| ign="center"> | | | | SeaBear Smokehouse tours, and a ride up the Space |
| Visiting Seattle Washington is like walking into a | | | | Needle which is a must for any trip to Seattle (I |
| refreshing spring rain. Well, it is about half of the year | | | | suggest getting dinner elsewhere and simply taking the |
| at any rate. The climate here is great for being | | | | ride up if cost might be a factor). |
| outdoors as long as you don't mind getting a little wet. | | | | In addition to these you can take the Boeing tour and |
| My recommendation is not to even bother with an | | | | see how these huge planes are made or trek to the |
| umbrella, wear comfortable waterproof shoes, and | | | | Museum of Flight, which consistently ranks among the |
| hide your hair beneath a funky hat of some sort that | | | | top museums of this type in the country. You can take |
| will handle getting a little wet. | | | | in a movie at the IMAX Theater or enjoy the Seattle |
| Whatever you do, don't let the rain spoil your good | | | | Aquarium, which will allow you to take a different point |
| time. Rain is a fact of life in Seattle and most of the | | | | of view on the things that live in Puget Sound. |
| locals are quite accustomed to it. If it really does bother | | | | If food is something that interests you, there is plenty |
| you, you may wish to plan an alternate indoor activity | | | | of great food to be had throughout the Seattle area, |
| for every outdoor activity you are considering. The | | | | but nowhere offers the selection that can be found at |
| good news is that there are plenty of both to choose | | | | Center House in Seattle Center. While you are there, |
| from so you really shouldn't ever run out of things to | | | | be sure to check out the Northwest Craft Center |
| do while on vacation here. | | | | Gallery for a nice selection of Native American and |
| If all else fails, there is plenty of great shopping in and | | | | other artistry. Other great places for food and dining |
| around Seattle that will get you off the streets and into | | | | are the Pike Place Market where you can watch your |
| the stores. While I love shopping, unless we are talking | | | | meal prepared right before your very eyes. You can |
| small local stores, I can do that for the most part at | | | | also elect to take a class or two in gourmet cooking |
| home. I love visiting the local shops and galleries and | | | | through PCC Cooks if this is a skill you'd like to bring |
| buying pieces of pottery or art by local artists, other | | | | home with you. |
| than that, I have shopping malls and chain stores at | | | | As I've said, there are plenty of things to do indoors in |
| home and have rarely found something new and rare | | | | Seattle if you need alternatives to those rainy day |
| at one of these stores that I couldn't have found at | | | | blahs. Of course, you could always make the best of |
| home or online. But some of us are addicted to | | | | the situation and try singing in the rain during one of the |
| shopping in any form and really; there is no shame in | | | | many outdoor activities that abound in this truly unique |
| that. I have a serious weakness for shoes so I can | | | | American city. Only you can decide best how to |
| completely relate on some level. | | | | handle your trip and the weather that may intrude. But |
| Other than shopping the local shops and stores, there | | | | a vacation is supposed to be fun so it is best to have |
| are a few other indoor activities I recommend | | | | a backup plan that you find agreeable rather than |
| checking out. First of all there is the Experience Music | | | | spending precious vacation moments grumbling about |
| Project, The Seattle Children's Museum (surprisingly fun | | | | the weather. |
| for all ages), the Pacific Science Center, the Spirit of | | | | For tips on snake vivariums, taking care of kittens and |
| Washington Dinner train, Redhook Brewery tours, | | | | other information, visit the Interesting Animals website. |