Sun 24-May-09
Don’t forget
GPS
Umbrella
Rain coat
Sunglasses
Leave Home
SJ/SC to SFO
Depart 4:30 am
Arrive 5:30am
Park car in Long Term Parking: $14/dayNWA and Alaskan airlines is in Terminal 1
Airport
San Francisco (SFO) to Seattle (SEA)
Northwest Airlines (NWA): Operated by Alaska Airlines
Depart 7:00 am
Arrive 9:10 am
Flight: 4258
Seattle Bus Information from AirportKing County Metro Transit (800/542-7876 in Washington)
They operate two public buses between airport and downtown (194 and 174)
Buses leave from Door 6 (close to carousel no. 5) of the baggage-claim area
Bus no. 194 runs every 15 to 30 minutes; M-F: 6am to 9pm, Sat 6:30am - 9pm, and Sun: 6:30am to 7:30pm.
Trips to downtown take 40 to 50 minutes.
Regular Fare $ 1.75
Discount Passes -- On Saturday, Sunday, and holidays, you can purchase an All-Day Pass for $2.50; it's available on any Metro bus, and it's good anywhere outside the Ride Free Area.
The best thing about Seattle's Metro bus system is that as long as you stay within the downtown area, you can ride for free between 6am and 7pm. You can see a lot of Seattle without having to spend a dime on transportation.
The Ride Free Area is between Alaskan Way (the waterfront) to the west, Sixth Avenue and I-5 to the east, Battery Street to the north, and South Jackson Street to the south.
Within this area are Pioneer Square, the waterfront attractions, Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum, and almost all of the city's major hotels.
Two blocks from South Jackson Street is Qwest Field (where the Seahawks play), 3 long blocks from South Jackson Street is Safeco Field (where the Mariners play), and 6 blocks from Battery Street is Seattle Center.
Airport to Hotel
MT 194 Downtown Seattle
Buses leave from Door 6 (close to carousel no. 5) of the baggage-claim area
Depart SeaTac Airport AcRd & Terminal - BAY 2
Arrive 4th Ave & Pike St or 4th Ave & Pine St.
Go down Pike or Pine to 5th Ave
Left on 5th Ave.
Walk to 1900 5TH AVE
Hotel
The Westin Seattle
1900 5th Ave
Seattle, WA 98101
Check in: Sun May-24-2009
Check out: Tue May-26-2009
Reservation questions: +1 (800) EXPEDIA
For other information contact the hotel: Tel: 1 (206) 728-1000 Fax: 1 (206) 728-2259
Expedia Itinerary number: 127553110796
· Verify Gray Line Airport Express to Airport picks up at Hotel.
· Notify of late check out
Hotel to Walking Tour
Head southwest on Stewart Ave toward 5th Ave.
Turn left on 1st Ave.
Walking Tour of Pike’s Market
If we can’t check into to room yet we can do this walking tour of Pike place. Leave luggage at hotel.
If we do check in, then we can start the sightseeing tour for day one with this walking tour.
Pike Place Market
Start: At the corner of Pike Street and First Avenue.
Finish: At the corner of Pike Street and First Avenue.
Time: Approximately 4 hours, including shopping and dining.
Despite the crowds of tourists and locals, Pike Place Market, a sprawling complex of historic buildings and open-air vendors' stalls, remains Seattle's most fascinating attraction. You'll find aisles lined with fresh produce, cut flowers, and seafood, as well as unusual little shops tucked away in the many hidden corners of this multilevel maze. Street performers also take to the streets here, adding another level of fun to a meander through the market.
Because Pike Place Market is so large, it is easy to overlook some of its more interesting businesses and its many quirky works of public art. The following walking tour is meant to lead you through the market, past the many places you wouldn't want to miss.
1. Pike Place Market Information Kiosk
This tiny cubicle is one of the most important buildings in the market. Not only does the kiosk have maps of the market, but it also doubles as the Ticket/Ticket half-price, day-of-show ticket center. Scan the list of tickets available for the day and, if you see something you like, you'll save a bundle. This booth also sells half-price tickets for boat tours.
Directly behind the information kiosk rises the famous Pike Place Market neon sign and clock. Just below this sign you'll find:
2. Rachel the Pig
This life-size bronze statue of a pig is the unofficial Pike Place Market mascot and also doubles as the market piggy bank. Each year, people deposit thousands of dollars into Rachel. Hardly any visitor to the market goes home without a shot of some friend or family member sitting on the pig.
It's sometimes difficult to spot Rachel because of the crowds that gather here to watch the flying fish at:
3. Pike Place Fish
The antics of the fishmongers at Pike Place Fish are legendary. No, they don't actually sell flying fish, but if you decide to buy, say, a whole salmon, your fish will go flying through the air (amid much shouting and gesticulating) from the front of the stall to the back, where someone will steak it or fillet it for you and even pack it on dry ice so that you can take it home with you on the plane.
To the right of Pike Place Fish begin the market's main:
4. Produce Stalls
In summer look for fresh cherries, berries, peaches, and melons; in the fall it's Washington State apples. Stalls full of colorful cut flowers also line this section of the market.
As you wander through this crowded section of the market, keep an eye out for:
5. Chukar Cherries
This Washington State candy company, at 1529 Pike Place (tel. 206/623-8043), specializes in chocolate-covered dried cherries. Samples are always available.
Also watch for:
6. Mick's Peppourri
Mick's, at 1531 Pike Place (tel. 206/223-0128), makes delicious pepper jellies that range from mild to fiery. These jellies pair beautifully with cream cheese and crackers or fresh bread from the market. Of course, samples are available.
A little farther along, you'll come to the North Arcade, where you'll find lots of:
7. Crafts Vendors
This is a good place to shop for handmade souvenirs. These craftspeople know their clientele, so most of the work here is small enough to fit in a suitcase.
On weekends you can find more crafts vendors along this side of the street just past the end of the covered market stalls. Across Western Avenue from the last of these outdoor crafts stalls is:
8. Steinbrueck Park
Although this small, grassy park is favored by the homeless, it is also home to a pair of impressive totem poles and offers a superb view of Elliott Bay. Watch for the comings and goings of the giant car ferries that link Seattle to Bainbridge Island and Bremerton on the far side of Puget Sound.
From the park, walk back across Western Avenue and Pike Place and head toward your starting point. You'll now be on the opposite side of Pike Place from the produce stalls. This stretch of the market has lots of great prepared-food stalls, so be sure to do a little grazing. If you've become convinced that Pike Place Market is strictly for tourists, climb the stairs to the:
9. Lisa Harris Gallery
Ignore this: This art gallery, at 1922 Pike Place (tel. 206/443-3315), always seems to have interesting contemporary artwork, largely by Northwestern artists.
A little way up the street, you'll find what was once the only:
10. Coffee at Starbucks
That's right, years ago this narrow space, at 1912 Pike Place (tel. 206/448-8762), was the only Starbucks in the world. Unlike today's Starbucks, this espresso bar has no tables or chairs; it's strictly a grab-it-and-go spot. Since you've already been on your feet for a while and still have a lot of the market to see, you may want to stop in and order a grande mocha to see you through the rest of your walking tour. Also be sure to notice how different the mermaid here looks compared to today's official logo.
How about a little something tasty to go with that mocha?
11. Breakfast at Le Panier
Located at 1902 Pike Place (tel. 206/441-3669), this French-style bakery has good croissants and other pastries to accompany your espresso. They also have breads to go with that pepper jelly you bought earlier.
Continue along Pike Place in the same direction, and in the next block you'll see:
12. Beecher's Handmade Cheese
Here, at 1600 Pike Place (tel. 206/956-1964), you can watch cheese being made and taste samples of the goods. This place also does a yummy macaroni and cheese.
Continue along Pike Place for another block, passing several more prepared-food stalls, and then turn left into Post Alley. This narrow lane cuts through several blocks of the market, and many shops and restaurants open onto it. For Seattle souvenirs, it's hard to beat:
13. Made in Washington
Shortly after you start up the narrow lane, you'll come to this store, at 1530 Post Alley (tel. 206/467-0788). It carries smoked salmon, prepared foods, crafts, books, and plenty of other inexpensive stuff from here in Washington.
Take a Break -- Pike Place Market is full of surprises, not the least of which are the many excellent restaurants hidden away in quiet corners of the complex.
One of my very favorites is Café Campagne, 1600 Post Alley (tel. 206/728-2233), a classy little French cafe serving delicious lunches. The atmosphere is très French. Don't confuse this restaurant with the much more expensive and formal Campagne, which is above the cafe.
Continue up the alley, and at Stewart Street, on the north side of the street, you'll see:
14. Antiques at Pike Place
This large antiques mall, at 92 Stewart St. (tel. 206/441-9643), has more than 80 dealers. The stalls are packed full of interesting collectibles.
Back on Post Alley, watch for:
15. The Pink Door
This restaurant, at 1919 Post Alley (tel. 206/443-3241), is one of the market's most famous dinner spots. No sign marks it out front, just the pink door. A flight of stairs leads down to an Italian restaurant and cabaret/bar. The deck is the place to eat on summer evenings.
From Post Alley, descend to Pike Place via the staircase to the left of The Pink Door. These stairs lead down to a building with a shady courtyard. After walking through the building, turn right and go to the corner of Virginia Street. Cross Pike Place, turn left, and walk down Western Avenue to the:
16. Market Heritage Center
At 1533 Western Ave. (tel. 206/774-5249) is this open-air exhibit on the history of Pike Place Market. Here you'll learn all about the various incarnations of the market since its inception. If you'd like to do a guided walking tour similar to this one, you can contact the Market Foundation at the number above.
Continue down Western Avenue, and in a couple of blocks you'll come to the Pike Street Hill Climb, a network of stairways that connect the waterfront with Pike Place Market. If you head up the stairs, you'll find the market's Down Under area, which consists of long hallways lined with small shops. My favorite shop in the Down Under is the:
17. Market Magic Shop
Located on the Down Under's fourth level, is the Market Magic Shop. Ignore Magic shop. Directly across the hall from this shop are some unusual coin-operated window displays of giant shoes. Don't miss them!
If you leave the Down Under by way of the market stairs that are an extension of the Pike Street Hill Climb, you will find yourself back in the vicinity of Rachel the pig and Pike Place Fish. From here, make your way through the crowd of people waiting to see the fish fly and head into the Economy Building. In the walkway leading toward First Avenue, you'll find the:
18. Garlic Garden
This stall, at 93 Pike St. #3 (tel. 206/405-4022), is famous for its pungent Lebanese Breeze garlic spread, which is great on bread (maybe with a little pepper jelly). Just be sure that everyone in your group has some; this stuff may not be pure garlic, but it sure tastes like it.
Across the hall from the Garlic Garden, you'll find:
19. DeLaurenti
This Italian grocery, at 1435 First Ave. (tel. 206/622-0141), has a great deli case full of Italian cheeses and meats. It also sells imported pastas and has a good selection of wines and beers. Samples of various olive oils are often available.
If you exit DeLaurenti through the door in the wine shop area, you'll be in an atrium, from the ceiling of which hangs a:
20. Giant Squid
This life-size copper sculpture was created by a local artist. Although you won't see any squids this size in the nearby Seattle Aquarium (on the waterfront), you can see a live giant octopus there.
21. Sasquatch
Beneath the giant squid you'll come face to face with a life-size wooden sculpture of the Northwest's legendary and elusive Sasquatch, also known as Bigfoot.
Winding Down -- From Sasquatch and the giant squid, head down the hall to Pike Pub and Brewery, 1415 First Ave. (tel. 206/622-6044), where you can enjoy a cool micro-brewed beer and relax in one of the pub's easy chairs. Alternatively, you can head outside to First Avenue, where you can get a creamy gelato at Bottega Italiana, 1425 First Ave. (tel. 206/343-0200).
Go back to hotel
Head northwest on 1st Ave. toward Pike st.
Turn right at Stewart st.
Arrive at Westin at 1900 Fifth Ave.
Check in to room and unload luggage
Sight Seeing Continue for Day 1
Lace up your walking shoes, grab an umbrella if it looks like rain, and hit the streets early if you want to experience the best of Seattle in a single day. Luckily, two of the city's top attractions--Pike Place Market and the Olympic Sculpture Park--open early, so you should, too. For visitors, the fact that the market is only 2 blocks from the waterfront makes connecting the dots in this town fairly easy. Late in the afternoon, after delving into the city's history, you'll visit Seattle Center, which is home to Seattle's most familiar icon, the Space Needle. Start: Walk or take a taxi to the Olympic Sculpture Park.
Hotel to Olympic Sculpture Park
1. Head southwest on Stewart St toward 5th Ave
2. Turn right at 4th Ave
3. Turn left at Bell St
4. Turn right at 1st Ave
5. Turn left at Broad St
6. Turn right at Elliott Ave
1. Olympic Sculpture Park
Set at the north end of the waterfront and with monumental sculptures by, among others, Alexander Calder and Claes Oldenburg, this multi-level park is the best thing to happen to Seattle in years. There are also stunning views, native-plant gardens, and a tiny man-made beach that looks as wild as any beach on the Olympic Peninsula.
Walk south along the waterfront (or catch the free Waterfront Streetcar Bus) to Harbor steps
2. Harbor Steps
The Harbor Steps, two blocks south of Pike Place Market, may not be as beautiful as Rome's Spanish Steps, but they are by far the prettiest route from downtown to the waterfront, and are a popular hangout both for footsore tourists and downtown office workers hoping to soak up a little sunshine on their lunch hour. Waterfalls, fountains, and sculptures grace the terraces of the Harbor Steps, and several restaurants and shops flank the stairs. Walk down the stairs to the waterfront.
Walk south on the waterfront
3. The Waterfront
Just as at San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf, the Seattle waterfront is ground zero for tacky tourist shops, fish-and-chips counters, and mediocre, overpriced restaurants. However, the waterfront does have its redeeming features: On a clear day, the view across Elliott Bay to the Olympic Mountains is unforgettable. And a wide sidewalk along the waterfront is perfect for strolling. The real stars of the waterfront, though, are the Seattle Aquarium and, of course, the Olympic Sculpture Park.
Directly across the street from the stairs of the Pike Hill Climb is Pier 59 but head to Pier 55. Take water taxi across elliot Bay to Alki in West Seattle. The view back across the water to the Seattle skyline is beautiful,
Crossing time is approximately twelve minutes, and the fare is $3 for adults
You can use Orca or Metro ticket to cross.
Take a Break
Alki Crab & Fish -- Right at the water-taxi dock on Alki, there's this inexpensive little fish-and-chips place with a million-dollar view. If service is fast and you remembered to ask for a transfer when you got on the boat, you can ride back across the bay without having to buy another ticket. 1660 Harbor Ave. SW. tel. 206/938-0975.
Take the water taxi back across Elliott Bay and then walk 5 blocks south on Alaskan Way. Turn left on Yesler way (away from water).
6. Pioneer Square
The historic Pioneer Square area is where Seattle got its start back in the 1850s. Today it is the city's only real historic district, and its tree-shaded streets are lined with brick buildings constructed after the Seattle fire of 1889.
7. Seattle Underground Tour
To learn more about Seattle's early history, with an emphasis on the seamier side of life and the city's reconstruction after the fire of 1889, take the Underground Tour, which begins at the corner of First Avenue and Yesler Way. This tour provides a little fun and paints an interesting picture of the characters who founded Seattle. Be forewarned that participants need an appreciation for bad jokes and should not have a fear of dark, musty basements.
Tickets are $15/person. If you buy tickets online ahead of time, you can use your plastic. Tickets at the Underground Tour ticket office, must be purchased with cash. We also have a cash machine on the premises.
Take a Break
Salumi, 309 Third Ave. S. (tel. 206/621-8772): Squeeze your way into this Pioneer Square hole-in-the-wall, stand in line, and then savor the finest, freshest artisan-made salami in the Northwest. The fact that this place is owned by celeb-chef Mario Batali's father guarantees that the lines are always long.
Depart James St & 4th Ave
Route MT 4 North Queen Anne
Arrive 5th Ave N & Broad St
9. Seattle Center
Built for the 1962 World's Fair, this 74-acre campus is the cultural heart of Seattle and the city's premier family attraction. Seattle Center is home to the Seattle Opera, the Pacific Northwest Ballet, numerous theater companies, a children's museum, and a science museum. For most people, however, Seattle Center is primarily known as the home of the Space Needle and the bizarre Frank Gehry-designed Experience Music Project building.
9.1. 38th Annual Northwest Folklife Festival
One of the nation's largest community arts festivals, the annual Memorial Day weekend celebration invites everyone to play, dance, sing, learn, taste, and participate! Participants enjoy hundreds of performances and interactive events.
The 38th annual Northwest Folklife Festival will be held Memorial Day weekend, Friday, May 22 through Monday, May 25 at Seattle Center. Although admission is free, visitors’ donations make the Festival possible.
9.2. Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Museum
If you're a rock-music or science-fiction fan, explore one or both of these unusual museums, which are inside a huge blob of color that looks a bit like a melted-down electric guitar. If you're not interested in going inside, at least stroll around the exterior and marvel at the building's sweeping lines and colorful exterior.
9.3. Space Needle
Of course, a visit to Seattle isn't complete without riding the elevator to the top of the Space Needle. From the observation deck, 520 feet above the ground, you have a superb panorama of Seattle and its surrounding mountains and many bodies of water. If it's summer and the sun is still shining, see if you can pick out the route you followed during your earlier tour of the city. Keep in mind that during the summer, sunset isn't until after 9pm. Other times of the year, you'll get to enjoy the city's twinkling lights.
Adult (ages 14-64): $16.00
Go to Dinner:
Start address: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109
End address: 2001 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
Travel time: about 9 mins
Walk to 5th Ave N & John St (About 2 mins)
Bus – 16 (Direction: South)
Depart 5th Ave N & John St
Arrive 3rd Ave & Virginia St
Walk to 2001 4th Ave (About 1 min)
10. Dinner at Dahlia Lounge
8:15 PM Reservation for Sunday May 24, 2009
Dahlia Lounge
2001 4th Ave.
Seattle, WA 98121
Confirmation #: 2080749250
Name: Mark Iglesias
Phone: (206) 682-4142
Dahlia Lounge:You can't say that you've "done" Seattle if you haven't eaten at one of Tom Douglas's restaurants, and for my money, the Dahlia Lounge is the place to go if you're only going to dine at one of Tom's places. A dinner of crab cakes followed by coconut-cream pie captures the absolute essence of this place.
Restaurant to Hotel:
Head northeast on Virginia
Right on 5th Ave.
Arrive at Westin Seattle
1900 Fifth Avenue
Mon 25-May-09
Pickup Car
From Westin Seattle Hotel
Head northeast (away from water) on Stewart st.
Turn left on Westlake ave.
Slight left on 7th ave.
2200 7th ave. on right side
Budget Car Rental
Pick-up:
2200 7th ave.
Seattle, WA 98121 US
Mon, 25 May 2009 08:00 AM
Return: same as pick-up location
Tues, 26 May 2009 03:59 PM
Or can drop off the next day
Confirmation number 40026186US4
Total confirmed rate 50.92 USD
phone 206-448-1940
To use our free pick-up service, first, make your reservation online. To request pickup, call the Budget location directly at the phone number listed on your reservation confirmation. Requests must be made at least 24 hours in advance of pickup. When you call the location, be sure to provide all applicable information including exact time of pickup, precise address, and a phone number where you can be reached at that time
Get breakfast, we will skip lunch when walking around mt. rainier!
Head to Mt Rainier national park
State Route 410, Chinook Pass, is scheduled to open for the season at noon Friday May 22.
Start address: 2200 7th Ave Seattle, WA 98121
End address: Mt Rainier National Park, Buckley, Pierce, Washington 98321
1. Head southeast on 7th Ave toward Lenora St - 0.1 mi
2. Slight right at Westlake Ave - 0.1 mi
3. Turn right at Stewart St - 466 ft
4. Turn left at 4th Ave - 1.5 mi
5. Slight right at 4th Ave S - 1.2 mi
6. Slight right to stay on 4th Ave S - 2.1 mi
7. Turn left at E Marginal Way S - 2.9 mi
8. Slight right to stay on E Marginal Way S - 0.2 mi
9. Slight right to stay on E Marginal Way S - 305 ft
10. Slight left to stay on E Marginal Way S - 0.7 mi
11. Continue on Interurban Ave S - 1.0 mi
12. Slight left to stay on Interurban Ave S - 2.1 mi
13. Slight left at Interurban Ave S/WA-181 - 33 ft
14. Slight left to stay on Interurban Ave S/WA-181 Continue to follow
WA-181 - 1.7 mi
15. Turn left at S 180th St - 469 ft
16. Turn right at 72nd Ave S - 0.2 mi
17. Turn left at S 182nd St - 463 ft
18. Turn right at Interurban Trail - 2.9 mi
19. Turn left at S 228th St - 0.2 mi
20. Turn right at 4th Ave N - 0.9 mi
21. Turn left at W Temperence St - 0.2 mi
22. Turn right at 1st Ave N - 381 ft
23. Turn left at E Smith St - 0.1 mi
24. Turn right at Central Ave N/WA-516 Continue to follow Central Ave N -
2.0 mi
25. Continue on Auburn Way N - 2.4 mi
26. Turn left at Harvey Rd - 0.5 mi
27. Continue on M St NE - 0.1 mi
28. Slight left to stay on M St NE - 1.3 mi
29. Slight left at Auburn Way S/WA-164 - 4.7 mi
30. Slight right to stay on Auburn Way S/WA-164 Continue to follow WA-164
- 9.2 mi
31. Slight left at Roosevelt Ave E/WA-410 Continue to follow WA-410 -
6.3 mi
32. Turn right - 95 ft
33. Turn left toward Forest - 6.7 mi
34. Continue straight onto Forest - 6.7 mi
35. Turn right at Chinook Pass Hwy/WA-410 E Continue to follow WA-410 E
This road may be seasonally closed - 17.3 mi
* State Route 410, Chinook Pass, is scheduled to open for the season at noon Friday May 22.
36. Slight right at Sunrise Park Rd This road may be seasonally closed -
5.2 mi
37. Continue on Mount Rainier National Park This road may be seasonally
closed - 1.2 mi
38. Turn right to stay on Mount Rainier National Park This road may be
seasonally closed - 272 ft
On your second day, head out of the city to see some of the wild country for which the Northwest is famous. The only problem is that there are so many great choices that it can be difficult to decide where to go on a day trip from Seattle. Personally, I prefer the mountains, so I would steer you southeast to Mount Rainier, that great big bulk of a dormant volcano that looms over Seattle like a sleeping giant. The mountain and all its glaciers, wildflower meadows, and old-growth forests are preserved as Mount Rainier National Park. For this excursion, you'll need to rent a car. It's roughly 90 miles to the national park, and you should expect to take at least 2 hours to cover this distance. I recommend circling the mountain in a clockwise direction beginning at the park's northeast entrance, which is along Wash. 410 southeast of Enumclaw.
Entrance Fees: The entrance fee is $15 for a private. These fees provide the visitor with a 7-day entrance permit for Mount Rainier National Park.
Forecast for Memorial day is sunny (freezing level at 12000 feet)
1. Sunrise
This is the highest point in the park accessible by car, and the in-your-face view of Mount Rainier is unforgettable. Also in view is the Emmons Glacier, which is the largest glacier in the 48 contiguous states. Hiking trails of varying levels of difficulty radiate out from Sunrise, and every one of these trails has great views. Keep an eye out for mountain goats and elk. Bonus: Sunrise usually isn't as crowded as Paradise, on the other side of the mountain.
2. Chinook Pass
At Cayuse Pass, on the east side of the park, take a short side trip off the main round-the-mountain road by staying on Wash. 410, which will bring you to the lovely Chinook Pass. Here the tiny Tipsoo Lakes flank the highway and Naches Peak rises above the road. A 4.5-mile loop trail leads alongside the lake and around Naches Peak through forests and meadows. This is a good place to lose the crowds.
Head back the way you just came and turn south on Wash. 123 to Ohanapecosh.
3. Ohanapecosh
You won't find any views of the mountain here, but you will find a .75-mile trail to some of the oldest trees in the state. The Grove of the Patriarchs trail, which begins just west of Wash. 123 near the park's Stevens Canyon entrance, leads to a streamside grove of Western red cedars that are estimated to be more than 1,000 years old. One of these trees is the largest red cedar in the park.
From Ohanapecosh, drive west through the park on Stevens Canyon Road.
4. Reflection Lakes
Make sure you have plenty of film in your camera or space on the compact flash card of your digital camera; the view of Mount Rainier from these pretty little alpine lakes is hands-down the most photogenic view in the park. If there's no wind, the reflection of the mountain in the waters of these lakes provides the answer to how these bodies of water were named.
Continue west on Stevens Canyon Road.
5. Paradise
This place isn't called Paradise for nothing. Mountainside meadows burst into vibrant color each summer, usually starting in mid- to late July. Trails of different lengths meander through these wildflower meadows and lead to the edges of snowfields and viewpoints overlooking rumbling glaciers. Since you've probably already done quite a bit of hiking, you may want to head straight to the Nisqually Vista overlook, where you can gaze down on the Nisqually Glacier.
Head back to Downtown Seattle
Start address: Mount Rainier National Park
End address: The Westin Seattle 1900 Fifth Avenue Seattle, WA 98101
Start at: Mount Rainier National Park
1. Head south on Stevens Canyon Rd/WA-706 toward WA-123 This road may be
seasonally closed - 0.1 mi
2. Turn left at WA-123 This road may be seasonally closed - 10.9 mi
3. Continue straight onto WA-410 This road may be seasonally closed -
40.7 mi
4. Turn right at Griffin Ave/WA-164 Continue to follow WA-164 - 14.8 mi
5. Turn left to merge onto WA-18 W - 3.8 mi
6. Take the exit onto I-5 N toward Seattle - 23.4 mi
7. Take exit 163 toward Columbian Way
8. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for W Seattle Bridge and merge onto Seattle Fwy
9. Take the Avalon Way/Harbor Ave exit
10. Turn right at Harbor Ave SW
Destination will be on the right
Salty’s on Alki
1936 Harbor Ave SW
Westwood Village, WA 98126
7. Dinner
8:00 PM Reservation for Monday, May 25, 2009
Salty's on Alki
1936 Harbor Ave. SW
Seattle, WA 98126
Dining Points: 100 Points Tue 26-May-09
Drop off car at Budget
Go to front desk and notify of late checkout
Tues, 26 May 2009 08:00 AM
Budget Car Rental
2200 7th ave.
Seattle, WA 98121 USA
Head southwest on Stewart st. toward 5th ave.
Turn right at 4th ave.
Turn right at Blanchard st.
It will cross 7th ave.
Budget Car Rental will be on left
Walk to restaurant
Head northwest on 7th ave.
Left on Bell st.
Right on 1st ave.
Left on Wall st.
Left on Alaskan st.
Lunch
10:00 AM Reservation for Tuesday May 26, 2009
Six Seven Restaurant & Lounge
2411 Alaskan Way, Pier 67
Confirmation #: 2068052630 Diner
Name: Mark Iglesias
Need to be done by 12:00PM
Walk to Hotel
Head southwest on Alaskan Way
Turn right on Bell st.
Turn right on Elliot ave.
Turn left at Lenora ave.
Turn right at 5th Ave.
The Westin Seattle
1900 fifth Ave.
Take Gray Line Airport Express to Airport
Leave hotel at 1PM
Gray Line Airport Express (tel. 800/426-7532 or 206/626-6088; www.graylineofseattle.com)
It could take you 45 minutes or more to get from the airport to your
These shuttle vans provide service between airport and downtown Seattle daily, every 30 minutes from 5am to 11pm.
Shuttles pickup at Westin and go to the baggage-claim area, at Door 00 just past baggage carousel 1.
Fares are $10 one-way and $17 round-trip for adults. hotel.
Airport
Seattle to San Francisco (SFO)
Seattle (SEA)
Depart 4:00 pm
Arrive 6:12 pm
Duration: 2hr 12mn
Alaska Airlines
Concourse D
Reservations:
Dahlia Lounge
05/24/2009, 8:15 PM for 2
Salty's on Alki
05/25/2009, 8:00 PM for 2
Six Seven Restaurant & Lounge
05/26/2009, 10:00 AM for 2
Restaurants:
Cascadia Restaurant, 2328 First Ave. (tel. 206/448-8884): Chef Kerry Sear can do wondrous things with local produce and fresh Northwest ingredients. Throw in martinis made with Douglas fir sorbet, a variety of tasting menus, and, in summer, beautiful light filtering in through the restaurant's front wall of glass, and you have the quintessential Seattle eatery.
Salumi, 309 Third Ave. S. (tel. 206/621-8772): Squeeze your way into this Pioneer Square hole-in-the-wall, stand in line, and then savor the finest, freshest artisan-made salami in the Northwest. The fact that this place is owned by celeb-chef Mario Batali's father guarantees that the lines are always long.
Rover's, 2808 E. Madison St. (tel. 206/325-7442): Want to feel like you've just discovered the best little hidden gem of a restaurant in Seattle? Book a table at chef Thierry Rautureau's Madison Valley neighborhood restaurant. Rautureau combines his love of local ingredients with his classic French training to produce his own distinctive take on Northwest cuisine.
Elliott's, Pier 56, 1201 Alaskan Way (tel. 206/623-4340): The Northwest produces an astonishing variety of oysters, and locals are almost as obsessive about their bivalves as they are about coffee and beer. Elliott's almost always has the biggest and best selection of oysters in the city. Just remember that local oysters are less available in the summer than in other months.
Dahlia Lounge, 2001 Fourth Ave. (tel. 206/682-4142): You can't say that you've "done" Seattle if you haven't eaten at one of Tom Douglas's restaurants, and for my money, the Dahlia Lounge is the place to go if you're only going to dine at one of Tom's places. A dinner of crab cakes followed by coconut-cream pie captures the absolute essence of this place.
The Herbfarm Restaurant, 14590 NE 145th St., Woodinville (tel. 425/485-5300): The Herbfarm is actually 30 minutes north of Seattle, but it is so famous and serves such unforgettable meals that people plan Seattle vacations around dinner here. This place is an absolute must for foodies, but be sure to make your reservation months in advance.
Best Waterfront Dining: While the Seattle waterfront has plenty of touristy, in-your-face restaurants, you'll find the best waterfront dining experience in The Edgewater hotel. Six-Seven Restaurant & Lounge, Pier 67, 2411 Alaskan Way (tel. 206/269-4575), can claim not only superb food, but also very cool decor, a fabulous little deck, and one of the best views from any restaurant in the city.
Best View: Without a doubt, SkyCity at the Needle, Space Needle, 400 Broad St. (tel. 800/937-9582 or 206/905-2100; www.spaceneedle.com), has the best views in Seattle -- 360 degrees worth of them. Sure it's expensive, but there's no place in town with views to rival these.
Best Outdoor Dining with a View: Across Elliott Bay from downtown Seattle, Salty's on Alki Beach, 1936 Harbor Ave. SW (tel. 206/937-1600; www.saltys.com), has a gorgeous view of the Seattle skyline. During the summer, you can get here by water taxi.
Best Budget Eatery with a View: Of course, you could shell out big bucks to dine at Salty's, but you can get the same view at a fraction of the cost at the adjacent Alki Crab & Fish, 1660 Harbor Ave. SW (tel. 206/938-0975). Okay, so the menu is pretty limited and none too memorable, but that view -- wow!
Best Value: While Wild Ginger usually gets all the accolades for its Pan-Asian cuisine, Belltown's little Noodle Ranch, 2228 Second Ave. (tel. 206/728-0463), is every bit as good and much less expensive. The menu, however, is more limited.
Best Service: Canlis, 2576 Aurora Ave. N. (tel. 206/283-3313; www.canlis.com), is a Seattle tradition, the perfect place to close a big deal or celebrate a very special occasion. When you want to feel pampered, this is the place to dine.
Best French Cuisine: Hidden away in the lower level of an artists' loft building at the north end of Belltown, the Boat Street Cafe, 3131 Western Ave. (tel. 206/632-4602; www.boatstreetcafe.com), is a casual little restaurant that serves superb farmhouse French fare. Every last morsel on a plate here is given more attention than most restaurants give entire entrees.
Best Northwest Cuisine: At Rover's, 2808 E. Madison St. (tel. 206/325-7442; www.rovers-seattle.com), Chef Thierry Rautureau combines his love of local ingredients with classic French training to produce a distinctive take on Northwest cuisine.
Best Seafood: Chef Tom Douglas can do no wrong, and at Etta's Seafood, 2020 Western Ave. (tel. 206/443-6000; www.tomdouglas.com), he focuses his culinary talents on more than just his famed crab cakes.
Best Place to Slurp Down Raw Oysters: The Northwest produces an astonishing variety of oysters, and locals are almost as obsessive about their bivalves as they are about coffee and beer. For the best selection, head to Elliott's, Pier 56, 1201 Alaskan Way (tel. 206/623-4340; www.elliottsoysterhouse.com).
Best Sushi: If the sight of so much fresh fish in Pike Place Market has you craving sushi, then head up to the north end of Belltown to Shiro's, 2401 Second Ave. (tel. 206/443-9844). All the Japanese businessmen here should give you a clue that this place is the real deal.
Best Steaks: Metropolitan Grill, 820 Second Ave. (tel. 206/624-3287; www.themetropolitangrill.com), in downtown Seattle, serves corn-fed, aged beef grilled over mesquite charcoal. Steaks just don't get any better than this.
Best Burgers: We all have our own ideas of what constitutes the perfect burger, and Seattle has plenty of worthy contenders. I split my vote between the burgers at Two Bells Bar & Grill, 2313 Fourth Ave. (tel. 206/441-3050), and those at the 74th Street Ale House, 7401 Greenwood Ave. N. (tel. 206/784-2955; www.seattlealehouses.com).
Best Desserts: The Dahlia Lounge, 2001 Fourth Ave. (tel. 206/682-4142; www.tomdouglas.com), has long been one of the best restaurants in Seattle, and while the food is reliably tasty, the triple coconut-cream pie is absolutely divine. The rest of the desserts are pretty good, too.
Best for Kids: Ivar's Salmon House, 401 NE Northlake Way (tel. 206/632-0767; www.ivars.net), resembles a Native American longhouse and is filled with cool stuff sure to fascinate kids. In sunny weather, the waterfront deck has a great view of Lake Union and the Seattle skyline.
Best Late-Night Dining: Palace Kitchen, 2030 Fifth Ave. (tel. 206/448-2001; www.tomdouglas.com), is an urbane palace of food that serves tasty specialties from the grill and rotisserie until 1am. The bar here is also a happening place.
Best Espresso: Everyone in Seattle seems to have an opinion about where to get the best espresso drinks. My vote goes to Caffe Vita, 813 Fifth Ave. N. (tel. 206/285-9662) and 1005 E. Pike St. (tel. 206/709-4440). The lattes served here have beautiful little works of art drawn onto the foam with espresso.
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