Now that the weather is warming up – yes for Pacific Northwesterners, 50 degrees is warm – and sunny, GO OUTSIDE!
Channel your inner tourist, and go down to Seattle’s Central Waterfront. Why not?! How long has it been since you’ve been down there? Lots to see and do…
Founded in 1851, Elliott Bay has served as the city’s front door. South of downtown at the mouth of the Duwamish River is Harbor Island, the world’s largest artificial island when it was constructed in 1909. The island’s profile is defined by the massive gantry cranes used to load and unload containerized cargo – said to have inspired the AT-ATs of Star Wars fame. Heading north, Piers 54–59 are a distinctive group of historic wooden warehouses home to working fireboats, the Seattle Aquarium, and a variety of tasty seafood restaurants and quirky shops. These sheds are the most authentic remnants of the old waterfront still standing.
Continuing north, historic markers placed all along the seawall commemorate milestones in Seattle’s maritime history. Explore Seattle Art Museum’s Olympic Sculpture Park, and/or the walking and biking paths that connect with Smith Cove Park and the Elliott Bay Marina in the Magnolia neighborhood. For other things to see and do visit DestinationHeritage.org.
Seattle’s Central Waterfront © 4Culture 2010
