What is there to do in Seattle? - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

dionfan · 08-02-2008, 04:17 PM

Next week, my brother and I are going motorbiking to Seattle for a few days. We're planning to see a Mariners game, check out the Space Needle and maybe get out to Mount St. Helens.

I've heard Seattle is great for its shopping spots, but is it really a big deal?

Is there anything else that is a must-see?

Edit: Forgot to mention, we are hoping to get to the game early to watch batting practice (and hopefully snag a flyball or two). How early should we get to Safeco?

Displaced Flames fan · 08-02-2008, 04:28 PM

Pike Street Market. MUST.

I would also look into the live music scene, but that's just me. Maybe visit the old Music Bank?

HOZ · 08-02-2008, 04:35 PM

Down along the Piers was nice. Lots of nice restaurants.

Once you finish with Pike Street market, where the 1st Star Bucks is, you can walk down to the piers.

http://www.ci.seattle.wa.us/html/visitor.htm

bobrick · 08-02-2008, 04:38 PM

Go on the underground tour, here: http://www.undergroundtour.com/
Good both times I've been on it.

Igottago · 08-02-2008, 05:22 PM

Jimi Hendrix Music Experience in addition to what the others mention above. I found Seattle to be a bit underwhelming in terms of really interesting things to see. Might go again to check out the music scene, which is still apparently quite good.

Flames in 07 · 08-02-2008, 05:52 PM

A safeco tour is a good idea, I'd get there when the doors open if you want to watch BP, I believe the doors open 120 min before the game. Go to the left field stands, better chance of getting a ball there than right field, way less people, and all the balls that are hit into the pen are tossed up to the fans.

Resolute 14 · 08-02-2008, 05:56 PM

A second for Pikes market.

Boeing Air museum is pretty cool.

Jimi Hendrix Experience if you want to get bent over on the entry fee.

Could check out the Tacoma Narrows Bridge or the Freemont Troll.

Ride the Monorail to nowhere!

Canada 02 · 08-02-2008, 06:31 PM

if you like the outdoors, there some nice scenery and trails/hikes around Snoqualmie Falls, about half an hour east of Seattle

peter12 · 08-02-2008, 07:03 PM

Go see the zoo. It's really great. I love Seattle, one of my favourite places to go. Forget the tours and all that, just walk around the city and enjoy it. There's also Seattle Art Museum which is really cool. A lot of great architecture in the core as well, the public library is really amazing.

MoneyGuy · 08-02-2008, 07:07 PM

Yes to both Pikes Market and the underground tour. Watch for flying fish at the market. On the underground tour, if you have kids have them ask to be put on rat patrol.

tvp2003 · 08-02-2008, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dionfan

Next week, my brother and I are going motorbiking to Seattle for a few days. We're planning to see a Mariners game, check out the Space Needle and maybe get out to Mount St. Helens.

I've heard Seattle is great for its shopping spots, but is it really a big deal?

Is there anything else that is a must-see?

Edit: Forgot to mention, we are hoping to get to the game early to watch batting practice (and hopefully snag a flyball or two). How early should we get to Safeco?

Seeing as how I posted this thread: http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=61295 I guess I'd better chime in

Shopping: Depends on what you're looking for. There is (of course) the market down on Pike Street, some US department stores (Macy's, Nordstrom) in the downtown area, and the major downtown mall (Pacific Place) has a lot of mid-high end retailers. But if you're into bargains (like me

) there are some great outlet malls within driving distance. The one in Tulalip (Seattle Premium Outlets) is probably the best; there is also one in North Bend that's smaller but less crowded. Here is some more info: http://washington-state-travel.suite...eattle_outlets Run a google search to see which stores are at each outlet mall (Nike, Adidas, Gap, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, etc.) -- if there is a specific brand you are interested in you can find some great buys (not like the crappy "outlet malls" here in Calgary with basically leftover junk). Don't forget to mention you're from Alberta, because you are tax exempt from state sales tax (you'll need to show them your driver's license).

No advice on getting fly balls at Safeco, but the stadium pretty sweet. You can basically walk around and watch from anywhere around the stadium (on the concourse); they also have beer gardens downstairs in centerfield, and you can watch the pitchers warm up in the bullpen from literally 10 feet away. Garlic fries can become dangerous so indulge with caution!

P.S. I agree with peter12 -- the Woodland Park Zoo is one of the best in the US and highly recommended if you're interested in that stuff

Flames in 07 · 08-02-2008, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoneyGuy

Yes to both Pikes Market and the underground tour. Watch for flying fish at the market. On the underground tour, if you have kids have them ask to be put on rat patrol.

And watch out for the monster fish at the north end of that store!!

Flaming Choy · 08-03-2008, 12:54 AM

PIkes Market and EMP for sure!!

They have a lot of really good restaurants around the market too.

dionfan · 08-03-2008, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tvp2003

Don't forget to mention you're from Alberta, because you are tax exempt from state sales tax (you'll need to show them your driver's license).

Does this apply to....everything? I can go anywhere in Washington state and tell them I am from out of state and they will not charge me?

Sorry if its a dumb question, its just the first I heard of such a thing.

BuzzardsWife · 08-03-2008, 05:37 AM

Hubby decided last night to go to seattle in september so i'll have to show him this thread, how bout good food there?

Flames in 07 · 08-03-2008, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dionfan

Does this apply to....everything? I can go anywhere in Washington state and tell them I am from out of state and they will not charge me?

Sorry if its a dumb question, its just the first I heard of such a thing.

Yes, state tax exempt from absolutely everything best I can tell. It's a bit of a hassel as they have to fill out some paperwork that will take a couple minutes, so I wouldn't hold up the starbucks line with that one, but yea, tax exempt from everything.

Incogneto · 08-03-2008, 10:16 AM

Boeing plant in Everett is a must. Very very cool building to see....

Flaming Choy · 08-03-2008, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuzzardsWife

Hubby decided last night to go to seattle in september so i'll have to show him this thread, how bout good food there?

food is good. We didn't venture too far from the market but try Matt's in the Market and Etta's.

One more thing i forgot to mention, the outlet malls around seattle are pretty good also.

StrayBullet · 08-03-2008, 02:20 PM

The Crab Pot.

http://www.pier57seattle.com/restaurants.html

tvp2003 · 08-03-2008, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flames in 07

Yes, state tax exempt from absolutely everything best I can tell. It's a bit of a hassel as they have to fill out some paperwork that will take a couple minutes, so I wouldn't hold up the starbucks line with that one, but yea, tax exempt from everything.

I've only asked for a tax-exemption when buying things at stores; also, I'm not sure if everything is subject to tax (i.e. food). However, it isn't for all out-of-state residents (i.e. visitors from BC still have to pay tax IIRC).