SEATTLE CENTER - DOWNTOWN SEATTLE

Here's one of my favorite Seattle trip tips...

Take a day...even half a day...and catch the ferry to Bainbridge Island!
I promise you it will be time well-spent and well-remembered!
 
And, for less than $5.00 "walk-on"  round trip (at the time of our sailing), you will experience a breathtakingly beautiful side trip! 

You'll board the Seattle to Bainbridge ferry (scheduled departure every 45 minutes to 1 hour).  If you'd like, get a snack, sandwich, cup of delicious soup, chowder, chili at the convenient restaurant/store and settle in a seat at the back of the boat. Viewing Seattle's skyline from this vantage point, with it's newly erected giant ferris wheel, the Space Needle and all of the city's landmarks as you depart, is a marvelous view not possible with many cities.  

 
Okay...now halfway through the 35 minute ferry ride, walk to the front of the boat, take a seat and marvel at the majestic sight and contrasting view of soaring pine trees, foliage, mountains and lush green beauty of Bainbridge Island!   I loved the city and country contrast .. and what a way to enjoy it!

 
Once in Bainbridge, either wait for the next ferry (again, scheduled departure back to Seattle is every 45 minutes to 1 hour) or ... better yet, take a short cab ride to quaint and lovely downtown Bainbridge!  Perhaps you prefer alittle gambling?!   Just wait a few minutes and look for the white Clearwater Casino shuttle bus and they will gladly take you on a short ride to this Poulsbo casino, free of charge!  By the way, show your ferry ticket at the casino promotion desk and they'll even pay for your ferry ride!  When your pockets are, hopefully, full and you're ready to ferry back to Seattle, the free shuttle bus will take you back to the ferry station!  What a deal!  And, I promise you, you'll not soon forget the boat ride and marvelous views in both directions!

Okay....back to Seattle....Peg and I stayed at a wonderful hotel, perfect location, The Red Lion on 5th Ave., which we acquired at Priceline.com (name your price).  We have always been happy with the hotels (and the price) we've stayed at through Priceline.  Granted, it's alittle scary to pay for a hotel without immediately knowing which hotel, but it has always served us well.  
You simply target the area of the city you want to stay in and always show 3 1/2 or 4 stars when "asked" .  Show the price you would be happy to pay.  Sometimes your price is too low, so keep trying with a slightly higher price.  It's worth the effort and actually saves time without searching various hotel sites.  We had a large superior room with queen beds for a fraction of the going rate.  It was such a good price that we initially planned a one night stay, but took advantage of a second night at the same low rate!

 
The Red Lion on 5th Ave. was the perfect location...comfortable 4 block walk to famous Pike Place Market and a short 2 block walk to great shopping in Westlake Center, which also houses the monorail station and underground buses!  Lots of great shopping in this downtown area!  Be sure to visit Nordstrom's (directly across from Westlake Center/Monorail station).  It is awesome!  ... A pianist playing a grand piano on the first floor, a divine cafe with delicious food and excellent service, and take advantage of the many free samples throughout the extensive cosmetic/perfume department!  It's a kick!  Rick Toth at Bond No. 9 was especially helpful!