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Business Insider
22-07-2025
- Business Insider
I went to Seattle for the first time and made 6 mistakes in 3 days
I took a three-day trip to Seattle for the first time in May. My packing, booking, and planning mistakes kept me from making the most of my trip. I left with regrets about skipping attractions and nature hikes. When I rolled into Seattle on an Amtrak train two months ago, I didn't know I had already made decisions I'd regret later. And I definitely didn't know I would make a few more in the coming days. Although my first trip to Seattle was only three days long, I'm still thinking about the mistakes I made months later. These mishaps kept me from making the most of my time in a city I'd wanted to visit since I was a kid. I should have booked more than three days in Seattle. Three days wasn't nearly enough time to explore all Seattle had to offer. I found myself rushing around the city to pack in as many sights as possible, which made it challenging to be present. I also realized that the more you see, the less you actually do. Although I covered a lot of ground in Seattle, I didn't go inside many places. I simply photographed buildings like the waterfront Seattle Aquarium and wondered what marine life I was missing out on. I passed museums and countless coffee shops but didn't enter one. I should have brought just a backpack. I regretted bringing my carry-on suitcase to Seattle as soon as I left the train station. My first hotel stay was about a mile from the station. I decided to walk, but I didn't realize the road was almost entirely uphill. During my visit, I stayed in two other hotels and dragged my suitcase up and down multiple hills in the area. A couple of times, I had to carry the case over cobblestone streets I hadn't anticipated. In these irritating moments, I wondered why I hadn't just brought a backpack. I had backpacked on trips as long as two weeks in the past. And since I was visiting in May, I didn't need many extra layers. Next time I go to Seattle, I'll consider the weather, trip duration, and terrain when deciding how to pack. Visiting Pike Place Market on a Thursday afternoon was a mistake. I was really excited to see Pike Place Market in person. Growing up, everyone I knew who visited Seattle raved about the iconic outdoor market upon their return to school. So, as soon as I checked into my hotel, I went to the popular shopping center, where more than 200 stores and restaurants were waiting for me. I practically ran down a hilly street until I was slowed down by crowds entering, exiting, and simply standing in groups in front of the market. The whole experience felt more like waiting in line than shopping or exploring. I shuffled from stand to stand, trying not to pause in one place too long to keep traffic flowing. I later learned from the market's website that it's typically most crowded after noon on Thursday through Monday. In the future, I'll visit Pike Place Market on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning so I can take my time without the crowds. I shouldn't have skipped the Ferris wheel. The Seattle Great Wheel stands on the waterfront in downtown Seattle. It's an architectural anomaly in the city's skyline, so I noticed it every day and even considered riding it for $23. But I assumed it was probably a tourist trap that was not worth waiting in line for. After my trip, I saw photos taken from the top that made me realize I was wrong. I didn't even consider the sights I'd see on board. The 175-foot-tall Ferris wheel faces downtown on one side and Elliott Bay on the other, creating two strikingly different views. I'll be back to see it for myself someday. I should have booked a longer stay at 1 Hotel Seattle. When I checked in at 1 Hotel Seattle for my last night of the trip, I had one thought — I should have been here the whole time. The luxury chain 1 Hotels opened its Seattle location less than a week before my stay. From the lobby to the room, the hotel brought nature indoors with biophilic furniture, live plants, natural surfaces like quartzite, pebble stones, and reclaimed timber. The blend of nature and luxury was so serene and unique to my other stays that I wish I'd booked it for my entire trip. I wish I had spent more time in nature. Living in New York City, I see skyscrapers on walkable streets every day, but I rarely get a chance to visit a national park. And in my experience, the West has some of the most epic natural landscapes in the US. So, looking back on it, one of my days in Seattle would have been better spent about 70 miles southeast of the city at Mount Rainier National Park. Instead of exploring more of the urban metropolis, I could have had a completely different experience hiking through mountains, forests, and fields of wildflowers. With a longer stay, a lighter load, and a better idea of what I want to see and do, my next trip to Seattle should be much more fulfilling.
Miami Herald
15-07-2025
- Miami Herald
Family travel 5: Explore fun options in these US cities
American cities provide rich learning environments and immersive entertainment for families. Here are five to consider. Seattle Seattle provides a dreamscape for kids. Stay near the newly expanded waterfront and you'll be close to many top attractions for a family crew. You'll be steps from the seaside aquarium, the Great Wheel and Wings Over Washington as well as a slew of eateries and ice cream vendors. Plan to see the playful fish toss at Pike Place Market, and wander through the famous marketplace where fresh seafood, vegetables, flowers and other curiosities are plentiful. Ride the monorail to Seattle Center where you'll find the iconic Space Needle, Artists at Play playground, the Pacific Science Center and the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit, plus the option for lunch or an afternoon snack at the Armory. Consider taking the ferry to Bainbridge Island for a multifaceted experience. After a busy day in the city, return to the Four Seasons Seattle where dinner in the Goldfinch Tavern and a pool with a view provide respite. For more: Cincinnati, Ohio Perched aside the Ohio River, this vibrant city melds a Midwestern vibe with a little Southern charm borrowed from its nearby Kentucky neighbor. Go local with a stop on the Donut Trail for sweet treats or sample a favorite sausage and oat dish called goetta. While in town you'll want to meet a world-famous hippo family (including siblings Fiona and Fritz) at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Animal lovers can also take a break on the train ride or whirl on the carousel. Later, opt for hands-on exhibits at the Children's Museum, part of the Cincinnati Museum Center where you'll also find an Imax Theatre and other rotating exhibits. Explore the underwater world at the Newport Aquarium. Among the more popular destinations is nearby Kings Island. The amusement park gets high marks for thrilling roller coasters, the Planet Snoopy kids area and Soak City, a water park where slides, rides and play areas provide all-day fun. For more: Nashville, Tennessee Head to the home of the Grand Ole Opry and the best in country music where y'all will learn how a simple radio broadcast spawned a global entertainment phenomenon. From industry legends to the latest luminaries, you'll get a taste of history along with a contemporary dose of the genre in the 'home of American music.' Take in the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman Auditorium, the Bluebird Cafe and the Johnny Cash Museum. Ask about backstage passes, behind-the-scenes tours and family packages. Nashville is also one of the best destinations in the world to sample free live music. Whether exploring local neighborhoods or visiting iconic venues, you'll find talented musicians performing without a cover charge every single day. You'll also want to check out the award-winning zoo, numerous parks and outdoor venues as well as hiking, kayaking and picnicking options. For more: Kansas City, Kansas This Midwestern city is proud of everything from their mouthwatering BBQ to their crowd-pleasing sports teams. New in town is The Museum of BBQ, an immersive, colorful environment that encourages play while visitors learn about the elements and regions of American barbecue. Children ages 5 to 12 will want to explore Kaleidoscope. Sponsored by Hallmark Cards, it's a free studio environment where kids can tap into their artistic zone to create puzzles, draw and color. Families will also want to explore Legoland, the zoo and aquarium, the Ernie Miller Nature Center and the Wonderscope Children's Museum, where in 15,000 square feet of indoor space and a half-acre of year-round outdoor adventure, the focus is on STEM learning activities. For more: New York City There is so much to see and do in the Big Apple you may have to take It one bite at a time. But seeing the city through a child's eyes will be a thrill all on its own. Central Park is huge and you could spend a day there exploring Heckscher Playground, taking a spin on the carousel, wandering through the Central Park Zoo and searching for the Alice in Wonderland statue. Will you ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, catch a kid-friendly play on Broadway, ride to the top of the Empire State building, or opt for other birds-eye observation places around the city? Younger kids will enjoy the Children's Museum of Manhattan and the American Museum of Natural History, a hit for their dinosaur halls. You'll want to consider a trek along the West Side's Highline, a 1.45-mile-long elevated greenway and rail trail created on a former New York Central Railroad spur, or a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. For more: _________ Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Business Insider
08-07-2025
- Business Insider
I grew up in Boston and moved across the country for a change. Now, reaching my 30s, I can't wait to go back home.
I lived in Boston my whole life, so when my best friend asked me if I wanted to move to Denver in 2020 to live with her, I jumped at the chance to experience a new place. It's always been my fear that I would end up as a "townie" and only ever live in Boston. However, after living in Denver and now Seattle, I'm realizing as I get older that I want to be closer to my family and friends, most of whom are on the East Coast. Leaving Boston made me realize where I truly belong After four years in Denver, I missed the rain and the ocean, but I wasn't ready to call it quits and return to the East Coast, yet. My fiancé and I moved to Seattle about six months ago seeking a fresh atmosphere. I was beyond ecstatic for the new destination. However, ever since the move, I find myself with gut-wrenching homesickness as I approach my 30s. I'm thinking about having kids. I'm thinking about my parents getting older. I'm thinking about my 6-month-old nephew whom I've only seen twice. I've fallen in love with Seattle, but am already planning my exit When I started moving around and exploring, I thought I was looking for that perfect place to settle down and call home. It turns out I was just gathering life lessons and finding new reasons to appreciate where I grew up. Now, I know for sure that back home in Boston is where I want to plant my roots. These feelings are tough for me. I basically just got to Seattle, and want to stay at least a few years to indulge in the Pacific Northwest and give the city the chance it deserves, but my heart is already set on leaving. My Boston-born fiancé feels the same. In the months I've been here, I've found plenty of reasons to adore Seattle. The fresh seafood, the bustle of Pike Place Market, and the panoramic views of Mount Rainier all make the city special. Whether it's a grungy music show at a local bar or a vibrant Seattle Mariners game, the culture here is passionate and authentic. However, for me, it's not home. The idea of being so far from my parents as they get older, only ever seeing my best friends once a year with a $500 plane ticket, and trying to raise a child 3,000 miles from my family feels sad and infeasible. There's something about every city I'll miss I'm glad I've escaped the "townie" title and experienced places outside my comfort zone. Moving across the country has been liberating, and I'll forever miss things like the Nepalese restaurant just outside Denver, and the pebbly beach in West Seattle where the love of my life proposed to me. I'll miss the blue Rocky Mountains being the backdrop for everything in Colorado, and I'll miss the lush Washington forests with moss-covered trees. I reminisce about Red Rocks concerts as much as I do Red Sox games. I'm proud of myself for trying something new. If I'd never left Boston, I think I'd be full of resentment toward myself and the city. All I feel now is a sweet homesickness that affirms it's where I'm meant to be. Denver and Seattle are breathtakingly beautiful places with unique energy, but nothing quite soothes my soul like the quaint and often rugged atmosphere of New England. That East Coast character is a part of who I am, but I'll carry pieces of Denver and Seattle for the rest of my days. Namely, my goofy dog was born and adopted in Denver, and she'll always be my favorite souvenir from that city. We're looking forward to returning to a life of lobster rolls and Dunkin' coffees, but for now, we'll bask in the rainy Seattle days and succulent Dungeness crab a little longer.
USA Today
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
10 epic things to do in Seattle with kids for guaranteed family fun
Pike Place Market is a family-friendly farmer's market in the heart of Seattle – Photo courtesy of Allison Tibaldi From museums that explore pop culture and pinball to a ride to the top of the towering Space Needle, there's something for everyone in Seattle — kids and adults alike. A Pacific Northwest panorama of evergreens, majestic mountains, Elliot Bay, and the Puget Sound makes it easy to enjoy fresh air fun while staying within the city limits. I first discovered Seattle when our family's cruise to Alaska departed from the busy port, and I was instantly smitten. My children and I return often, forever discovering new fun things to do in Seattle with kids, including iconic attractions, outdoor adventures, and more. Here are 10 of our favorites. Space Needle The Space Needle is a must-see for kids and adults alike – Photo courtesy of Space Needle Built for the 1962 World's Fair, the Space Needle observation tower is an icon of the Seattle skyline. Located in the heart of City Center with numerous other main attractions, you can ride the lightning-fast elevator for impressive views of the cityscape, Olympic and Cascade mountains, and Puget Sound islands from your perch 520 feet above ground. Advertisement Just below the observation deck is The Loupe, the world's first revolving glass floor with a slow spin that makes you feel like you're a record on a turntable. Olympic Sculpture Park Olympic Sculpture Park is a low-stakes way to introduce kids to art – Photo courtesy of Allison Tibaldi I introduced my children to the Olympic Sculpture Park along the waterfront when they were very young. Even if they don't appear interested, kids absorb color, form, and the ever-changing dialogue between art and the environment as they run and play outdoors. It's a low-stakes activity because it's free of charge. Works include Alexander Calder's immense "The Eagle," a 6-ton steel sculpture with soaring curves and spikes that somehow manages to capture the delicacy of an origami bird. When little legs need a rest, they can sit on a series of granite "Eye Benches," surrealist eyeballs that double as surprisingly comfortable benches. Advertisement Chihuly Garden and Glass Chihuly's glass works have loads of kid appeal – Photo courtesy of Greg Balkin / State of Washington Tourism Dale Chihuly has been expanding the boundaries of glass as an artistic medium for decades. His imaginative glass sculptures and installations are on display indoors and outdoors at Chihuly Garden and Glass. Chihuly's bold interplay of whimsy and luminous color is a winning combination for many children. Glassblowing demonstrations throughout the day are captivating, and young visitors can touch real tools and materials used in the glassblowing process at the hands-on Curiosity Station. Seattle Pinball Museum The Seattle Pinball Museum offers retro fun for kids – Photo courtesy of Alabastro Photography/Visit Seattle Families can spend hours enjoying unlimited play for one price on dozens of vintage and modern pinball machines at the Seattle Pinball Museum in the International District. My kids love the machine's low-tech flippers and retro arcade setting. Order a soda in a vintage glass bottle to complete the throwback experience. Advertisement Museum of Pop Culture The Museum of Pop Culture pays tribute to Seattle's seminal role in pop culture – Photo courtesy of Allison Tibaldi If you're traveling with a tough-to-please teenager, the Museum of Pop Culture is an oasis of cool that should appease even the moodiest. The Frank Gehry-designed building is a testament to rebel architecture at its finest, wrapped in shimmering sheet metal that resembles a smashed electric guitar. Permanent and temporary exhibits explore the influence of pop culture in music, film, fashion, sports, and gaming. Seattle's role in music, particularly grunge and alternative rock, is evident in the Guitar Gallery, an homage to the instrument and the musicians who play it. Glimpse the guitar of hometown rocker Jimi Hendrix and clothing worn by Washington-born Kurt Cobain. The Sound Lab lets kids create music with real instruments, while the Next Gen Gamers exhibit tests their skills as they play trailblazing video games. Pike Place Market The Gum Wall at Pike Place Market is quirky fun thing to do with kids in Seattle – Photo courtesy of Alabastro Photography / Visit Seattle Since 1907, Pike Place Market has supplied farm-fresh produce and boat-to-table seafood to generations of Seattleites and hungry tourists. Hundreds of farmers, fishermen, and artisans sell their goods in the heart of downtown. Watch the fishmongers throw fish into the waiting arms of customers — an entertaining and unusual market ritual. If you're visiting in summer, sample yellow-hued Rainier cherries, a Washington treat. More than a marketplace, it's a community center. Public art, including the Instagram-favorite Gum Wall, adds quirky eye candy. Kids particularly enjoy exploring the Magic Market Shop (the third oldest magic shop in the country) and eating mac and cheese from Beecher's while watching cheese get made. Advertisement Seattle Aquarium The Seattle Aquarium has interactive exhibits with a conservation message – Photo courtesy of Allison Tibaldi The Seattle Aquarium combines dazzling sea life with a conservation message. Over 10,000 animals live here — from seahorses to a Giant Pacific Octopus — with an emphasis on those from the Pacific Northwest. Interactive touch tanks, a hands-on play space, and a crawl-through coral reef encourage kids to become stewards of the sea while having a ball. Seattle Great Wheel The Seattle Great Wheel has views for days – Photo courtesy of Rachael Jones/Visit Seattle Hop in a climate-controlled pod and take a sky-high ride on the enormous Seattle Great Wheel on Pier 57. On a clear day, this 175-foot Ferris wheel presents stunning vistas of the skyline and Mount Rainier. At night, it's illuminated with a half-million LED lights. A ride lasts for approximately 15 minutes. When you've landed back down to earth, take a spin on a painted pony at the carousel just a few steps away. Golden Gardens Park Seattle's Golden Gardens Park's sandy beach and tide pools are fun for kids – Photo courtesy of Rachael Jones/Visit Seattle If your family craves an afternoon at the beach, Golden Gardens Park in the Ballard neighborhood is a jackpot. This one-mile stretch of soft sand along the Puget Sound is perfect for Frisbee and beach volleyball, while the clear, cold water may tempt the brave to go for a summertime swim. At low tide, rocky sections at either end are a great place to view tide pools teeming with sea creatures, including anemones and starfish. Pacific Science Center Seattle's Pacific Science Center is a great place for curious kids – Photo courtesy of Rachael Jones/Visit Seattle Over the years, I've taken my kids to numerous science museums. As they grew older, they were often bored, as many catered to young children. Advertisement
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
So a salmon fell from the sky before the Mariners' 4th of July game
Usually on the Fourth of July, we're sending fireworks into the sky. But on the morning of the Fourth of July this year, the sky sent a preemptive strike towards the earth – more specifically T-Mobile Park, the home of the Seattle Mariners. In the hours before the Mariners took on the Pittsburgh Pirates in a July 4 afternoon game, something fell from the sky right behind a ROOT Sports crew member: a salmon. Advertisement Where did it come from? According to Mariners broadcaster Rick Rizzs, who was on the Seattle Sports radio call with Angie Mentink and Gary Hill Jr., it fell out of the grasp of a falcon that was being pursued by an eagle. T-Mobile Park, as you may know, is only a few blocks east of the Puget Sound's Elliott Bay, which is a great place to go fishing if you're a bird of prey. 'The salmon almost landed on this poor guy's head,' Rizzs relayed during the second inning. '… And then seagulls came in and went after the eagle. There was a little battle going up there above the ballpark.' A few minutes later, Mentink shared video on social media of the suddenly-appearing fish at the ballpark, though the angles don't allow us to rule out the possibility that it was really just a strong toss from one of the fishmongers at Pike Place Market. Alright, how many other pop culture, Seattle-specific or America-related references should we get in here? I'm efforting something related to the Monty Python fish-slapping dance, though I think I need to keep workshopping it. Advertisement Oh, OK – we should definitely relate it to another eagle incident from Mariners history, when noted Canadian pitcher James Paxton found himself the landing spot for an eagle during opening day festivities in Minnesota. That just provides a good chance to point out that while eagles are something of an American icon, apparently they're actually more prevalent north of the border. At this point, maybe we need to start a new Fish & Fowl category here at If nothing else, it will give a good spot to post recaps of the Mariners' Salmon Run races.
