In my most recent newsletter about the Council’s proposal to create a Tourism Improvement Area I asked readers where they take out-of-town visitors. The responses were numerous and varied, but the general theme was: Outside!
People love our city’s parks and open spaces, from Gasworks to Green Lake to Volunteer Park to Alki to Seward Park. Each one offers something different. Several highlighted the versatility of the Ballard Locks, which provides hooks for the range of visitors: gardens, engineering works, salmon jumping.
When the weather doesn’t cooperate, many mentioned some of Seattle’s many indoor offerings, including SAM, the Frye, the Museum of Flight, MOHAI, a trip to any of our numerous music venues or a ferry ride across the Sound and back. And, of course, the Pike Place Market.
A couple more off-the-beaten path suggestions were a drive past Kurt Cobain’s former house and a trip to the chapel of St. Ignatius at Seattle University (maybe not for the same crowd, but who knows).
For another take on Seattle's "best places," check out Seattle Weekly's annual "Best of Seattle" edition published earlier this week.
As a reminder, there is a public hearing on the proposed tourism improvement area next week on Monday, August 8 at 5:30 in Council Chambers (600 Fourth Avenue, 2nd floor). Come and tell us what you think about it!