The Fairmont Olympic Hotel Seattle

Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market, originally a farmers market, was founded in 1907 when housewives complained that middlemen were raising the prices of produce. The market allowed shoppers to buy directly from producers and thus save on grocery bills. By the 1960s, however, the market was no longer the popular spot it had been. World War II had deprived it of nearly half its farmers when Japanese Americans were moved to internment camps. The postwar flight to the suburbs almost spelled the end of the market, and the site was being eyed for a major redevelopment project. Fortunately, a grass-roots movement to save the 9-acre market culminated in its being declared a National Historic District.Today the market is once again bustling, but the 100 or so farmers and fishmongers who set up shop on the premises are only a small part of the attraction. More than 150 local craftspeople and artists can be found here, selling their creations as street performers serenade milling crowds. There are also hundreds of small specialty shops throughout the market, plus dozens of restaurants, including some of the city's best. At the information booth almost directly below the large PIKE PLACE MARKET sign, you can pick up a free map and guide to the market. Keep an eye out for low-flying fish at the Pike Place Fish stall, and be sure to save some change for Rachel, the market's giant piggy bank, which has raised more than $100,000 over the years.Victor Steinbrueck Park, at the north end of the market at the intersection of Pike Place, Virginia Street, and Western Avenue, is a popular lounging area for both the homeless and those just looking for a grassy spot in the sun. In the park, you'll see two 50-foot-tall totem poles.To get a glimpse behind the scenes at the market and learn all about its history, you can take a 1-hour guided Market Heritage Tour (tel. 206/774-5249 for information and reservations). Tours are offered Wednesday through Sunday at 11am and 2pm; the cost is $7 for adults and $5 for seniors and children under 18. They depart from the market's Heritage Center, 1531 Western Ave., an open-air building filled with historical exhibits (take the Skybridge to the Market Garage and then take the elevator to the Western Ave. level).

Woodland Park Zoo
Located in north Seattle, this sprawling zoo has outstanding exhibits focusing on Alaska, tropical Asia, the African savanna, and the tropical rainforest. The brown-bear enclosure, one of the zoo's best exhibits, is a very realistic reproduction of an Alaskan stream and hillside. In the savanna, zebras gambol and giraffes graze contentedly near a reproduction of an African village. An elephant forest provides plenty of space for the zoo's pachyderms, and the gorilla and orangutan habitats are also very well done. There's even a large walk-through butterfly house ($2 additional fee) during the summer months. Don't miss the giant Komodo dragons from Indonesia. A farm animal area and petting zoo are big hits with the little ones.

Center for Wooden Boats
This unusual little museum, located adjacent to the Northwest Seaport/Maritime Heritage Center, is basically a collection of wooden boats of all kinds. Most of the boats are tied up to the docks surrounding the museum's floating boathouse, but some are stored in dry dock (on the dock itself). Dedicated to the preservation of historic wooden boats, the center is unique in that many exhibits can be rented and taken out on the waters of Lake Union. There are both rowboats and sailboats; rates range from $13 to $46 per hour (call for hours of availability). Free classic boat rides are held on Sunday from 2 to 3pm, and individual sailing instruction is also available.

Red Lion Hotel Seattle South at Boeing Field
We're located four miles north of Seattle Tacoma International Airport and eight miles south of Downtown Seattle at the intersection of State 599, S.R. 99 and Tukwila International Boulevard. Renovation Notice: The Pool will be closed for renovations until Summer 2007.Our restaraunt will be closed for renovations until November ...

Grand Hyatt Seattle
Located downtown, 14 miles from Seattle Tacoma airport, 5 miles from Boeing Field, located in the heart of the Financia and Business district. Close to the city's most distinguished shops, department stores and boutiques. Next to the Washington State Convention and Trade Center. 3 blocks from the Greyhound bus ...

Sheraton Seattle Hotel
Nearby Airports: * Boeing Field/King County International Airport - 7 Miles * Seattle-Tacoma International Airport - 16 Miles Nearby Cities: * Shoreline - 10 Miles * Edmonds - 12 Miles * Tukwila - 12 Miles * Burien - 15 Miles * Kirkland - 15 Miles * Renton - 15 Miles * Bellevue - 15 Miles * Lynnwood - 15 Miles * Renton - 15 Miles * Federal Way - 18 Miles * Everett - 20 Miles * Redmond - 20 Miles ...