Seattle Travel

This hotel is pet-friendly, which is great! If you couldn't bring your pet along, they offer you a goldfish in your room, which they feed. The hotel offers a chance to meet the manager of the hotel, with a complementary wine reception. A nice plus. The rooms are clean and very comfortable, with cool, bright decorations. Excellent location--you could walk to just about anywhere in downtown Seattle.

If you are doing the an Argosy Cruise, try the Locks cruise. The cruise shows you how the locks separate and connect the salt water of Puget Sound and the fresh water of Lake Union via the Hiram Chittenden Locks. You are also treated to views of the city and the "Sleepless in Seattle" houseboat community. After the tour, why not go to the locks and see how they look from above. There is also a locks museum where you can see how the locks work. The cruise is both educational for the kids and beautiful/romantic for you.

This is a picture of us on the cruise. This is when the locks are drained of fresh water and then filled back up with salt water from the other side. Look at the water level!

The day started at the EMP by chance, seeing a handwritten original of the song "Lump" by Presidents of the United States of America. Cool to see it, because we saw PUSA perform their old songs and a few from their new album at the Showbox. PUSA still packs a punch after all these years. Service sucks, but the bands are great. Well, with the exception of some of the opening acts, who needed SOME practice.

There are loads of fresh flowers when in season, which helps to cover up some of the fishy odor in other areas. There are many different types of fish sold in the market. If you wait awhile, you may be treated to a flying fish presentation in which a fish is thrown from person to person and wrapped after a fish is purchased. If you don't want to wait, pay up and buy a fish.

Near here, rub the golden pig's belly for luck. When I went, there was a Leftorium where they sell things for left-handed people.

There are a few good craftspeople here. I should keep this to myself to be original. One of my favorites was a guy who made handmade siver and copper jewerly and rings. Light Being Jewels - Ricard Romero- 1916 Pike Place #12 PMB #47. He makes customs email him at rosedalemcduff@attbi.com and say lashr1999 sent you. This was in early 2003 don't know if he's still there.

Address:
Pikes Market

Directions:
The best craft store in the market
Light Being Jewels
Ricard Romero
1916 Pike Place #12
PMB #47

Here's the original devil that spawned them all. How many Starbucks does one really need on one block? Anyway, this is my sister's picture--I think there's still some charm to a regular coffee.

This is one of the more memorable symbols of Seattle which was built for 1962 World's Fair. At over 600 feet tall, the Space Needle has the best views of the city. Try the day and night pass to see the city bathed in light and then in darkness.

If you have the coin, check out the revolving Sky City restaurant for a romantic dinner with a great view that changes. I love seeing the city at night. If you don't have a chance to go here, at least check out the webcam below for a view of the city.

Website:
http://www.spaceneedle.com/webcam/

What the hell is that weird building--or is it a building--near the Space Needle? That VISION was built by architect Frank Gehery and is said to resemble a smashed guitar. It was well worth the green to check out all the music memorabilia and photos. It was great viewing some of the original songs people were writing with all the cross-outs and additions. From Bo Didley to Hendrix, this place has got you covered. One of the features I liked the most was the hands-on exhibits where you get to mix music, sing, or play the drums.

Check out the website at:
http://www.emplive.com/

The aquarium houses more than 380 species of birds, fish, invertebrates, and marine mammals. Some of the most interesting features are the 400,000-gallon beautiful panoramic tank, tide pool exhibit, sea otters, water shed, and salmon stream. There is an IMAX theatre next door.

A bit on the touristy side, visit if you have the time. You start on a boat cruise, followed by buffet lunch and stage show performed by Native Americans. After, you can walk the trails and beach and see Blake Island State Park.

You have to see this fun and crazy dinner show. The show changes, so you may not see the same one if you go the next year. The show combines comedy, Cirque, Moulin Rougue, music, dance, and cabaret all into one. Performers circle around you and may make you part of the action. Enjoy A five-course meal while the excitement unfolds!