Let's talk Seattle this week. Washington State's largest city is located on the Pacific Coast and is home to over 700,000 people as of 2021. Many know Seattle as the home of Starbucks, the Space Needle, and Pike Place Market, which we will talk about, but let's also talk about some of the lesser known gems that are hidden in the city.
Space Needle
When you google images of Seattle, the Space Needle is in nearly every picture. One of the most iconic attractions in the city, the Space Needle is a must-do for anyone that is traveling through. With the combination of the revolving glass floor, leaning glass benches, and the option to wine and dine, the Space Needle has everything you could ask for. General admission to experience the Space Needle is $35-$37.50 per person and oh-so worth it!
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Located right next to the Space Needle is Chihuly Garden and Glass. With an eight gallery exhibition exquisitely surrounded by a garden, your breath will be taken away as soon as you step foot onto the property. Dale Chihuly, the artist behind the glass, was born in Tacoma, WA before studying at Washington State for his undergraduate degree. His work can be seen in many museums around the world, including the Chihuly Garden and Glass. This attraction also has a cafe for those that are hungry during their visit and a bar for those that want a little drink before moving on to their next stop in Seattle. Admission to the attraction is $27 per person, but can also be bought as a bundle with admission to the Space Needle for $54 per person. Why not kill two birds with one stone?
Pike Place Market
Another iconic attraction in Seattle is Pike Place Market. Stuffed full of places to eat, farmers market booths, retail stores, and specialty food shops, there is something in the Market to appease even the pickiest traveler. The Market spans over the area of 9 acres downtown, it is easy to spend hours and hours exploring. According to the official Pike Place Market website, there are over 220 independently owned restaurants and shops, over 150 craftspeople, over 70 farmers, over 60 buskers, and over 450 residents in the Market's affordable housing! I would recommend putting aside a couple of hours to explore the market as well as setting some money aside because there is no way you will make it out without buying something from the talented people there!
Gum Wall
Tucked into an alley in Pike Place Market is the one of the most beautiful and disgusting art displays. The brick walls of the alley are covered in chewed gum, some plastered on the walls in designs. Starting in 1990, the gum wall has only been cleaned off once (in 2015), where over 2,000 pounds of chewed gum was removed over the course of 130 hours. Luckily, you don't need to bring gum with you to partake in the attraction. There is a gum ball dispenser in the alley for those that want a colorful piece of chewed gum to add to the attraction. If you do plan on adding a piece, make sure you wash your hands when you leave. While it is beautiful, it is also one of the germiest attractions in the world.
The Seattle Great Wheel
Located at Pier 57 Miner's Landing, the Seattle Great Wheel is a great activity for those hoping to get great views of Elliott Bay and the city of Seattle. At 60 meters tall, it is the largest observation ferris wheel on the West Coast. Each of the 41 cabins can hold up to 8 adults and the single VIP cabin (that has leather seats, a stereo system, and a glass floor) can hold 4 adults. The wheel is open year round and costs $17 per person with the VIP cabin coming in at $50 per person. If you aren't interested in riding the wheel, it also does light shows with its 500,000+ LED lights! The shows are usually on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights as well as special shows for game days and holidays!
Seattle Aquarium
Also located on Pier 57 Miner's Landing is the Seattle Aquarium. The aquarium offers an abundance of presentations daily for visitors to learn more about the marine life that is housed at the aquarium as well as a VR Experience where you can virtually swim with humpback whales. If you are one for an immersive experience, they also have tide pools where you are able to touch some of the marine life. Regardless of your immersive preference, you will be sure to spend hours in the aquarium, marveling at the sea-life that is housed within the exhibits. It is best to purchase tickets ahead of time online to ensure that you get a time that works for your schedule!
Fremont
A neighborhood known for its quirkiness, Fremont is home to many hip bars, funky sculptures (including the Fremont Troll), and bohemian shops. If you are looking for a good place to purchase vintage clothing and used vinyl, this is the place for you. The Fremont Troll is also a huge pull for tourists to this neighborhood and is located under the Aurora Bridge. The neighborhood also holds the center of the universe, or so the residents say and is marked with a guidepost to multiple international locations as well as local businesses.
Pioneer Square
Self-proclaimed as the oldest neighborhood in Seattle, this one-square-mile neighborhood is chock full of things to do, see, drink, and eat. Take a stroll through the neighborhood, ride up an elevator in Seattle's oldest skyscraper, visit an art gallery, stop for grub at a food truck, grab a drink at a prohibition era bar, or enjoy a popup music performance by a local artist. The opportunities in Pioneer Square are endless as well as historic, so take some time to visit this small section of Seattle when you are there!
Beneath the Streets
If you didn't know, after the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, when the city was being rebuilt, some of it was built underground. Beneath the Streets allows visitors to experience The Underground through historically accurate guided tours that bring you through the history of early Seattle. There are three tours to choose from: The Underground History, which is held daily and great for families interested in exploring Seattle's Underground; The Red Light District, which is held on the weekends for those 18 and older to learn about "the debauchery and vice of early Seattle"; and the Queer History Tour, which only runs in the spring and summer months where you can learn about Seattle's first "Gayborhood". Prices vary from $25 to $27 per person depending on the tour you decide to go on.
Let me know if there is anything pertinent that I missed and enjoy the Emerald City!
Travel On!
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