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Seattle | |
Further Distractions |
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Seattle,
Further Distractions This district was once the residence of Seattle’s wealthiest citizens but now has the most diverse and youth‐oriented population. The city’s gay community, grunge rockers, hip hoppers and people of many cultures share the area with long‐time residents of the historic mansions, elegant old homes and classic apartment houses. Throughout the area are numerous boutiques, entertainment venues and coffee houses, particularly along Broadway Avenue East, between East Denny Way and East Roy Street and along Pike and Pine between Boren Avenue and Broadway. Nearby, the Central District/South Seattle neighbourhoods have long been the heart of the city’s African‐American community and, in the 1930s, the area began establishing a reputation for jazz and blues musicians. Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, Jimi Hendrix and Ernestine Anderson have all lived here at one time. Capitol Hill Transport: Bus from Olive Way, at Fourth Avenue and Stewart Street (Downtown). Ballard Seattle’s Scandinavian heritage remains evident in this now trendy maritime neighbourhood of north Seattle, where the Alaskan fishing fleet winters at Fishermen’s Terminal before embarking on its quest for salmon. The Hiram M Chittenden Locks provide the link to the saltwater beyond. A walk along the Locks is a unique experience, with underwater windows from which to watch migrating salmon. Historic Downtown Ballard has brick streets, numerous galleries and lively taverns full of local music. From May to September, there is a Sunday market with fresh produce and crafts on sale. The Nordic Heritage Museum is also located here. This is the country’s only museum honouring immigrants from the five Nordic countries – Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden – in collections of photographs, costumes and century‐old fishing and maritime implements. The Ballard Chamber of Commerce (see below) can offer additional sightseeing tips. Ballard Tel: (206) 784 9705. E‐mail: info@ballardchamber.com Transport: Bus 17 north from Downtown. Nordic Heritage Museum 3014 Northwest 67th Street Tel: (206) 789 5707. Fax: (206) 789 3271. E‐mail: nordic@intelistep.com Opening hours: Tues–Sat 1000–1600, Sun 1200–1600. Admission: US$4 (concessions available). Washington Park Arboretum On the shores of Lake Washington, south of the University District on Union Bay, six kilometres (four miles) east of downtown Seattle, is an 80‐hectare (200‐acre) park, with over 5500 species of rare trees and other flora, both native and imported. The impressive Japanese Garden has koi pools, a mountain‐inspired waterfall and a traditional teahouse. 23 Arboretum Drive East Tel: (206) 543 8800. Transport: Bus 11 to Madison Street. Opening hours: Daily 1000–1600 (visitor centre); 0700–dusk (grounds). Admission: Free. Japanese Garden Tel: (206) 684 4725. Opening hours: Tues–Sun 1000–dusk (1 Mar–30 Nov). Admission: US$3 (concessions available). Alki Drive Along the water, out in West Seattle, the 3.2km (two‐mile) white sandy beach along Alki Drive is the point where the first white settlers arrived in 1851, before retreating to the less windy site on Elliott Bay. The view over Puget Sound and the city skyline is considered one of the best in the city. In summer, the beach is filled with families and children picnicking, swimming, sunbathing and eating the speciality fish and chips. Alki Drive, West Seattle Transport: Bus 17 to Alki, Admiral District departs from Second Avenue and Pike Street or bus 56 to Alki Beach departs from First Avenue and Pike Street. |