Just wanted to let people know that starting I believe Nov. 7, the Seattle supersaver program starts. 50% off hotel rates until March 31st. There are about 50 hotels that participate. Check it out at www.seattlesupersaver.com

That's nice but what a visitor suppose to do in Seattle in February or March? I heard it is misserable in Seattle during those months. Cindyrella, am I wrong? Since you suggesting we come now tell us what to do there.

Well, when we lived in Alaska, coming to Seattle in February or March was a great idea. It all depends...

Theater, hoops, shopping, skiing (1 hr from downtown), restaurants, jazz, zoo (the animals will love it if you do), the new "hot chocolate" (not espresso) cafe downtown, Pike Market, crocuses in the arboretum, film festivals... geez, there's nothing going on I guess.

It's miserable in other cities in February, too. So what?

Gardyloo, I am just looking for some ideas. I always wanted to visit Seattle so inexpensive hotel rates made me think about it. Any specific suggestions? We like museums, theatres, jazz. Film Festival? Sounds great. Where to start? What are the best websites to start with? Thank you

If inexpensive hotel rates keep you from visiting Seattle, why not try Priceline.com? I've stayed in Seattle several times with Priceline. You can save more than 50% in most cases, even in season. I'll bet you'll do better with Priceline than with this supersaver even in February and March. In March 2002 I got the Westin for $55/night with Priceline.

Andrew

Go to the SCVB's web listing of (a tiny portion of) winter events at http://www.seeseattle.org/media/releases/ss03winter.asp Mainstream stuff, mostly, not inclusive of a zillion other activities that don't make the chamber of commerce radar. (Also plenty outside the city.)

The Arab and Jewish Film festivals are in March next year (not much audience interchange, sadly); the big Seattle International Film Festival isn't until May. So I misspoke. Mea culpa.

thanks Gardyloo. Is it possible to make a day trip to Vancouver? if you recall any other ideas, please post them here.

A day trip to Vancouver requires close to 3 hours plus border in both directions. In Feb-March the border shouldn't be much of a problem, but daylight will be. The rest of the year, the southbound wait at the border can be okay to awful, depending on day of the week, price of gas in the US compared to BC, sales at Bellingham shopping malls, school calendars, or prevailing threat level colors. The train is an alternate, north at 7:45 AM, south at 6 PM, 4 hours each way, giving you time in Vancouver for lunch and a movie or an aquarium. We personally haven't done much day tripping since they opened an IKEA in Seattle. (The Van. store was the closest up till then.)

Incognito,
Not suggesting anyone SHOULD go to Seattle, just saying if you're planning to go at that time you can save a lot of money. Late March is usually nice. I took my teen daughter and two of her friends last March 27-30 and it was beautiful-short sleeves weather. Now as far as stuff to do--LOTS! Lots of good suggestions in the earlier posts. There is something called a Seattle City card that offers 50% off admission to the Zoo, Museum of Flight, Space Needle, Pacific Science Center and IMAX. The Music Experience at Seattle Center is awesome. The whole family enjoyed it. Make sure and go into the sound booths and learn to play an instrument or sing your heart out. Take a bay cruise. Go to Pike St. Market, see a Mariners game, climb the rock wall at REI, and of course my favorite sport--shopping!