Kayaking on Lake Union
Credit: oksanaphoto/Getty
WHERE TO STAY
Seattle has hotel accommodations for
every taste, ranging from the upscale
Four Seasons Hotel Seattle in the center
of the city to the quirky Edgewater Hotel
(where the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and
hometown favorites Pearl Jam have all
stayed); bands love the W Hotel Seattle as
well, for its special soundproofed “Sound
Suite” that allows for all-night jams and
recording sessions without disturbing the
rest of the guests. Staying in the center
of town allows for easy walking to most
of the main sights of the city, so choose a
downtown hotel and leave the car behind.
WHAT TO SEE
The arts thrive in Seattle. Start with the
Olympic Sculpture Park, a free outdoor
collection of 21 works by renowned
sculptors, including Louise Bourgeois,
Ellsworth Kelly, and Alexander Calder.
Indeed, public sculptures pop up all over
Seattle, from the “Fremont Troll” under
the Aurora Bridge to the Giant Red Twin
Popsicle at Fourth and Blanchard. But
it rarely gets more fanciful than at the
Chihuly Garden and Glass at the Seattle
Center, which displays the famed glass
artist’s (and Washington native) surreal
creations indoors and out. Drink in more
creative juices at the Museum of Flight,
the Museum of Popular Culture, the
Museum of History and Industry, and the
Seattle Art Museum.
With a resume of rock royalty, the music
scene in Seattle ranks among the nation’s
best. The Showbox, a venerable 75-year
old venue, hosts up-and-coming bands
most nights; while Tractor Tavern is
a favorite for local groups. At the Sea
Monster Lounge, funk and blues abide.
For a fascinating insider experience,
head to suburban Shoreline and take the
Historic Tour at London Bridge Studio,
where bands like Pearl Jam, Alice in
Chains, and Soundgarden made many of
their most famous recordings.
FLYWASHINGTON.COM 34 SUMMER 2019