Seattle
Seattle City Overview
The pride of the Pacific Northwest, Seattle has rightfully taken its place as one of the world’s great multicultural cities. Nature takes a front and center seat here, with so many spectacular sites to see it would take weeks to make a dent. Of course, Seattle is also a high tech business center, as some of the world’s largest companies have their headquarters in the area.
Seattle is one of those cities where a small taste leaves you wanting more. If you have the time, one week in the area will really let you explore all that’s great about this corner of the country. The seafood culinary scene is without peer, and craft beer is celebrated seemingly around every corner.
For baseball and beer fans, Seattle is one of the best cities anywhere. Safeco Field is among baseball’s top stadium attractions, drawing consistent crowds for years. And suffice it to say, it would take more than a week to make your way to all of Seattle’s great beer bars.
Finally, Seattle is a great place to get out onto the water. It’s one of America’s great cruise ports, with journeys to Alaska being the most common. Ferries to outlying islands criss cross the harbor practically 24/7, and beautiful Canadian destinations are just a few hours ride away.
The Neighborhood – Safeco Field
Safeco is located just south of downtown Seattle, surrounded by several interesting neighborhoods. Just south of the ballpark is SoDo (south of downtown), with all sorts of specialty retail shops and restaurants. Pioneer Square, Seattle’s historic area, is just to the north. The Port of Seattle is immediately west and Chinatown is east of the stadium.
The area around the ballpark is safe, clean, and walkable. In fact, just about every area in Seattle is walkable, and outdoor activities are part of the city’s fabric.
The Ballpark
Opened in July 1999, Safeco Field boasts one of the best settings for baseball of any stadium. There’s a great view of downtown, Puget Sound, and sunsets to the west. The field itself is designed with the spectator in mind – there really isn’t a bad seat in the house.
Ballpark Tours
Tours of Safeco Field are offered year around, cost is $9. Tours are offered during the season at 10:30, 12:30, and 2:30 on days when there is no home game. On game days, there is no 2:30 tour. No tours are given on dates when a day game is being played at Safeco.
During the offseason, tours are conducted at 12:30 and 2:30, Tuesdays through Sundays.
Historic Baseball Sites
From their inception in 1977 through mid 1999, the Mariners played at the Kingdome, a multipurpose facility that also housed the Seattle Seahawks NFL team.
A huge, hulking structure that dominated the Seattle skyline, the Kingdome opened in 1976 and was much better suited for football than baseball. After only a few years, it became apparent a new baseball only facility would be needed.
And so, the Kingdome’s life span lasted only from 1976 to 2000, when it was imploded. The site is now a parking lot for the adjacent football stadium.
In 1969, Seattle hosted its first MLB team, the Seattle Pilots, who played in Sick’s Stadium. Built in 1938, it was intended as a temporary home for the new franchise until a newer facility could be built. Sadly for Seattle baseball fans, the franchise’s ownership was shaky from the start and the team moved to Milwaukee for the 1970 season.
Sick’s Stadium was demolished in 1979 and a Lowe’s home improvement store now stands on the site at the corner of Rainer Avenue and south McClellan Street. A display case inside the store showcases memorabilia from the ballpark and other mementos of Seattle’s baseball history.
Mariners Tickets
The Mariners are popular, so it’s best to secure seats in advance, but don’t let that dissaude you from walking up to buy tickets. They’re almost always available.
Public Transportation
Seattle isn’t the easiest city to drive in, with numerous angle streets and waterway inlets that wreak havoc with a traditional grid. Luckily, public transportation is excellent in the city and can get you anywhere you want to go.
Restaurants, Taverns, and Great Beer Bars
Along with San Francisco, Seattle ranks right at the top for cities with a thriving craft beer scene. There are so many outstanding beer bars in Seattle that it’s practically impossible to name them all. Here are six that we particularly enjoy …
Big Time Brewery and Ale House: This is Seattle’s first brewpub, and that’s saying something in a town so well known for brewpubs and craft beer. Located in the University district, Big Time has a comfortable, well worn feel with all sorts of brewery memorabilia decorating the surroundings. The food appeals to the college crowd, with mainstays like pizzas, sandwiches, nachos, etc. 4133 Washington Way NE, Seattle. Phone: 206-545-4509.
Elliot Bay Brewery and Pub: This popular west Seattle neighborhood brewpub is well known for their great beers and “green” approach to operating. Happy hour here is a big draw, with special pricing on beer. We especially like the smooth, robust, No Doubt Stout. Stop in and quaff a few yourself, you won’t be disappointed. 4720 California Ave. SW, Seattle. Phone: 206-932-8695.
Elysian Brewery and Public House: This small Seattle based brewpub chain has three locations in the area. We like the Capitol Hill neighborhood spot on Pike Street. We recommend you eat here (try any of the taco platters) and try a few of their house beers, especially the Pale Ale or whatever tasty seasonal is on tap. 1221 E. Pike St., Seattle. Phone: 206-860-1920.
Maritime Pacific Brewing: Located in the seaport district, this family owned brewery and taproom is one of our Seattle favorites. A working microbrewery, there is an adjoining taproom called the Jolly Roger, where you can also enjoy lunch or dinner. We had a grilled salmon sandwich here that was one of the best things we’ve ever eaten. Give this place a shot, you’ll like it! 1514 NW Leary Way, Seattle. Phone: 206-782-6181.
Naked City Brewery and Taphouse: Stop in here and enjoy distinctive house brews and about two dozen other taps from the area’s best brewers. The menu is eclectic, unique, and very good, especially the cured meat appetizer plate. 8564 Greenwood Ave. South, Seattle. Phone: 206-612-1753.
Pike Pub and Brewery: Take a break from wandering the lively Pike Place Market with a stop at the Pike Pub and Brewery. Don’t miss the Weisse, a wheat ale that’s only offered on draft here. 1415 1st Ave., Seattle. Phone: 206-622-6044.
