This is where I live now, after living in Chicago for seven years. Great environment and weather
( I like the overcast skies). Home to Microsoft and former headquarters of Boeing, and having
one of the few Ikea stores in the United States, the Pacific Northwest has a culture much different from anywhere
else I have lived. People are friendly on the surface yet retain that sense of pioneer-independence. People
are willing to live and let live, accepting of diversity, laid back, casual, relaxed.
It is also this sense of independence which has made it hard to meet people. Meeting people one-on-one
isn't the hard part, it's meeting people in groups (breaking thru the wall of cliques) and trying to meet friends of friends.
So often, it seems I've met one person and none of their friends, which is so different from Chicago where
I would meet one person and then go on to meet all of their 1,000 friends.
Still, I like it here, I've made friends, and I plan on staying here. After living in four other states
(Illinois twice) and visting plenty of other places, I think the great northwest is my final stop.
Scroll down to see the live Seattle pictures below.
When people come to visit, I'm suddenly hard pressed to find things to show them, and completely blank out on what is available. To prevent those blackouts, and maybe help others with an itinerary, here are some ideas :
Starting in Bellevue as our home base, we drove throught he Medina neighborhood, showcasing some of the million dollar homes. Bill Gates' house isn't on the list though, it can only been seen from the water.
Next was a drive across the I-90 floating bridge into Seattle, with a great view of Lake Washington, Mercer Island and Mt. Rainier.
Continuing to Alki Beach in the drive, it's more sightseeing of the Sound, the beach, and the lighthouse at the end. If it's time to eat or snack, there are several restaurants along the strip, including Spud's, Phoenicia and several coffee shops. It is possible to drive up and back through the Admiral neighborhood, and there is small park on Admiral way which looks East towards downtown. It's a good view and worth stopping for.
Heading into downtown, there's Pioneer Square with shops and art galleries, and then Downtown in general with several places to see.
We parked in central downtown and took the monorail over to the Space Needle and Seattle Center. In the center there is the Peace Fountain, the new opera house, Key Arena, Pacific Scientce Center and the EMP - Experience Music Project. With the Space Needle, people can either go direct to the observation deck, or eat in the restaurants and then headup to the deck. Bring your camera, there's lots to see on a good day.
From the Space Needle, we took the monorail back into the downtown area and walked several blocks over to Pike place Market. Lots of little shops, flying fish and a big metal Piggy bank to sit on. Market Spice Tea is available here, along with a few dozen other tea blends and spices.
On another day, we headed over to Volunteer Park to see the greenhouse and the water tower - another great viewing area of the city and surroundings. The Seattle Asian Art Museum is here as well.
While still in the city, there is the Arboretum to walk through, and the History Musuem isn't too far off either.
Back in Bellevue, there is the Bellevue Botanical Gardens, and for the tech fans, not to far away in Redmond is the Microsoft campus.
If there was any time left, it's worthwhile to head to the northside of the city to visit the Woodland Park zoo and northeast to the Ballard Locks.
On a third day, it's time to head East, and we were off to Snoqualmie Falls, with a quick stop at the Outlet Malls in North Bend. After, we headed further out to Snoqualmie Pass, where there are plenty of moderate hiking trails. Those looking for even more scenic areas can head southeast to Mt Rainier. It's close enough for day hiking trips, and even in July, there will be snow at the mid levels.
Another day encompassed taking the ferry over to Bainbridge Island. The ferry trip is interesting in itself for people who don't have them locally, and once in Bainbridge, turn left at the first stop sign and there are several restaurants in town. One that we chose was further down the road. Go thru the main street area and turn left again at the next stop sign. This road will quickly make a hard right. The restaurant is right near that turn, and they have pleasant outdoor seating under umbrellas.
While over on the west side of the sound, it's not too far to head up to Heronswood Nursery, or over to a concert at the olympic Music Festival. Bring food and enjoy a picnic lunch.
Needing some night time activites? There are shows at the 5th Avenue Theater, Seattle Opera the newly remodeled opera house, the Seattle Symphony and the Pacific Northwest ballet.
Need to eat but want to leave the driving to someone else? Take the Spirit of Washington Dinner train, available for lunches and dinners, check their website for details. The food is good, the scenery wonderful, and the train stops at the Columbia winery where people can take a tour and have time for a bit of tasting.
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