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During your Seattle vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
Nordic Heritage Museum
Housed in a former school building, this is primarily a neighborhood museum that focuses on the experiences of Scandinavian immigrants in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood. However, it also mounts exhibits of Scandinavian and Scandinavian-inspired art, and these temporary exhibits are what make this little museum worth seeking out for those who aren't of Scandinavian heritage. The Dream of America exhibit on the first floor does an excellent job of explaining why Scandinavians began immigrating to the United States and how they ended up settling in Ballard. Up on the third floor, each of the Nordic countries gets a display room of its own. In mid-July each year, the museum sponsors the Tivoli/Viking Days festival, which includes booths serving Nordic foods.
The Seattle Aquarium
Although it's not nearly as large and impressive as the Monterey Bay Aquarium or the Oregon Coast Aquarium, is still quite enjoyable and presents well-designed exhibits dealing with the water worlds of the Puget Sound region. The star attractions here are the playful river otters and the sea otters, as well as the giant octopus. There's also an underwater viewing dome from which you get a fish's-eye view of life beneath the waves, and each September you can watch salmon return up a fish ladder to spawn. Of course, there are also plenty of small tanks that allow you to familiarize yourself with the many fish of the Northwest, a beautiful coral-reef tank, and several smaller tanks that exhibit fish from distant waters. Life on the Edge focuses on tide-pool life along Washington's Pacific Ocean and Puget Sound shores, while Life of a Drifter highlights jellyfish.
Japanese Garden
Situated on 3 1/2 acres of land, the Japanese Garden is a perfect little world unto itself, with babbling brooks, a lake rimmed with Japanese irises and filled with colorful koi (Japanese carp), and a cherry orchard (for spring color). A special tea garden encloses a teahouse, where on the third Saturday of each month between April and October, you can attend a traditional tea ceremony ($10). Unfortunately, noise from a nearby road can be distracting.
Doubletree Guest Suites Seattle Airport/Southcenter
Excellent airport location, across from Westfield Shopping Town, Southcenter, featuring more than 150 fine department stores, specialty shops and restaurants. Just 5 minutes to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the Boeing Company, and Alteon. 15 minutes from beautiful downtown Seattle attractions and cruise ship arrivals and ...
Residence Inn by Marriott Seattle Downtown Lake Union
The Residence Inn Seattle Downtown Lake Union is located on the beautiful shores of Lake Union and just minutes from downtown Seattle. Our spacious suites offer separate living and sleeping areas and plenty of space for relaxing, entertaining or meeting with colleagues. Free high speed Internet access is available in all guest suites. Start your day at the Residence Inn Seattle Downtown Lake Union with complimentary breakfast in our seven story atrium and join us for our weekly reception ...
MarQueen Hotel
At the MarQueen Hotel, the experience is luxurious, featuring evening turndown, plush towels & robes, kitchens with coffeemakers & premium coffee, hardwood floors, Aveda amenities, upscale decor & appointments and fabulous service. Complimentary services include downtown shuttle, wine reception on selected evening and overnight shoeshine. The hotel also features Ten Mercer Restaurant, offering New American cuisine in a sleek, urban setting as well as Caffe Ladro, serving espresso drinks and ...
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