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During your Seattle vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
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.
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).
Seattle Central Library
It isn't often that the library is considered one of the coolest joints in town, but Seattle's new downtown library, opened in summer 2004, is such an architectural wonder that it has been the talk of the town. Now, not all that talk has been positive -- but I'll leave it to you to decide whether you love it or hate it. There doesn't seem to be any middle ground with this giant glass cube and its diamond-patterned steel girders and strange angles. Regardless of your reaction to architect Rem Koolhaas's design, you can't help but notice that in a town known for its gray skies, this library abounds in natural light. There are also colorful spongy chairs, floors of bamboo and brushed metal, carpets printed to look like plants, and a garden designed to meld with the carpets. Oh, and if you need to use the Internet, this place has hundreds of computer terminals, too.
Skyway Inn
The SeaTac Skyway Inn is a great choice for your next stay. This property offers 58 tastefully appointed spacious rooms on 3 floors and is only minutes away from the airport with shuttle service provided to and from. In-room coffee is provided along with continental ...
Days Inn Seattle/Sea-Tac International Airport
We are located 3 blocks South of the Seatac airport, 20 minutes from downtown Seattle, and 10 minutes from major shopping areas, the Days Inn Seatac is the ideal location to accommodate all of your travel plans. We offer complimentary 24 hour airport shuttle, free high-speed wireless internet, complimentary continental breakfast, and a variety of room types to fit your specific needs. Within walking distance to recreation, numerous dining choices and Angle Lake Park, the Days Inn Seatac is ...
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