I’m taking a train trip to Seattle in two weeks. The train arrives at 11am, we can’t check in to the hotel (downtown) until three. We leave the next day at 4 pm to head back. Now, after nearly three days on a train, I’m going to want to hit the bed at the hotel and sleep, but we do want to do a bit of sightseeing. He’s been there before, I haven’t. He wants ME to decide what I want to see…but I have no clue. I figured maybe take the monorail to the Space Needle…but what else is a Shouldn’t Miss? Any decent yarn or fabric shops downtown?
Pike Place Market I think is fun for a quick visit. Personally I would do that over going to the Space Needle, but that is just because I am not that big of a fan of the Space Needle.
There is a yarn store near downtown, but they recently moved and I haven’t been to their new location. It’s apparently in a secure building of some kind, so… yeah. My favorite yarn stores are Hilltop Yarn on Queen Anne hill (not far at all from downtown) and the Weaving Works, which is… not really near downtown at all.
Anyway - you definitely have to go to Pike Place Market, which is in the heart of downtown. That’s where they have the “flying” fish, the original Starbucks, etc. It’s a great farmers’/artisan market, and lots of fun to wander through. The Underground tour is fun, too. And there’s a chocolate factory in Fremont (15-20 minutes from downtown), where you can get a tour for like $5 - and there are samples throughout! Lots of fun.
The train station is within walking distance of Pioneer Square, an oldish part of town with lots of shops and neat taverns (and panhandlers). Elliott Bay Bookstore is a must. Have lunch and a good beer at the Central Tavern – that should kill time until you can check into your hotel.
Then head to Pike Place Market – you can spend hours at the market, and don’t miss the fresh fish place – nothing like a flying salmon to brighten your day! From there, you can take an elevator down to the waterfront but IMHO there’s not much of real interest there, except the Aquarium. I just got back from there and we took an Argosy cruise. For $40, you’ll get a short bus ride past some sights and then you’ll get on a boat on Lake Union, cruise through the Ballard Locks and around Elliott Bay. It takes about 3 hours. There’s also a water taxi back and forth to West Seattle/Alki Beach, a 15-minute trip. It’s cheaper than the cruise and you’d get a good look at the bay and the Seattle skyline.
The Space Needle is cool – everybody should go up once. The ride up is $16 – free if you’re going to eat at the restaurant. The Science Center at Seattle Center used to be very interesting – haven’t been there for years though. There’s also the Experience Music Project.
Something else you might do is take a ferry ride. There are long and short trips, and it’s very relaxing. If I had to choose between the Space Needle and a ferry, I’d choose the ferry.
Are you taking the California Zephyr? I absolutely adored the car attendant I had on my way home. His name was Dennis and he was a hoot. The trip was fun, but don’t eat the chile verde on rice they serve at lunch. The angus burger was the only thing on the menu that was something I’d want to eat a second time. The desserts are good though.
Ye Olde Curiosity Shop. Don’t forget the mermaid hanging from the ceiling as well!
I agree with everyone here about Pike Place. It’s in the heart of downtown, and there are plenty of things to do and see that will make a couple of hours seem to fly by. The Pike Place brewery is right there, so you can have a bite to eat and a quick beer or three (I love the Kiltlifter) Also, Piroshky, Piroshky (a piroshky place;)) is just down the road. Nothing like a good cabbage, beef and cheese pastry to brighten your day.
I’ll have to try that one. I’ve tried their sweet pastries and was unimpressed. I do like their ‘salmon paté’ piroshki though. That one always hits the spot with me.
I absolutely loved the Underground tour. Do they still do that? It’s really interesting, and specific to Seattle and it’s weird toilet-related history.
A city pass can be well worth the money too. My friend came into town this last week and we bought one and loved it. We got an hour long Argosy narrated tour of Eliot Bay (24 dollar value), admission into the Waterfront Aquarium (16 dollar value), A trip to the Space Needle (16 dollar value), the Science center and the Music/sci-fi museum (forget the values there). All of these for 54 dollars.
Also, if you are in town during the week, a good alternative to the Space Needle is the Columbia Center. I have not done it myself, but it taller than the Space Needle and only costs 5 bucks.
