Seattle is a progressive city built against a backdrop of lush forests, rivers, mountains and volcanoes. The city is filled with local dining, a world-renowned farmer's market and diverse options for nature enthusiasts. For the wellness-minded, Seattle offers plenty of options to spend time indoors or out.
Go for a Hike
Mount Rainer National Park offers 260 miles of maintained trails, according to the National Park Service. There are more than 50 organized trails in the park, each with different advantages. The Mystic Lake Trail, for example, is a 20-mile round trip with a 3,900 elevation gain that crosses over the Carbon Glacier. One of the park's most strenuous hikes, the Wonderland Trail, travels 93 miles around Mount Rainier. The National Park Service does not require a permit for hikers on a day trip but does prohibit pets and bicycles from the trails.
Rent a Kayak
Seattle sits on the Puget Sound, a series of connecting waterways that lead through the city and into the Pacific Ocean. There are several docking points located strategically throughout the channels and bays of Puget Sound and each point offers a different view of the city. Elliot Bay has impressive views of the Space Needle, while Gig Harbor faces Mount Rainier. Northwest Outdoor Center on Lake Union has more than 20 models of kayaks available for rent, which can be taken to any kayaking location.
Take a Walking Tour of Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is the oldest and largest market in Washington, stretching over nine acres. You can spend the day wandering through the booths, restaurants and historical buildings where local vendors sell everything from organic produce to antiques to handmade crafts. Historical walking tours of Pike Place Market run every day of the week. As of 2010, tickets for the tour cost $10. Market Ghost Tour hosts walking ghost tours Wednesday through Saturday nights.
Dine Locally
Seattle offers a smorgasbord of raw, organic and healthy dishes utilizing locally grown produce and famous Seattle seafood. Chaco Canyon Organic Café in the U District has a full menu of healthy dishes using certified USDA organic foods. There are vegan sandwiches and raw dinner dishes on the menu, along with raw desserts and fruit smoothies. Chaco Canyon Organic Café is open daily, with brunch served on Sundays. Etta's at Pike Place Market serves freshly caught seafood paired with organic vegetables. Wild Ginger in downtown Seattle offers Asian cuisine from Japan, China and Thailand with both meat and vegetarian dishes.
Go Dancing
Nirvana, Sound Garden and Jimi Hendrix all called Seattle home. So it is no surprise that listening to live music and dancing are favorite pastimes among locals. Chop Suey hosts live bands on the weekends and has a dance floor. Beso Del Sol features Latin and salsa dancing Thursday through Saturday and Contour stays open all night with a DJ lineup.
Member Comments