Do you find yourself doing the same old things every time you visit Seattle? Is your vision of the Emerald City still dominated by Nirvana, Starbucks, and Frasier? Then it’s time to delve into some dynamic attractions that (mostly) debuted in this decade.
One great way to get a fresh perspective on the Elliott Bay waterfront is to board the Seattle Great Wheel. Opened in 2012, this 175-foot-high Ferris wheel is the city’s answer to the London Eye.
Normally, a ride ($13/adult) in one of the 42 climate-controlled gondolas lasts about 15 minutes, but you sometimes get bonus rotations if you go in the evening when the crowds thin out.
Envision Sweet’s “Fox on the Run” playing from the loudspeakers as you enjoy a crescent moon above the bay, seagulls swooping over the waves, and superb photo ops of Qwest Field (home of the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks) and the Space Needle.
Afterwards, hop into a waiting pedicab and head to the nearby Pike Brewing Company. It’s a joyously eclectic celebration of beer culture, decorated liberally with beer labels, vintage posters and miniature horses pulling beer carts. The in-house Microbrewery Museum traces some 9,000 years of beer history. Relax with a flight of house-brewed draft (six four-ounce samples for $12).
Want to get even higher? We’re not talking about Washington State’s recent legalization of marijuana. Visit the Sky View Observatory, a 73rd-storey, public viewing platform revamped in 2013 and located in the Columbia Center skyscraper. It’s taller and cheaper ($12.50/adult) than the Space Needle.
In addition to the 360-degree view of the city, Mount Rainier, Mount Baker and other landmarks, you can feast on fresh, local cuisine at the Sky View Cafe, which opened in December. Try the scrumptious Ballard Banh Mi sandwich with pork tenderloin and pickled cucumbers, or the inventive kale salad.
Then check out arguably the world’s greatest living glass artist’s creativity at Chihuly Garden and Glass. This permanent exhibition of Tacoma native Dale Chihuly’s stunningly large, psychedelic pieces opened in 2012 at the foot of the Space Needle.
Gape at the 15-foot-tall Sealife Tower, made of blue and green glass, adorned with starfish and sea anemones. Or let Italian opera music sweep over you as you admire Mille Fiori, a Garden of Eden run wild in the spirit of Fantasia.
The gift shop offers Chihuly-themed wine, T-shirts, and coffee table books, as well as original art priced upwards of $5,000.
For a reminder that life is very short and worth making the most of, Pompeii: the Exhibition awaits next door at the Pacific Science Center. Not only does it vividly commemorate one of history’s most famous volcano eruptions, but the exhibition is making its final stop in the U.S. (through May 25).
Pompeii relics on loan from the Naples National Archeological Museum include 17 pieces of silver found next to someone fleeing the catastrophe on Aug. 24, 79 AD; a poignant marble carving of four little dogs curled up together from the House of the Faun; and a bronze gladiator helmet engraved with scenes from the Trojan War.
Immersive, multi-media features make this experience even more compelling. A CGI-laden video recreates the eruption, with special 4-D effects, such as gusts of wind and a shaking floor.
Souvenirs for sale are rather quirky, including Pompeii snow globes, sugar sticks dyed red to resemble lava, and cartoon DVDs with a character named “Pompeii Pete.”
Ready to recharge your batteries somewhere new? Check into the Palladian Hotel, a 97-room Kimpton property that officially opened in February. This beautifully renovated heritage site in Belltown has a fun celebrity focus.
Portraits of Bill Gates and Jimi Hendrix — in 19th-century military uniforms — adorn the lobby. Rooms include vintage and contemporary touches such as clawfoot bathtubs and macramé fixtures, and also have pillows with celebrity faces on them.
(By the way, the silver-bearded gentleman is George Lucas, not Kenny Rogers or Michael McDonald. Just in case you were wondering.)
You can raid the mini-bar with a $10 coupon, or get something more substantial downstairs at Shaker + Spear. This 65-seat restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows specializes in fresh, sustainable seafood, like the excellent mussel chowder and grilled tombo tuna. The Ultimate Ninja (tequila, agave, lemon, blackberries, sage) highlights a creative cocktail list. Wrap up dinner in delectable style with vanilla panna cotta or house-made cookies.
For a fresh selection of beverages and a completely gluten-free menu, Capitol Cider is a scintillating alternative. Launched in Capitol Hill in 2013, it’s Seattle’s first dedicated cider restaurant, laden with dark wood booths. With 20 different ciders on tap, you can savour western flavours, including Tieton Apple Cider, Finnriver Black Currant and BeeHaven Peach Mead. Tuck into potato croquettes, fried acorn squash and beef short ribs. There’s live acoustic music on Wednesday night and jazz on Sundays.
Seeing Seattle through fresh eyes — now there’s something to sing about.
lucasaykroyd@yahoo.com
