Coming in September.. Bumbershoot, Nightlife, Day trips? (Seattle: how much, hotels)

[nephthys]

Hi all,

After weeks of trying to figure out what I want to do with my vacation, I decided to do the most economical/logical thing. I live in Portland and have been here 3 years now, and I've never been to Seattle other than on business. I will probably be coming up the 2nd week of September and think I might be going to the Bumbershoot Festival but im not sure.

Since im driving my main concern is traffic... How is public transporation? When does rush hour usually start and end?

What's the best way to get from North Seattle to Seattle Center avoiding as much congestion as possible? Since most of the hotels i've been looking at are on or around N Aurora Ave.

What's the Queen Anne neighborhood like? Since i'll be spending alot of time in that area.

What places are MUST see or do in Seattle for someone on a budget?

Are their any vegetarian friendly restaurants around those area's worth checking out?

How much larger does Seattle seem than Portland? Will it be overwhelming basically is what im asking?

What's the weather like in September? Shorts and tank top weather? Hoodyand jeans weather?

Any tips, suggestions, etc would be great!

[treat]

This article lists a lot of free/cheap things to do in Seattle: Free Things to Do in Seattle - National Geographic Traveler

I would say (as a former tourist) the must do's would include Pike Place Market and riding the ferry. I really liked the view from Kerry Park (in Queen Anne) and it's a really nice area and has more of a historic feel than some of the other areas in Seattle I visited.