Travel in Seattle: A Tourist's Guide to Seattle, Washington - Yahoo Voices - voices.yahoo.com

A trip to the charming city of Seattle is lots of fun, if you're prepared for the inevitable rain. This city is notorious for wet weather year-round, but you really shouldn't let that stop you from seeing all the wonderful things Seattle has to offer. It's a unique, beautiful and very enjoyable city. Plus, all that rain makes the landscape greener than green, which only adds to its charm. Here are a few of my favorite things to do in Seattle.

1. The Space Needle in Seattle Center. It would be unthinkable to visit Seattle and not see its most famous landmark, built in 1962 for the World Expo and towering 600-plus feet into the sky.

You can enjoy a delicious lunch, brunch or romantic dinner in the revolving restaurant at the top. Or, just ride the amazingly fast elevator up to the 360-degree observation deck where a panorama of snow-capped mountains and other majestic sights will take your breath away. On a clear day, you really can see "forever" from the top of the Needle! Of course, the complimentary high-powered telescopes help a little.

2. In addition to the Space Needle, Seattle Center has many other things that are worth checking out. Theatre, ballet, opera, rock 'n' roll history, science, movies, shopping and exploring are all found in Seattle Center. I'm a kid at heart, and my favorite is the Fun Forest Amusement Park. This "playground for all ages" has 19 rides and an assortment of games. You can get an adrenaline rush on the roller coaster, take a spin on the carousel, or try to win a prize on the midway. Fun Forest also features the Entertainment Pavilion, open daily year-round with laser tag, mini-golf, games and three rides.

3. The Seattle Waterfront on Alaskan Way. Spectacular scenery, tacky-but-fun tourist shops and the Alaskan Way Viaduct thundering overhead make this a memorable place to see. The old streetcar clangs along the length of the waterfront, and the Bainbridge Island ferry leaves from Colman Dock. Also worth a visit if you have the time are the Seattle Aquarium and the Odyssey Maritime Discovery Center. Whatever you do, don't pass up the incredibly tasty fish and fried clams from the streetside fish-n-chips stand.

4. Pike Place Market is another of Seattle's most famous landmarks. What originally began as an impromptu farmer's market 100 years ago, has morphed into a venerable and impressive marketplace that encompasses 23 buildings and eight city blocks. Produce stands are still an important part of the market's offerings. Added to the eclectic mix are fishmongers, florists, bakeries, bars and quirky merchants with unique handmade wares. The only chain stores allowed are Starbucks and Sur La Table. Both of these opened their first retail outlets at Pike Place long before they became nationally recognized brands.

5. The Underground Tour of historic Pioneer Square. Tromping through the subterranean passages of Seattle's oldest neighborhood while an offbeat tour guide entertains you with humorous stories of Seattle's colorful history, is truly an unforgettable adventure. This leisurely walking tour starts inside Doc Maynard's, a restored 1890s saloon, and traverses about three blocks. It's all underground of course, so save this one for a rainy day!

Seattle is a great vacation destination despite the rain. Who knows, you might even get lucky and experience a dry spell during your trip. Pack your raincoat, umbrella and rain boots "just in case," and get ready to have a wonderful time in the beautiful city of Seattle.