Seattle Has It All

A few years ago my family and I were planning our summer vacation.  Destinations like Disneyworld, Hawaii and the Bahamas had been tossed around.  Imagine my surprise when I returned from an outing with my friends to discover my parents had booked a trip to Seattle, Washington.  Seattle, Washington?  I was astounded.  What was there to do in Washington?  A lot, I soon discovered.  By opening up my mind my family enjoyed one of our favorite vacations of all time. 

A city rich in culture, there’s no shortage of things to do in Seattle, Washington. One can enjoy everything from Seattle‘s famous Space Needle to regional food, fun and fantastic sightseeing opportunities. Visit Seattle to get a feel of the Pacific Northwest.  Pike’s Street Market always has something unique going on. The Market has a wonderful sense of energy and excitement in the air. That excitement makes visiting the Market a pleasurable experience for both adults and kids. Don’t leave Seattle without getting out on the water at least once.  We had a blast kayaking for the first time on Lake Washington. 

Each of the members in the family picked one excursion they wanted to do.  My sister’s was a doll museum.  Needless to say I was appalled at the idea of visiting a doll museum.  Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art was a fascinating spot, even for a 16 year old boy who normally would not be caught dead around dolls. There are more than 1200 items featured  ranging from old to new dolls, teddy bears, toys, dollhouses, miniatures and other childhood paraphernalia. They are artfully displayed making them easy to look at and enjoy. 

My mother’s destination was a drive up to Vancouver, Canada to see Capilano Suspension Bridge.  Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of Vancouver, British Columbia‘s most popular tourist attractions. Looking at the majestic trees and beautiful scenery is worth the drive.  Visitors can cross this 450-foot suspension bridge, stretching across the Capilano River Canyon, and relax in a beautiful park afterwards.  This was a wonderful new look at flora and fauna for a boy who lives in the Valley of the Sun where cactus and gecko abound. 

Next, it was my father’s turn to choose the day’s outing.  Being a member of the United States Air Force it was not a surprise that his destination was the Seattle Museum of Flight. The Museum of Flight showcases its assortment of more than 150 historic air and spacecraft along with exclusive artifacts. There is something for everyone to experience in this distinctive museum. 

Finally, it was my turn to pick.  Of course there was only one choice for me, Experience Music Project /Science Fiction Museum.  Imagine my disappointment that the day I had been looking forward to the most was the most overpriced and overhyped excursion of our trip. Unless you are a huge fan of Jimi Hendrix, pass on this rock and roll museum. 

One of our favorite dinners was at Pasta Freska.  At this small restaurant Chef Mike Horri comes over to your table and discusses with you your likes and dislikes and then he cooks you a personalized meal.  It is absolutely mouth watering. 

Our trip concluded with the traditional sights and sounds of Seattle, Pike’s Market Place, Space Needle, Underground Tour, Spirit of Seattle Dinner Train and many more. At the conclusion of a trip I had been dreading I realized I had one of the best adventure of my life.  My advice to anyone going on a family trip is to open your mind to a world of endless wonders.