What could be more fun than a trip to Seattle with thoughts of coffee, grunge, computer genius protégés and of course, the Seattle Seahawks. On a recent trip to this popular Pacific Northwest town however, I found there was a whole lot more, and yes you can do it in 24 hours. In fact, Seattle has a real charm and appeal and to me this bohemian city reminded me a bit of San Francisco. San Francisco or not, Seattle is an eclectic city with a vibe all its own. It all started when the city became popular in 1962 after hosting the World’s Fair. In fact, that’s where the Space Needle came from – all 605 feet of it. It was built to show the world “the city of the future” and it has made a permanent mark on the Seattle skyline ever since.

There is also a restaurant at the top of the Space Needle that rotates every hour providing awesome views of Puget Sound and the Cascade and Olympic Mountains. I was hungry so I ate there, but even if you’re not hungry just visit the observation deck at 520-feet with 360-degree views as well.

Seattle also has a good share of museums, theaters, parks and specialty amusements. Neighborhoods and historic districts are also quite popular, beginning with the well-known Underground Tour.

Take the 90-minute Underground Tour and experience a look back in time at Seattle. It is a historic, guided walking tour that takes the visitor beneath the city’s sidewalks of Pioneer Square and other historic districts.

As I traveled through subterranean passages I discovered what was, at one time, the actual roadways and first-floor storefronts of the old city. The great fire in 1889 destroyed Seattle’s downtown that was mostly made of wood and definitely changed the city’s architecture forever. The Underground Tour explains how it all happened with a humorous and irreverent look at the past.

Seattle’s museums range from music, to dolls to the more traditional natural history, fine art and flight themes.

Check out The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture featuring artifacts from the Pacific Northwest including American totem poles, hand-carved cedar canoes, dinosaur skeletons and fossils.

The Experience Music Project has the entire city in a buzz and was the brainchild of Microsoft co-founder, Paul G. Allen. This museum is dedicated to exploring the creative and innovative American music scene including rock ‘n’ roll, jazz, soul, gospel and even hip-hop. It’s huge at 140,000 square feet and it has over 80,000 artifacts including the largest Jim Hendrix memorabilia collection around.

For those strictly into art, the Henry Art Gallery is a must-see for modern and contemporary works. Lesser known museums in Seattle include the Museum of Glass, Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame and the Seattle Asian Art Museum.

Since Puget sounds plays such a large role in Seattle’s geography it is no wonder that there are many water activities for the visitor. Argosy Cruises is Seattle’s largest water sightseeing tour operator and there are dinner and lunch excursions as well.

Seattle seaplanes will give you an excellent tour of the area from high-up or the “Ride the Ducks” tour will actually take you up close and personal to the water in a vintage DUKW vehicle straight out of World War II.

Many of Seattle’s neighborhoods are still intact from times gone by and to visit is to get an idea of what the city once offered. Pike Place Market is the oldest continuously-operated farmer’s market in the United States. It is also located in a nine-acre historic district in the heart of downtown.

Pioneer Square is another oldie, but goodie. Located on the southern fringe of the downtown business area, there are 20 square blocks of Victorian Romanesque buildings. It is also in this area where most of the museums, art galleries and restaurants come to life.

The Seattle Center is where the 1962 World’s Fair actually took place and now it is a 74-acre park with museums, theatres and other attractions that constantly draw crowds. Make your way to the waterfront since it’s a treat to watch the ferry boats, luxury cruise liners and sightseeing tour boats all move around at once.

The aquarium is located at the waterfront too and a visit to the IMAX Omnidome Theater is a good chance to see “The Eruption of Mt. St. Helens.”

Wine tasting is really becoming a popular Seattle pastime with Bainbridge Islands Vineyards and Winery on the top of the list. It’s a small family run vineyard that is just a 35-minute ride across Puget Sound. There is also the Redhook Brewery or the Pyramid Brewery offering free tours and tastings.

By the way, while in town, make yourself at home at the W hotel (1112 Fourth Avenue), a hip spot in the heart of Seattle’s financial, retail and entertainment district attracting visitors and locals alike.

The 26-floor getaway also features the popular W Bar and The Living Room, a prime gathering spot for guests to meet and socialize and the last place I visited after a full day and a short night before heading to my next stop in the world of global meltdown.

About the author:

This week Traveling Tales welcomes freelance travel writer Rita Cook, who makes her home in North Hollywood, California.

Photos courtesy of the Seattle Convention & Visitors Bureau:
1: The Space Needle dominates Seattle’s skyline
2: The Aquarium also offers the IMAX Theatre
3: The Public Market is a popular meeting place for locals and visitors

It’s that time of year again –when chocolate boxes are carved into hearts, roses brim from corner grocers, and cupid comes out of hiding. So, how are you going to celebrate the big day of romance? What love-struck surprise can you conjure up for your favorite valentine? What about heading to the emerald city of Seattle? Here are just a few sweetheart sites that this Pacific Northwest jewel has to offer.

A Treasure Trove for Two

Although Seattle’s downtown core is a mish mash of past and present, it all works together harmoniously. New-age high rises hover above Gold Rush landmarks, trendy boutiques snuggle between flagship department stores and government headquarters brush up to corporate conglomerates. There are countless cozy espresso bars where you can escape the drizzly weather, ethnic-varied restaurants to appease the most discerning palate and so much cultural diversity it’ll make your head spin. This destination that’s embraced by the glistening Puget Sound and backed by snow tipped peaks is so picturesque it’ll tug on any heart strings.

Make Some Music Together at Experience Music Project (EMP)

This massive Frank O. Gehry architectural wonder, vaguely shaped in the form of a monumental guitar, is jammed packed with opportunities to get both of your hearts thumping. You’ll be mesmerized by the psychedelic-like acoustics of Sky Church, where musical greats become giant size on the monster video screen, take a step back in time with Jimi Hendrix and his ‘Evolution of Sound,’ and unleash innate musical talents when performing that special song for the one you love. Plunk away on the keyboard, strum on a guitar or serenade each other with a golden oldie.

Charge up Your Imaginations
Instead of sounds, sci-fi may be more your thing. If so, you won’t have to stray too far. Right next door is the Science Fiction Museum, a mind boggling exhibit that’s devoted to thought-provoking ideas. There’s everything from literature and media to future visions for humanity. Their Hall of Fame pays homage to the creative practitioners –writers, artists, publishers and filmmakers and others who have given life to this imaginative world. On your journey you’ll come face to face with monsters, robots, and aliens –just to throw a little Halloween into this Valentine’s Day.

Take Your Love to a Higher Level
This futuristic-looking Space Needle has been Seattle’s well known icon since the World’s Fair in 1962. From its lofty six hundred foot (204 meters) high observatory your hearts will palpitate when checking out the stunning panorama that includes everything from the city’s bustling downtown hub to the pinnacle of Mt Rainer. Even when the clouds roll in, the ethereal effect will initiate some loving Valentine vibes. You can also share the vista while wining and dining by candlelight. This landmark’s SkyCity rotating restaurant dishes up culinary classics that match the 360 degree rotating view.

Or Go underground!
For a step back in time, stroll the cobblestone streets of Pioneer Square, where an iron pergola, Tlingit totem pole, and Romanesque brick buildings are remnants of Seattle’s past. Check out art galleries, cafés, antique shops –the eclectic area definitely encourages lots of hand-holding. And don’t forget to check out what also lies beneath the streets. Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour is a cheesy but entertaining guided tour of the hidden subterranean passages that were once the main roadways of downtown Seattle.

Plod Through Pike Place Market
Chocolates, flowers, jewelry, oh my! You’ll find every valentine favorite at this queen bee of farmer’s markets. But watch out for those flying fish! This venue has been a Seattle institution since 1907 and beneath open air tents, merchants, craftsman and farmers line up year round. Aside from the original Starbucks, you won’t find any chain stores here –and all is sold on a first come basis, so for the freshest and finest, get their early. You won’t be disappointed!

Go For Some Paired Pampering
Vida is one Seattle’s newer spas where you can bliss out together. All seventeen treatment rooms offer unrivalled delights that will satisfy any spa aficionado. From hot stones and body wraps to massages and facials their therapies are designed to relax, restore and regenerate. While lying side by side in one of these zen-like havens, you’ll most definitely zone out.

A Secluded Sanctuary – The Pan Pacific Hotel Seattle
This elite award winner occupies a prime location near the city’s core. Instead of being squeezed next to downtown high rises that brim from Seattle’s bustling vortex, you’ll be idyllically distanced from the percolating crowds. It’s just four blocks from the Pike and Pine Street shopping, six blocks from the Convention Center and the Space Needle, and minutes via streetcar from Lake Union’s enticing restaurants.

You may want to surprise your sweetie by booking the ‘Romance Package.’ A fresh bouquet, decadent chocolates and a bottle of bubbly will accompany your contemporary suite. Or better yet, go for the Sleepless in Seattle. With brunch in bed, a pair of PJs to share and free romantic in-room movies, you probably won’t get much shut eye!

IF YOU GO:
Where To Stay
Pan Pacific Hotel Seattle
2125 Terry Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
Phone 206-264-8111
Reservations: 877-324-4856
www.panpacific.com/Seattle/Overview.html

What to Do:
Vida Spa – www.vidawellness.com
Seattle visitor guide www.visitseattle.org/
Experience Music Project – www.empsfm.org/
Seattle Space Needle – www.spaceneedle.com/
Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour www.undergroundtour.com/
Pike Place Market: www.pikeplacemarket.org/frameset.asp?flash=true

About the Author:

Since 1996, Jane Cassie’s articles have appeared in over 3,000 newspapers and magazines. As well as co-owner of Travel Writers’ Tales www.travelwriterstales.com, she’s a member of SATW, TMAC and BCATW. www.janecassie.com

About The Photos:
1. EMP shaped like a monumental guitar
2. Dining in style at the space Needle’s SkyCity
3. To market, to market
4. Enjoying Pan Pacific’s room service