as a belated anniversary celebration. Our daughter, K (who's 10)'s best friend moved up there over the summer, so she'd spend one day with us and the other two we'd have to ourselves.

I've been to Seattle about six times, but Husbo and K have never been. So of course, I'd like them to see the things I love: Pike's Place Market in the morning, the Space Needle, Pioneer Square, the Zoo, but I need some other suggestions - anyone have any ideas - particularly about sights or spots that aren't typically touristy?

I'd been thinking about spending a night on Whitby Island (since I love it) but it's a pretty far drive. What about Bainbridge Island? And it seems like renting a car is a good idea, if we want to do the Zoo and have dinner at Ray's Boathouse.

FYI, we don't mind walking a lot, Husbo is not into music, we love old cemetaries.

I tried a search on here, but didn't really see what I was looking for, so thanks in advance for any help!

I enjoy college campuses, and University of Washington has a beautiful campus. Have you ever walked it?

What about staying in one of the neighborhoods in a B&B instead of a downtown hotel? That would automatically give you more of an insiders perspective.
www.cbmansion.com is one by my house right near Volunteer Park

There is a large beautiful cemetary right next door to Volunteer Park.

well it is touristy but my daughter and I spent part of a day at Tillicum Village
you have to take a boat over- does a harbor tour and then you can spend as long as you want on the island

I thought the salmon was some of the best I ever had

http://www.tillicumvillage.com/

If you are coming this month, it's a nice time to go out to the wineries in Woodinville. Chateau Ste. Michelle has beautiful grounds, and on a clear day, the Sammamish Valley is actually quiet pretty. A ferry ride in September is always a good idea. Bainbridge is probably the easiest because you can leave right from the downtown Seattle terminal, and there are some cute little cafes (Cafe Nola is one) on the other side (have to walk uphill a bit), and then because the ferries leave very frequently, you can hop back on when you've had enough. I think renting a car gives you more flexibility, and Seattle isn't that difficult to negotiate by car. Whidbey Island does have a lot to offer in the way of picturesque towns (Langley, Coupeville) on the water and state parks. If you have a whole day, take the car ferry one direction to Whidbey, then return via Deception Pass toward Anacortes and catch the freeway home (just avoid rush hour for freeway travel). It's a nice loop. I think I prefer Whidbey to Bainbridge, but if you want the ferry ride and don't want to take a whole day, Bainbridge is a good option. Tillicum Village is fine too. The cemeteries in Seattle don't qualify as "old" by standards elsewhere in the country. As far as neighborhoods, Wallingford and Ballard are interesting places to park, walk and people watch, maybe shop a bit, have some coffee. Having lunch on Lake Union at Duke's or elsewhere is always nice. On the east side of the lake, Kirkland has some great waterfront parks. Pretty much anywhere near the water or in view of the mountains is great in September. I don't know where you're coming from, so it's hard to know what would provide a refreshing change.

That's true, nothing qualifies as "old" in Seattle compared to back east, for example.

If you or your husband are into photography, you might enjoy a visit to Art Wolfe's gallery which is on First Ave, south of Safeco Field.

How about a stay on Vashon Island and renting a bike? It's easy to get to and is lovely.

More thinking on Vashon Island. You could explore the island. Also, you could take the ferry from there to Tacoma (I think it goes to Point Defiance) and go kayaking there, to the zoo, or other attraction, or drive to the downtown area and see the WA State History Museum, Glass Museum, new Art Museum and the new UW campus, with all the restaurants it has brought. That would be a nice day trip.

The Japanese Garden in the Arboretum is nice. You could include going down to Madison Park for lunch, a neighborhood along Lake Washington with shops and restaurants. It's not more than 15 mins. drive out of downtown Seattle.