Hi everybody!
i'm sorry I fell off the face of the earth. In addition to doing our Seattle research we've been madly nesting in preparation for our new family member. Of course, now my due date has come and gone and I'm big as a house, wishing that this child isn't already like its mother-'fashionably late.' Anyway, my husband's company has provided us with a deal at the Metropolitan Tower which is on Westlake and 5th. It's clearly not in a pretty tree lined area and very much in the cement-y downtown but it seems to be within walking distance to both work and some stimulus for me. I probably will make use of the Whole Foods for groceries or any little marts I can find in the hood. Any little quirky rec's from anyone for me in the hood? Transpo? Coffee? It seems that Pike Place is a short walk from where we are which makes me happy. Thanks again for all of your help. Now I'm off to research pediatricians and OB's. Such a crazy time!

Congratulations and the addition to your familly.

The Metropolitan has a great downtown location, especially in relation to your husband's work place near the Convention Center. He can come home for lunch if he wants, or you and the baby can easily meet him for lunch.

You will be in the bus "ride free" zone (see http://transit.metrokc.gov).

The closest "park" to your apartment house is Seattle Center, home of the Space Needle.

It won't take you long to learn the amenities of your neighborhood. You are a block from the heart of the retail core (Nordstrom, etc.) and the center for restaurants, entertainment, etc.

You can easily take the bus up to Capitol Hill. Volunteer Park is at the end of the #10 line and would be a nice place to hang out. Lots of shops along 15th Avenue East a few blocks south of the park.

Correction:

The closest park to your apartment is Freeway Park, which is built over I-5 and is adjacent to the Convention Center. It didn't come to mind because it's not the kind of park where mother's and babies hang out. However, there is a quiet (and pleasing) section that is accessed through the Convention Center that would provide a good family meeting place.

Also, there is an attractive outdoor sitting area in front of the nearby U.S. Court House that might be a good place to take baby for some sunshine.

I walk through Volunteer Park nearly every day, and I seldom see mothers with strollers there; however, they may frequent the place when I'm not around.

I don't think the reason is anything to do with the park itself, but rather there aren't a lot of young families in that neighborhood. It's an expensive part of town, and more made up of big old mansions (older families) or apartments (singles). Certainly no reason you couldn't easily go there. There's a wading pool and playground that attracts kids, but obviously older than babies.

Another good option would be the #11 Metro route, to the end of the line. It goes down to a nice park on Lake Washington with a swimming beach in Madison Park.

Thanks happytrailstoyou. The Pacific Guest Suites is the answer to my question before I even asked it. Thanks to henryandcasper for asking it for me. But about the grocery... what market could compete with Pike Place Market? (attn. Suze: see, I didn't use the possessive. I'm learning.)

Pike Place Market is wonderful but could never substitute for an every day grocery store.

Nevisian,

I just got back from ten days in New York City.

The supermarket closest to downtown is Whole Foods at Denny and Westlake.

On Lower Queen Anne (near Seattle Center) is Metropolitan Market and a big Safeway.

HTTY