Gretchen's top three things to see, do, and taste while in Seattle
Reader J is visiting Seattle in a few weeks, and since he’s thinking about applying to Microsoft in the next year or so (yay!), he wants to make sure he tours the area while he's here.
I responded to him with my top three (outside of the city) choices, but I thought you all might want to see my list, too. Of course, I’d always suggest a walk through the Microsoft campus, but if you want to see the rest of the world, here’s what I’d suggest …
Washington has great wine, and while our grapes are grown east of the Cascade Mountains, Woodinville, a town 20 minutes outside of Seattle, offers a visit to wine country without crossing the Pass. (But if you have the time, cross the Pass.) Many wineries in Woodinville are small and family operated, so they are only open on special occasions, but at least four wineries immediately come to my mind as “always open” and “must tastes": Chateau Ste Michelle (big and corporate - but fun), Columbia (nice gift shop), Silver Lake (affordably priced), and Facelli (my personal favorite in all of Washington. Say hi to Lou!). For beer lovers, you can also visit the Redhook Brewery, which is right next to Columbia Winery. I'd suggest eating at Purple Cafe & Wine Bar, Red Hook’s Forecaster's Public House (great pulled pork and outdoor seating) or, if you want something a little more fancy, the Barking Frog.
Argosy Cruise of Lake Washington:
This Argosy Cruise sets sail from the Kirkland waterfront, which is definitely a must-see place on a warm, sunny afternoon. The boat tours you around Lake Washington and pulls close to Bill Gate’s house. (Is that a gardener or is that Bill?) Afterwards I'd suggest eating at Anthony's Homeport (if you like seafood) or the The Slip (if you like good peanut butter cheeseburger and people watching.)
Salish Lodge / Snoqualimie Falls:
Here's the dorky part. Salish Lodge was one of the main settings for the off-beat TV show Twin Peaks. In fact, the whole show was filmed in various locations around the lodge. (And yes, I have done the full tour.) Now the less dorky part ... Snoqualmie Falls is gorgeous, and you can take a short walk down the base of the falls. I'd also recommend breakfast at Salish. (Book reservations in advance.) Take 202 East from Redmond for a beautiful drive or I-90 for the fast shot. This area is about 30 minutes outside of Seattle.
Alrighty, that's my top three list. What are your must-see attractions in Seattle when you visit or have guests visit?
P.S. I am not a paid endorser of any of these places. I will gladly accept free wine though. :)
13 Comments
Brant Gurganus said:
I recommend stopping by the Redmond Saturday Market. It is not often that you actually see a farmer's market, but they actually happen every Saturday during the summer in Redmond. It is also at Redmond Town Center, which to me is a surprisingly large outdoor mall.
AlfredTh said:
I've enjoyed the Spirit of Washington Dinner Train as a way to get to the wine country. The trip includes a stop at a vineyard and a very nice meal. <a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.seattleattractions.com/train.html">http://www.seattleattractions.com/train.html</a>
Zman said:
Pike place market of course.... <a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.pikeplacemarket.org/">http://www.pikeplacemarket.org/</a>
New seattle library seems to impress
<a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.spl.org/default.asp?pageID=branch_central_history&branchID=1">http://www.spl.org/default.asp?pageID=branch_central_history&branchID=1</a>
<a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.managed-world.com/PreMeltdownHang.aspx">http://www.managed-world.com/PreMeltdownHang.aspx</a>
And personally I always like the underground tour - its not much to see but its the best history of seattle tour for pure entertainment value
<a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.undergroundtour.com/">http://www.undergroundtour.com/</a>
and gold rush museum is close
<a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.nps.gov/klse/">http://www.nps.gov/klse/</a>
(the only indoor nationa park!)
Places to avoid...
Space needle - well go look at it from outside but the price to ride to the top is barely worth it. The food is mediocre and over priced too.
<a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.spaceneedle.com/">http://www.spaceneedle.com/</a>
EMP - we have lots to thank Paul Allen for (we LOVE the cinerama!) but this isn't one of them. Most folks hate the shape - I think its cool. But its also overpriced unless you are really really into music. Even worse they split it in half last year. Made the other half a science fiction museum and you now have to pay to get into both halves.
<a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.emplive.org/">http://www.emplive.org/</a>
Stacey Porter said:
Yay, some advice on what to check out in Seattle! I'll use this while my hubby (Erik Porter) and I are in Seattle (at the end of September) and I am left scouring the streets by my lonesome while he is geekin' out. :-) Thanks so much!
oldnewthing said:
If you're a geek (and given that you're thinking about working at Microsoft odds are that you are) you can visit the original technology employer in the Seattle area: Boeing.
Boeing Everett Tour Center - watch a 747 being built.
<a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.boeing.com/companyoffices/aboutus/tours/">http://www.boeing.com/companyoffices/aboutus/tours/</a>
The Museum of Flight - See a Concorde!
<a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.museumofflight.org/">http://www.museumofflight.org/</a>
Adam Phillabaum said:
Part of my job is to work with interns (I work for another large Seattle employer). I gave a presentation at the beginning of the summer to the interns about stuff to do in Seattle over the summer. I'm going to see how much I can remember:
Take a ferry somewhere. anywhere. Its basically gauranteed you end up someplace beautiful. My recommendation is this:
Take the ferry from Mukilteo to Whidbey island. Drive up the whole island (50 min drive). Get out of your car at Deception Pass and marvel at the amazing power of water for 10 minutes. And, if you're certified... there is some amazing scuba diving on Whidbey.
Seattle is a music Mecca. See a concert (or a few) while you're here.
Go to the Redhook Brewery on a Thursday night. Show up early, grab a few beers, grab something to eat, and grab a nice place on the hill to watch the movie from. Redhook's outdoor movie is surpassed by non.
Eat lunch at Dixie's in Bellevue/Kirkland. remember to take some of "The Man" home with you to torture your friends with.
Eat lunch at the Cedar River Smokehouse in Renton... and marvel about the quality for ages to come.
Go to Kerry Park, and take a picture of downtown Seattle with Mt. Rainer in the background.
Ride in a Duck (amphibious tour of Seattle)
Drink an Irish Car Bomb at Kells.
Gosh... there is SO much more, but I just can't think of anything right now.
Adam Barr said:
The Salish Lodge was only used for the exterior shots. Some of the interiors were filmed at the Kiana Lodge which is across the Sound from Seattle. In particular the wooden wall with the large Native American drawing on it is there.
More info on Twin Peaks locations is available on the web, e.g.
<a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://www.2000revue.com/tp/seriesfwwm/visiting.php">http://www.2000revue.com/tp/seriesfwwm/visiting.php</a>.
- adam
alexbarn said:
As Brit living in Seattle, I've been shamefully poor are checking out stuff in around Seattle, but I have done 2 of the 4 things you recommend: the Argosy Cruise - the guide running the boat is excellent, really knows his stuff; and the Snoqualmie Falls, superb.
JobsBlog said:
Wow. Great suggestions!! I have to also vote for the Mulkiteo to Whidbey ferry/drive - ending up at Deception Pass and the Seattle Underground Tour. Those are two other favs of mine.
Adam P - love your list. Thanks for sharing it! Btw, I introduced my team to The Man last week.
And Adam B- yes, I know that. :) As far as I know, all the North Bend / Snoqualmie locations were for exterior shots. I have to admit that I myself was not a huge Twin Peaks fan, but one of my friends is, and when he visited this past winter, I was in charge of organizing his Twin Peaks tour. :)
Gretchen
michkap said:
I guess it is time to feel that I do not really live here, since I have never been to any of these things. Ever. :-(
Peter Stathakos said:
My wife and I were just down in Seattle last week and we could have used this list. Since we weren't there too long it's ok. I guess it will come in handy next time though.
We didn't check out the Microsoft campus at all, we'll have to do that next time for sure.
JobsBlog said:
Michael - you need to get out more often. :) If you ever need a DD for wine tasting, let me know!
Garrett Fitzgerald said:
How could you leave out the <a href="<a rel="nofollow" target="_new" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fremont_Troll">Fremont">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fremont_Troll">Fremont</a> Troll</a>? It even has its own Wikipedia entry! :-)