Sightseeing
Area Attractions E
ENJOYING THE REGION
xploring Seattle area sights is an ongoing endeavor, even for long-time residents. Many an exciting day or evening can be spent at the various tourist attractions that make the city unique.
Arboretum The Washington Park Arboretum, located near the University of Washington just south of the Lake Washington Ship Canal, offers 230 acres of exploring possibilities among more than 5,000 kinds of trees, shrubs and vines, plus a waterfront trail and display gardens. Free admission, except for the Japanese Garden, (206) 6844725. Download maps and audio tours at www.depts.washington. edu/uwbg or contact the Graham Visitors Center, 2300 Arboretum Drive E, Seattle 98112, (206) 543-8800. For a different view of the park, rent a canoe from the University Waterfront Activities Center and paddle the surrounding waterways. (206) 543-9433.
Chinatown-International District
8,000 ceramic tiles made in China adorn the Chinatown Gate in Seattle
Chittenden Locks
Museums and Galleries
The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks connect the freshwater Lake Washington Ship Canal with the saltwater Puget Sound. Designed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Locks have raised and lowered vessels of all sizes from the Lake to the Sound since 1917. An underwater viewing room reveals salmon swimming up the Locks’ fish ladder. The grounds also feature the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Gardens and a Visitors Center with exhibits and a gift shop. Free tours March through November. (206) 783-7059, www. seattle.gov/tour/locks.htm.
The Seattle Art Museum, or SAM, is known for its Asian, African, Pacific Northwest and contemporary American art holdings, as well as its diverse line-up of programs. Open Wednesday through Sunday, the first Thursday of each month is free. 1300 1st Ave, Seattle 98101. A ticket to SAM also provides admission to the Seattle Asian Art Museum if used within one week. Renowned for its Chinese, Korean and Japanese collections, this museum is located in Volunteer Park, 1400 E. Prospect. (206) 654-3100, www.seattleartmuseum.org.
Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour
Other Area Museums:
The Seattle area’s largest employer and the world’s largest manufacturer of airplanes offers tours at its Everett plant. The onethird mile walking tour and video presentation showcases the plane building process. Reservations advised, (800) 464-1476. Sales start on-site at 8:30 a.m. for limited number of same day tickets. Tours include admission to The Future of Flight. You can also visit the Future of Flight featuring interactive displays, exhibits, gift shops and café without taking the Boeing Tour. www.futureofflight.org.
• Bellevue Arts Museum: 510 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, (425) 519-0770, www.bellevuearts.org. • Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture: UW campus, 17th Ave NE and NE 45th St, Seattle, (206) 543-5590, www.burkemuseum.org. • Experience Music Project (EMP): 325 5th Ave N at Seattle Center, (206) 770-2700, www.empmuseum.org. • Frye Art Museum: 704 Terry Ave, Seattle, (206) 622-9250, www.fryemuseum.org.
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GREATER SEAT TLE INFOGUIDE • 2016-17
Photo: © International Examiner
In South Downtown Seattle near CenturyLink and Safeco Fields, this district is home to Seattle’s Pan-Asian community. Neighborhood highlights include the Chinese pavilion in Hing Hay Park, the Wing Luke Asian Museum, Chinagate, community gardens, dragon sculptures, various multicultural festivals and events, and Uwajimaya, one of the region’s largest Asian retail stores. (206) 382-1197, www.cidbia.org.
