Goin' To Seattle!

[JSngry]

That's right - an old fashioned FAMILY VACATION is in store, the kind where you don't go visit relatives and such, but just go for the hell of it and be tourists. We've not had one of those in quite a while.

I know that we have more than a few members from the Seattle area, so I'm turning to y'all for vacation advice. Keep in mind, this is a "family vacation", not a "jazz vacation", so I'm looking for tips as to what Me, LTB, an soon-to-be 18 year old manchild and a 13 year old daughter can all take in with fairly equal enjoyment. Fer instance - does the Nintendo complex in Redmond offer tours? Sega? Microsoft? We're a computer/video gaming kinda family, so this would be something of interest to us all.

Also, my son is really into alternative rock and other kinds of "edgy" musics (including a little bit of jazz) as well as all sports, and my daughter is really into all things Japanese - food, music (so-called "J-Rock"), culture, clothing, etc. LTB really likes botanical gardens, marketplaces, and stuff like that

Tips on the most effective means of transportation would be appreciated - is car rental the way to go, or is public transportaion really (and I mean REALLY) efficient for access to the entire (and I mean ENTIRE) area?

Lodging - this being a "real" vacation, we're looking at some downtown Westin Hotel -a "tower" of some sort - that looks really nice (and at the VERY upper end of our budget). We like the view and the location. But any suggestions as to how to get "the same" (or better, in terms or "local ambiance") for less (or about the same) are also appreciated.

And above all - what are the "must sees" of the Seattle area, the things that no visit to Seattle is complete without, the things that "everybody" sees/does. We've been doing the "visit relatives" vacations for so long that we are actually EXCITED about being tourists for once. so if there's ANYTHING that is a "local cliche", please recommend it (but don't skimp on the hip stuff either )

Record/CD shopping? Maybe, but only if the family stuff allows. A list of options WOULD be apprecated, though, because you never know... Same for live music (and what are the laws about minors in clubs? Would our daughter be allowed in a club if accompanied by one of both parents?). It's "family first" on this trip, but we all enjoy live music of varying types to varying degrees, so it could easily be made a part of our plans.

We plan on being there in mid-June, and are currently looking at a 6 night stay. Might have to cut that back for economic reasons, but one Saturday afternoon-Sunday weekend is definitely included no matter what. So far, Mt. St. Helens & the Kurt Cobain memorial are definitely on the itenerary, and I'm going to be talking to a travel agent next week. but there's no substitute for "asking the locals", and you guys are no doubt hipper than the the average local, so I'm betting that it'll be a GREAT week!

As always, thanks in advance!

Edited May 4, 2004 by JSngry

[alejo]

Hello Jim,

Here are a few ideas. I hope they help.

Rent a car. You will get a better feel for the city and have more freedom to venture out of town and see stuff like Snoqualmie Falls and just drive up into the mountains. With a car you can also take a ferry ride to either Vashon or Bainbridge Island. The views on the return trip are just amazing. And if Mount Rainer is out then you are in for a treat. The downsides with driving are parking, traffic, and high gas prices – just like in any bigish city.

As for hotels, June is a pretty busy month and you might have a hard time getting great deals downtown. I’ll ask around and get back to you re: moderately priced, great location hotels. Sometimes the no thrills hotels around the Seattle Center (SC) have good prices. It’s about a mile north of Downtown and usually had ample parking. You can catch the Monorail into downtown from the SC. I personally wouldn’t recommend the Experience Music Project, also at the SC, unless you are a huge Jimi Hendrix fan – to me it’s not worth the $20 price of addmission.

Capitol Hill Area

This is where they coral most of in Seattle’s hipsters upon moving to this city. Broadway, Pine, and Pike are the main commercial drag in this neighborhood. I don’t venture over there as much as I used to since I am over 30 and they kill anyone over 30 a la Logans Run. Really, it’s a fun place to check out for a few hours to people watch, shop, and eat. There are a few good records shops in this area. Wall of Sound (315 E Pine St) and Respect Records 1315 E. Pine St and the owners of these shops are really nice.

Baseball Game

Safeco Field

You might be in town for a Mariners Game and even though they suck this year it is worth the price of admission just to see the stadium and the views. Make sure you ask them to seat you facing the downtown skyline. I think prices in the upper bleachers can run $16 to $20.The cheap seats behind the outfield run about $8 to $10.

Japanese Garden in the Seattle Arboretum

2300 Arboretum Dr. E

It’s located in the Arboretum towards the Madison St. side – a very nice and relaxing way to spend a half-hour or hour. I think it about $2.50 per person.

International District

You should spend a few hours in the International District. I recommend eating some lunch or dinner at Shangahai Garden (524 6th Ave S), their hand shaven noodles are great, and then venturing to the Asian Department and Food store Uwajimaya just across the street.

Downtown

I guess I have to also mention the Pike Place Market. It’s worth checking out at least once.

I am at you service if you need any more info or want to grab a beer when you arrive. I’m sure we could get a “jazz hang” on at a local Pub.

Here are some links to the local rags:

• www.seattleweekly.com/
  
• www.thestranger.com/current/
  

I’ll PM you my contact info.

Alejandro

Edited May 2, 2004 by alejo

[Guest ariceffron]

WHEN ARE YOU COMMING. DAVE DOUGLAS IS PLAYING ON THE 2ND AT A NICE NEW FANCY VENUE THE FAMILY WOULD LIKE CALLED THE TRIPPLE DOOR. THIS WEEK MARION MCPARTLAND IS AT THE JAZZ ALLEY. NEXT WEEK, LARRY CARLTON WITH HORNS. IF YOURE HEERE THE 29TH, AND U REALLY WANT TO KNOW WHATS UP W/ SEATTLE AND SEATTLE MUSIC, BRING HUNDRED BILLS IN CASH AND ATTEMPT TO GET TIX TO THE SOLD OUT HEART CONCERT AT THE EMP.

[PHILLYQ]

Bring umbrellas

[Chuck Nessa]

Ann insists (and I agree) you check out this.

[Dan Gould]

Too bad Frasier is clearing out before you get there.

[JSngry]

Thanks for that info, Alejandro. I'm a big Hendrix fan and so is my son, so we might have to bite the Experience Hendrix bullet and fork over the bucks. Oh well, maybe we can have a "boy's afternoon" & a "girls's afternoon" one day.

Chuck, thanks for that heads up. That's the kind of thing that I think we'll all enjoy seeing, and the proce is right.

[SGUD missile]

BTW:

check out this webpage:

http://www.tulas.com/calendar.html

Tulas is the local lower -priced jazz joint and this URL will let you see their appearance schedule for the month ..they also do Sunday matinees

If you have a free day, you might want to consider taking a ferry over to the Whidby Island and/or the Olympic Peninsula ..

BTW: the Thai restaurant above the Triple Door is EXCELLENT!!!

[Jazzmoose]

I agree; to get that close to Puget Sound without taking a ferry just wouldn't seem right!

[wolff]

St. Helens will be a long, full day day on the road. Mt. Ranier is amazing, also. Traffic could be a killer. Snoqualamie Falls is another option, and close in. Man, has Seattle grown.

I'm always giving directions to Hendix's grave site in nearby Renton.

You'll be downtown so maybe a decent dinner/show at Jazz Alley would be good. Minors were fine last time I checked.

The bus is great for around downtown and nearby areas. I'm sure you will take Monorail to Seattle Center and Space Needle and Paul Allen's Experience Music Project. Bumbershoot Music Festval would be a must see if you were coming in early Sept.

Do you fish? Be pretty cool to go home home with some salmon you caught.

You've got to stop in and say hi to Bud at Bud's Jazz Record store. A quick bus ride to Pioneer Square from your hotel. The Mariners are down there, too. Pricey, but you'll never forget how cool the ballpark is.

My kid is always going to shows. I'll ask him if there is anyone playing that might interest your son.

[Saxophone__Vagina]

Hey! I live in seattle. Let's see....interesting things, the japanese gardens is a definite must see.

As for public transportation, it is alright, the bus system can be pretty complex, not as simple or great as new york's subway system, but it can get you where you need to go if you have a map of the routes.

Pretty sad i cannot think of anything else to do in this city

Edited May 4, 2004 by Saxophone__Vagina

[Noj]

I hear Seattle is the absolute shit for skateboarders, not that this helps Jim in any way.

Have a great vacation, Sangrey fam.

[JSngry]

Thanks for all the comments so far. We're taking notes!

[wolff]

For the long drive stuff like St. Helens and Mt. Ranier ( Cascade Loop drive is another scenic drive that lets you see more of the incredible NW) you might want to take a tour bus from your hotel. More comfortable and you will not get lost.

A winery tour is nice also. The train (Washington Dinner Train) leaves from Renton(near Hendrix's cemetary) and goes to a winery. Nice little 3 to 4 hour trip.

[sidewinder]

Hopefully you can see a show at 'Jazz Alley' - recommended. Have very fond memories of the one day I've spent in Seattle and Stanley Turrentine just happened to be on at the Alley. Nice vibe in that place.

[Dave James]

Jim,

There used to be a funky jazz record stop in the vicinity of the old Kingdome called Bud's Records. Someone who lives in the Queen City might be able to supply additional details or info as to whether Bud's is still even in business. It's been years since I was there.

The Boeing Museum of Flight is just a little south of Seattle. Not sure if this is the kind of thing that puts wind in your sails, but I found it pretty interesting.

If you do go to Pike Place, don't miss the Pike Place Fish Market. That's the place that's world famous for fish throwing. It's pretty entertaining.

A brief cautionary note. Be prepared for some of the worst freeway traffic you'll ever run into. Seattle is the poster child for lack of infrastructural planning.

Oh, one other thing...while you're there, you won't want for coffee.

Up over and out.

[Rooster_Ties]

Somebody in Seatle help Jim out. My wife and I were there last June, and found "$5 off" coupons for the EMP. Took the sting off the $20 ticket price ($15 was easier to swallow), and it really was worth it.

We were seriously NOT gonna go, since $20 seemed pretty steep to me -- but I'm really glad we went. You get these interactive museum "electronic docent" things, with headphones -- and you can get expanded explainations about literally probably 1,000 things in the museum.

Jim, make sure you budget at least 3 or 4 hours for the EMP. We were there about 3 hours, and I could have probably spent the whole day there (though my wife was 'done' at three hours).

Their Hendrix exhibit was very cool. I used to be a Hendrix nut (when I was in high-school), and there was a whole bunch of Hendrix stuff/info/artifacts at the EMP, that I was only vaguely aware of. I probably spent at least an hour in the Hendrix area alone.

Again: Can somebody get Jim a few of those "$5 off" coupons??? We found them in the back of some local free guidebook, that I think we might have picked up from among the hundreds of brochures that were in a rack at the Seattle Aquarium. It was a kind of thick book, about the size of a Cadence mag (4 inches by 6 inches, maybe).

Jim, it's expensive, but it's worth it.

Oh, the food in the EMP restaurant was very expensive, so you might plan to try to eat somewhere else. It was good, but pretty darn pricey. (I'm sure you can get your hand stamped, and come back - or something like that.)

Edited May 4, 2004 by Rooster_Ties

[vibes]

Don't know if you're interested in all these attractions, but if so, this might be a good deal:

Citypass

My wife and I bought the Chicago version for our trip a few weeks ago, and saved quite a bit of money. We also didn't have to wait in ticket lines at most attractions because we had the Citypass.

[sal]

Jim, I spent practically an entire summer in the Pacific NW a couple years back. Seattle is a really cool city with lots to see, and the nature is beautiful. However, right across the bay from Seattle lies the Olympic Penninsula, which is covered almost entirely by Olympic National Park. This has to be one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Incredible beaches (not swimming type beaches, but natural, rugged beaches), temperate rain forrests, sub-alpine meadows and if you like to walk, you can reach the base of the Olympic Mountains and see the glaciers. In terms of nature, it doesn't get much better then summer in the Olympic Penninsula. Plus, there are lots of cool towns around there. Its just a ferry ride away from Seattle. Only problem is you might need more than a day or two to appreciate it. But if you are one of those nature types, its one of the greatest places in the world. I hope to retire there some day.

[sal]

I also second the recs for Mt. Ranier and Mt. St Helens. Both are incredible places. Man, I don't know why never moved to Washingon or Oregon. Such a beautiful region...........

[JSngry]

Regret to announce that the trip has been postponed due to circumstances beyond our control.

Hope one day to see the area yet.

Thanks for all the great ideas and generous offers. You guys are the best!

[ghost of miles]

I'm still hoping to get out there again myself (was last in Seattle circa fall 1988, on my way back from working on a salmon processor, just on the eve of the Great Grunge Explosion). Do they still offer a tour of the underground city?

And a big yes to the Olympic Peninsula. I hope to live there one day... preferably on the coastal part. Port Townsend, say...

[Saxophone__Vagina]

  ghost of miles said:

Do they still offer a tour of the underground city?

Yes, with monsters and all.