Tucked away in the Northwest corner of the United States (which some jokingly refer to as “South Alaska”), Seattle is often described by outsiders as an embodiment of grunge music, dreary weather, and hipsters. That all may be completely accurate, however, there is much more to it than that. Now, as an Emerald City native, I may be biased, but with everything Seattle has to offer, it should never be defined by so little.
The Views
What ‘visit Seattle’ list would be complete without mentioning the Space Needle? On a clear day (which is surprisingly common despite the city’s reputation), the top floor of one of Seattle’s best known landmarks provides seemingly endless views in every direction. Both Mt. Baker and Mt. Rainier can be seen cutting through the skies, as well as Elliott Bay harboring ships from all around the world.
If the Space Needle is a little too high for you, the Seattle Great Wheel, the largest ferris wheel on the West Coast, is a great alternative despite that fact. At a maximum height of 175 feet, a revolution around this attraction could still provide incredible scenery at roughly 1/4th the height.
Downtown
The historic Pike Place Market sits right along the coast of Elliott Bay hosting seafood, vegetable, and cheese stands, and so much more. One of the market’s most popular events that draws tourists from all over is simply the vendors’ ‘flying fish’ strategy. Throwing salmon, halibut, and cod over counters and stands to each other, employees here know a thing or two about a fish’s aerial abilities.
The waterfront downtown is another sight worth seeing, hosting a variety of shops, restaurants, and piers. The Seattle Aquarium sits here as well for those interested in learning about the city’s aquatic life and the Pacific Ocean’s.
Food and Drinks
Like any great city, Seattle has an enormous array of restaurants and cafes ranging from Vietnamese food to vegan donuts, and everything in between. Seattle is filled with neighborhood cafe’s that focus on organic, locally produced food such as Oddfellows Cafe. But, it is important to note how synonymous Seattle and coffee are. Street Bean Espresso, a nonprofit coffee shop providing opportunities for homeless and at-risk youths, is both a hub for amazing coffee and a testament to the city’s philanthropic efforts.
If you’re seeking more of a unique dining experience, The Pink Door offers 5-star Italian food with a twist. Trapeze artists and burlesque shows are also held within these doors, giving a truly particular ambience that can’t be found anywhere else in the city, and with some of the best wines to offer, it may be difficult leaving.
Art
Both indoor and outdoor art museums can be found all around Seattle, with perhaps the most popular being the Seattle Art Museum, which has an eclectic collection of pieces. Ancient Asian artwork, Native American carvings, and European paintings can all be found in the huge number of exhibits this museum offers, and those are just to name a few.
Olympic Sculpture Park, an outdoor exhibit, is giant sculpture garden spanning 9 acres just north of the downtown area, and it’s free. A stroll through here would surely clear one’s mind with its 1.2-mile walk connecting it to Myrtle Edwards Park.
If a vacation within the states is in your future plans, choosing Seattle wouldn’t be a mistake. While we may be best known for producing such bands as Nirvana and Pearl Jam, there is much more to the Emerald City than producing iconic music. Come take a visit and find out for yourself.