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Seattle Holidays, Hotels & Travel Guide
Travel guide to hotels & holidays in Seattle
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Seattle Holidays Overview
A guide to holidays in Seattle - Seattle is known as "the Emerald City", and just
like the home of the Wizard of Oz in the fairy tale, it is a
magical place. Rated as one of the world's most liveable cities,
after Melbourne and Montreal, it boasts among its citizens three
out of the world's ten richest men, including Bill Gates, head of
the mighty Microsoft empire. The city's emergence as a
trend-setting and fashionable metropolis with sky-high property
prices has occurred in less than 200 years, since it was founded in
1869.
Sitting at the extremity of the United
States' northwest, at the gateway to Canada, Seattle reaches for
the sky with its landmark soaring "space needle", built in the
1960s, a modern monument that epitomises the city's image as a
high-tech, dynamic and young community. Seattle
is not a place that fosters couch potatoes. Visitors and locals
alike revel in the outdoor activities the city's situation provides
for. Seattle sits on the shores of two large lakes and Puget Sound,
with remote wilderness less than an hour away, and it is flanked by
two major mountain ranges (Olympics and Cascades), with Mount
Rainier in full view from the city. It is also within easy reach of
the San Juan Islands, Pacific Ocean beaches and major
rivers. This active city lends itself to walking
tours, particularly around the two main tourist areas, the
waterfront and Pike Place Market. In addition, 80 percent of the
city limits are surrounded by water, so tour boats also abound. To
fully enjoy Seattle be prepared to go boating, and bring a
comfortable pair of shoes.
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Seattle
holidays - Top Places To Go
1. Pike Place Market
First Avenue, between Pike and Pine Streets
www.pikeplacemarket.org |
What is it? Rachel, a giant piggy bank, stands guard over
the Pike Place Farmer's Market in downtown Seattle, placed there to
raise funds to preserve this National Historic District founded in
1907. The bustling market has provided the local people with
producer-priced goods for decades, and continues to do so today as
about 100 farmers and fishmongers tout their wares. They have been
joined by more than 150 local craftspeople and artists who have
also set up shop here, along with street performers, dozens of
restaurants and numerous speciality shops. The world's first
Starbucks coffee shop opened here in 1971, and is still brewing up
its famous beverage on the original site. At the north end of the
market Victor Steinbrueck Park provides a popular grassy place to
sit in the sun and escape the milling
crowds.
Hours of Operation: Open daily. Hours vary for different businesses, and
Sundays are voluntary opening days so some shops may be
closed
Phone:(206) 682 7453 |
2. The Space Needle
400 Broad Street
www.spaceneedle.com |
What is it? Anyone who has followed the Hollywood movies
will be familiar with Seattle's internationally recognised symbol,
the futuristic creative Space Needle building. From afar it looks
like a spinning top, with the needle aerial pointing skywards. The
Space Needle was built for the 1962 World's Fair to showcase
upcoming architectural development, and proved itself by
withstanding an earthquake experienced in the city in February 2001
measuring 7.6 on the Richter Scale. Visitors can ascend the 607ft
(185m) building as far as a revolving observation deck 520ft (158m)
above the city, where high-powered telescopes are positioned to
allow you to pick out the city sights. There is also a restaurant
on top of the tower.
Hours of Operation: Daily Sunday to Thursday 9am to 10pm, Friday and
Saturday 9am to midnight
Phone:(206) 905 2100 |
3. Experience Music Project
325 Fifth Avenue North
www.emplive.com |
What is it? One of Seattle's most popular attractions is
the Experience Music Project, basically a rock 'n roll music museum
with a difference, housed in a huge, colourful psychedelic
building, designed by Frank Gehry at the base of the Space Needle.
The museum was planned originally by Microsoft entrepreneur Paul
Allen as a memorial to Jimi Hendrix, the superstar guitarist who
was born in Seattle and died more than 30 years ago. The Hendrix
exhibit, featuring artefacts associated with the rock legend,
remains the biggest drawcard at the museum, but the collections and
interactive exhibits have been expanded to include the general
history of American popular music. Exhibits range from the first
electric guitars of the 1930s to a rock 'n roll thrill ride akin to
a roller coaster. In interactive rooms visitors can try their hands
at mixing on DJ turntables or playing various instruments. The
museum is also the venue for numerous
concerts.
Hours of Operation: Summer hours are Monday to Thursday 10am to 5pm;
Friday and Saturday 10am to 9pm; Sunday 10am to 6pm (Memorial Day
to Labor Day). From 23 February to 31 May the museum is closed on
Mondays
Phone:(877) 367 5483 |
Seattle
holidays - Top Events
1. Northwest Folklife Festival
From 2007-05-25
To 2007-05-28
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What is it? Celebrating the traditional arts of North
America, the Folklife Festival is the largest in the country,
attracting people from around the world to take part in or to enjoy
the variety of cultures presented. Different ethnic traditional
acts are staged, including dance and music performances from over
100 countries, and storytelling. There is also an art and crafts
market, an international food village, dance and music workshops,
folklore exhibits, and hands-on educational opportunities for
children to learn about other cultures.
Where is it? Seattle Center |
2. Cingular Summer Nights
From 2007-06-01
To 2007-08-31
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What is it? The Summer Nights at the Pier annual concert
series is a favourite outdoor event that features beautiful
sunsets, gorgeous views and some of the world's top musical talent.
Having changed its name to Cingular Summer Nights, it has also been
temporarily relocated to South Lake Union, but promises to offer
the same unique experience that has made it such a success for the
past 15 years. International and nationally acclaimed musicians
perform a wide range of musical styles from rock and pop to
classical, blues, jazz and country in a spectacular
setting.
Where is it? Gas Works Park, Lake Union |
3. Seafair
From
To
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What is it? Seafair is one of the biggest community
festivals in the country, a summer tradition that is rated as one
of the top events in North America. Major events include the famous
US Navy Blue Angels air show, Hydroplane Races, the Torchlight Run
and Parade, and the traditional Milk Carton Derby in which families
take to the water in homemade milk carton boats and rafts. There is
also plenty of live music, art and cultural attractions, and
demonstrations throughout the city, as well as half marathons and
triathlons to participate in.
Where is it? Various |
4. Bite of Seattle
From 2007-07-20
To 2007-07-22
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What is it? A food carnival that has grown into the
city's largest summer festival, Bite of Seattle brings together a
feast of enticing food and exciting entertainment. A variety of the
city's culinary offerings are brought together by participation of
more than 60 restaurants, as well as food product companies, beer
gardens and wine tasting exhibits. Live entertainment is also an
integral part of the experience and includes the comedy club, a
piano bar, kids entertainment, and music. The Bite
Cooks is a popular event which features top celebrity
chefs in a creative and interactive cooking show and
demonstration.
Where is it? Seattle Center |
5. Bumbershoot Festival
From 2006-09-01
To 2006-09-04
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What is it? Bumbershoot is the biggest arts and music
festival in the country, showcasing the work of thousands of
artists from around the world. It is an extravaganza featuring live
music performances, dance, theatre, film, comedy, literary and
visual arts, as well as street performers, an international food
bazaar, and art and crafts market.
Where is it? Seattle Center grounds |
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