Visiting in January (Seattle, Tacoma, Bainbridge Island: neighborhoods, theatre, university)

[marsbars11]

My wife and I will be visiting friends/family in Portland for a few weeks in early January, however we'll be getting away for a few days to check out Seattle. I know the weather won't be great, but what are some activities that we could do regardless of the cold/rain? Also, being from the midwest, we want to experience some real seafood...what are some restaurants in the downtown area that would give us a romantic evening for around $100?

[SitoUK]

Originally Posted by marsbars11

...what are some restaurants in the downtown area that would give us a romantic evening for around $100?

I really like Ivar's Acres of Clams on the waterfront. Ask for a table with sound view if you make a reservation. $100 will get you a nice dinner there and I really like their seafood. Monday and Tuesday wine is half price (which can make quite a difference).

[Ira500]

Blueacre Seafood on 7th Ave downtown is pretty fabulous.

[seattle789]

MarsBars,

If you're from the midwest you're not afraid of cold. Very often in January we have a stretch of unusually cold and dry weather that can last a week or ten days. We'll have sunny or somewhat sunny days with highs up to 40, no rain or wind, but nighttime temps that dip into the teens. Some of us like it and some don't (too cold for me but nothing for the folks from Wisconsin and Chicago).

That type of weather will still provide you some outdoor ops and one is to take a ferry ride. You can "walk on" the ferry from Pier 52 (avoiding large car charges and wait times) and take the 30 min ride to Bainbridge Island. A ten minute walk up the road will have you in the tiny cute town of Winslow. Have lunch, walk around, if you knit check out the ultra adorable Churchmouse Yarns and Teas and hop on the ferry going back. It's a few pleasant hours. But not recommended for a wet and windy day!

If you don't want to ferry but the weather is still ok and you'd like to see Seattle (you really must get out of downtown to do so), visit some of the neighborhoods. Greenlake with its three mile paved walking path around the Lake is fabulous. Ballard has Shilshole Beach with real beach access and Golden Gardens Park. Fremont (home to Adobe and some Google offices) is known for its uber arty farty hipness as well as being "The Center of the Universe." Check out the Troll and return on the Summer Solstice for the coolest pagan parade you'll ever see.

Travel just a half mile or so east and visit Gasworks Park in Wallingford, an excellent view point/photo op spot. Climb to the top of the Mound and check out the sun dial.

The University of Washington has a lovely campus to walk on, although when the Cherry Trees bloom is the idea time. Capital Hill is rife with good restaurants and tons of bars with a more diverse, modern and young crowd tending to walk around.

If the weather is bad, as it might be, check out the SAM, Museum of Flight or even Museum of Glass in Tacoma, on your way back to Portland. There is usually several theatre shows going on and tons of music to suit most tastes.

Enjoy!

[Vinylly]

Ah, but you must go up into the mountains and do some sking. That's where all the action is at. As for seafood resturants, I don't know of any bad seafood resturants and Portland also has some very good seafood resturants as well.