SEATTLE???

I coudn't believe when I heard that city named by my young girlfriend after I asked her where would she like to travel this year with me and said SEATTLE!!! Nor Buenos Aires nor Canadá not even Paris but SEATTLE? Why!

Specially when she never seemed enthusiastic about traveling to USA at all before (Chicago and NYC where we went and was fine), she always mentioned Europe and even my choice of trip 2008 didn't attracted her now: I'd love to go to Liverpool, and then London, England... but, my dear, SEATTLE???

My surprise was big so she didn't insist in the main reasons of her election, I figured out the high standard of living could be one reason...

Alas, I had to blamed Internet for bringing her such nice new friends from SEATTLE in her chats, still when I searched about this city all comments in the Web were to praise this place, suggesting to readers from México like me about how high educated, well behaved and "civilized" (polite) are the citizens of SEATTLE, no doubt about it still I wonder, and ask you:

Let's say she and me would plan to go in August or November after Liverpool (je je), is it a good time, or perhaps is it too late (cold weather is fine with her if we finally get there? Can you gently tell me which places are the "must" to see in the pretty (to me and) mytical SEATTLE, so far from California and close to Canadá?

I also think that my girl, ok, she watch a lot of games on TV and the male teams from SEATTLE are famous in different sports, is that true? Yep! How about the food? Good diets of hotdogs and...? Sorry, I am an absolute stranger to this topic. Art and culture in the state of Washington?

Although I also read in the Net something a bit discouraging, that SEATTLE natives are no that kind of people to be nice to foreigners or tourists, it didin't matter much to me, probably you'll tell me some words about the beauty and interesting things to watch in SEATTLE and surroundings, right!!?

Please, I'll have to solve the SEATTLE enigma soon!, in the meantime, adiós. From México City, un amigo: Seevir. Thanxs a lot!

Well, I'm completely biased, but...Seattle is gorgeous and a wonderful place for a vacation. I think you'd be far happier coming here in August rather than November, though. August is as reliably spectacular as November is reliably gloomy and damp. So much of what makes Seattle special is the natural beauty and the outdoor activities, and they are definitely at their best advantage in the summertime.

As far as Seattleites not being nice to tourists: I don't know about that. I will tell you that people here have a reputation of not being as friendly as people from, say, the midwest. It's a big city, people can be standoffish.

What sorts of things do you like to do? Sports? Museums? Dining?

I travelled to Seattle last year and found people to be very friendly. Yes, there are exceptions but that is the case everywhere. It is a great place to visit with a lot to offer. What are your interests?

¡Oh, so it's true amigos...! Seattle is fine, as you said? And people too! And vacations!

Well, she sports/me music pubs; she nature and animals/me tech and science; we love to taste new dishes and drinks, meet people and go to galleries and museums, architecture and history but also...the sea!

A pity we are not going there to make bussiness to Seattle or buy a car, because I can feel that there must be a lot of good things to invest in I mean, when we talk about machines or transportation, ten years ago I read a book in which the reporter said that drivers used to go with the lights turned on in the streets, something that now is more common in some countries to show respect to the pedestrians. Who is a good name in pop music? And do you have a Symphonic Orchestra? Saludos y gracias... seevir

Seattle is great even in November. We used to live up there, but go back often. A girlfriend (who also used to live up there) and I went back for a week this past November. The weather was rainy for most of the time, but that doesn't stop anyone from doing anything. Not sure when in Nov. you are thinking, but the Seattle Marathon is the Sunday after Thanksgiving each year. Hotels for that Saturday night book up for that. So if that is your timeframe, just be aware.

The SAM (Seattle Art Museum) is great, as is Olympic Sculpture Park. The new library is really interesting too, fantastic architecture.

As far as food...pass on any hot dogs. Go for the seafood...lots of it, everywhere...and very good. In November many restaurants participate in a special dining menu. Lunches and dinners, 3 courses, lunches being about $15 and dinners $30. A great way to try some very good restaurants at a very reasonable cost.

Another great excuse for going in November is to duck into various coffee shops. Good excuse for some great coffee and a chance to warm up a bit.

There is so much more to a visit in Seattle, but hopefully you get the idea that a visit in November can be great.

Hola Seevir, yes we are very friendly here and we have a beautiful city with mountains and water all around. And a symphony:

http://www.seattlesymphony.org/symphony/

But November can be our worst weather; this year we had windstorms and flooding then.

August is a much better time. You can enjoy the music, museums and greaat restaurants of the city, but also vist Mt. Rainier, or local volcano:

http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/n...mora20626.html

If you go during August, go to Safeco for a Mariners game. One of my favorite stadiums.

I also really enjoyed The Seattle Music Project. If you like Science / Tech, make sure to go to the Museum of Fligh(Airplane Museum.

I really liked the Boat Cruise through the Locks.

Seafood in Seattle is definitely a must.

There is a lot of options for hiking. Mt Rainer, Snoquamie Falls, etc.

One of the most beautiful areas possible. Just a matter of luck with the weather.

You will want to take a day to drive up to Snoqualame Pass, have lunch at the Salish Lodge and hike the falls. By November the Pass will be under heavy snow, post card beautiful and Salish is a great restaurant with a world class view.
Won't be bikini weather anywhere, but Seattle is enjoyable year round.

Went to Seattle for Thanksgiving holidays 2 months ago. There were lots of great shopping, activities and weather was okay (around 45 degrees, no rain). I would stay downtown, you can walk everywhere- We've stayed at the Sheraton and Westin before, both pretty standard, large hotels but centrally located.

Seattle of course is known for Pike's Place- worth a visit. They have great shopping downtown- Macy's, Nordstrom's, etc, and tons of restaurants. Some of the touristy things like the Space Needle and Experience Music Project is fun too. They have nice funky neighborhoods that are walkable with unique shops and restaurants if you prefer that type of experience.

There are lots of restaurants with a variety of great ethnic foods- Chinese, Indian, Korean, Persian and of course the Northwest cuisine that's indicative of Washington/Oregon area.

I would bundle up if you're going in November, but I don't think you'll be disappointed at all.

I live in Seattle and love it here. People are very helpful and friendly, although perhaps in a more quiet way than some other places.

The food is fabulous. All kinds of fresh fish, seafood, local farms, produce, and great bars, cafes, and restaurants of all price range and style.

The only negative is you are coming in November. That is not a very good month for the weather (cool and raining most likely). And the days are very short that time of year - it gets dark at 4:30pm because we are so far north (it stays light until 10:00pm in the summertime).