Urbanbeast Seattle

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A VISIT TO SEATTLE

2012-01-18T16:35:45Z

There are a lot of fun things to do and many places that are worth visiting in Seattle. It does not matter if you are a first-time visitor, a local or frequent Seattle tourist, finding the perfect attraction that is perfect for you will be one of the many highlights of your adventure in Seattle. In order to get a true feel for what the Emerald city is all about, you might want to save up to allow a longer visit in Seattle to witness and experience everything it has to offer.

When you first touchdown in Seattle, the first thing you will be able to experience is Seattle’s culture. What is better than a learning experience inside one of the many museums that kids will love? Tough question to answer indeed, but it is nothing compared to the difficulty of answering the question – what to do first? From theaters and performing arts to spectator sports and vibrant nightclubs, finding something to do will be easy to do throughout the day and night.

Shopping malls like the Northgate Mall and the Pacific Place will provide everything a tourist will need to show and tell the story of their Seattle visit.

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Seattle Offers A Lot For Visitors

2011-03-10T11:50:30Z

You may be thinking of taking a trip and not quite sure where you’d like to visit. The city of Seattle should be on your list and while you’re there be sure to stop by Pike Place Market. It is the oldest public market to be found throughout the country and you’ll have a great time discovering the fresh fruit, vegetables and the fish getting tossed around. There are wonderful places to rest and enjoy a relaxing lunch and be sure to order a famous Seattle coffee for the road.

For a quiet moment Waterfall Gardens is perfect for appreciating a peaceful and natural environment. You’ll have a great place to think and connect with nature.

Anyone who is coming to Seattle for their first trip should make time for the world famous Space Needle. This landmark is more than 600 feet over the Seattle Center. Near the top you’ll have a 360-degree picture of Elliott Bay, the mountains and the city or for a little extra cash you can feast in the rotating restaurant.

Hit the Slopes

2011-01-20T18:22:43Z

If you’re fortunate enough to be visiting Seattle during the winter months you might want to make sure you plan enough time to include a trip (or two) to the area’s great ski destinations. Here are a few of the most popular.

49 Degrees North has a top elevation of 5774 feet, a vertical drop of 1851 feet, a skiable terrain of 2325 acres and six total lifts. The longest run is 1.0 miles, the average snow fall is 301 inches, and it’s been open for 40 years.Alpental has a top elevation of 5420 feet, a vertical drop of 2280 feet, a skiable terrain of 1916 acres and five total lifts. The longest run is 0.6 miles, the average snow fall is 435 inches, and it’s been open for 44 years.Bluewood has a top elevation of 5670 feet, a vertical drop of 1125 feet, a skiable terrain of 355 acres and three total lifts. The longest run is 0.6 miles, the average snow fall is 300 inches, and it’s been open for 32 years.Crystal Moountain has a top elevation of 7012 feet, a vertical drop of 3100 feet, a skiable terrain of 2600 acres and 11 total lifts. The longest run is 2.5 miles, the average snow fall is 350 inches, and it’s been open for 49 years.Mission Ridge has a top elevation of 6820 feet, a vertical drop of 2270 feet, a skiable terrain of 1000 acres and six total lifts. The longest run is 0.8 miles, the average snow fall is 200 inches, and it’s been open for 45 years.Mount Baker has a top elevation of 5089 feet, a vertical drop of 1500 feet, a skiable terrain of 1000 acres and 10 total lifts. The longest run is 0.7 miles, the average snow fall is 647 inches, and it’s been open for 58 years.Mt. Spokane has a top elevation of 5889 feet, a vertical drop of 2000 feet, a skiable terrain of 1000 acres and five total lifts. The longest run is 0.6 miles, the average snow fall is 300 inches, and it’s been open for 73 years.

There are more of course like Stevens Pass, Summit at Snoqualmie and White Pass; so take some time to check them all out to find one (or more) that suit your level. Or at a minimum, stop in to enjoy a steamy cup of hot cocoa and just enjoy watching the fun!

There’s a magical event coming to Seattle

2010-10-15T18:53:17Z

In a little over a week, Harry Potter: The Exhibition will open at the Pacific Science Center. The exhibition will run up until January 30^th of next year and will be the ultimate collection of Harry Potter memorabilia.Fans will walk through displays which replicate famous movie locales; such as the Gryffindor common room or the Great Hall. Within these exhibits, there will be over 200 artifacts and costumes from the film, including props from the upcoming two-part finale. Some of the most infamous items on display include Harry Potter’s eye glasses, Lord Voldemort’s robes, several school uniforms, the Marauder’s Map, Harry Potter’s wand, and the infamous Sorcerer’s stone.To complete the ultimate fan experience, watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows at the center’s theatre starting November 19^th; better yet, the venue will be hosting the movie in IMAX 3D. With the first day of the exhibition fast approaching, tickets are slowly running out. To book your tickets, visit the Pacific Science Center’s website.

Take a Stroll Through the Emerald City

2010-09-21T15:00:35Z

In a city that is known for its commitment to the environment, it makes sense to go exploring on foot. Seattle by Foot offers a number of different tours of the city, all walking of course. Seattle is unofficially the Capital of Coffee, and rightfully so with its many rich brews. Seattle by Foot offers a coffee crawl that starts out in Pike Place market. IF you book in advance tickets are 22 and walk-ups are 26. Tours are given Thursday through Monday at 10 a.m. and lasts approximately 2 hours. Your tour guide will walk you through the culture and history of the coffee industry in the Seattle area. You will also stop for a few local blends at cafes along the route. This tour has received national acclaim and is a great way to spend a morning in Seattle.For a more holistic look at the Emerald City, Seattle on Foot offers a City Tour that also start out from Seattle Coffee Works on Pike Street. A tour guide will lead the way to city landmarks, parks and the Seattle Central Library. Tours are given Saturdays and Mondays at 2 p.m. and last about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Advance tickets are 17 and walk ups are 21. The Seattle Pub Crawl is another popular sightseeing trip. Seattle residents and visitors can experience the best in Seattle beer through these weekend tours, which last 2 hours and 30 minutes, starting at 7 p.m. on Thursday Friday and Saturday evenings. The cost is 21 in advance and 25 for walkups, but you pay for your own drinks along the way. You will be led through old taverns, see how beer is made at local breweries and end up at an Irish Pub. The Pub Crawls start out from The Pike Brewing Company near Pike Place Market.

Seattle Under Water

2012-01-18T16:38:44Z

Being a coastal city, characterized by its marine environment, it only makes sense that there would be an aquarium in Seattle. If you’re visiting the city, a day at the aquarium is perfect for the whole family. The aquarium opened in 1977 and has since seen almost 20 million visitors. More than just a place to learn about sea life, the Seattle Aquarium puts a strong emphasis on marine conservation both through education and practice.The main focus of the museum’s exhibits is local aquatic life. The Window on Washington Waters tank is modeled after Neah Bay’s rock with local marine species. Dive shows in the tank occur daily at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 12:15 p.m. The Pacific Coral Reef exhibit showcases fish and sharks along with man-made coral reef. Stepping onto land, the Northwest Shores exhibit contains birds local to the Pacific Northwest such as Tuften Puffins and Alcids.Each day, visitors can listen to a number of talks, shows and feedings that both entertain and educate. Marine Mammal Talk occurs at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., followed by Octopus Talk at noon and 4 p.m.You don’t have to worry about packing a lunch or eating before with the onsite Aquarium Caf offering a range of meal options for all ages. For just a drink the caf has an assortment of coffees, juice and sodas and even a bar. If you’re looking for something a little more substantial, their extensive menu has everything from salads to burgers to pizza and pasta.A visit to the aquarium only costs 11 for children and 17 for ages 13. Children under 4 get in free. The aquarium is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for altered hours on major holidays.

Don’t Let a Little Rain Get You Down

2010-09-21T15:05:08Z

Seattle is unofficially nicknamed the Rain City, due to its unusual amount of rain. On average the city sees about 150 days of rain each year, and is cloudy about 200 days a year. Luckily, most rainy days produce only light rain or drizzle, which usually doesn’t ruin any plans. However, if you find yourself in Seattle on a dreary day, there is still plenty of fun to be had.Seattle is rich with culture and history and there are endless indoor activities to entertain you even on the rainiest of days. The Seattle Art Museum has gained international attention and contains an extensive permanent collection covering art from Oceania to Asia to Africa. A number of changing temporary exhibits are also on display and a complete list can be found online. If you’re traveling with children, you’ll find a full day’s entertainment for them at The Children’s Museum, Seattle. Kids can paint, touch, and climb on these interactive exhibits that are both fun and educational. It’s a cheap afternoon as well with tickets only costing 7.50.One of the reasons Seattle is often called the Coffee Capital of the World is the fact that it is home to the original Starbucks. Located in Pike Place Market, the first Starbucks was opened in 1971 and still has the original look and design from when it was first opened.A rainy day is always a good excuse to go shopping and Seattle offers plenty to do in that respect. Pacific Place is a favorite in the area with shops with diverse price ranges. This mall also has a theatre so you can kick back and watch a movie once you’re all shopped out. For a unique and historic shopping experience, head down to Pike Place Market, which was opened in 1907. Produce stands, craftsmen, and other retailers all offer their products and services at this iconic site.

Catch a Game While You’re in Town

2010-09-21T15:05:34Z

Seattle is known for its many outdoor activities, and it also has a large presence of professional sports teams. The Seattle Seahawks brought the NFL to the city in 1976. After their inaugural year, the Seahawks were members of the American Football Conference, up until 2002 when they joined the National Football Conference. They are the only team that has played in the championship game of both conferences. The Seahawks play home games at Qwest Field, which has a seat capacity of 67,000. This fall the Seahawks will kick off the season with a home game against the 49ers on September 12.If its baseball you prefer, checkout the Seattle Mariners throughout the spring and summer. The Mariners have called Safeco Field home since 1999. Not only will you get to enjoy an afternoon or evening of America’s favorite pastime, but the breathtaking views of the skyline and Puget Sound make it an aesthetically pleasing experience as well. Though they have yet to play in a World Series Championship Game, the Mariners share the record for most regular season wins, which they achieved in 2001 with 116 wins.A recent addition to the city’s sports scene is the Seattle Sounders, who were established as an MLS expansion team in 2007, but didn’t play their first game until the 2009 season. The Sounders share Qwest field with the Seahawks. So far the team has been very successful in both match attendance and winning record.The WNBA’s Seattle Storm is the only professional team in the city to have won a national championship. The Storm won the WNBA Championship in 2004 and have ended their seasons with winning records each year since, except in 2007 when they were 17-17.

A Journey Through the Miracle of Flight

2010-09-21T15:05:56Z

The innovations that have led humans to not only travel through the air but visit the moon and other planets are one of the most remarkable aspects of the last century. The Museum of Flight contains collections and exhibits that chronicle the beginnings and advancements of air and space travel. The Museum of Flight is the largest private museum of its kind in the world.The museum has an array of permanent exhibits such as an Air Force One jet, used by American presidents in the middle part of the 20^th century as well as one of only 20 Concorde supersonic jets ever made. Space galleries contain models of various Apollo lunar modules. The Personal Courage Wing is one of the most memorable exhibits with ten fighter aircrafts from World War II. There is a plane for every major participant of that war. Over 400 WWII model planes are also on display and help give an understanding of the history of each type of plane and how it was used during the war. The Birth of Aviation is another popular permanent exhibit that tells the story of the Wright Brothers and the miracle of flight.Temporary exhibits are also common at the museum and are sometimes displayed to mark the anniversary of an event. A recent exhibit that is being brought back this fall is Style in the Aisle. This unique and popular collection displays and tells the history of the ever-changing uniforms of flight attendants of U.S. airlines. When it returns, the exhibit will have even more uniforms that it did the first time around in 2008.The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and if you happen to be around the first Thursday of the month, the museum is open until 9 p.m. on those days, with free admission after 5 p.m. Tickets range from 6.50 to 15.00 and kids under 5 years old get in for free.