Travel article: Visiting Seattle

Seattle is becoming a cultural hub due to its embrace of both the arts and technology. Although it started as a logging town in the late 19th Century, in 2016 it was the fastest growing major city in the US. Seattle’s music scene gave rise to musicians such as Ray Charles and Jimi Hendrix and is also home to the tech giants Microsoft and Amazon. Here are a few things to be sure to check out if you ever find yourself there.

Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is a public marketplace (think farmer’s market but with crafts as well) that began in 1907 and still runs to this day! It has offerings ranging from fresh fish, to bread, and even a magic shop. It’s really more of an indoor/outdoor shopping and entertainment center but it’s very festive. There’s more than just shopping too, namely the gum wall and Rachel the Pig. The Gum Wall can be found in an alleyway under Pike Place Market and much like its name, it’s a wall made of gum. Well, not made of gum, but there is a lot of gum stuck to the walls. It’s colorful and not for germophobes. Rachel the Pig is a giant, bronze piggy bank sculpture that you can actually put money into. It’s approximately 3 feet tall by 6 feet long and was modeled after a 1985 county prize winning pig. All money collected goes to the Market Foundation which assists in keeping the market in great condition.

Olympic Sculpture Park

Olympic Sculpture Park is an outdoor area, free to the public that currently harbors around 30 sculptures and artistic exhibitions. A short drive to the northwest of Pike Place Market will get you there. It also doubles as some beachfront property, although it might be too cold to take a dip most of the year. It began as one of the original “green spaces” in the city and over the years it has become a place for people to come and enjoy some art while sauntering along in a nature filled area. Check it out if you’re into art and are looking for something a bit more relaxed.

Seattle Center

The Seattle Center is a great area to hangout and explore some of the notable offerings in the city. The 74 acre plot of land was developed in preparation for the 1962 World’s Fair. The most recognizable and visited attraction in the area is the Space Needle. The iconic building features an observation deck, wine bar, and cafe. Besides the Space Needle there are plenty of options when it comes to finding things to do. Be sure to also check out the International Fountain, Museum of Pop Culture, John T. Williams totem pole, a piece of the Berlin Wall, the Pacific Science Center, among others.

Mount Ranier

Although you’ll have to make the trek from the city in your car, Mount Rainier is worth the 2.5 hour drive. There are guided tours you can take of the area and active volcano but you can always saunter along at your own pace and just enjoy the views. The mountain peaks at 14,410 feet, spans across 5 major rivers, and is the most glaciated peak in the United States. The surrounding area is filled with wildlife and plenty of those iconic Washington/Northwestern trees. If you bring enough supplies (preferably in a capable SUV) you can investigate camping in the area.  Because it is somewhat out in the wilderness be sure to check for road closures and other important safety information.

Seattle has a wide range of things to do if you look for them. Whether you are into nature, art, food, architecture, or technology, Seattle has you covered. Look online for other things that would make a trip complete for you. I hope you enjoy the city like I did and that you find what you’re looking for!