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US Airways Flights from Chicago (ORD) to Seattle (SEA)
Orbitz is pleased to offer airline tickets on US Airways, which operates 5 regularly scheduled daily non-stop flights from Chicago (ORD) to Seattle (SEA), departing between 9:52am and 7:50pm, and one additional non-stop flight regularly scheduled to depart at 8:05am and arrive at 10:38am, everyday except Sunday. Generally, a movie is offered on this route. The average travel time from Chicago, IL to Seattle, WA is 4 hours and 34 minutes.
During your Seattle vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
Northwest Seaport/Maritime Heritage Center
Although this marine heritage center at the south end of Lake Union is currently little more than a shipyard for the restoration of four historic ships, it has grand plans for the future. If you're a fan of tall ships and the age of sailing, you can pay a visit to the 1897 schooner Wawona, which is currently under restoration. Also being restored are a 1904 lightship, an 1889 tugboat, and a 1933 salmon troller. Throughout the year, there are folk-music concerts ($10 adults, $7 seniors and children) on the deck of the Wawona (call for details), and on the second Friday of each month, there's a free Chantey Sing from 8 to 10pm.Nearby, at Chandler's Cove, you'll find the gift shop and the few small exhibits of the Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society, 901 Fairview Ave. N. (tel. 206/624-3028; www.pugetmaritime.org). The shop and exhibits are open daily from noon to 5pm.
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
There is something oddly fascinating about locks. No, not the locks on doors -- the locks that raise and lower boats. Locks don't provide panoramic views and aren't nearly as dramatic as waterfalls, but for some strange reason, a lot of people are intrigued by the concept of two side-by-side bodies of water on two different levels. Consequently, the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in the Ballard neighborhood are among the most popular attractions in the city. These locks, operated by the Army Corps of Engineers, consist of a small lock and a large lock. The latter accommodates barges, commercial fishing vessels, and the like, while the small lock stays busy shuttling small private boats (including sea kayaks) between the saltwater of Puget Sound and the freshwater of the Lake Washington Ship Canal, which connects to both Lake Union and Lake Washington. It's a slow process locking boats back and forth, but none of the onlookers seem to mind, and people onshore and those on the boats often strike up conversations.When the gates of the lock are closed, it's possible to continue to the far side of the ship canal to the fish ladders and fish-viewing windows that provide opportunities for salmon viewing during the summer months. The chance to see salmon in a fish ladder is as much of a draw as the locks themselves, and in the past the fish runs have also attracted hungry sea lions that at times become regular salmon-swallowing pests.Also here at the locks, you can stroll the grounds of the Carl S. English, Jr., Botanical Gardens, a city park filled with rare and unusual shrubs and trees. There are free tours of the grounds Monday through Friday at 1 and 3pm, Saturday and Sunday at 11am and 1 and 3pm.The locks are located a 10- to 15-minute drive north of downtown. Follow Elliott Avenue north along the waterfront from downtown Seattle; after crossing the Ballard Bridge, drive west on NW Market Street.
Soundbridge Seattle Symphony Music Discovery Center
Perhaps you're an accomplished musician but have always longed to conduct an orchestra, or perhaps you've never had much musical talent at all but dream of playing the cello like Yo-Yo Ma. At this fascinating little music exploration center, you can at least see what it feels like to be first chair in the string section of the symphony. Not only is there a listening bar with more than 500 classical recordings, but there are also interactive exhibits that let you play a cello, tickle the ivories, or conduct a virtual orchestra. There's an exhibit on the science of music as well.
Make your reservations for discount hotel rooms in the
Seattle area, including:
Mayflower Park Hotel
If your favorite recreational activities include shopping or sipping martinis, the Mayflower Park is for you. Built in 1927, this historic hotel is connected to the upscale Westlake Center shopping plaza and is within a block of both Nordstrom and Bon-Macy's. Most rooms here are furnished with an eclectic blend of contemporary Italian and traditional European pieces. Some units still have small, old-fashioned bathrooms, but all have been recently renovated and are now up to modern hotel standards. The smallest guest rooms are cramped, but these standard rooms have also been renovated in the past few years. If you crave space, ask for one of the larger corner rooms or a suite. There are also rooms with two bathrooms (popular with women traveling together). Martini drinkers will want to spend time at Oliver's lounge, which serves the best martinis in Seattle and has free hors d'oeuvres in the evening. The hotel's Andaluca restaurant is a plush, contemporary spot serving a highly creative cuisine.
University Inn
Located within easy walking distance of the university, this renovated 1960s hotel offers surprisingly attractive rooms, many with views of Lake Union. Although the least expensive units (called "traditional rooms") have bathrooms with showers but no tubs, they make up for this shortcoming with small balconies. The deluxe rooms, which have refrigerators and microwaves, are more spacious, and those on the west side of the hotel offer glimpses of Lake Union (the best views are in winter). For even more space and the best views, opt for one of the premier rooms, which have large windows and extra-comfy beds (ask for room no. 331, which has a view of Mount Rainier).
Seattle Downtown-Lake Union Marriott Residence Inn
Right across the street from Lake Union and within a couple blocks of several good waterfront restaurants, this Marriott Residence Inn is a good bet that's slightly removed from the city center. A seven-story atrium floods the hotel's plant-filled lobby court with light, while the sound of a waterfall soothes traffic-weary nerves. All accommodations here are suites, so you get quite a bit more space for your money than you do at downtown hotels. You'll also have a full kitchen, so you can prepare your own meals if you like (though breakfasts are provided). The suites here, though generally quite spacious, don't have much character; they do, however, have phones and TVs in the bedrooms and living rooms. There's no restaurant on the premises, but several options are right across the street, and one of these provides the hotel's room service. Amenities include Wednesday-night guest receptions and a grocery-shopping service.
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