NationStates Jolt Archive

I'm going to a conference in Victoria and have been considering taking the clipper to Seattle for a weekend after it's done and I was wondering if there's a lot to do there (I mostly want to go because I've never been and I'm going to be practically there). Also, does anyone know how safe the city is? It would be nice if I can reassure my mom (I'll be traveling alone).

I'm going to a conference in Victoria and have been considering taking the clipper to Seattle for a weekend after it's done and I was wondering if there's a lot to do there (I mostly want to go because I've never been and I'm going to be practically there). Also, does anyone know how safe the city is? It would be nice if I can reassure my mom (I'll be traveling alone).

Birthing place of Grunge rock and Starbucks Coffee.

Birthing place of Grunge rock and Starbucks Coffee.
I'm aware of this.

I know that it has the Experience Music Project (though I don't know if it's worth a visit) and a science centre and the space needle... but I really don't know much aside from this.

Birthing place of Grunge rock and Starbucks Coffee.

Two good reasons to dislike the place...
Mostly the birth place of Starbucks part...

I'm aware of this.

I know that it has the Experience Music Project (though I don't know if it's worth a visit) and a science centre and the space needle... but I really don't know much aside from this.

Neither do I. Google it.;)

I'm going to a conference in Victoria and have been considering taking the clipper to Seattle for a weekend after it's done and I was wondering if there's a lot to do there (I mostly want to go because I've never been and I'm going to be practically there). Also, does anyone know how safe the city is? It would be nice if I can reassure my mom (I'll be traveling alone).

It's about twenty minutes away from where I live. I like it a lot. Never had a problem with criminals in my 17 years of life, and I love the culture-melding we got going on. Visit Pike Place while you're here, it's a great market for a lot of things whether you want seafood, or just to visit some great restaurants (including two French ones and a French Bakery).

We also like Coffee and the Arts, so y'know.

It's about twenty minutes away from where I live. I like it a lot. Never had a problem with criminals in my 17 years of life, and I love the culture-melding we got going on. Visit Pike Place while you're here, it's a great market for a lot of things whether you want seafood, or just to visit some great restaurants (including two French ones and a French Bakery).

We also like Coffee and the Arts, so y'know.

Meh, we can't trust your opinion on this, we know what kind of deviant you are. ;)

Meh, we can't trust your opinion on this, we know what kind of deviant you are. ;)

I am not a crook!

http://www.medaloffreedom.com/RichardNixonFarewell.jpg

I am not a crook!

http://www.medaloffreedom.com/RichardNixonFarewell.jpg

No you're one those damn lefties...

I am not a crook!

http://www.medaloffreedom.com/RichardNixonFarewell.jpg

Those sticks in front of Nixon look like dildos.:eek:

Aye, was born there. I currently live in Kirkland next to Geniasis apparently.

The city is safer than most US major metro areas I think. Standard rules apply of course.

The sites I would suggest are:

1) Space Needle - Great views of the city.

2) EMP Experience Music Project. That place is great if you are a music lover. This is in the same general vicinity of the Space Needle.

3) Museum of Flight at Boeing field. It is probably the best Air museum in the nation.

4) Safeco field. Home of the Mariners. The stadium is truly a great Baseball stadium. Mariners are not half bad either.

5) Pikes Place Market. Must see if in Seattle. Home of the very first Starbucks. However I suggest walking another half block to the awesome French bakery.

There are other great places but it doesn't sound like you will be around long to take things in.

Those sticks in front of Nixon look like dildos.:eek:

perv...

It's about twenty minutes away from where I live. I like it a lot. Never had a problem with criminals in my 17 years of life, and I love the culture-melding we got going on. Visit Pike Place while you're here, it's a great market for a lot of things whether you want seafood, or just to visit some great restaurants (including two French ones and a French Bakery).

We also like Coffee and the Arts, so y'know.
Good to know it's not some dangerous sort of place. :P I didn't really think it would be, but my mom has this thing where she tries to act like I'm still an infant. I also compared the population of Seattle to Vancouver (I went there last year) and determined that Vancouver's a bigger city so if I could get by there by myself I should probably be fine.

Do you happen to know if there are lots of places with free internet and the like? I'm debating whether or not I'm bringing my laptop along on this trip (I'll be staying in a hostel in Seattle most likely) so it would be nice if I don't have to pay ridiculous amounts of money just to send an email or two.

perv...

Was Nixon from Seattle? Are those dildos from Seattle?
:D

Aye, was born there. I currently live in Kirkland next to Geniasis apparently.

Probably. I live right on the edge of Bellevue where it switches over into Kirkland and Redmond.

The city is safer than most US major metro areas I think. Standard rules apply of course.

I'm not really sure how to compare them, actually.

1) Space Needle - Great views of the city.

There's a restaurant on the top as well, though I can't speak to the quality of the food as I haven't been there in recent memory. The top also rotates.

2) EMP Experience Music Project. That place is great if you are a music lover. This is in the same general vicinity of the Space Needle.

Never been, but it's in the shape of a melted guitar. And trust me, that's badass.

3) Museum of Flight at Boeing field. It is probably the best Air museum in the nation.

Agreed. They even have the old Air Force One there.

4) Safeco field. Home of the Mariners. The stadium is truly a great Baseball stadium. Mariners are not half bad either.

We haven't been doing that well either, TBH. Even still, SafeCo is a lot of fun (and the Garlic Fries ain't bad either)

5) Pikes Place Market. Must see if in Seattle. Home of the very first Starbucks. However I suggest walking another half block to the awesome French bakery.

Le Palmier?

There are other great places but it doesn't sound like you will be around long to take things in.

I'd say those are the important ones, though the Seattle Underground is fun if you have the time.

Aye, was born there. I currently live in Kirkland next to Geniasis apparently.

The city is safer than most US major metro areas I think. Standard rules apply of course.

The sites I would suggest are:

1) Space Needle - Great views of the city.

2) EMP Experience Music Project. That place is great if you are a music lover. This is in the same general vicinity of the Space Needle.

3) Museum of Flight at Boeing field. It is probably the best Air museum in the nation.

4) Safeco field. Home of the Mariners. The stadium is truly a great Baseball stadium. Mariners are not half bad either.

5) Pikes Place Market. Must see if in Seattle. Home of the very first Starbucks. However I suggest walking another half block to the awesome French bakery.

There are other great places but it doesn't sound like you will be around long to take things in.
Thanks! It's too bad I don't get to stay longer to explore more... but if it's really awesome I can always try going again.

I also compared the population of Seattle to Vancouver (I went there last year) and determined that Vancouver's a bigger city so if I could get by there by myself I should probably be fine.
Compared to Vancouver Metro it is nearly twice as big.

Do you happen to know if there are lots of places with free internet and the like? I'm debating whether or not I'm bringing my laptop along on this trip (I'll be staying in a hostel in Seattle most likely) so it would be nice if I don't have to pay ridiculous amounts of money just to send an email or two.

Take the laptop. Free internet in most coffee houses. Also the Wifi availability downtown is crazy. I can walk down the street and pick up a half dozen open access points.

I'm going to a conference in Victoria and have been considering taking the clipper to Seattle for a weekend after it's done and I was wondering if there's a lot to do there (I mostly want to go because I've never been and I'm going to be practically there). Also, does anyone know how safe the city is? It would be nice if I can reassure my mom (I'll be traveling alone).

Its rainy. And cloudy.



But pretty safe.

Good to know it's not some dangerous sort of place. :P I didn't really think it would be, but my mom has this thing where she tries to act like I'm still an infant. I also compared the population of Seattle to Vancouver (I went there last year) and determined that Vancouver's a bigger city so if I could get by there by myself I should probably be fine.

Do you happen to know if there are lots of places with free internet and the like? I'm debating whether or not I'm bringing my laptop along on this trip (I'll be staying in a hostel in Seattle most likely) so it would be nice if I don't have to pay ridiculous amounts of money just to send an email or two.

I actually couldn't tell you. All my internet stuff is done at home, or in a hotel room when I'm out of state. I'm sure there are several free Wi-fi areas, though I don't remember any internet cafes (though I'm sure they're there.

And no, Nixon was a Californian.

Compared to Vancouver Metro it is nearly twice as big.
Really? wiki said Vancouver was more than 600,000 and Seattle was more than 500,000, but I guess this is just the cities themselves. Is metro = including suburbs?

Take the laptop. Free internet in most coffee houses. Also the Wifi availability downtown is crazy. I can walk down the street and pick up a half dozen open access points.
That sounds rather sweet... I wish there was that much wireless here.

Damn forgot a couple things. Do Not get suckered into the Underground Seattle tour. I can sum it up in two words. It sucks.

For something a bit different try this tour.

http://www.ridetheducksofseattle.com/

Really? wiki said Vancouver was more than 600,000 and Seattle was more than 500,000, but I guess this is just the cities themselves. Is metro = including suburbs?

If you count the immediate Seattle suburbs however the greater metro area which is about 100 miles long and about 30 miles wide has 5 million. The area is much bigger than people think. You will see when you get here what I mean. You don't need to take my word for it.


That sounds rather sweet... I wish there was that much wireless here.

Yes it is. Enjoy.

Damn forgot a couple things. Do Not get suckered into the Underground Seattle tour. I can sum it up in two words. It sucks.

There goes my commission. Although honestly, I enjoyed.


I was also 13 at the time.

I was also 13 at the time.

That says it all right there. :D

They have a big pointy building

http://www.seattleluxury.com/imgs/space_needle_night.jpg

...not as big as our big pointy building though...

http://www.destination360.com/north-america/canada/images/s/canada-cn-tower.jpg

(Insert sexual innuendo and innuendo based insult/joke here)

*feels manly*

They have a big pointy building

http://www.seattleluxury.com/imgs/space_needle_night.jpg

...not as big as our big pointy building though...

http://www.destination360.com/north-america/canada/images/s/canada-cn-tower.jpg

(Insert sexual innuendo and innuendo based insult/joke here)

*feels manly*

Who's Manly, and why are you feeling him you perv?!?

They have a big pointy building

http://www.seattleluxury.com/imgs/space_needle_night.jpg

...not as big as our big pointy building though...

http://www.destination360.com/north-america/canada/images/s/canada-cn-tower.jpg

(Insert sexual innuendo and innuendo based insult/joke here)

*feels manly*

Our phallic symbol has finesse.

Our phallic symbol has finesse.

Don't forget it also shoots fire on New Years.

Who's Manly, and why are you feeling him you perv?!?

http://www.abestweb.com/smilies/eek3.gif

*attempts to distract everyone from Dyakovo*

LOOK! People dancing on a plane (http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=BgU_m3SuYPE)!

*runs*

It's about twenty minutes away from where I live. I like it a lot. Never had a problem with criminals in my 17 years of life, and I love the culture-melding we got going on. Visit Pike Place while you're here, it's a great market for a lot of things whether you want seafood, or just to visit some great restaurants (including two French ones and a French Bakery).

We also like Coffee and the Arts, so y'know.

^This. I love Pike Place. Also, check out some of the live music bars.

I'm going to a conference in Victoria and have been considering taking the clipper to Seattle for a weekend after it's done and I was wondering if there's a lot to do there (I mostly want to go because I've never been and I'm going to be practically there). Also, does anyone know how safe the city is? It would be nice if I can reassure my mom (I'll be traveling alone).

I haven't been to Seattle since 1984, when my parents, sisters, and I took a trip out there to visit some relatives. Being as that trip happened almost 24 years ago now (and the fact that I was only 10 at the time), I can't really recall if there was much to do in the city.

I grew up in the suburbs.

Seattle isn't a particularly high-crime city, so nothing to worry about there. Wi-Fi is easy to come by.

As for things to do, well, the Space Needle was already mentioned. If you visit Seattle, you HAVE to stop by Pike Place Market - the big fish market (they sell other things, but fish is the main attraction). If you like music, there's the EMP (Experience Music Project), a music museum. Alternatively, if you prefer sci-fi, the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame is inside the EMP.

I'm going to a conference in Victoria and have been considering taking the clipper to Seattle for a weekend after it's done and I was wondering if there's a lot to do there (I mostly want to go because I've never been and I'm going to be practically there). Also, does anyone know how safe the city is? It would be nice if I can reassure my mom (I'll be traveling alone).

I live in Seattle. Well East side and when I am not on the road 3/4 the time. It is a very safe and clean city.

Spring and Summer is a good time to be in Seattle. Although I enjoy winter more because I am only 40 mins away from the skiing place at Snoqualmie.

Most of the stuff has already been covered by Marrackech...I would add the docks and Alcay beach and the water gates to Pacific etc.

If you like chicken, there is a famous wingdome place (forgot the exact location) that you can check out.

I'm going to a conference in Victoria and have been considering taking the clipper to Seattle for a weekend after it's done and I was wondering if there's a lot to do there (I mostly want to go because I've never been and I'm going to be practically there). Also, does anyone know how safe the city is? It would be nice if I can reassure my mom (I'll be traveling alone).

The Clipper itself is a highlight. That trip is viewtastic. As a 26-year Seattleite whose regional home is 25 miles north in Everett, I was and will be again a frequent downtown visitor.

I'm aware of this.

I know that it has the Experience Music Project (though I don't know if it's worth a visit) and a science centre and the space needle... but I really don't know much aside from this.

Seattle Center is north of downtown by about 1.5-2 miles and is accessible by the Monorail (built for the World's Fair in 1962 like the Space Needle was, but has not held up nearly as well, but the route actually goes through the EMP's architecture) as well as several bus lines. Here's a map (http://www.seattlemonorail.com/information.htm). The downtown terminus is at Westlake Center (4th and Pine, IIRC).

However, if it's a nice day, I'd recommend walking it because I like walking through the downtowns of cities. I am a hiker, and I just consider it an urban hike. You'll see all kinds of local restaurants, shops and things you can't see just staying in one area. The length you go, of course, depends on how long you have to stay.

The Needle was designed for tourists -- in fact, I've only ever been up there when I've taken others. That said, the views are astounding. I think that's the deal: you visit, someone takes you, you move there, you take other visitors...like anything else monumental, really. EMP is only a must if you're either a music novice or a history buff. I don't mean to run it down, but I was given a gift membership for a year and used it all of twice in that time, and once was for a concert. It has loads of interactive music exhibits and artifacts from rock history galore, so if that stuff interests you, it's where you should go. If not, it's a decent option.

I haven't been to the Pacific Science Center since middle school field trips back in the early 80s, so I can't comment on the current exhibits, but I do remember the place being fascinating then.

The city is safer than most US major metro areas I think. Standard rules apply of course.

Agreed completely. Pinoeer Square, which is roughly in the area of Yesler Way and 1st Ave, is rife with history and old buildings and some of the coolest shops outside of Pike Place (Metsker Maps being one of my favorites), but not an ideal place to be once it gets late (after midnight).

3) Museum of Flight at Boeing field. It is probably the best Air museum in the nation.

This is south of downtown by about three miles, but definitely worth the trip if airplanes. spacecraft and their histories appeal to you. Link to their Web site (http://www.museumofflight.org/Portal.asp?Flash=True).

4) Safeco field. Home of the Mariners. The stadium is truly a great Baseball stadium. Mariners are not half bad either.

He's absolutely right. The Mariners are not half bad. They are all bad. And yet, I am still a fan (I live in North Dakota now, what am I gonna do, cheer on a town of prairie dogs?). The stadium is very nice, and you can get very good deals on scalped tickets. Both stadiums are in "SoDo" (south of downtown), which is near the city's International District, which features Uwajimaya (http://www.uwajimaya.com/), which is a local Asian supermarket that is amazing to visit.

5) Pikes Place Market. Must see if in Seattle. Home of the very first Starbucks. However I suggest walking another half block to the awesome French bakery.

Shame on you. -10 Seattleite points. "Pike" is singular. At least you didn't use an apostrophe! :p

Seriously, though, if you had time for only one stop, this would be it. From the fresh produce grown all over the state and region to fresh seafood caught Pacifically, and shops selling everything from pastries to posies and just about anything else, the Market can easily take most of a day to walk through if you want to see all of it. Some of the best restaurants are there as well. There's an offshoot of the market across the cobblestoned street that features even more shops and a jazz club (Patty Summers'). Here's a list of some other venues from Songspace (http://www.songspace.net/venuesearch/allvenueresult.php).

Good to know it's not some dangerous sort of place. :P I didn't really think it would be, but my mom has this thing where she tries to act like I'm still an infant. I also compared the population of Seattle to Vancouver (I went there last year) and determined that Vancouver's a bigger city so if I could get by there by myself I should probably be fine.

I agree with you there.

Do you happen to know if there are lots of places with free internet and the like? I'm debating whether or not I'm bringing my laptop along on this trip (I'll be staying in a hostel in Seattle most likely) so it would be nice if I don't have to pay ridiculous amounts of money just to send an email or two.

If by "lots" you mean "damn near everywhere", then yes.

Damn forgot a couple things. Do Not get suckered into the Underground Seattle tour. I can sum it up in two words. It sucks.

For something a bit different try this tour.

http://www.ridetheducksofseattle.com/

Both tours are good for very different reasons. The Underground, most notably because it IS underground, is short on scenery and long on history. If that's your scene, you'll love it. If you'd rather be out and about, Ride the Ducks is fine, if touristy. Underground has the better tour guides (okay, I was one and so was my sister). The Underground gives you perspective on what Seattle was really about when it was founded (the answer lies in the title of the book written by the Tour's founder, Bill Spiedel -- Sons of the Profits). One quick fact -- the term "skid row" came from Yesler Way in Seattle. Trees cut from the hills above Elliott Bay were greased up and "skidded" down the logging road to the bay. The original term was "skid road.

I live in Seattle. Well East side and when I am not on the road 3/4 the time. It is a very safe and clean city.

Spring and Summer is a good time to be in Seattle. Although I enjoy winter more because I am only 40 mins away from the skiing place at Snoqualmie.

Most of the stuff has already been covered by Marrackech...I would add the docks and Alcay beach and the water gates to Pacific etc.

Did you mean Alki beach? It is lovely, but that's in West Seattle and is a bit of a trip. It is good for seeing a hint of what Seattle looked and felt like before urbanization.

If you like chicken, there is a famous wingdome place (forgot the exact location) that you can check out.

Wingdome is a play on the old concrete indoor sports garage, the Kingdome. They have a wide variety of chicken wings and a decent selection of beer on tap. They have two locations: north of downtown on Phinney Ridge and near the University of Washington, even farther north; and while good, it's not so good as to warrant leaving downtown.

As for dining, I usually prefer to allow people to discover things for themselves because A) I think it's more fun that way, and B) my tastes aren't everyone's. Suffice it to say that if you want seafood, your choices will be all over the place, and in all price ranges. A quick 'Net search can help you narrow it down. When you search, look for places that identify themselves as being "downtown", if you're limited to lodging near the piers because of taking the clipper unless you're a fan of negotiating transit or cabs to farther areas. Downtown (considered bounded on the N by Denny Way, the S by Royal Brougham and Dearborn, on the E by 12th Ave and/or the Interstate 5 freeway, and on the W by, well, water and lots of it) includes: Pioneer Square (Underground Tour), SoDo (stadiums, original Starbucks), Belltown, Seattle Center (Needle, EMP), Pike Place Market, International District (Uwajimaya), and First Hill (sometimes called Pill Hill for its concentration of hospitals, clinics and related buildings).

Magnolia, Queen Anne, Captiol Hill, University District, West Seattle, Ballard, Fremont, Wallingford, Phinney Ridge are all great areas with some amazing restaurants, bars, clubs and atmospheres, but they are a bit more byzantine to get to and navigate in without a car, maps and confidence.

Forgive me if I'm coming on like the Chamber of Commerce, but I love Seattle, and I miss it immensely. I hope you have a terrific visit there, and in another of my favorite places, Victoria.

Shame on you. -10 Seattleite points. "Pike" is singular. At least you didn't use an apostrophe! :p

Seriously, though, if you had time for only one stop, this would be it. From the fresh produce grown all over the state and region to fresh seafood caught Pacifically, and shops selling everything from pastries to posies and just about anything else, the Market can easily take most of a day to walk through if you want to see all of it. Some of the best restaurants are there as well. There's an offshoot of the market across the cobblestoned street that features even more shops and a jazz club (Patty Summers'). Here's a list of some other venues from Songspace (http://www.songspace.net/venuesearch/allvenueresult.php).


Yes, exactly. Plus, it has some of the most amazing street performers I've ever seen.


Forgive me if I'm coming on like the Chamber of Commerce, but I love Seattle, and I miss it immensely. I hope you have a terrific visit there, and in another of my favorite places, Victoria.

Agreed. Victoria, as well. Another place with tons of amazing things going on. It sounds like a great trip. Gosh, I miss the PNW.

I make it to Seattle a couple of times a year.

The Pike Place Market and Safeco Field are the two obvious stops. And, they're pretty close to each other.

I'd also recommend the underground city. Seattle raised its street level by one storey about 100 years ago (there was a sewage problem), but that first floor still exists. It's a nifty place to look around.

I would also suggest Pike's Place (great place to buy suvineers, eat, etc.).

If you like going out you can always catch a show at one of the many bars/clubs/music venues such as The Showbox (www.showboxonline.com).

Also, check out the Seattle Stranger (www.thestranger.com) for a list of current happenings and events around Seattle plus retaurant reviews and other info.

Space needle is cool, but don't bother with the restaurant on the top unless you want to A) dress up and B) pay a lot. There's better food in Seattle elsewhere.

The Science Center is cool (www.pacificsciencecenter.org), it's fairly kid oriented, but I've known adults to enjoy it as well.

If you stay down town, you can walk most places, it's a fairly ped-friendly city.

There's always a Mariners game if you like baseball... www.seattle.mariners.mbl.com, but get your tickets early if you want decent ones.

Yeah... thats all I can think of for now. :D

I make it to Seattle a couple of times a year.

The Pike Place Market and Safeco Field are the two obvious stops. And, they're pretty close to each other.

I'd also recommend the underground city. Seattle raised its street level by one storey about 100 years ago (there was a sewage problem), but that first floor still exists. It's a nifty place to look around.

It wasn't sewage that was the problem, it was the topography, mudslides, and a host of other woes that come from living on the side of a hill. The Denny Regrade raised the streets from 10 to 32 feet above their original levels. But they only raised the streets because the sidewalks weren't considered city property. The underground came about as third story windows became street entrances and planks were used to bridge the gap between street and building. The city looked like a giant waffle for some time until the sidewalks were raised as well, and glass street tiles added to allow light down to the lower levels (you can still see the now-purple glass tile windows on streets in the Regrade area).

Sewage, however, did play a role in a minor newspaper development. Thomas Crapper's indoor pull-chain toilets would just let the waste go downhill by pipe into the bay. Well, when the tide came in, if you weren't aware of it, you'd pull the chain and the reverse pressure from the tidewaters covering the sewage pipe outflows would make a serious mess of your privy.

The minor newpaper development? Seattle's newspaper became the first city paper to publish the tide tables (and on the front page!).

I'm naked under my clothes. Hope this helps.

I'd also really suggest driving over the floating bridge and making your way through Mercer Island. Quite a beautiful combination between the breathataking nature (forests and such on the island) and the fantastic houses...I love the stilt houses they have around turns on Mercer Island. Mercer Island is quite nice...i'd have to say from experience. Also, I once was on a friends boat in Lake Washington and we go to see Bill Gate's house. It was just sooooo unreal how big it was and how wide it strechted.

Like the others have said. Pike Place Market. Amazing places to eat there, even if you don't like fish. I'd suggest going there for breakfast.

Also, Seattle is not so bad with crime as far as major cities go.

And one last thing. Seattle generally has shitty weather, but when it doesn't...it's simply beautiful. I wish you luck with the weather and hope that you will be able to enjoy a clear day where you will be able to see the gigantic Mt. Rainier dominating the skyline and poking through the clouds.

Apparently I am getting over ridden on the Underground tour. You can go but.... don't blame me later. ;)

As for my misspelling of Pike Place Market. Yes, I admit guilt and agree to pay the fine. I don't proofread nearly as much as I probably should.


Edit: The French bakery at the Pike Place Market is Le Panier. Worth a stop for a coffee and a pastry. Just up the way from the first Starbucks. Also behind the French bakery there are shops which includes a cool little Moroccan shop. The keeper is a real nice guy.

Also, if you do not try the local salmon while in Seattle, you deserve to be shot.