Visiting Seattle - 1st time (Tacoma, Everett: hotel, home, live)

[Wolf Howl]

Unexpectedly I'm doing some business travel to the Seattle area for a couple of days next week. We're staying at the Courtyard Seattle Downtown for two nights. I've never been to the northwest so I'm VERY excited about that, just wish it was all personal travel instead of business! haha

Generally when I'm traveling I sponge all the info I can from the various forums, however since this was spur of the moment I need a little help.

1. I know the hotel is downtown but I'm having a devil of a time finding it on Google maps streetview. Good bars/restaurants within walking distance? Looks like downtown is pretty loaded but wasn't sure if Seattle downtown was more business and it closes down after 5pm (so to speak). Pike Place Market worth making the effort to cram to go see before it closes for the evening?

2. Assuming we have bar/restaurant options to walk to, any specific things to be wary of in the area? Obviously it's a big city (I'm coming from Charlotte) and understand walking with a purpose, avoiding areas that aren't well lit, etc...Just want to make sure it's pretty standard stuff. Please don't take offense to this question!

3. My trip includes me driving down to Tacoma and then back up 16/3 my first day and I was thinking of taking the Bainbridge ferry back across as it seems the hotel is very near here. Good idea? Anything to look for (sightseeing or otherwise) on this part of the trip?

4. Day two will have me out towards Issaquah and then going up 405/5 (with stops along the way) to Everett. Then making our way back down to the hotel after that. Anything cool/otherwise to be on the lookout for on this leg?

I really appreciate the help and any other advice you'd like to give to me. Again, I generally research these trips like crazy beforehand but unfortunately got pulled into this one last minute so am probably asking some very redundant questions. Sorry!

Thanks!

[Hemlock140]

Pike Place Market is a must see for visitors, we enjoy it and have lived here 20 years. Just avoid walking the area above it around 1st-4th and Pine at
night unless you watch your back. I walk through there twice a day and in
the afternoon/evening there are all kinds of illegal activities.

Driving around from Tacoma on 16 (Tacoma Narrows Bridge) to Bainbridge Island is very scenic, but the best of it is that bridge crossing, the old downtown part of Poulsbo, and the Agate Pass bridge from Poulsbo into Bainbridge island. The ferry ride back to Seattle is best after dark when you see the downtown skyline as you approach.

When you are in Issaquah, if time permits, you can take a quick trip out I90 to Snoqualmie and see the falls, which are spectacular this time of year.
The trip to Everett offers little other than bad traffic.

Which Courtyard? Pioneer Square or Lake Union? Both are considered Downtown. If it's Pioneer Square stop at the old J & M Cafe, and Tiki Bob's.
Both are unusual fun places.

[Wolf Howl]

Wow, thanks for the quick reply and information!

Yes, home base is the Pioneer Square property.

Tiki Bobs sounds like my kind of place! haha Is it more like a local watering hole or something else? Walking distance of the hotel?

Good to know about Everett, I could potentially cut that part of the trip off and stick to going no more north than Lynnwood. Bad traffic doesn't sound like a lot of fun! I get to see that daily in Charlotte! haha

[Vinylly]

Originally Posted by Wolf Howl

Unexpectedly I'm doing some business travel to the Seattle area for a couple of days next week. We're staying at the Courtyard Seattle Downtown for two nights. I've never been to the northwest so I'm VERY excited about that, just wish it was all personal travel instead of business! haha

Generally when I'm traveling I sponge all the info I can from the various forums, however since this was spur of the moment I need a little help.

1. I know the hotel is downtown but I'm having a devil of a time finding it on Google maps streetview. Good bars/restaurants within walking distance? Looks like downtown is pretty loaded but wasn't sure if Seattle downtown was more business and it closes down after 5pm (so to speak). Pike Place Market worth making the effort to cram to go see before it closes for the evening?

2. Assuming we have bar/restaurant options to walk to, any specific things to be wary of in the area? Obviously it's a big city (I'm coming from Charlotte) and understand walking with a purpose, avoiding areas that aren't well lit, etc...Just want to make sure it's pretty standard stuff. Please don't take offense to this question!

3. My trip includes me driving down to Tacoma and then back up 16/3 my first day and I was thinking of taking the Bainbridge ferry back across as it seems the hotel is very near here. Good idea? Anything to look for (sightseeing or otherwise) on this part of the trip?

4. Day two will have me out towards Issaquah and then going up 405/5 (with stops along the way) to Everett. Then making our way back down to the hotel after that. Anything cool/otherwise to be on the lookout for on this leg?

I really appreciate the help and any other advice you'd like to give to me. Again, I generally research these trips like crazy beforehand but unfortunately got pulled into this one last minute so am probably asking some very redundant questions. Sorry!

Thanks!

Expect more rain as usual and heavy clouds, -very dark. You won't see much. Pike Place Market and a bar is your best bet.

[Ira500]

The Collins Pub at 2nd and James( just north of the Smith Tower) has some pretty amazing burgers. Overpriced, but awesome, with a good selection of local beers.

[Wolf Howl]

Thanks for the suggestions so far. Quick question, how long is the ferry ride from Bremerton to Seattle? My business is only as far north as Silverdale so wondering if it's worth it to go on around to Bainbridge island ferry or take the Bremerton ferry?

[Ira500]

The Bremerton ferry from Seattle is 60 minutes.

[Vinylly]

Originally Posted by Wolf Howl

Thanks for the suggestions so far. Quick question, how long is the ferry ride from Bremerton to Seattle? My business is only as far north as Silverdale so wondering if it's worth it to go on around to Bainbridge island ferry or take the Bremerton ferry?

Bainbridge-Seattle ferry, about 1 hour plus waiting time, loading, and unloading add an extra 45min. to 1 hour.

[hamellr]

It's touristy, but the Waterfront is fun to walk along. There are a couple of nice antique stores under the viaduct through there. It'll be a bit cold, so things will be wound down, but you can still visit the aquarium and get an awesome view of the sound.

I'd highly recommend Fado Irish Pub and Sazerac (fine dining,) which are both nearby for food. If you want something different, the Seattle Library's downtown branch is an extremely interesting building to visit. There are also a ton of dining options right around Pike's Place also, none of which I would totally avoid.

And you really go to the top of the Space Needle at least once, yes it's expensive, but I feel it's worth it. I love it at night especially. You'll want to take a cab as it is a long walk (about 1.5 miles each way,) or walk to the mall and take the Monorail.

[Wolf Howl]

So we'd walk out of the hotel and go to the water and head up the waterfront walkway? Does it go all the way up to Pike Place Market? Thanks for the suggestions. The Space Needle sounds like a nice little thing for evening 2!