The Seattle Traveler

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

1 Comment

This weekend. . .
. . . get away from the city with a drive to the Columbia River Gorge, home of the Maryhill Museum where you can catch the final days of the Andy Warhol and Other Famous Faces exhibit.
The Maryhill Museum is a castle-like structure on a 6,000 acre site overlooking the Columbia River Gorge, and is home to a collection of art ranging from early 20th century European art to more current Native American art.  The setting also includes beautiful gardens and grounds.
Famous Faces features many of the diverse personalities that Warhol captured, and many of …read more

Comments Off

Details:  Butterflies fly free in the Woodland Park Zoo’s Butterfly Garden, and is a wonderful way to spend an hour or two.  Adults and children will both be captivated by the beautiful creatures.  And photographers will spend hours trying to capture both the beauty and personality of the different types of butterflies found here.
 
Photo credit:  personal collection
_____________________________________

Comments Off

Beautiful blooms await you year round at the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory in Tacoma’s Wright Park. 
The 1908 Victorian building is home to over 700 mature trees, representing about 100 native and exotic species, and also has more than 550 plant species in its permanent collection.  It also houses a year round rotating exhibit of floral displays, which generally means between 300-500 blooming plants at any one time.
Guided tours are available that will explain the plant collections and a little history of the Conservatory and Wright Park.  Self-guided tour books are also available if you’d prefer exploring on …read more

1 Comment

Kite flying gets cranked up a notch at the Washington State International Kite Festival, a week long competition and celebration held annual in Long Beach, Washington.
The festival attracts famous kite flyers from around the world, along with local casual flyers, and lots of spectators who spend the week looking up at the colorful kites.  You’ll see lots of creative shapes and colors filling the sky.
Events are scheduled to target every level of enthusiast, and lots of kids and family activities are included.  It’s a great way to spend a weekend at the beach.
Location:  Long Beach, Washington
Dates & Times:  August …read more

1 Comment

The critters at Toad Hall welcome you in Theater Schmeater’s adaptation of The Wind in The Willows, the much loved childhood tale of the adventures of Toad, Water Rat, Mole and Badger in their special Forest.
heater Schmeater produces great plays simply, which means relying on the strength of the performances.  Staging and special effects are minimum.  The production of Wind in the Willows is part of the Free Classic in the Park series, promoting great literature and theater to Seattle area families.
The theater is committed to bringing theater to as many people as possible, and from the beginning has …read more

Comments Off

  There are lots of parks and picnic areas around the greater Seattle area, including some great in-city, urban parks.  Sometimes, though, it’s nice to get out of town, and enjoy a leisurely day away from the crowds.
Mud Mountain Dam near Mount Rainier is a nearby escape where you can combine a little history and natural beauty with your day of fun.
The dam is situated on the White River, and was built for flood control.  A viewing platform gives you a look at the dam, along with a sweeping view of the White River Canyon.  This area is home to …read more

2 Comments

Details:  Driftwood along Alki Beach in West Seattle.
 
Photo credit: flickr
_____________________________________

Comments Off

On a typical day, Pioneer Square is full of business people going a hundred different directions, shoppers, tourists, and, since I believe in honesty here — a few men and women who call the park benches there home.
This is a great area to explore, whether you are a visitor or resident, as the area is full of shops, galleries, restaurants and cafes, and plenty of places to just sit and relax for a bit.
Here are a six suggestions to get you started:

Pergola:  Located at the at the triangular corner of Yesler Way and First Avenue, the Pergola is an …read more

1 Comment

This weekend. . .
. . . enjoy the food, drink, and entertainment of the Taste of Tacoma!  And since the weather is supposed to be warm and sunny, it will be a great way to enjoy the weekend.
The Taste of Tacoma is one giant family picnic – without the annoying relatives!  There are plenty of food choices with over 28 restaurant booths and over 20 food companies represented.  You’ll find lots of choices on the grill, as well as a broad selection of ethnic food.  With nothing prices over $6, you can get your must-have favorite in addition …read more

Comments Off