The Seattle Traveler

Next week you’ll have several opportunities to enjoy some good old New Orleans blues, rock and roll, and boogie-woogie that is the signature sound of Dr. John.
I’ve already written about what a great place Jazz Alley is to listen to a performances, and Dr. John’s style seems made for this particular venue.  Ten performances in all are scheduled.  Reservations are recommended.
Dr. John (real name Mac Rebennack) began his musical career in the 1950’s, first as a guitar player, and later playing the organ and piano.  A rather troubled home situation sent him packing, and he headed west to work as …read more

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I’ve been reading a lot about “green” issues lately:  global warming, eco-friendly travel, sustainable resources, etc., and decided to see what my city has to offer in this area.
One of the cleverly titled events that I found was Green Drinks. 
Green Drinks Seattle is part of a larger international organization, with chapters in cities around the world.  On a monthly basis, there are meet ups for people working in the environmental field as well as people who are interested in networking and learning more about green issues.
These green folks aren’t stiff and stuffy!  The meet ups are generally a happy hour …read more

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I want to know when you’ll be visiting Seattle!
Maybe you’ve got a trip already planned, or maybe you’re trying to decide when would be a good time to visit. 
Or maybe you’re a resident, and you read The Seattle Traveler to get ideas to get you off of the couch.
I want to know a little bit about you travel plans — so go on over to the side bar and let me know when you’ll be visiting Seattle.
 

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Location:  The Space Needle, located on the Seattle Center campus, is one of Seattle’s most famous and recognizable landmarks. 
It was built for the 1962 World’s Fair, and is 605 feet tall.  It’s only 520 feet to the observation deck.  The elevator ride to the observation deck takes approximately 41 seconds.
Photo credit:  wikimedia
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While wandering around the Pioneer Square area the other day, I cam across a disturbing, yet thought provoking, photography exhibit at the James Harris Gallery.
“Captured Youth” is a series of photographs of teens incarcerated in various Washington state correctional facilities.  In these portraits, photographer Steve Davis captures both the starkness of their lives and the buildings in which they spend their lives.  It’s a mix of arrogance and pain, pride and sorrow, lots of anger, and, the observer would hope, of regret.
I’m not entirely sure what emotions this exhibit evoked – probably just a sense of helplessness.  Helplessness at our …read more

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If you’re a seafood lover, mark the weekend of March 3rd-4th on your calendar, and plan to attend the Penn Cove Mussel Festival in Coupeville.
These deliciously sweet, black-shelled morsels are native to the waters of Washington.  Prepared simply (steamed with white wine and herbs) or tossed with a hearty pasta sauce, it makes my mouth water just thinking about them! 
The festival takes place in Coupeville, in the heart of Whidbey Island.  You can reach Coupeville from Seattle by driving north on I-5 to the Clinton-Mukilteo ferry exit.  There are two exits that will take you to the ferry, and both …read more

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Head on over to Upgrade Travel Better and cast your vote for the 2007 Travvies — recognizing the best of travel blogging.
Congratulations to two 5media travel bloggers who were both nominated for Best Destination Travel Blog:

Melissa at Europe String
Ruth at Lets Visit Asia

Congratulations you two!
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The American Institute of Architects recently announced the results of its poll selecting the top 150 favorite structures across the United States.
There were only two buildings in Seattle that made the list:

Seattle Public Library (108)
Safeco Field (135)

You can get the full list of 150 at the AIA 150 website.  AIA member architects provided the nominations, and voting was conducted via a Harris Interactive poll.
What other Seattle area buildings do you think should have made the list?   My first thought was St. James Cathedral, maybe the new Chapel at Seattle University, maybe even the Pacific Science Center.  What would you like …read more

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There are still a few more days left to wander through the over 600 exhibitor booths at the 63rd Annual Seattle Home Show.
With the theme, “Better Idea Show,” you’re sure to find lots of ideas for home improvement, décor, landscaping, and other design ideas.  Having been through the building of two homes, I devoured information and ideas that I found at previous shows.  While not everything was my style, or within my budget, I gathered lots of information and ideas, and was then able to make informed purchases when the time came.  Besides that – it’s fun to dream a …read more

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The Taste of Walla Walla wine tasting rolls into Seattle on Monday, March 12th, giving me an opportunity to support one of my favorite causes (FareStart) and to drink one of my favorite beverages (red wine).  How can you go wrong with a combination like that?!
The Walla Walla Valley, home to more than 60 wineries and vineyards, has favorable climate, soil, and conditions to have produced some nationally and internationally acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.  Other grape varieties coming from the Walla Walla Valley include Chardonnay, Semillon, Cabernet Franc, and Sangiovese. 
Chalk it up to the northerly latitude, and the …read more

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