Today I Drove All Over Seattle.

I got a little lost going from Ash's signing time class in North Seattle to the Joann Fabrics in Ballard.  Then I got lost trying to get to Downtown Seattle.  I know I was in Fremont for a bit.  Then I went to West Seattle to go to the Target there.  Yeah, I was everywhere.  Got honked at twice.  Heheh.  I was one of those annoying, slow, all-over-place, trying-to-figure-out-where-I-am, looking both ways times 15, methodical drivers. 

One thing I realized (again!) as I was taking many a scenic route, is that Seattle is a neat, beautiful, bustling, happening place!

So - I thought, hey!  Why not share some of my favorite things about the Seattle/Tacoma area?  These are not in any particular order of favoritism or importance.

1. Alki Beach.  Hubby and I spent a lot of time here during out dating time.  It's a hugely long sandy beach with nice big sidewalks for running, walking, biking, long boarding, roller balding, etc.  There are lots of great restaurants along the beach front and some cool shops too.  There's also a GREAT view of Downtown Seattle from Alki.  And it has a miniature statue of liberty.  :)

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2.  Washington State Ferries.  I ride ferries often.  They got to sooooo many awesome places!  I'm going to list some of these destinations that I recommend.  The Mukilteo ferry that goes to Whidbey Island, San Juan Islands, Vashon Island, and Port Townsend.  I've seen lots of fun water animals (like orcas and otters) while riding the ferry. 

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3. Pike Place Market.  Yummy food, arts & crafts, FISH, and interesting street entertainers.  It's generally pretty crowded.  I love the fish thrower guys and the gorgeous, cheap flower bouquets

(I took this during the Christmas season of 2009)

4. Point Defiance Park.  So much to do here!  The zoo and aquarium and Fort Nisqually are my first picks, but the lumber train is really enjoyable too.

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5.  Tillicum Village.  PRICEY!  I've only been once, but it was sooooooooooooo cool!  The Argosy cruise ride out to Blake Island, the salmon dinner and the amazing and talented Native American dancers. 

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6. Seattle Center.  So much to do.  One could spend all day (and all ones money too) here!  Too much to describe.  I'll just provide you with the links and urge you to add it to the Seattle Bucket List.  The Childrens Museum. IMAX Theater.  Pacific Science Center.  Seattle Laser Dome. 

(Ash, last year, watching the fountain the the Seattle Center)

7. La Rustica.  My absolute favorite place to eat.  Linguine de Mare is....the best.  I really can't come up with a word that describes it well enough.  Pretty special place to my husband and me.  Tiny little restaurant in West Seattle, near Alki Beach.

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8.  Seattle Waterfront.  I love the Seattle Aquarium.  It's been niiiiiiiiicely updated with lots to see and do.  Ye Olde Curiosity Shop is a must see with the shrunken heads and mummies, to name a few of the bizarre displays housed there. 

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9. Green Lake.  I like coming here on a sunny day to go roller blading.  It's also nice for walking or boating.  And they've got a great community center with lots of different classes to choose from. 

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10.  Triple XXX Root Beer Drive-In.   Hahaha!  Just writing that makes me crave a root beer float!  And these guys make the best hamburgers.  Mmmmmm-mmmm!   This isn't really in Seattle, but 20 minutes east, in Issaquah. 

One place I really don't recommend is the Experience Music Project.  **snore**  And expensive.  

Well, that's it!  Hope you enjoy the virtual tour!  Let me know if you're ever around and want a tour guide!  :)  I love living in the amazing and vibrant Seattle/Tacoma area!!  Even if I still get lost occasionally.