Seattle, Washington

Today's feature city is Seattle, Washington. I haven't ever been to Seattle, or Washington, but I have some family and friends out there so I'm hoping someday soon. It's always nice to travel somewhere to see someone you know, and it certainly helps you make sure you see the "must sees" of the city. But you should still have a good idea of what is important for you to see and what you wouldn't mind skipping. Great Aunt Mildred might want to spend half a day at the Museum of Knitting History (does that exist somewhere?) but maybe you have better ideas of how to spend your vacation.

The Space Needle is an obvious must. It's what sets this city sky line immediately apart from others. While you're at the Needle do some shopping at the all in one gift shop and grab dinner at Sky City, a restaurant at the top of the building that spins a full 360 degrees as  you dine. And if you just can't make it out to Seattle this weekend, watch the sky line from one of their four webcams.

Pacific Science Center. is sure to offer a day of fun and learning. Just a quick peek at their home page will make you want to visit and play around. With permanent exhibits on dinosaurs, the human body, animals, and technology (among several others) you're sure to be able to spend a day. Featured exhibits rotate, so be sure to see what's coming or currently on display. For the next few months visit the Harry Potter Exhibit or Mindbender Mansion. And before you leave catch a show at their IMAX theater.

Experience Music Project Science Fiction Museum. It's a mouthful, and it's a new one on me. A museum of music and science fiction with permanent exhibits on subjects from guitars to space travel, and a current featured exhibit on music legend Jimi Hendrix. This museum even boasts a Science Fiction Hall of Fame.

Woodland Park Zoo. I'm always up for a trip to the zoo while on vacation. With 15 exhibit zones you're sure to see something wild!

The Underground Tour sounds like something truly amazing. This tour takes you on a guided trip under Seattle's streets and sidewalks, where the original streets and storefronts of Seattle are now located. Learn the history and take a peek at the renovated subterranean city.

Last but not least it seems customary to Ride the Ducks. It's the only way to tour Seattle from land and the water!

I'll leave finding the restaurants to you, but I hope some people who live in or have visited Seattle can leave some comments about their favorite things to do and places to eat.

And here's some helpful advice from my cousin who lives in Seattle.

When I saw that pop up I got mad for a minute thinking you had been here and never called me! I'm so glad Seattle is on your list of places to visit. It is gorgeous and I know you would love it! Ride the Duck is definitely a must do! The tour is fun, but the drivers make it an experience. As well as the Zoo, you need to go to the Aquarium as well and if time allows the Pt. Defiance Zoo in Tacoma (about 45mins) and the Cougar Mountain Zoo...with more exotic animals (close to my house).

A MUST DO is a ride on the ferry to Bainbridge and visit the wineries and tour the quaint town of Poulsbo. That is my very favorite thing to do.
Also a walk along Alki Beach is a way to see Seattle from the water side and a beautiful place to have a picnic.

Sooooo much to do and see. And if you come..you have a place to stay and a tour guide to boot!!

Now food... http://tomdouglas.com/index.php/restaurants/serious-pie Serious Pie is a fun, intimate place for some gourmet pizza, you have to have at least lunch at Ivar's - fast food seafood but an icon in Seattle.http://www.ivars.com/
Of course you HAVE to go to the original Starbuck's at Pike Place Market. OH! And Top Pot Doughnuts!! http://www.toppotdoughnuts.com/ YUM!! There are hundreds of wonderful places to eat.