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 02/08/2007 01:54:38 PM · #1
Anybody here from, has visited or know the Seattle Center area well?

My husband and I are visiting in a week and were wondering how the weather is right now. I've been told that it's been unusually cold. I've never been to Seattle so I was hoping to do a lot of sight seeing which might be dampered by forecasted rain. We were hoping to see the Space Needle, hit downtown and possible do some outdoor stuff at the parks (arboretum specifically) and hit Alki Beach. Any other suggestions that we can do rain or shine would be much appreciated!

I was also deciding on whether to stay at Mediterannean Inn at Queen Ann or find a nearby hotel (ComfortInn Suites) where you don't have to pay $12 parking. Has anybody stayed in Mediterannean Inn hotel, is it worth the extra $ to be near all those restaurants and livelier atmosphere?

Gracias!

Message edited by author 2007-02-08 13:55:43.
 02/08/2007 02:01:15 PM · #2
I've only visited Seattle once, but I loved it! So I'm not too sure about the area you're staying in....hopefully someone else can chime in.

But I found the entire city to be completely delightful! If the weather's not too cold and you like to do urban style candids, there would certainly be plenty of opportunity! We went to Pike's market, which was really neat....but I don't know if that's seasonal or not. Alki Beach was also very nice, though a little crowded when we were there (in the summer).

Have a great trip!!
 02/08/2007 02:05:13 PM · #3
Science museum looked fun, though I never went in. Space Needle was good. Pikes Market had a lot of colour and the fish throwers were entertaining for a bit (or at least, worth a look). The aquarium was good I seem to remember. Plenty of good views of Mt Rainer if the fog/cloud clears. Worth having a camera out for the decent/ take-ff in case you pass it and are on the right side of the plane - that's a cool photo-op.

We stayed in the W, which was quite close to everything and just walked a lot. Great city to walk around.

Some snaps from Seattle

Message edited by author 2007-02-08 14:05:36.
 02/08/2007 02:06:59 PM · #4
Thanks to both your replies.

Gordon, those were some great photos!. Where is the "W"?

Message edited by author 2007-02-08 14:07:30.
 02/08/2007 02:07:55 PM · #5
I don't think I've ever gone to the Pike Place Market in the winter but its year round so far as I know. There are some good places down on Alki and up on Queen Anne to get cityscapes so long as its not too rainy. If you like shopping or boats and if its not too wet or cold it could be fun to take the ferry from downtown (just walk on) over to Bainbridge Island and wander around Winslow. It's not a large area but its nice and you can get some good city shots from on the ferry. If you're looking for something really touristy they also have Duck tours (the funny amphibious things) that go around down town and out on the water (don't remember which water it goes on). Dinner at the top of the Space Needle can be fun too, it's a revolving restaurant and I think the food is decent though maybe expensive.
 02/08/2007 02:09:41 PM · #6
I wouldn't be too worried about the temp. The forecast is for high/lows in the 40's and 50s. "Cold" in Seattle is 28.

People have mentioned some good stuff. Pike Place Market is good. You can see the original Starbucks there. Space Needle is worth the look. Consider taking a ferry ride.

I think you have a good start on what to do. I can't help you with hotels though.
 02/08/2007 02:11:45 PM · #7
Originally posted by Antsy:
Thanks to both your replies.

Gordon, those were some great photos!. Where is the "W"?


I think it is considered 'downtown' Is on 4th Avenue. Not as interesting or unique as some of the W's I've stayed at in other places, but a good location.
 02/08/2007 02:17:07 PM · #8
Thanks for posting this. I'm planning an Oregon/Washington trip with my family for spring and was wondering the same thing.
 02/08/2007 02:26:50 PM · #9
This is pretty cool and I doubt many people know about it.

Seattle Underground

I did that tour a few times when I was a younger. I loved it.
 02/08/2007 02:37:41 PM · #10
Originally posted by aliqui:
This is pretty cool and I doubt many people know about it.

Seattle Underground

I did that tour a few times when I was a younger. I loved it.


Cool! My friend mentioned this and we're planning on checking it out.
 02/08/2007 03:46:32 PM · #11
If you like architecture then a visit to the Seattle Public Library is worth it. As mentioned Pike Street Market and the waterfront area below it (Aquarium area) as mentioned offer good photo opportunities. Just riding one of the ferries over and back is worth the trip, if you go as a walk on (no car) the price is reasonable.

If you have a car then you can venture a bit further. I would highly recommend a day trip north to the Deception Pass area, great scenery and wildlife opportunities along the way. It is located about an hour to an hour and a half north of Seattle. You don̢۪t have to take a ferry just drive I-5 north to Hwy 20 and the then go west. Just before Anacortes you̢۪ll see Hwy 20 splits, turning south takes you to Deception Pass. If you decide to do this let me know and I̢۪ll give you a route to take that will take you through farm country that offers many opportunities for Bald Eagles, Snow Geese, Trumpeter Swans and the like. The birds will still be on Fir Island that time of the year and you will likely see flocks in the thousands, maybe even tens of thousands at the right time and there are always eagles nearby that feed on them.

Anyway, feel free to e-mail me if you have questions, especially if your driving as I can advise you on the best times to be on the road as our traffic is pretty bad down in the Seattle metro area.
 02/08/2007 04:00:15 PM · #12
I live just 15 miles or so south of Seattle and I think you got all the bases covered. One thing I would add that is a must: One of the mornings go to Pike Place market and on the street level area is a restaurant called Lowells (my spelling may be off) do your best to get a window seat on the back side of the restaurant. When you sit there eating breakfast with that view you'll know why I suggested you do this.
Also, if money is not too tight and you want a dinner that you will NEVER forget with some of the best views/service/food you've ever had, then head for Palisade. It's a few minutes outside of downtown but if you are staying at a downtown hotel then they will give you FREE limo service to and from your hotel!
 02/08/2007 04:08:55 PM · #13
I'm moving there Sunday!!!!
 02/08/2007 04:16:34 PM · #14
Originally posted by jbsmithana:
If you like architecture then a visit to the Seattle Public Library is worth it. As mentioned Pike Street Market and the waterfront area below it (Aquarium area) as mentioned offer good photo opportunities. Just riding one of the ferries over and back is worth the trip, if you go as a walk on (no car) the price is reasonable.

If you have a car then you can venture a bit further. I would highly recommend a day trip north to the Deception Pass area, great scenery and wildlife opportunities along the way. It is located about an hour to an hour and a half north of Seattle. You don̢۪t have to take a ferry just drive I-5 north to Hwy 20 and the then go west. Just before Anacortes you̢۪ll see Hwy 20 splits, turning south takes you to Deception Pass. If you decide to do this let me know and I̢۪ll give you a route to take that will take you through farm country that offers many opportunities for Bald Eagles, Snow Geese, Trumpeter Swans and the like. The birds will still be on Fir Island that time of the year and you will likely see flocks in the thousands, maybe even tens of thousands at the right time and there are always eagles nearby that feed on them.

Anyway, feel free to e-mail me if you have questions, especially if your driving as I can advise you on the best times to be on the road as our traffic is pretty bad down in the Seattle metro area.


Sounds very interesting. I'll send you a PM shortly. Thank you!
02/08/2007 04:17:12 PM · #15
Originally posted by smardaz:
I live just 15 miles or so south of Seattle and I think you got all the bases covered. One thing I would add that is a must: One of the mornings go to Pike Place market and on the street level area is a restaurant called Lowells (my spelling may be off) do your best to get a window seat on the back side of the restaurant. When you sit there eating breakfast with that view you'll know why I suggested you do this.
Also, if money is not too tight and you want a dinner that you will NEVER forget with some of the best views/service/food you've ever had, then head for Palisade. It's a few minutes outside of downtown but if you are staying at a downtown hotel then they will give you FREE limo service to and from your hotel!


Thank you! Lowells and Palisade, I'll put them in my list :)
 02/08/2007 04:25:36 PM · #16
Depending on the cloud cover this time of year, there are some pretty spectacular mountain views all up and down the I-5 corridor as well. We have mountains to the east, as well as to the west, and they are all full of snow right now and look wonderful. Weather lately has been a bit overcast, but not cold by any means. However, the weather for the next week is going to be typical Seattle area, grey and drizzle, with a possible "sun break" here and there. If you need any more info, you can PM me as well...hope you have an awesome trip!!

M
 02/08/2007 04:27:30 PM · #17
Originally posted by Antsy:

Thank you! Lowells and Palisade, I'll put them in my list :)


I'll second that...If you like Eggs Benedict Lowells has some awesome Salmon Eggs Benedict ;). Also, I'm not sure if it's more or less expensive, but Palisade also has a Sunday Brunch Buffet (9:30am-2pm) which is amazing.
 02/08/2007 04:28:39 PM · #18
Great place to shoot, just look at my profile and hope that will give you some ideas, have fun.
 02/08/2007 04:29:49 PM · #19
Originally posted by Agaricus:
Depending on the cloud cover this time of year, there are some pretty spectacular mountain views all up and down the I-5 corridor as well. We have mountains to the east, as well as to the west, and they are all full of snow right now and look wonderful. Weather lately has been a bit overcast, but not cold by any means. However, the weather for the next week is going to be typical Seattle area, grey and drizzle, with a possible "sun break" here and there. If you need any more info, you can PM me as well...hope you have an awesome trip!!

M

Thank you! I will PM you shortly! I'm interested about the scenery along I-5 :)
 02/08/2007 04:33:30 PM · #20
I live on the other side of Seattle from caba and smardaz, about 20 mile north or so...I-5 is in my freaking back yard :-)

Originally posted by Antsy:
Originally posted by Agaricus:
Depending on the cloud cover this time of year, there are some pretty spectacular mountain views all up and down the I-5 corridor as well. We have mountains to the east, as well as to the west, and they are all full of snow right now and look wonderful. Weather lately has been a bit overcast, but not cold by any means. However, the weather for the next week is going to be typical Seattle area, grey and drizzle, with a possible "sun break" here and there. If you need any more info, you can PM me as well...hope you have an awesome trip!!

M

Thank you! I will PM you shortly! I'm interested about the scenery along I-5 :)
02/08/2007 04:36:37 PM · #21
Originally posted by caba:
Great place to shoot, just look at my profile and hope that will give you some ideas, have fun.

Great shots in your portfolio. I just sent you a PM! :)
 02/08/2007 04:44:46 PM · #22
Originally posted by aliqui:
This is pretty cool and I doubt many people know about it.

Seattle Underground

I did that tour a few times when I was a younger. I loved it.

If you want a preview, the Seattle Underground is featured in the movie The Night Strangler with Darren McGavin.

If you take the ferry to Bremerton you can drive down to the Key Peninsula area and Gig Harbor, a.k.a. the "Carmel of the Northwest" or go even further west to the Olympic Peninsula.

Gig Harbor: Mt. Rainier: Olympic Range: Eagles:
02/08/2007 04:47:03 PM · #23
Originally posted by GeneralE:
[quote=aliqui] If you take the ferry to Bremerton you can drive down to the Key Peninsula area and Gig Harbor, a.k.a. the "Carmel of the Northwest" or go even further west to the Olympic Peninsula.

Gig Harbor: Mt. Rainier: Olympic Range: Eagles:


Goodness, such nice views await! I'm PRAYING for some break in the forecasted rain :)
02/08/2007 04:58:26 PM · #24
I live in Seattle part of the time. The key to enjoying yourself is to dress for rain, which you will almost certainly experience. Come with a good umbrella and if possibly bring a Gortex waterproof coat. Dress in layers.

Those who find Seattle wonderful do whatever they want to do regardless of the weather. Those who are frustrated with Seattle are frustrated because they don't do what they want if it is raining. Many of my best photos of Seattle were taken when the weather was crappy. Look for beauty in the wonderful light we get with storms and rain.

Come with a cheeerful, optimistic attitude and you'll have a wonderful time. All the bases have been covered in terms of sites.

If you have a car, consider a romantic dinner at Salish Lodge at Snoqualmie Falls ... 45 - 60 minute drive East from downtown. Your hotel can help you find it and call for reservations (Mandatory).
 02/08/2007 05:26:36 PM · #25
Thanks Dr! :)
My husband and I are definitely not going to get bummed out just because of the rain. We won't be going to Seattle if we disliked the rain and will definitely be prepared for it.
Thank you for the input, I'll add Salish to our list :)
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