Articles
Seattle Washington - An Exceptional Pre- or Post-Cruise Destination
by Roy Witman © 2008
With a feel slightly reminiscent of San Francisco;
Seattle, Washington is a delightful city surrounded by
the best Mother Nature has to offer. In addition, this
ultra-modern town is one of only three gateways to the
Pacific Northwest, so those who cruise from the U.S. to
Alaska will almost always find themselves with a
layover in Seattle. With all this city has to offer, you
may want to book several nights in advance or at the
conclusion of your cruise to allow time for sightseeing,
shopping and more.
Pike Place Market
Duck! Among the many vendors at Pike Place
Market are the fishmongers. At any given moment,
you may find yourself in the midst of airborne fish
whizzing above your head. Located seaside at the
edge of downtown, the market is one of Seattle's most
popular attractions. Just as with Fisherman's Wharf in
San Francisco, Pike Place Market hosts countless
vendors of all varieties as well as restaurants,
shopping and access to downtown stores within
walking distance.
Spring brings an abundance of locally grown
tulips and other fresh flowers that drape the Market
like a brilliantly colored carpet. As far as the eye can
see, you'll find bouquets of freshly picked posies at
prices so reasonable they may cause reverse sticker
shock! Wander the cobblestone streets and you'll also
encounter fresh fruits and vegetables, street
performers, craftsmen selling their wares, jewelers, art
and practically anything else you might want.
Hungry? Restaurants are on-site to fill you with
whatever delights you might want from fresh seafood
to burgers and fries.
Fisherman's Wharf has the Ghirardelli chocolate
factory, but Seattle has the Rocky Mountain chocolate
factory. Watch as fresh apples become golden,
caramel-dipped copper kettles. Witness the creation
of their world-famous fudge. Of course, you can't
leave without a free sample and a box for the
road.
Space Needle
Built in 1962, Seattle's Space Needle has stood
tall for over 40 years. Originally created for the World's
Fair held in Seattle that same year, the Space Needle
has seen some wonderful events in addition to the
thousands of visitors that flock to its doors. Numerous
weddings and a jump by six parachutists have marked
the exciting history of the Needle.
The perfect starting point for any visit to Seattle,
the Space Needle allows you to view most of the city
with a bird's eye view. When you've finished checking
out the scenery, eating in the restaurant and shopping
in the gift store, visit the Seattle Aquarium, Children's
Theater or Woodland Park Zoo nearby.
Food
Of course, being seaside, Seattle boasts some of
the most fabulous seafood available. One local
favorite is Dungeness crab. Served whole, these
crabs (steamed in their shells) are usually pulled
straight out of Puget Sound and delivered to local
restaurants. Within just hours they are on your
plate.
With a gorgeous red shell, the Dungeness crab
offers a mild flavor and tons of meat found primarily in
its body, but also in the legs and claws. Whether
dipped in drawn butter or a tasty homemade seafood
cocktail sauce, you're sure to agree these local
delicacies are a special treat.
If crab isn't your favorite, you'll also find other
delights at local Seattle restaurants including shucked
oysters, white sturgeon, swordfish, scallops and more.
Landlubbers can look forward to many varieties of
chicken and steak to choose from. You'll also find an
abundance of Starbucks restaurants seeing as Seattle
is the home of the first Starbucks, which opened in
1971.
When your ship departs from Seattle to Alaska or
any other destination, make a point to book a pre- or
post-cruise vacation while you're in the neighborhood.
The sights, sounds and tastes of Seattle will leave a
memorable impression you'll think on fondly for years
to come.
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