Visiting Seattle

If you're into music, may I recommend The Experience Music Project (EMP) which houses a fine Hendrix collection and is housed in a Frank Gehry-designed building which is very impressive.

And the Space Needle, which is very close by, is well worth doing though I can't comment on the restaurant as we didn't try it. Great views from the top. Make a trip over to Freemont, which is the 'bohemian quarter'. Nice cafes, some decent record shops and a troll under a bridge. Also, if you can, a trip around the Lakes (in a boat, natch) is a nice way to spend the afternoon.

There's a tour you can take downtown where you go underground. The city is built on top of the old city and lots of it is still there. Very interesting.

You have got to go to the Pike Place Fish Market. I saw a motivational video they produce a while back, and it was amazing. They have a work ethic of having fun - and being good at what they do. The antics in the fish market are brilliant entertainment and you can watch and be inspired for free. Find out about the Yoghourt dudes

It is at the top of the places I want to visit should I ever get to Seattle.

Brad

For an exquisite day out, visit the Bloedel Nature Reserve on Bainbridge Island (short ferry ride away). If you catch the boat back at sunset, the views of the city and Mt. Rainier are amazing.

It's a wonderful city with great people (I found), have a good time.

Take a short trip on the monorail (no Simpsons repartees, please!) whilst in town, don't forget to get a decent coffee (its almost the only place in America where you can, unless things have changed) and for God's sake take an umbrella!!

Also if you have a chance, book a trip to Snoqualmie and go skiing - its where they filmed Twin Peaks and very beautiful. Expect a Pepsi Max dude to pick you up in an all wheel drive truck and keep you entertained with stories all the way to the resort.

Also, drive over the floating pontoon bridge into Redmond, where Microsoft are based. Bill Gates' house is just off the right hand side of the Redmond end - a mere stone's hand-grenade's throw from the bridge...

Great city, enjoy!

Rich.

Big Time Brewing Co. (Brewpub) - 4133 University Way NE
Elysian Brewing Co. (Brewpub) - 1221 E. Pike St.
Both are excellent places for a pint. I'm somewhat biased though, I was the first brewmaster at BT for nearly 6 years and the folks who run Elysian are good friends but my taste buds don't lie. India Pale Ale and Porter are particularly well made in Seattle.
Wild Ginger near the Pike Place Market is a good place to eat.

If you have the time and are willing to put in the effort (and it does take quite a bit) to get to Goldmire Hot Springs near N. Bend you will be richly rewarded. This spring is in a cave located in old growth rainforest. A most incredible bath. You must call a few days before going (206) 789-5631.