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Getting Away
Summer in Seattle:
How to Make the Most of Your
Weekend Trip
 To the uninitiated, the Emerald City is perhaps
best known for drizzly weather, double-tall lattes,
Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, Microsoft and Grey’s Anatomy.
But perhaps what’s most surprising to first-time
visitors is that, these days, Seattle is more “glam”
than “grunge.” June to September is the ideal time
to visit, when the sun is out in full force and temperatures
hit the 70s and 80s – summer visitors often begin
to believe that it never rains in Seattle. To maximize
your visit, here’s some insider tips that the guidebooks
won’t tell you:
Best ways to visit the ‘tourist traps’
- Pike Place Market: This granddaddy
of farmer’s markets turned 100 last year, and the
flying fish are a must-see for any visitor. However,
the Market is also the ideal place for buying a
hostess gift of giant, affordable bouquets of fresh
flowers, artisan cheeses, wines or just-picked
produce. On your way out, stop by Michou (1904
Pike Place) to pick up a picnic of delicious, Italian-style
focaccia sandwiches, gourmet salads or pizzas to
escape the crowds and enjoy the sun and sea views
at the new, nearby 8.5-acre Olympic Sculpture
Park (2901 Western Ave.)
- Space Needle: Parking is pricey and difficult
near the Seattle Center. If you’re
staying downtown, instead opt to walk to the Monorail
station at Westlake Center (400 Pine Street;
seattlemonorail.com) for a quick and scenic ride
that takes you through the Experience Music
Project, directly to the Seattle Center grounds.
In addition, forego an overpriced meal at the Space
Needle’s SkyCity restaurant and opt for the chic
$5 food-and-wine tastings instead.
- Seattle Art Museum: Along with
SAM’s recent expansion came the opening of TASTE,
a bustling cafe that makes a perfect lunch, coffee
or happy hour spot. Get free admission for everyone
the first Thursday of the month, for seniors every
first Friday, and for teens (ages 13-19) every
second Friday from 5 to 9 p.m.
- Waterfront: Much as it is in other cities,
the waterfront is overly touristy. However, the
best way to enjoy the views, sun and salty air
is to catch a state ferry at Colman Dock/Pier 52
for a 35-minute scenic cruise to Bainbridge Island.
($6.70 round trip for walk-ons; wsdot.wa.gov/ferries).
Or, hop aboard the Elliott Bay Water Taxi (http://transit.metrokc.gov),
which runs daily through October 31 between Pier
55 to the Seacrest dock in West Seattle. The 12-minute
ride costs $3 one way, and includes complimentary
shuttle service to various points around West Seattle,
including Alki Beach.
Location, location
A hotel search will likely turn up more budget-friendly
deals near Sea-Tac, but don’t be fooled. These
spartan airport hotels run along a seedy stretch
that is, at minimum, a 40-minute cab ride downtown.
Visitors are much better off staying in the downtown
area (a.k.a. the “Belltown” nightlife-and-restaurant
district), the heart of the city with easy access
to local attractions and amenities, the waterfront
and freeways.
- For those traveling with furry friends, the Alexis
Hotel (alexishotel.com), is the place
to be. There are no pet weight restrictions;
special amenities include designer pet beds,
private grooming sessions, pet-sitting and in-room
dining services. This stylish, ultra-modern hotel
recently underwent a multi-million-dollar restoration
and displays ever-changing artwork curated by
SAM. Receive a $25 gas card and “road snacks”
with a two-night stay through September 1; or,
rent a hybrid and park for free anytime.
- Located in the heart of the downtown retail district,
the Mayflower Park Hotel (mayflowerpark.com)
is a shopper’s oasis. Built in 1927, the beautifully
renovated, European-style hotel is historic, but
decidedly unstuffy. The hotel offers frequent visitor
packages and is home to the award-winning martini
bar, Oliver's.
- With a trendy, boho vibe and great location,
the Ace Hotel (acehotel.com) is the best
deal downtown for hip urbanites. All rooms have
a fresh, minimalist decor, some with “Green Hornet-type
secret invisible doors, blended into the white
tiled walls.”
- You can’t fish out of the windows anymore like
The Beatles did from Room 272, but the infamous,
luxurious Edgewater Hotel (edgewaterhotel.com)
on the waterfront has more than just a colorful
rock ‘n’ roll history, it also boasts one of the
best views of the Olympic mountain range, Seattle
skyline and Elliott Bay.
Tiffany Owens is a freelance writer and former
Seattle resident, now living in midcoast Maine.
Photo courtesy of Seattle Convention and Visitors Bureau |
