Hello everyone,
At long last my wife and I are going to be able to take a Seattle vacation.
I’m hoping to be able to go to at least one session there and wonder if anyone has a favorite?
(Don’t worry, I’m a punter.)
Also if you have suggestions for things to see, and do, and/or things to avoid, I’d be greatful.
Thanks!
Fado downtown has a session, but I’ve not played at that session in years (I don’t get to Seattle often). A Terrible Beauty in West Seattle had a nice session the last time I was there (2 years ago), but I can’t find information online about it…so maybe the pub closed?
You must do the Underground Tour despite what any local tells you to do (most locals have not been on it and disparage it). The Ghost tours are fun…either the one stating at Pike’s Place or the one starting in Pioneer’s Square. Take a Ferry out to Bainbridge Island. If you have 10 hours, you can drive over to one of the rainforests in the Olympic peninsula, but it’s further away than you think and a stay overnight on the peninsula is not a bad idea. Take a walk along Golden Gardens beach (a local’s favorite).
I love Seattle…don’t live there, yet, but hope to some day.
Eric
Thanks Jay!
I heartily recommend getting out to the Lake Crescent area. It’s only around 2 hours from Bainbridge (which is only a 30 min ferry ride from Seattle) and has some of the thickest, densest rainforest you’ll ever see. I’ve been to both the Hoh and Nisqually rainforests and neither was as cool as just the area 'round Lake Crescent.
The Lake Crescent area is gorgeous. We went to the Bogachiel rainforest instead of the Hoh. We like off the beaten path areas, and we didn’t see a soul in the 2-3 hours we hiked.
Snowqualmie falls to the east ought to be in fine form in May. Also, if you’ve never been to Seattle I think riding the Ducks (they leave down by the Space Needle) is a fun way to see the city.
You should also probably go stick your head in Dusty Strings in Freemont, and while you’re there you should go see the Freemont Troll which is under the Aurora bridge off of North 36th street (it’s kind of difficult to find, but way fun to see so it’s worth it). Freemont itself is fun and funky.
Pike’s Place Market is a must see, and the brewpub in there is really nice.
Eric
So far we have decide on these sites;
Seattle underground
Fado’s session on Sunday night
Pikes
Pioneer square
Space needle
Classic Wooden Boat rentals on Lake Union
Dusty Strings- Already contacted them in fact, they carry Casey Burns Flutes for me and the have a
stock of Mid Mo/Big Muddy mandolins for my wife.
Maybe a day on Bainbridge
And time with the family up there.
Do you mind swinging by KC and picking me up? Sounds like a lovely trip.
I’ve been giving this some thought…
I’m sure you’d be grand company and that the music and craic would flow like wine, but the misses is
sure to disapprove. 
Maki - I understand…my wife is also hesitant to take extraneous flute/whistle players with us on vacation.
Have fun!
Eric