Tucked inside the Puget Sound about 300 miles north of Eugene lies a city with something for almost everyone, including artists, outdoor enthusiasts, night owls, intellectuals, chefs, athletes and shoppers.
To experience Seattle in vivid detail requires a lengthy road trip and return visits, but for college students on a tight schedule, the town can provide a quick and entertaining weekend away. The easiest way to plan a road trip is to focus on one aspect or area of Seattle because taking in all of Seattle’s tourist attractions at once can be difficult.
One kind of tourist Seattle attracts is the budding artist. There is an endless supply of art galleries, bookstores and music venues providing open mics, book signings and craft fairs weekly, if not daily.
Musical venues also abound. Kate Kartman, a sophomore from Bellingham, Wash., said she enjoys Seattle’s music scene.
“I’ve been to some really good concerts in Seattle,” she said. “Bumbershoot is one that is always fun.”
Bumbershoot is a three-day music celebration held beneath the Space Needle every Labor Day weekend featuring music acts ranging from smaller to big-name artists. It could be considered Seattle’s version of the county fair, with enough food booths to keep the crowd sampling entrees for days. Tickets are relatively inexpensive, and past performers include Jewel, R.E.M. and Ani DiFranco.
Kartman also praised Seattle’s “fabulous” art galleries. The Seattle Art Museum is a popular art venue. Located downtown on University Street, SAM’s exhibits showcase art from cultures and regions worldwide. Admission can be costly, but thrifty tourists can save by visiting on the first Thursday of every month: It’s free.
Located directly across from the museum is the world-famous Pike Place Market. A draw for chefs, seafood enthusiasts and avid people-watchers, Pike Place has an energy and a smell all its own.
Senior Katie Darnell said she is a big fan of Pike Place and the waterfront atmosphere.
“I love watching them throw the fish,” Darnell said of the market workers. These workers are notorious for finding creative ways to throw and package the fresh salmon and sole.
The open-air market has been a part of Seattle’s history since 1907. First-time visitors should take time to sample the fresh fruits and offerings from the 100-plus vendors who fill the stands on a daily basis.
Sophomore Katie McDonnell said she has fond memories of the market.
“I know this is such a cliché, but I really love visiting Pike Place,” she said. “They have a French baguette place to get the best fresh french bread.”
The nearby flagship Starbucks is a necessary stop for the java-addicted student. A great meal can be found just a few doors down. Three Sisters Bakery builds sandwiches so big it’s hard to get a mouth around both slices of bread.
Tourists who venture just beyond Pike Place toward the heart of downtown will discover a shopping haven. Perfect for individuals who love fluorescent lights and multi-level department stores, the area around Westlake Center is prime shopping ground. In addition to Westlake, Seattle’s newest shopping center, Pacific Place, houses the costly stores, including Tiffany and Co. and Club Monaco.
While these stores provide some great window-shopping opportunities, many students shop elsewhere. Kartman said she enjoys shopping just north of downtown in Capitol Hill.
“I love all the thrift stores right over Broadway,” she said. She added that these stores can be both a healthy choice for the wallet and a chance to find a unique outfit. Broadway also has a huge Urban Outfitters complete with a discount section.
For those tired of vacations devoted to shopping and restaurant excursions, sports fans can catch former Oregon player Luke Ridnour in a Sonics game or watch the Thunderbirds skate at Key Arena. While tickets can be costly, some sections are cheaper. The Seahawks play in the new Seahawks Stadium from August to January; the Seattle Sounders soccer team shares the stadium and defends its home turf from May to August.
Arguably the biggest draw during summer is Mariners’ baseball at Safeco Field. Safeco is a great place to take in the diverse people of Seattle and the perfect excuse to indulge in some roasted peanuts or a 2-foot bag of kettle corn. The Mariners’ season runs from March to October.
McDonnell attended an Ms game last year and said she loved it.
“I’m not that big of a baseball fan, but it was fun because everyone hypes it up and the fans get really into it,” she said.
Seattle also has plenty of outdoor activities. The Arboretum, located in the University district, rents canoes to individuals over 18 years old. This is the perfect opportunity for a romantic picnic or to explore Lake Washington.
Also located along the lake, the Burke-Gilman Trail provides a cheap afternoon in Seattle and rivals Eugene’s running trails for its natural beauty. The trail extends from the suburb of Redmond to Gasworks Park north of downtown.
Seattle is diverse, a short drive from Eugene and offers something to amuse every type of tourist.
“It just seems like an interesting city,” Darnell said. “It has lots of landmarks that I’ve always wanted to visit but haven’t.”