Seattle has grown into a city of extraordinary sights, sounds and smells. The sights are numerous and awe-inspiring. The sounds are the many bells, horns and whistles from draw bridges to vessels making headway to the open waters.
And the smells, the aroma of fresh brewed coffee. The Emerald City has become the coffee Mecca of the world, the launching pad and testing grounds for the infamous Starbucks Coffee.
This pioneer settlement started out as a logging town, shipping logs down the coast to San Francisco and soon received its "claim-to-fame" during the Klondike Gold Rush (Alaska Gold Rush) of 1897.
The cry of the "Klondike Gold" could be heard across the world. It was July of 1897 that gold seekers from every corner of the earth descended on the small pioneer town. Tens of thousands of Yukon bound individuals poured through the now ever-growing city.
This small pioneer town literally jumpstarted it's reputation as a regional trade center as the Northwest's economy grew from the gold seekers.
The Chamber of Commerce didn't hesitate to take advantage of the opportunity. They promoted the growing city as the "only place" to outfit for the Yukon. Sales of materials soared to $25 million by early 1898. Shopkeepers were stacking their goods 10-feet deep on the storefront boardwalks. The Yukon stampeders bought supplies, lodging and boarded ships heading for the Yukon goldfields.
Pioneer Square…
You can explore some of the historic gold rush days by exploring Pioneer Square. Parking is a challenge in the Pioneer Square area; however, head west towards Puget Sound, you'll find ample parking along the waterfront near Jackson, Main and Washington streets. Walking to Pioneer Square is only blocks away, in fact, if you like walking; downtown is not that big, you can walk everywhere. Also, the buses are free in the downtown area so you can easily get around.
Pioneer Square is located at the intersection of 1st Ave.. and Yesler Way. If you're not familiar with the streets, ask anyone, they'll point you in the right direction. Before strolling around Pioneer Square we recommend that you check out the visitors center at 117 South Main Street, 2-blocks north of the football stadium.
At the visitors center ask about the walking tours and other scheduled programs. You can also see exhibits and programs telling the story of the Emerald City's crucial role as the staging area for the Klondike Gold Rush.
Pikes Place Market…
Almost as old as the city, Pikes Place Market is arguably one of the city's most popular landmarks. It's the oldest continually operating farmers market in the country. Dating back to the 1800's, farmers from the area brought their goods to the market to barter and sell. The market grew over the years into the most unusual host of stores the world has ever known. As you meander around this colossal of storefronts, you'll find them in the most unusual nooks and crannies.
It was recently the City wanted to shut down the Market. City Fathers had other ideas for the land. However, a strong group of protesters emerged to keep this historical site open. Thanks to them, we can continue to explore this fabulous section of historical culture.
Pikes Place Market is located on the northern portion of Alaskan Way, along the waterfront, up a block on 1st Ave.. Parking is difficult at the Market; however, if you're willing to walk a few blocks you can find ample parking along the waterfront. All in all, we recommend that you park your car and walk around. You can experience that much more.
Seattle's Waterfront…
Between Pioneer Square and Pikes Place Market is the waterfront. It's truly spectacular. If you leave the Pioneer Square area, you can walk north along the waterfront towards Pikes Place Market. You'll walk past a number of piers, the numbers getting larger as you walk northward.
Pier 59, the now Waterfront Park. It was this location that spurred the Alaska Gold Rush. This is where the ship Portland docked with 68 prospectors whose cargoes of gold launched the Klondike Gold Rush.
Continue northward and you'll walk by the waterfront fire station and the ferry docks. If you have some time, hop on one of the ferries for a ride to Bremerton or Winslow. It'll give you a good perspective of Seattle as you pass Alki Point to the south and a grand view of Seattle looking to the east.
As you continue to stroll northward along the waterfront you'll reach the Aquarium. The aquarium is a door to the marine life in Puget Sound. Kids have the ability to spend hours watching these diverse fish move sleekly about in their tank homes.
Making your way further northward along the waterfront, there are several specialty shops that will likely lure you into their domain. They offer a host of gift items that display the essence of Seattle.
Feel free to rest your feet at one of the many fish & chip bars. They are plentiful and offer great tasting fish, especially with the malt vinegar sprinkled over the crust of the fish…yummy!
Towards the end of the established "Seattle Waterfront", approaching Pier 66, you may notice a large cruise ship. This is the renowned cruise ship terminal. Here's your gateway to an Alaska cruise. Check out the Alaska cruise that we explored on Norwegian Cruise Lines…
Cross the street, heading east, is Pikes Place Market. You can get some exercise by walking up the stairs or utilize the elevator and glide up the bluff. At the top the door is open to explore the vast specialty shops of Pikes Place Market.
Seattle's Space Needle...
The most prominent figure in the Emerald City is obviously the Space Needle. It's the Eye Of The Needle that put Seattle on the map. Without the "Needle" the city's history would have taken a whole different turn.
In the 1950's businessmen and the city council were looking at avenues to attract people to the Emerald City. The idea of a World's Fair sparked the interest of the council. Other cities throughout the world were having great success promoting their cities with a "World’s Fair". The Emerald City decided to hop on the bandwagon.
The theme of the city's World's Fair was the 21st Century, what the future holds. The Space Needle was the Fair's centerpiece. Protruding some 600 feet above Seattle's skyline, it served as the beacon of light beaconing others to come to Seattle. And come they did. The fair, opened in 1962 and was a great success. It not only brought people but it also brought revenue.
While most cities throughout the world lost money with their fairs, The Emerald City made a profit. And to this day, you might say the "Fair" is still in existence.
When you visit the Space Needle you'll see many remnants from the 1962 World's Fair that are still in operation such as: the Monorail, Science Center, The International Building, and of course, the Space Needle.
Pictures of Seattle…
If you have a vehicle and want to get some fabulous views either to capture on film or simple enjoy, we'll share with you some kept secrets of where to see the city up close and personal.
Queen Ann View Point…From the Seattle Center (where the Space Needle is) make your way to Queen Anne Ave., it's west of the Center. Drive north on Queen Anne, head up the log and drudgerous hill. Turn left on Highland, not quite at the top of the hill. Drive about 3-blocks and you'll see, to the south, a small vista point over-looking the Space Needle. It also makes for a great view of Mt. Rainier too.
Belvedere View Point Park…From I-5 North or South, OR Highway 99 North or South, head west on the West Seattle Freeway. Take the Admiral Way exit, it's about 1-mile past the bridge that crosses over Harbor Island. Drive north on Admiral Way for about 1½ miles, you'll see the Vista Point Park on the east side of the road.
Alki Point…Take the West Seattle Freeway and exit at Harbor Ave SW. Drive north following the water. You'll see many vantage points that make for fabulous photo shots along this drive.
Washington State Ferries…Hop aboard one of the ferries departing downtown Seattle and enjoy the breath-taking views from the stern section.
Seattle Attractions & Things to Do…
Visit our top Seattle Attractions
Things to Do in Seattle
Don't Get Caught In The "Whirlpool"...
Here's a good quote regarding how we as people get caught up in the "whirlpool".
"Such people are like monkeys. Frantically grasping for the moon in the water. And then falling into the whirlpool. How endlessly those caught up in the floating world suffer".
- Ryokan
With that here's something that may help to pull yourself out of the "whirlpool". Our friend Steve Manning says:
"Three steps? It only takes three steps to solve problems, make money and feel happy? I didn't believe it either, until I tried it. Not only do the three steps work, but you can do them anywhere, anytime, for any situation---and in about three minutes! On top of that, this method never fails.
Okay, okay, enough hype. This is a strategy that actually does dramatically help you solve all kinds of problems and get real results. It’s certainly worth a look and it’ has been working for a huge number of people out there. It’s called Power Pause and the strategy takes about three minutes once you have the techniques down. Yep, I’ had my doubts, too. But take a look."
We hope you enjoy your explorations. If you have any specific question, simply contact us.
Craig & Maria Dahl - The Travel Experts
We are also the Senior Editors for Love Quotes For You and Luxury Romantic Vacations; we've brought the Best of both worlds together, Love & Travel.
Return to Northwest Travel Tips Home Page
