Photo: LoadedAaron

Seattle is good at a lot of things, including 1) scarf weather and 2) excellent food. And fall is the perfect time to visit for both.

You can start your culinary appreciation tour at the city’s outdoor farmers markets. While some are seasonal — those in the neighborhoods of Magnolia and Columbia City end in October — others are open year-round, like the ones in the U-District, Capitol Hill/Broadway, Ballard, and West Seattle. In the fall, you’ll find markets big and small all over the city, all with an incredible display of the fresh produce the region has to offer this time of year — think Chinese broccoli, yams, pumpkins, apples, and Jerusalem artichokes.

And then you have the fall restaurant menus. Expect local, seasonal ingredients and the sort of dishes that feel better than a warm hug. A case in point is the yuzu shio ramen at Capitol Hill’s Kizuki Ramen; its hot burst of citrus broth is the perfect complement to a crisp, fall day spent dashing across the city.

2. Pumpkin spice pints

Photo: Seattle Cider Company

I have three magical words for you: Pumpkin. Spice. Beer. And nowhere does this seasonal treat quite as well as Seattle. Ideal hop-growing conditions (about 70% of American hops are cultivated in Washington), plus a serious approach to brewing, multiplied by Seattle being pumpkin spice ground zero, equals a drink that will make you say, “Latte? What latte?

The whole Seattle area is home to a sea of breweries, but Two Beers Brewing Co. makes one of the more popular renditions. Their sister company, Seattle Cider Co., also puts out a rocking pumpkin spice cider.

And you can find plenty of alternatives on tap at most of the bars around the city. If just trying one variety sounds like a taste-bud letdown, hit up The Beer Junction‘s “Pumpkin Junction” festival in West Seattle for 25+ additional options in mid-October.

3. Football (and fútbol)

Photo: Philip Robertson

You don’t need to be a Seahawks fan, a Sounders fan, or even a sports fan — just come to Seattle for the sheer experience of a game. We don’t mess around in supporting our teams. In fact, our dedication is known for causing actual earthquakes. Standing in the crowd at CenturyLink Field, when everyone around you comes together to create an ocean’s roar of sound, really is a singular experience. It’s equally as awing as seeing Mt. Rainier for the first time.

Plus, going to a game is a great excuse for trying a cream-cheese-laden Seattle-style hot dog. It’s tradition!

4. Smaller crowds

Photo: Rachel Samanyi

Word has definitely gotten out that our city is full of “unrivaled natural beauty” and “incredible, unique experiences” — which means that on summer days the downtown streets can feel like a constant party, vibing with locals, travelers, jamming musicians, and everyone in between.

But we also liked Seattle before it was cool, and if you’re into the “see local bands at a tiny venue and explore hidden galleries and cafes” kind of trip, coming during fall. You get all of the upsides, but everything will be just that tiny bit less busy.

5. The fall culture

Photo: Mark Kitaoka for Teatro Zinzanni

We Seattleites might spend half the year climbing mountains and paddling the water, but when the fall days get cool… well, we’ve built up a city that lets us hang out indoors and still have an awesome time. Catch a show at Teatro Zinzanni (part cabaret, part circus, part gourmet dinner, all awesome), duke it out over beers and board games with your friends at Cafe Mox, or catch a professional football, baseball, or soccer game.

6. Oktoberfest

Photo: James Hillyerd

Lots of cities do an Oktoberfest these days, but there aren’t many that look like they’re set in a real Bavarian mountain village. Leavenworth is an easy day trip from Seattle, entailing a beautiful drive through the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Over three weekends in October, you’ll find fantastic food — aka, giant sausages and hot, salty pretzels — even better beer, a special beer-tapping ceremony, and German parties at venues across town (without the cost of a ticket to Munich).

7. The music scene

Photo: Johan Broberg

The music scene here in Seattle is not a summertime thing. It’s January through December, every day of the week. If anything, since the days are cooling off and we’re getting out of the water and off the hills, the music scene explodes even more in the fall.

Check out The Triple Door (in the historic Mann building, which dates to the ’20s) for local and national acts that span genres. Bonus: You can order from the epic cocktail and food menu from the restaurant upstairs, Wild Ginger, one of the most popular in all of Seattle. Then there’s The Crocodile, which is grittier and more rock ‘n roll — Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and Yoko Ono have all played here. And for something a bit more indie and in between, head to the Tractor Tavern. It’s the kind of place where you’ll stumble on subversive square dancing or “folk popgrass.”

8. The Instagram potential

Photo: Rachel Samanyi

Whether it’s the exquisite design and plant life of the Japanese Garden, the Luminata Lantern Parade on Green Lake for the equinox, or the fall-colors-on-steroids of the Washington Park Arboretum, Seattle in fall will provide you with plenty of camera fodder. No filter needed.

9. The Halloween festivities

Photo: Daniel Stockman

Halloween might just be the perfect time to visit — there are so many seasonally appropriate goings-on. For example, you can check out the Georgetown Morgue Haunted House, set in an actual historic morgue. The most common description from reviewers is “genuinely terrifying,” and it is, as spooks, clowns, corpses, and blood-stained morticians stalk you as soon as you enter the mortuary’s depths.

Also make sure to hit up the Bollywood Thriller party in downtown Seattle — it involves the typical dancing to great music, but also learning a Bollywood version of Thiller and taking part in a flash mob, if you dare.

For something a little more kid-friendly, make your way to the Seattle Center for the city’s Dia de Muertos celebration. You’ll see live performances, get your face painted, make sugar skulls and paper skeletons, and learn about Mexican culture to boot.

The Puget Sound region also hosts a number of corn mazes and pick-your-own pumpkin patches, like Bob’s Corn. It’s home to a 10-acre maze, 60 types of pumpkins for the picking, and sits less than an hour north of Seattle. Pro tip: Bring a jar and you can bottle your own honey here.

Find more amazing Seattle discoveries at VISITSEATTLE.tv

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Author’s Note: This is part one in a three-part series. Read more on my account of North Cascades National Park and Olympic National Park.

As a Seattle local who has lived here my whole life, I often find myself reflecting on what it is that has made me stay all these years. I think the answer becomes most obvious when I’ve been traveling for a while and start to think about what it will be like coming home. If I had to sum it up in two words, I would say: “The Mountains.” Seattle is bordered by two mountain ranges – the Cascades to the east, and the Olympics to the west – and off in the distance to the south, we are anchored by the sublime Mount Rainier, a mountain that evokes wonder and adventure in locals and visitors alike. All these mountains, in addition to their surrounding wilderness, make up the three unique national Parks in Washington State: Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, and Olympic National Park.

Part I: Mount Rainier National Park

Standing at 14,410 feet, it’s hard not to stare in awe and admiration at Mount Rainier whether you are looking at it from Pike Place Market on a clear day, or at the mountain’s base. And even though I have had the opportunity to visit and explore the park many times, I get increasingly more excited every time I go back. It’s hard to say exactly what it is, but there’s a certain energy that seems to pull people in regardless of if your goal is to summit the peak, or simply go for a day hike.

I decided to make my most recent trip to Mount Rainier a family outing and invited my mom and dad who are fellow mountain enthusiasts. We were looking for a hike that wouldn’t be too tough, but still made us feel accomplished at the end. When researching hikes in this park, it’s easiest to first decide which part of the mountain you are most interested in exploring. Some of the most common areas include Longmire, Paradise, Ohanapecosh, Sunrise, and Carbon River – each offering their own unique experiences. Although Paradise is one of the most popular destinations on the mountain, we decided to explore an area a little less traveled, but equally as beautiful, and chose to go to Longmire.

Pro Tip: Use the Nisqually Entrance of the park for the quickest route to Longmire and try to visit on a weekday when there are less crowds and traffic. This entrance is around 94 miles from downtown Seattle and will take just over 2 hours to get there depending on traffic. At the entrance, you will be required to pay for a park pass. We chose the Mount Rainier Single Vehicle Fee which grants unlimited entry for one vehicle and passengers for seven consecutive days. This pass and other options can be found here.

History of Longmire:

In 1899 when Mount Rainier National Park was established, James Longmire’s mineral springs resort, lodging, and homestead was converted into Park headquarters. Though Longmire is no longer the location of headquarters, the original 1916 building can still be visited and houses a small museum where visitors can learn about the early days of the park, wildlife that call the surrounding landscape their home, and about the Native Americans who have considered Mount Rainier a place of importance for thousands of years.

If you are visiting this area and need help figuring out the best hike, where a trailhead is, or have general questions about the park, make sure to stop by the Longmire Wilderness Information Center, housed in the old Longmire Administrative Building completed in 1930. All of Longmire is now designated as a national historic district.

Longmire Wilderness Information Center. Brittany Carchano

Large-scale model of Mountain Rainier inside the Longmire Wilderness Information Center. Brittany Carchano

Rampart Ridge Trail:

We decided the best hike that fit what we were looking for was Rampart Ridge Trail – a 4.6-mile loop with 1,339 ft. of elevation gain and considered “moderate” by the National Park Service. While we are mountain enthusiasts, we are by no means experts, and this trail proved to be the perfect level of difficulty for us.

The first bridge we came across spans through large fields of vegetation including giant skunk cabbage. Brittany Carchano

To access Rampart Ridge Trail, start at the trailhead for The Trail of the Shadows located just across the street from the National Park Inn, a lodging option located in the park. Although the hike is a loop, going clockwise keeps Mount Rainier in front of you most of the time allowing for better chances of seeing the mountain along the way. At the very beginning of the trail, you’ll pass through a section of marshland with plants such as skunk cabbage thriving in this damp environment. The trail quickly turns into a steep climb with a handful of switchbacks for the first two miles. Although the steepness tested our endurance, the beautiful and diverse landscape proved to be just the distraction we needed. From beautiful wildflowers to baby ferns and towering trees, we decided to take our time trekking up the trail to enjoy our surroundings.

Beautiful white bear grass flowers we saw throughout the hike. Brittany Carchano

Pro tip: Make sure to keep an eye out for the sign indicating where the view point is about 1.8 miles in – you’ll be glad you took a break to enjoy the stunning look back at Longmire and the Nisqually River Valley!

Sign indicating where to turn for the view point looking back at Longmire. Brittany Carchano

Photo captured at the view point. Brittany Carchano

A small bird we made friends with during our lunch. Brittany Carchano

Just as we came to the top of the loop before descending back down, we decided to stop for lunch in a rocky area just off the trail. Although there were some large clouds in the sky (Mount Rainier is large enough to generate its own weather system), we were still able to catch glimpses of Mount Rainier as it peeked through. Not to mention, we made plenty of friends with the wildlife who came to check us out including four birds and three chipmunks. We slowly ate our lunch and soaked up the views before heading back down.

Mount Rainier peeking through the clouds. Brittany Carchano

Soaking in the sun in a clearing along the trail. Brittany Carchano

On the descent, Rampart Ridge Trail meets up with Wonderland Trail, a 93-mile-long trail that encircles Mount Rainier. The hike down was equally as beautiful as the way up and we again took our time to drink in the fresh air and green scenery. Once back at Longmire, we were feeling satisfied with our day’s adventure, but were also curious about what else we could explore nearby. After stopping back in at the Longmire Wilderness Information Center we learned that Paradise was only a 30-minute drive away and decided to head on up to see what other vistas we’d come across. We weren’t disappointed with our decision! From waterfalls to nearby peaks to Paradise Inn, we were happy to be able to see just a little bit more before heading home and would recommend this area as a stop on the itinerary if there is time to spare. Overall, we spent around 5.5 hours in the park exploring the various areas and hiking Rampart Ridge.

Outdoor seating located just outside the Tatoosh Cafe at Paradise Inn. Brittany Carchano

The Wilderness Information Center at Paradise.Brittany Carchano

On our drive back home, we decided to stop for ice cream at a shop we noticed on the way to the park. Nothing is more rewarding than a scoop of huckleberry ice cream after a long day of hiking! We stopped at Whittaker’s Café and Espresso, a small café located at Whittaker’s Bunkhouse just off National Park Hwy and then carried on back to the city with tired feet and happy hearts.

Additional Photos from our hike on the Rampart Ridge Trail and Paradise

Other Things to Do in the Area:

If you are interested in visiting Mount Rainier National Park, but hiking isn’t really your cup of tea, there are plenty of other activities to partake in! Visit the National Park Service or Visit Rainier to learn more about camping, bicycling, climbing, fishing, boating, attractions and more in the area. These websites are also great resources if you’re looking to spend more than a day in the park and need overnight lodging.

Directions & Guided Tours:

Headed down to the park by car? Check out the driving directions below:

• From downtown Seattle, head south on I-5
• Take exit 142A for WA-18 E
• Take the WA-167 S exit toward Puyallup to get on WA-167 S
• Take the WA-512 W exit toward WA-161 S/Puyallup/Olympia
• Take the exit toward WA-161 S/S Hill/Eatonville
• Turn left onto WA-161 S/31^st Ave SW (signs for Eatonville/Mount Rainier)
• Turn left onto Centre St E
• Turn left onto WA-7 S/Mountain Hwy E
• Continue straight onto WA-706
• Turn right at Paradise Valley RD
• Longmire will be on your right

Looking for a more guided experience, or shuttle to the park? Visit the resources below:

• NW Adventure Tours
• Evergreen Escapes
• Tours Northwest

The post The Mountains Are Calling: <br>Mount Rainier National Park appeared first on Visit Seattle.

Leave the City Behind

Located just off Puget Sound, Discovery Park is a quick 30-minute drive from downtown Seattle that will make you feel like you’ve left the city lights far, far behind. Discovery Park is the place to trade skyscrapers for mountain vistas, tidal beaches, stunning cliff faces, and commanding lighthouse views. It’s a captivating place, and you’ll probably want to spend the entire day there (which we fully encourage for photos). For the best pictures, plan your visit around sunrise or sunset when the lighting and rolling fog cast a mesmerizing glow upon the water.

Alexander Calder’s ‘Eagle’ at the Olympic Sculpture Park Todd Dominey via Flickr Creative Commons

Enjoy the City’s Green Spaces

You don’t have to venture beyond city limits to enjoy a green reprieve. In fact, Olympic Sculpture Park is one of the top free attractions in the city. Located within walking distance of other tourist hotspots, the outdoor art installations will captivate anyone, young and old. You may find yourself so inspired by the oversized sculptures that you’re motivated to explore more of Seattle’s cultural scene. If you plan your visit in February, be sure to take advantage of half price deals at over 40 museums during Seattle Museum Month.

Mount Rainier National Park Anupam_ts via Flickr.com

Visit One of the US’s Oldest National Parks

Easy to spot from the Space Needle, Mount Rainier has been the stoic guardian of Seattle since it was established as a national park in 1899. Despite its classification as an active volcano, its peaks and wildflowers draw thousands of visitors each year who are willing to face off with the gentle giant. Whether you’re keen on climbing it or simply hiking through it, a visit to Mount Rainier is a rite of passage for any visitor to northern Washington. Though it occasionally grumbles and groans, it is closely monitored by the national park service to ensure all visitors safely enjoy its majestic beauty. To complete the trifecta, North Cascades National Park and Olympic National Park (recently named one of the 10 Coolest Places to go in 2017 by Forbes) are also within easy driving distance of Seattle.

Seattle/Bainbridge Ferry Joenevill via Flickr Creative Commons

Island Hop – PNW Style

Ferries in Seattle are akin to the subway system in New York City — it’s the preferred method of transportation for commuters and can connect you to any of the surrounding islands for a lovely day on the water. Bainbridge Island is popular amongst visitors with several bike and boat rental shops, allowing you to take in the skyline from multiple vantage points. In true city-slicker fashion, simply hop back on the boat and get ready to enjoy dinner and a show in downtown Seattle. It’s the best of both worlds.

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Photo: brianholsclaw / https://www.flickr.com/photos/brianholsclaw

One of my favorite parts of attending the University of Washington — just northeast of downtown, across the Montlake Cut — was exploring its beautiful and expansive campus. And by far its crown jewel is the decades-old Yoshino cherry trees that come into spectacular bloom in mid- to late-March.

Easter Sunday sees the highest concentration of picnickers and blossom admirers, but the quad is pink with drifts of fallen petals for weeks. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting during this time, you won’t want to miss it.

2. You haven’t eaten a true Top Pot Doughnut first thing in the morning.

Sure, the Top Pot doughnut recipe is used in over 7,000 Starbucks, so you needn’t set foot on Seattle soil to nosh one of these delicacies. But the real doughnut magic is to be found only in the Emerald City.

For two years, I lived a block away from Top Pot’s original location, which is a smallish, book-lined space in a brick building in north Capitol Hill. A glazed old-fashioned doughnut and a cup of Top Pot’s hand-roasted coffee saw me through many mornings. I’m not really a sweets person, but Top Pot does have a maple-bar-shaped place in my heart. You can visit them in 15+ Puget Sound locations…or just keep pretending like you have at a few thousand Starbucks.

3. You’ve never had lunch next to a secret waterfall.

Photo: Art Poskanzer/ htps://www.flickr.com/photos/posk

Even when you’re standing five feet from the entrance to Waterfall Garden Park, ensconced within the much larger Pioneer Square Park, you may not know it. The secluded garden is shaded by an oasis of Japanese maples, and it’s only when you enter that you’ll see the 22ft cascade of water. If you’ve never been to Seattle — or even if you’ve visited before — you’ve likely never grabbed a sandwich from Grand Central Bakery and taken lunch here…

What are you waiting for?

4. You’re not expecting to find awesome thrift shopping here.

Perhaps you’re guilty of singing the ridiculously catchy chorus of “Thrift Shop” at full volume in the car — I sure am. Well, if you’re trying to grab a vintage t-shirt, a pair of used ski boots, or some well-loved bell-bottoms, and you “only got $20 in your pocket,” I suggest you make like Macklemore and gravitate to one of Capitol Hill’s many thrift and consignment shops.

When I’m in the market for Halloween costume ideas and leather jackets from the ‘70s, I head to Capitol Hill spots like Lifelong, Crossroads, and Goodwill. I’ve also gotten some of my fave t-shirts and polyester disco shirts from Red Light and Buffalo Exchange in the U District.

5. You don’t believe in bridge-dwelling trolls.

Photo: ctj71081 / https://www.flickr.com/photos/55267995@N04

Because you’ve never met the Fremont Troll, the shaggy-yet-loveable one-eyed troll that resides under the north end of the George Washington Memorial Bridge in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood. Installed as a public sculpture in 1990, The Troll has become something of a mascot for the area, if not Seattle itself. Access the site via N 36th St; climbing and exploration are encouraged. You’ll never look at city bridges the same again.

6. You’ve never marched to a soccer game.

It can be heard for blocks. A Seattle Sounders fan tradition, the March to the Match is a raucous but good-natured parade of team spirit. Meeting at Occidental Square(after some pre-match food and drinks at a Pioneer Square watering hole), and marching to CenturyLink Field about 90 minutes before kickoff, the parade is like a soccer-themed version of Mardi Gras threading its way through downtown Seattle. It’s amazing.

7. You aren’t accustomed to listening to live music any time you want.

Photo: kay la la / https://www.flickr.com/photos/kaylajohnsonphotography

Even a guy like me, who’s always the last person to hear of the coolest band ever, can manage to catch awesome live music in Seattle. The city is teeming with it — indie rock sets, street buskers, symphonies, DJ sets, hip hop duos, circus quartets who make music out of washtubs and bent saws…

If you haven’t been to Seattle, you may not have had my dumb luck in finding good music. This isn’t where I tell you to go see music at such and such a venue. Like I said, music is everywhere. If you want to hear it, you won’t have to look far. (Hint: Ask a local, your host, or the concierge; pick up a free Seattle Weekly; or just head to a neighborhood with a decent density of happy hours.)

8. You think Pike Place Market begins and ends with the fish toss.

There are a ton of tourists at Pike Place Market, and for good reason. It’s incredible. But beyond the airborne salmon, Pike Place is a fully legit public market (the oldest operating in the US). When I lived within walking distance, I would visit several times a week for produce and fresh cut flowers. I loved navigating the labyrinthine corridors to my favorite shops.

There’s years’ worth of careful exploration awaiting the Pike Place Market visitor, but most merely amble through the street-level stores, snap some pics, and move on. Learning your way around the market, picking out your favorite farm stands and artisans booths, and returning multiple times during your stay is a much more rewarding pursuit.

9. You’ve never sprinted to catch a ferry.

Photo: Andrew E. Larsen / https://www.flickr.com/photos/papalars

Sure, you can visit Seattle and escape the fate of running to catch a ferry…maybe the thrill of that particular cardio burst onto the pier, through the ticketing concourse, and down the gangway onto the rumbling vessel is reserved for commuters and Mariners fans catching the last boat home. But if you’ve ridden the ferry a time or two — and there are several of them in and around the Seattle area, going all sorts of awesome places — it’s likely you’ve at least shuffled on board, probably taking your time to admire the blue of the Puget Sound or the views of Mount Rainier.

I’ve heard the patter of my running feet drumming on the pier, trying to catch a boat that could leave any minute, more times than I can count. And when you do catch it, when you’re safely aboard and looking for a free bench to collapse on, then you get to enjoy the nuances of the ride. First of which is waiting for the boat to finally leave…

10. You think Seattle is on the ocean or something…

Maybe you’ve seen pictures of Seattle on some giant body of water, and honestly, nobody could blame you if you thought it was the ocean. But it’s not. It’s Elliott Bay — a pocket of the Puget Sound, which itself is a 100-mile, snaking branch of the Salish Sea. But if you follow the water and the orcas out from Seattle’s waterfront, you will indeed, eventually, be on the Pacific Ocean. So maybe you’re not that far off.

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Nico, Jaspar, Sam, me and Cole. Photo by Lori Magaro.

Chances are, if you have a teenage son you worry that whatever destination you choose for vacation you will find him trudging begrudgingly behind you, head down, hoodie up and hands in his pockets. Possibly muttering about how “lame” this place is and wishing he was home hanging out with his friends.

Fear not. Come to Seattle and your son (and a couple of his buddies if you can swing it) will be Facebooking and Snapchatting about how you are the coolest mom/dad on the planet and…okay, fantasy over. But seriously, Seattle is a great place to bring teenagers and, I promise, they won’t be bored.

Cole and Nico riding the Ducks. Photo by Lori Magaro.

I recently took on the challenge of entertaining teenage boys when my 15-year-old son Cole and I welcomed Nico, a 16-year-old exchange student from France, into our home for three weeks. Fortunately for us, Nico is an “anything goes” kind of kid, so pretty much everything I suggested was met with enthusiasm.

Straight from Sea-Tac, we hit the ground running with a walk through the Pike Place Market to the Waterfront and lunch at Seatown – which has an eclectic menu friendly to both adult and youth tastes.

Rocking the Tiny Ninja Cafe. Photo by Lori Magaro.

Providing no rest for the jet-lagged, Nico joined Cole and three of his friends on Ride the Ducks (don’t forget the quackers) and the kids had a blast touring Seattle, singing and waving to people on the streets and in their houseboats. After the Ducks, they chilled out at EMP Museum – an excellent stop for music-loving teens. We actually go to EMP a few times a year to check out the different exhibits. Make sure you stop in the gift shop for a Nirvana t-shirt and new stickers for the guitar case. That evening we scored tickets to see the CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifying soccer matches at CenturyLink Field. This was a special event, but check out the Seattle Sounders FC schedule and be sure to squeeze in a match if your son is a soccer fan/player. Tickets are affordable and the matches are only 90 minutes – perfect for attention-challenged teens.

Teens meet troll. Photo by Lori Magaro.

Throughout the next couple weeks, we visited the Seattle Aquarium (the octopi, seals and otters are entertaining regardless of visitors’ ages), rode The Seattle Great Wheel (breathtaking views), took an Argosy Harbor Cruise, and made a nighttime visit to the infamous Fremont Troll. We visited the Ballard Locks (and got to see a section of the 520 Bridge float through) and took a picnic down to Golden Gardens for some beach soccer and s’mores over a bonfire.

Surfin’ Ballard. Photo by Cindy Howard.

If your son is like mine, he’s active and wants to be outside – on the water if possible. Seattle has a huge array of easily accessible options. We rented paddleboards (and wetsuits) from Surf Ballard and paddled around Shilshole Bay in Ballard – entertaining the guests on the deck at Ray’s Café – where we dined for lunch afterwards. We took the ferry over to Bainbridge Island and kayaked around Eagle Harbor with the help of a guide from Exotic Aquatics. The boys took a daytrip to Eastern Washington for whitewater rafting. We discovered parasailing a little too late, but will definitely give this a try in the future.

Although we didn’t do this, Seattle and the surrounding Olympic and Cascade Mountains provide excellent terrain for hiking and camping. Also worth exploring is a zip-lining trip through the trees with Canopy Tours Northwest, which you can combine with a ferry ride to Camano Island.

Seattle has a lot of all-ages music venues, and ones that encourage teen bands to perform on their stages. The Vera Project books great youth bands, and Fremont’s Tiny Ninja Café offers a Teen Music Night as well as an open mic night – where Cole, with his special French guest, performed with his band The Hebephrenics. Seattle’s School of Rock puts on season shows three times a year with some of the most talented young musicians you will ever hear, so check out their website and take in a show if you are lucky enough to be in town when they are performing.

We capped off Nico’s visit with a shopping trip downtown to make sure he had souvenirs for himself and gifts for his family. Abercrombie & Fitch was a hit with this age group and Starbucks provided the fuel for a few hours of intense spending.

At the Space Needle. Photo by Lori Magaro.

No visit to Seattle would be complete without a trip to the Space Needle. On Nico’s last night, we amped it up with dinner at Skycity Restaurant. Make sure you bring a postcard or note if you decide to dine here. The restaurant revolves at a rate of once every 45 minutes and if you put a note on the sill, it will pass by all the other diners seated by the window. The custom is to write a little message and put it back. If you are lucky, you get the card back. Nico did this and just over an hour later, he had “Bonjours,” “Au Revoirs” and well wishes from guests visiting from all over the world – something he will never forget. We played like tourists and ordered the Lunar Orbiter (fun even for a teenager) – go for it.

Photo by Lori Magaro.

So, if you have a teenage boy (or will have one visiting), make Seattle the destination for your next vacation. You may be tired, but I guarantee, you and he will have a trip you’ll always remember!

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Looking toward the Ship Canal from Lake Union. Photo by David Newman

Undoubtedly, one of my absolute favorite things to do in Seattle is to hop in a kayak and paddle around Lake Union and beyond. With local facilities that make renting a kayak easy and relatively inexpensive, you’ll be off in no time. If you’ve got a hankering to try it out, or if you’re looking for tips to make your paddling experience about as great as it can be, take a look at my Seattle kayaking tips and paddle your way to northwest bliss.

What should I wear to kayak in Seattle?

Great question and I’m glad you asked. Mostly, you’ll be dry, so there’s no need for a swimsuit or goggles. My suggestion: think comfort and think flexibility. I like to go out in a pair of old sneakers (you probably won’t want to barefoot it, as there are pedals on both the right and left hand sides of the kayak to operate the rudder in back), t-shirt and/or sweatshirt (depending on the temperature) and shorts or sweatpants (also depending on the weather). Also, you’ll want to bring a hat to keep the sun off your head and sunscreen for the rest of you. All that water reflects a LOT of sun and you don’t want to get lobsterized.

Where should I go to rent a kayak?

You’re in luck, because you have a few great options when thinking about where to rent a kayak and launch in Seattle.

• Northwest Outdoor Center (NWOC)
  2100 Westlake Ave N
  206.281.9694
• Moss Bay
  1001 Fairview Ave N
  206.682.2031
• Agua Verde Cafe & Paddle Club
  1303 NE Boat St.
  206.545.8570

Where should I paddle? What is there to see?

So, now that you have your smart gear and you’re on the water, there’s a lot to check out. If you’re in Lake Union, you’ll find yourself surrounded (in a good way) by floatplanes taking off and landing, giant yachts, speedboats, tour vessels, Ride the Ducks boats, tiny sailboats, stand-up paddle-boarders (SUPs) and lots more. (My wife and I even saw a Harbor Seal once as we paddled along the western side of the lake. I thought it was a dog at first.) The lake itself is surrounded by the city skyline to the south, Capitol Hill to the east, Queen Anne Hill and the Space Needle to the west, and the Wallingford neighborhood to the north. Here are some other sights to catch:

• Check out the “Sleepless in Seattle” houseboat: You can find this famous abode in a cluster of houseboats along the northwest edge of Lake Union. Insider’s note: houseboat owners appreciate when paddlers respect that these are their homes, and, just as you’d not want random passers-by peering into your home, they’d rather you kept a wee distance and stay off their docks.
• Visit Fishermen’s Terminal and the Ship Canal: Head up the northwest arm that leads out of Lake Union and paddle beyond the Aurora and Fremont Bridges and you’ll see Seattle’s maritime community hard at work. Amazing tugboats and trawlers all around and even a handful of dry-docks to investigate.
• Head out to the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (Ballard Locks):  This is definitely one of the coolest features of Seattle. It’s where boats can make the transition from the fresh water Lake Union to the salt water Puget Sound. Fascinating to watch if you like that sort of stuff like I do. Boats as large as 760 feet in length and as small as a kayak can travel through the locks so don’t be shy. Insider’s note: If you’re renting a kayak this is the furthest up the Ship Canal some renters would like you to venture, but some of them are OK if you go ahead and go through the locks and into salt water. Check ahead with the rental joint for clarification.
• See Gas Works Park: At the very north end of the lake, where the shore curves south, you’ll find another of Seattle’s great secret parks. This 19-acre park is a public park on the site of the former Seattle Gas Light Company gasification plant. The plant operated from 1906 to 1956, but was purchased by the city in the ‘60s and made into a park, which opened in 1975. Best place in Seattle to fly kites, BTW.

So, to wrap this up, now you know what to wear when you go kayaking in Seattle, where to rent a kayak in Seattle and a few of the MANY cool things to see while kayaking in Seattle. If you found these hints helpful, drop me a comment below; and if you have photos of your own to share, add a link!

Happy paddling!

Seattle City Skyline from Lake Union. Photo by David Newman

Family Paddling by Gas Works Park. Photo by David Newman

Tug Nose. Photo by David Newman

Dry Dock in Lake Union. Photo by David Newman

Ship’s Hull. Photo by David Newman

Looking North Along the West Edge of Lake Union. Photo by David Newman

Ballard Bridge. Photo by David Newman

Tug 1. Photo by David Newman

Fremont Bridge Going Up. Photo by David Newman

Anchor Bay. Photo by David Newman

Vessels. Photo by David Newman

Tremont’s Prow. Photo by David Newman

Depth. Photo by David Newman

The post How to Go Kayaking in Seattle’s Lake Union appeared first on Visit Seattle.