Seattle Things to Do Tips by gilescorey

Seattle's Stunning "Main Library" Downtown Seattle Review

Before undertaking a massive overhaul of Los Angeles' main museum, some on the board favored a radical Rem Koolhaas designed demolition and overhaul. Taxpayers, faced with a bond, balked and the plan died.

After seeing Koolhaas' Seattle Main Library I say, "tax me and build it!".

The library's central structure is ringed by a descending ramp, somewhat akin to NYC's Guggenheim. Floor by floor, one is greeted with expansive views of the building's outside skin, filtering light into a cavernous public space that fills the entire outer perimeter. The kaleidescope of angles, light and competing texture are a photogs best friend.

Breathtaking not only in design but in details, it gives dignity back to an institution that's become better known for Hobos than Hobbes. Every Seattle visitor should make this building a priority stop on their itinerary.

Address: 1000 Fourth Ave.

Directions: Cross Street Madison

Phone: (206) 386-4636ý

Website: http://www.spl.org

Smith Tower Observation Deck Smith Tower Observation Deck Review

Being crowd-averse and naturally cranky, I did not even attempt the Space Needle while in Seattle. Instead, I walked uphill from Pioneer Square to the impressive Smith Tower. I walked in, got on the operator run cage elevator, and bought my ticket up top. No wait.

There are certainly taller buildings to visit, but if you're interested in a wee bit of history, and some great detailing, the Smith Tower will do the trick. This was the tallest building west of Chicago for fifty years.

At $7.50/adult, it's also a bit cheaper than the other observation decks.

Address: 506 2nd Ave Seattle, WA 98104

Directions: between S 2nd Avenue Extended & James St

Phone: (206) 622-4004

Website: http://www.smithtower.com/Observation.html

See Seattle by Sea

Visitors to Seattle venture to, basically, three destinations by boat: Vashon Island, Bainbridge Island, and Alki Point.

Now, my guidebook described Alki Point as "a bit of Southern California in Seattle" - so that, naturally, was out of the question.

And, the cashier at Smith Tower Observatory endorsed, unequivocally, Bainbridge over Vashon.

So, to Bainbridge we sailed!

Bainbridge is nice enough. It's a small town. It's walkable. It's green and leafy. It smells like fudge and bath soaps. Lots of clapboard and decorative wind chimes. It's, you know, nice.

But, to pull the New England card again - is anywhere in the U.S. really all that charming after growing up in Colonial America? It's rhetorical...

I digress.

I had a lovely time in Bainbridge! It's ace in the hole is that, for all the travellers that drop in, the town and island is still a decidedly residential spot. People live here, and you can tell. So, theme park averted, and small town America enjoyed.

But, whether you decide on Bainbridge, Vashon or Alcoholic, the activity of riding the ferry is the attraction in itself. Fares are "commuter cheap" and you get a stunning vista of the Seattle skyline and its environs. I was further stoked when Mt. Rainier made a last minute appearance during sunset. I felt like I had willed it to happen. I felt powerful.

Address: 801 Alaskan Way Pier 52 Seattle 98104

Directions: Easy access from Pioneer Square, via a dandy pedestrian bridge.

Phone: 1.888.808.7977

Website: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries