The Seattle Traveler

Details:  Center House is all decked out in its holiday finest for the annual WinterFest celebration.
Offering up family events, entertainment, and tons of activities, it was full of life this weekend.
One of my favorite displays was this bigger than life-sized snow globe. 
There were a couple of trees and some additional decorations inside, and when the air machine got to work, the snow swirled around.  It was just like I’d tipped the globe upside down!
 
Photo credit:  personal collection
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A little snow won’t get in the way of your holiday shopping, when it’s coming down inside at Pacific Place.
Every night during the holiday season, a flurry of snowflakes will come down at 6 pm.  The shopping center also has a full schedule of holiday music sure to brighten up even the greyest of Seattle days.
Snow globe fans will want to pick up the 2008 collectible snow globe (in photo at right).  This year it plays “Deck the Halls” and, as always, features notable Seattle area landmarks. 
You can purchase it at the Pacific Place concierge desk (level …read more

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When it comes to Holiday decorating, the elves at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel are some of the most creative around town.  With events like the Festival of Trees, the Teddy Bear Suite, and the gingerbread display, it you aren’t in the holiday spirit – well, you may just be related to Scrooge!
It seems like each year the displays are bigger and better, so here’s a peek at what you can expect this year:

Teddy Bear Suite – November 26th – December 26th, 10 am – 7 pm.  A popular holiday stop off for thousands of visitors every holiday season, the …read more

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Happy Thanksgiving to all the readers of The Seattle Traveler!

 
 
Image credit:  flickr

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Enjoy a little winter fun this weekend as Seattle Center’s Winterfest 2008 opens on Friday with a performance of seasonal music by the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra.  Opening ceremonies follow this kick off performance, and thus begins five weeks of music, dance, and other festivities celebrating the holiday and winter season.
This annual event is designed to brighten the holiday and winter season by providing multi-cultural and multi-age entertainment and activities in a family-friendly FREE environment. 
Here are some ideas of what you can see during Winterfest: ice sculpture, Northwest Boychoir, Winter Solstice Fire Festival, Senior Holiday Ball, Circus Contraption …read more

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The Seattle Symphony always offers up festive holiday performances that music lovers won’t want to miss.
Two special performances that are definitely worth the price of a ticket are:
Holiday Pops! features conductor Marvin Hamlisch, the Symphony Orchestra, and the Seattle Choral Company for an performance of holiday favorites.  With appearances by talented Seattle-area performers, these classics are sure to have you humming along. 
Holiday Pops! performances are Thursday, December 4th through Sunday December 7th, with both matinees and evening performances available.  Find more information about Holiday Pops! and purchase tickets online.
The other classic holiday performance is Handel’s Messiah, a Seattle …read more

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Details:  Fall is a great time here in Seattle.  Cold crisp days, cloudy skies with patches of blue peeking through, leaves turning colors or dropping off, and in general the city puts on its winter clothes.
I took this photo from West Seattle looking over at the city.
West Seattle in fall is a great place for an afternoon of exploration, grabbing a bite to eat, or spending the day taking photos.
 
Photo credit:  personal collection
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The fall weather has been cold and crisp, but it’s still not time to hang up the bicycle for the year!  If you’re a year round cyclist, you won’t need this information, but for those of us who tend toward the fair-weather ride, there are probably only another few weeks to get out for a ride.
The Pierce County Bike Map serves as a great guide for rides this fall.  You’ll find the major business centers, attractions, and other key destinations throughout the county listed, along with shared use trails, on-road bikeways, and other bike-friendly routes throughout the county.
The publication …read more

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It’s time for the annual Thanksgiving tradition.  I’m not talking about the feasting.  Nor the official launch of the holiday shopping season.  I’m talking about a healthier choice –—the running of the Seattle Marathon!
The Marathon starts on 5th Avenue between Harrison and Mercer Streets, east of the Experience Music Project, and ends in Memorial Stadium at the Seattle Center.  You can opt for a full or half marathon, and you can run, walk or go by chair, it’s all about showing up for the celebration of the Marathon.
Date & Time:  Sunday, November 30th.  Marathon Walk starts at 7:15 am; …read more

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As the holiday season approaches and we start thinking about spending more time with family and loved ones, it’s also a good time to reflect on those among us who are without shelter and food. 
This weekend. . .
. . . take some time to reflect on the disadvantaged here in Seattle with a review of Outsiders, a documentary photo exhibit by Seattle photographer David Entrikin.
This exhibit contains photos of the people living on the streets of Seattle and tries to bring the stories of the clients to life in a very visual way.  You’ll see portraits of the …read more

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