The iconic Space Needle was built for the Seattle World's Fair in 1962. Sue Frause photo.
Related Articles by Sue Frause
This is the third of 10 Pacific Northwest Getaways that are fun to explore in the fall and winter -- or any time of year. They're in no particular order or ranking, but range from small island towns to large cities, and from affordable family overnighters to luxe accommodations for two.
The urban myth that it rains all the time in Seattle is really not true. In fact, if you Google rainfall Seattle New York City, you'll find that it rains more in the Big Apple than in the largest city in Washington state. Seattle averages 37.1 inches per year, while New York's total is 46.2 inches. But bring your umbrella along just in case.
Although I live only about an hour from Seattle, I love spending the weekend in the city. One of the newest and poshest places to stay is the Four Seasons Hotel Seattle. Opened in 2008, the 21-story hotel and condo tower is in the heart of downtown, across the street form the Seattle Art Museum and adjoining the Pike Place Market. All the rooms feature ergonomic furnishings in natural woods, and all have water views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains beyond.
ART Restaurant & Lounge, headed up by celebrated chef Kerry Sear, is a fun spot for cocktails and light meals, or a full meal in the main dining room. Count on farm-to-table offerings at ART. And while at the hotel, take a look at the art. The original artworks are by leading Pacific Northwest artists who lived in the Pacific Northwest prior to and after World War II. Their work became known as the Northwest School, an art movement founded in Skagit County, Washington.
And then there's the spa --- ahhhh. Its eight treatment rooms include a mani-pedi salon and a couples' suite with private soaking tub overlooking Elliott Bay. Enjoy such signature treatments as Deep Forest Bliss, Emerald Rain and the Rainbow Body-Chakra Balancing Massage. There are separate men's and women's changing areas and steam rooms, along with a relaxation lounge for pre- and post-treatment pampering. There's also an outdoor pool and fireplace plus a fitness center.
TEN THINGS You MUST See and Do in Seattle
- Space Needle
- Pike Place Market
- Ferries
- Seattle Aquarium
- Seattle Waterfront
- Woodland Park Zoo
- Bill Speidel's Underground Tour
- Seattle Public Library
- Tillikum Village
- Ride the Ducks of Seattle
NEXT: Qualicum Beach and Parksville on Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Comments
I moved here in 1990 and I have yet to ride the Duck! (It's on my TO DO list.)
I took my hubby for our anniversary about 5-6 years ago. We had a great time and you get to see the Fremont Troll, etc. Most fun was splashing into Lake Union. But wait 'til it warms up!
What a great informative article.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!