Seattle Area
Seattle is a city that is famous for many things, not the least of which is its rainy weather, charming cafes, beautiful surroundings, and excellent seafood. Many famous people, including Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, Jimi Hendrix, and Bill Gates, have chosen to make Seattle their home over the years. In the late 1800's Seattle was burnt to the ground due to a glue pot that was spilt in a cabinet maker's shop. As a result, the city was rebuilt using predominately brick instead of wood structures. The city boasts 80 live music clubs and has a wide variety of restaurants and shops, many of which offer unique items such as "red wine jam" or "jasmine flavored honey". Spending a few days to enjoy the city and the surrounding area is a great way to get to get a glimpse of this city's character and charm.
Highlights of Seattle
- Space Needle
- Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park
- Pike Place Market
- Seattle Center
- Seattle Art Museum
Historical Sites
The Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park
One of the few indoor national parks in the country, the Klondike Gold Rush National Park offers visitor's the unique opportunity to learn more about the lives of gold miners that came to stake a claim in the Yukon Territory. Opening hours are from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.
Pike Place Market
For those who like to soak in a little Seattle culture and seaside atmosphere, the Pike Place Market is the place to go. Consisting of a small street that is not far from the docks, Pike Place Market is a great place to spend a few hours walking around. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants in the area, as well as some interesting stands where you can find everything from fresh flowers and seafood to specialty items and souvenirs. There are also quite a few street performers in the area, including some entertaining vendors who make your shopping experience worthwhile with their crazy antics and unusual ways of attending to customers. Starbucks lovers will be interested to know that the original location can be found on this street. Additional information about the Pike Place Market can be found at: www.pikeplacemarket.org.
Activities
Space Needle
One of the most photographed sites in Seattle is the Seattle Space needle. For those who aren't afraid of heights, there are three glass elevators which will take you to the top of the tower for some spectacular views. There you will find a newly remodeled observation deck which allows for some breathtaking views of the city and the areas around Seattle. If you're not feeling too queasy, there is a restaurant on the observation deck called The Sky City Kitchen where you can grab a sandwich. The Sky City Restaurant is another option if you are interested in eating your dinner while rotating above the city.
Seattle Center
The Seattle Center consists of an enclave of exhibition halls, arenas, and public spaces that were built for the 1962 World Fair in a style that was supposed to offer a "glimpse of tomorrow". It's a nice place to visit, but has been said to leave visitors with more of a nostalgic feeling than visionary one. Additional information about The Seattle Center can be found at: www.seattlecenter.com.
Seattle Art Museum
This museum contains some excellent artifacts from the Indian tribes who inhabited the coastal northwest. A wide variety of masks, canoes, totem poles and additional items are on display and offer an interesting glimpse into the lives and culture of the people who originally inhabited the area. Opening hours and additional information may be found at: www.seattleartmuseum.org.
China Town
If you are in the mood for some good Chinese food and want to immerse yourself in all things Chinese, a walk through China Town can be a lot of fun.
Northwest Outdoor Center
A trip to Seattle would not be complete without enjoying some of the surrounding natural beauty. At the Northwest Outdoor Center, there are a variety of kayaks that can be rented for excursions out onto Lake Union and further on to Lake Washington. More information about the Northwest Outdoor Center can be found at: www.nwoc.com. Students with an ISE Cards will receive 20% off of hourly kayak rentals.
Nordic Heritage Museum
This museum is unique is that it is the only one in the US which is dedicated to honoring the heritage of people from the five Nordic countries. There are some very interesting exhibitions and it's definitely worth a visit. The museum's website is: www.nordicmuseum.org. If you have an ISE Card, there is a special "two for one" price or 50% off of a regular admission price for one.
Wing Luke Asian Museum
Another museum of interest is the Wing Luke Asian Museum which documents the volatile history concerning the clash between Asian and Western cultures in Seattle. The museum consists of artwork, special exhibits, historic photographs, as well as a replica of a WWII Japanese-American internment camp with recorded interviews with internees. Additional information can be obtained by calling: 206 623 5124
Gameworks
Offering a variety of games, this is a great place to spend a few hours and have a
few laughs. Information about what types of games are offered as well as locations may be found at: www.gameworks.com. ISE Cardholders who buy any game card will get a second game card for free (friends play free).
Seattle Tours
An excellent way to get a feel for Seattle is to take one of the many tours on offer. Seattle Tours covers most of the highlights (206-768-1234). There is a $3.00 discount on the tour price for ISE Cardholders.
Places to Stay
Best Western
Information about Best Western hotels in Seattle may be found at: www.bestwestern.com. ISE Cardholders will receive 10-15% off of the rack rate at all Best Western Hotels. In addition to showing an ISE Card, each Best Western Hotel requires that cardholders mention the corporate ID number, 00140160, in order to obtain the discounted rate.
Econo Lodge Sea-Tac Int'l Airport
If you would like to spend the night before heading into Seattle or want to be close to the airport before leaving, the Econo Lodge at Sea-Tac is a good option.
13910 Tukwila International Blvd
(206) 244-0810
ISE Cardholders are eligible to receive 20% off of the rack rate.
Summerfield Suites Hotel
1011 Pike Street
(206) 682-8282
50% off rack rate for ISE Cardholders.
Commodore Hotel
2013 Second Avenue
(206) 448-8868
10% off for ISE Cardholders.
Hostels
There are a wide variety of hostels in Seattle. To search for hostels online with full descriptions, photos and availability features, please click here. The $2 reservation fee will be waived when booking through this site.
Places to Eat
Godfather's Pizza
1830 Broadway
(206) 328-1992
ISE Cardholders will receive 20% off
TGIFriday's
(206) 621-7290
Those with an ISE Card are eligible for a free appetizer with any two entrées (excludes three for all)
Wingdome
(206) 632-1033
For some good chicken wings, Wingdome is an option. ISE Cardholders who buy 10 wings will get a 20 oz. soda for free (dine-in only).
Madame K's
5327 Ballard Ave NW
Ballard,98107
(206) 783 9710
This is a great spot for those who enjoy a little ambience while dining. This elegant pizza parlor has a distinctive bordello feel and the building actually housed a brothel at one time. It's worth arriving early (especially for dinner) as it fills-up fast.
Sushi Tokyo
6311 Roosevelt Way
(206) 526-2935
For those who like their food uncooked, Sushi Tokyo is a nice spot for quick Asian food. ISE Cardholders receive 10% off.
Getting Around
Walking
Seattle is a very walk-able city. For those interested in obtaining more information about walking routes, please visit: www.seattle.gov/html/citizen/pedestrian.htm.
Car
For those interested in renting a car, there are plenty of rental agencies at the airport. However, please keep in mind that it might be significantly cheaper to pick-up your rental in downtown Seattle (some charge $80.00 just for the convenience of getting your car at the airport). There is a cheap bus to the city center (see Bus). If you park in downtown Seattle, make sure that you are careful about parking regulations as towing is strongly enforced (even if you are only a few minutes late).
Bus
There is a nice city bus that departs regularly from Sea-Tac for downtown Seattle. The price is around $1.50-$2.00 and the trip takes about a half an hour. Once you are in the city, there is a free hop-on, hop-off service within the city center so you don't have to pay to get around unless you leave designated "city-center" area. Additional information about the bus may be found at the information counter at the airport.
Metro
There is a nice metro train in downtown Seattle.
Monorail
Those interested in traveling between downtown Seattle and the Seattle Center might enjoy taking the monorail-the first of the nation's full-scale commercial monorail systems. It is a quick ride and is a fun way to get around. For additional information, please click here: www.seattlemonorail.com.
Taxi
Taxi's in Seattle are expensive but are not difficult to find. Usually it's best to call in advance.
Moving On
Air
The Seattle (SeaTac) Airport offers flights to Europe, Asia and destinations throughout North America. Those with an early flight might want to consider spending the night at one of the many hotels near the airport as SeaTac is about 13 miles (21 km) south of Seattle's city center.
Quick Shuttle
The Greyhound "Quick Shuttle" runs from SeaTac Airport to Downtown Seattle. ISE Cardholders that keep their Greyhound bus receipts will be reimbursed 10% off the ticket price (walk-up tickets only). Receipts must be sent to ISE.
Ferry
There are a variety of ferries that depart from Seattle for those who are interested. State operated ferries run from Seattle to Bremerton and Bainbridge Island. If you have a vehicle, you will need to make a reservation. Ferries that go up to Canada are also available at Pier 69.
Bus
If you are interested in taking the bus, Greyhound has some nice routes between Seattle and Portland along the I-5 South and up to Vancouver along the I-5 north. There are also routes along the I-90 which goes to Spokane, northern Idaho, Montana and on to Chicago. Quick Shuttle makes express runs between Seattle and Vancouver every day with convenient pick-up at the airport or the downtown Travelodge. ISE Cardholders that keep their Greyhound bus receipts will be reimbursed 10% off the ticket price (walk-up tickets only). Receipts must be sent to ISE.
Train
Amtrak runs through Seattle's King Street Station. There are two train lines, "The Empire Builder" which heads east through Spokane to Chicago and "The Coast Starlight" which runs between Seattle and LA with stops along the way. ISE Cardholders will receive a discount of 15% off of their Amtrak ticket by calling Amtrak at 1-800-835-8725 (in the US) to make their reservation and then calling 1- 800-255-8000 to give their reservation number and information to ISE to receive a rebate check.
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