Travel to Seattle, Washington - The Northwest Playground
by Paul H. Green
Seattle is a coastal port city located on the Puget Sound in the state of Washington. Less than a hundred miles south of Canada, Seattle is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest region. Called the "Emerald City" for its lush evergreen trees, it is the county seat of King County. The city has a population of about a half a million with over four million in the metropolitan area.
Set between the Puget Sound to the west and Lake Washington to the east, this area offers many opportunities for recreation and vacation fun. There are the sea, rivers, lakes, and forests with year-round chances for sailing, camping, hiking, biking, and skiing.
About Seattle
The first white settlers came in 1851 as part of the Denny Party. The settlement was named after Sealth, chief of two local tribes. The Duwamesh tribe had resided in this area with villages around Elliot Bay. The Denny Party started out at Alki point, but because of the miserable weather and high winds, most of the settlers relocated to Elliot Bay.
The history of Seattle includes different industries and circumstances. The Denny brothers opened up the timber industry and built the first steam-powered mill in this area. Unfortunately, all the timber caused a major catastrophe in 1889. Most of the city was built of wood and these buildings caught fire, causing most of the downtown and wharves to be destroyed.
In 1896, gold was discovered in the Klondike. Because of the ideal location, this brought many travelers through on their way to find gold. In the 1930s, Boeing became a big producer and brought economic progress to the region. Several modern industries are located in the area such as Microsoft and Starbucks.
Seattle enjoys a mild climate similar to the Mediterranean climate. It is known as a rainy city with frequent drizzle and light rain. The annual rainfall is only about 37 inches, but there are usually about 226 cloudy or overcast days each year. Winters are cool and wet with only a few very cold days. Summers are dry and warm with average temperatures in the high 70s.
Places to Visit in Seattle
In 1962, Seattle hosted the World's Fair. Many of the fair's projects have given Seattle famous structures including the Seattle Center with the Space Needle and the Monorail. The Space Needle is perhaps the most famous identifiable structure in Seattle. You will definitely want to put this on your itinerary when you visit. A 41-second elevator ride will take you to the top at 520 feet to the observation deck. While you are there, enjoy a meal in the restaurant that revolves while you dine.
The Seattle Aquarium (http://www.seattleaquarium.org) is another place of fantastic discovery. See something different every time you visit. Watch the Elliot Bay creatures swim around you as you walk under the water in a glass dome. Observe whales, jellyfish, otters, and many other sea creatures. Learn about salmon, touch a sea anemone, and discover facts about the marine world of the Pacific Northwest.
The Woodland Zoo is a versatile park with a great assortment of animal and plant species. There are over one thousand species represented including 35 endangered and 5 threatened animals. The botanical collection features thousands of trees and shrubs. There are hands-on programs and classes for all ages to enjoy. For a great education, you can pet and feed animals and learn about their habits and care.
A unique outing for your family would be the Bill Speidel's Underground Tour (http://www.undergroundtour.com/). This guided tour takes you through the hidden subterranean passages of Seattle before the great fire of 1889. The town was rebuilt over the ruins, and you can see the main roadways and storefronts of the old downtown area.
Take a short cruise to an island to visit Tillicum Village. There you will feast on salmon cooked in the Native American way and see traditional dances as you learn the history of the first inhabitants of this area. A terrific way to see the sights of Seattle is on a World War II amphibious landing craft. Ride the Ducks of Seattle is an exciting 90-minute tour of all the areas of the city.
Festivals and Events
Check the calendar when you visit Seattle to enjoy some of the many festivals held during the year. The Bumbershoot Festival is held over Labor Day weekend and is Seattle's biggest music festival. For three days, hear national bands as well as comedians, see various performances, and watch unique dances and a film festival.
The Northwest Folklife Festival is held on Memorial Day and draws over a quarter of a million spectators every year. This marvelous festival features thousands of artists from all over the world. Enjoy the music as well as international cuisine and crafts from various cultures. The Lake City Summer Festival is held in August with many activities. This is a giant street fair with fun for the whole family.
Celebrate harvest time at the Great Wallingford Wurst Festival in October. Visit this area of Seattle to sample tasty foods and play games with the children. Some of the other events throughout the year are the International Film Festival, the Ballard Seafood Festival, and the Chateau Ste. Michelle's Summer Festival on the Green.
Outdoor Adventures
There is so much do to in this area for those craving outdoor fun. The ocean, mountains, and rivers give the adventurous traveler endless opportunities. Mountain climbing is a classic activity with Mount Rainier (http://www.gonorthwest.com/Washington/cascades/mt_rainier/Mount_Rainier_NP.htm) offering the biggest challenge. There are miles of hiking trails and wilderness to explore. For the serious or casual biker, there is a great variety of routes to follow.
The spectacular water areas around Seattle open the door to all kinds of water sports such as kayaking, whitewater rafting, fishing, and scuba diving. Whether you want a guided tour or to rent your own equipment, there are all levels available. Sportsmen of all ages will find something to do here.
Seattle Accommodations
There are many types and sizes of lodgings to choose from while staying in Seattle. You can find a quiet romantic getaway, a luxurious resort, or a cozy bed and breakfast. The Edgewater is the only hotel in Seattle located on the waterfront. It is a large luxury hotel with fantastic views of Elliot Bay and the Olympic Mountains. You may dine at the local café and exercise in the fitness center.
The Eighth Avenue Inn is an affordable hotel located right in the heart of Seattle. Business travelers can attend meetings at the Convention Center and enjoy the nightlife nearby. This comfortable inn provides a deluxe breakfast and high-speed Internet.
From the Cascades to the Pacific, you will be awed by everything you see in Seattle. Whether you like the theatre, museums, spectator sports, outdoor activities, or amusements, there are too many places to mention. With its interesting cultural scene, creative influences, and natural beauty, Seattle pulsates with vitality.