Whether this is your first time staying in your Seattle vacation rental home, or you’re a seasoned Emerald City visitor, it’s always good to be in the know.

Seattle’s Convention and Visitors Bureau and local newspapers offer a bevy of information and tips that can make every trip, first or thirty-first, even better.

Know Before You Go
Before your trip begins check out Seattle’s CVB (Convention & Visitors Bureau) website to get a feel for what the weather will be like and events going on during your trip. The site also offers a variety of maps, including downtown Seattle, neighborhoods, and other visitor-friendly locations. You can download the maps and save them or print them out if you like a more tactile approach. Heighten the pre-trip excitement by sending away for a free visitors’ packet.

Customize Your Trip
While your vacation rental home is super comfortable and accommodating, Seattle makes it easy to get out there and fully enjoy your time in this great city.

Hop on the Visit Seattle website and search for your favorite activities, or regions you want to explore. Whether it’s a tour of Seattle’s iconic coffee scene, outdoor adventures, or simply sightseeing, there’s info here to help you maximize your time in Seattle.

Seattle pi (Seattle post-Intelligencer) is a news and media website that has an easy to follow visitor’s guide. Simply click on the comprehensive list of ideas and they highlight some local favorites. The well-respected Seattle Times has a guide to Seattle and a variety of articles to help make your trip perfect.

Getting Around Seattle
Seattle has an affordable and easy to navigate public transportation system. The Metro public bus system is one of the most extensive and highly-praised in the nation. The Metro website makes it easy to find routes, maps, and fare information. Want to roam downtown Seattle? The South Lake Union Streetcar and the nation’s first full-scale commercial monorail system, Seattle Center Monorail can ferry you around in style.

As with any large city, parking is sometimes a premium. If you’re renting a car, Seattle’s Department of Transportation offers these tips for pay stations. Pay stations accept most credit and debit cards and parking times are listed for easy reference.

By doing a bit of research online before you go, you’ll feel like you’ve got a local friend showing you the best of the Emerald City.

Seattle is certainly known for its java joints, but it also has plenty of places to get your tea fix. As diverse as the people who love Seattle, there are many options from which to choose. English tea houses, fresh Taiwan teas, traditional Chinese brews, bubble teas, and much more can be found, and all of the above are close our our lovely vacation homes.

Seattle’s Best Tea Co.
Walking into Seattle’s Best Tea Co. is an experience for the mind, body, and soul. Boasting decades of tea knowledge and a large selection of Oolong and Chinese teas, along with a comfortable, welcoming environment, visitors will walk out with much more than a bag of fresh tea. The owners welcome devoted regulars as well as newcomers to sit and experience a tasting, where you will learn about different teas and how they are served. Beautifully decorated, this is a must-visit stop for both locals and visitors.

Vital T Leaf
Located near the Pike Place Market, Vital T Leaf is a great place to explore your tea interests. This cozy place sells bulk teas and offers free tastings for visitors. You’ll enjoy learning about the wide variety of Oolong, green teas, herbals, pu-erh tea, as well as a nice selection of premium and exotic tea. Large groups or small, the proprietors will be happy to seat you and pour you aromatic blends that will have you walking out with brand new steeped indulgences.

Cederberg Tea House
Named for the region in South Africa where the Rooibos tea grows, Cederberg Tea House offers a variety of tea and edibles to its loyal visitors. This place creates a range of spiced tea lattes, Rooibos espresso (yes, made in an espresso machine), chilled red tea, and hot tea. Each beverage is complemented by homemade pastries as well as breakfast and lunch offerings. The beautiful décor, friendly staff, and ever-present aromas keep visitors lining up for a tea fix that takes them out of the norm.

Queen Mary Tea Room
If taking High Tea is more to your liking, then the Queen Mary has you covered with all the splendors that go with a traditional English tea. Its Victorian décor is complete with a classically dressed landscape and a look that takes you across the pond. This tea room is designed to enchant. Enjoy the full menu of tea selections and a large variety of edibles. The Queen Mary provides an atmosphere that is welcoming, fancy, and traditional, right down to the flowered China tea sets and well-appointed tableware. Find a selection of gifts as well as bulk teas to take back home.

If you want to try something different than your favorite roasted bean, then visit some of Seattle’s many tea places and explore flavors steeped in tradition.

Whether you’re a competitive runner or just like to put on comfortable shoes and go for scenic walk, the Seattle Marathon has something for you. When you’re done, your vacation rental home will be there waiting.

The Seattle Marathon’s has humble beginnings. In 1970 a group of friends from the University of Washington decided to hold their own marathon, which is now the Seattle Marathon Family of Events. It has grown into the largest combination marathon/half marathon in the Northwest and is one of the top ten largest marathons in the US.

This year, 15,000 participants are expected for the marathon and half marathon walking and running events. November 30, 2014 is the date set for Seattle’s Original Hometown Marathon. Walk, run, and wheelchair times are staggered to accommodate everyone.

The course is certified 26.2 and 13.1 miles. It is rolling with challenging hilly sections and scenic views in Seattle and stunning Lake Washington.

Register today to save a bit of money. After October 15, the price goes up slightly. If you want more information, feel free to email the Seattle Marathon Association at info@seattlemarathon.org.

The weekend of the race is packed with fun activities to get you ready to run. All day Friday, November 28 and Saturday you can pick up your race packets at the Westin Seattle on 1900 5th Avenue. There is also a lecture series and expo both days. Saturday evening is a carbo load dinner at 6:00pm at the Westin Seattle. Runners/walkers start at 5th and Harrison and the victory recovery area is open until 5:00pm at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall at 305 Harrison.

Come prepared for a variety of weather conditions. Seattle’s average temperature in late November is in the mid-40s with cloudy and calm skies. Seattle weather is unpredictable. It could be rainy, windy, and colder.
The Seattle Marathon Association does not provide transportation to the start line. Local pay lots and street parking are available. This includes the parking garage on 4th and Mercer, which is open at 5:45 a.m. This parking map offers more information.

All marathon and half marathon participants receive a Saucony shirt and goody bag. Finishers receive a finisher’s medal, certificate of completion, result issue, and individual care, both on the course and following.

After the race is through, you can cozy up in your vacation rental home and relax before indulging in the best that Seattle has to offer.

Visiting Seattle means getting the chance to experience their vibrant restaurant scene. Bon Appetit’s September, 2014 issue has Seattle’s Westward  (and its partner Little Gull)as number five in their Hot Ten best new restaurants in America. They highly recommend checking out this Seattle hot spot located at 2501 North Northlake Way.

An approachable, all-day restaurant with attached Little Gull grocer, Westward has a sprawling outdoor area with casual picnic tables, Adirondack chairs, a fire pit, and a lakeside view to take your breath away.

Restaurateur Josh Henderson and chef Zol Antonitsas are doing it right. This joint has a quirky, aquatic vibe. On a wall near the oyster bar you’ll find treasures like the chef’s go-to ingredients

Lunch, nibbles, dinner, and brunch are available. While their delightful and easy to follow website has a complete menu listing, the menu changes daily so you can be sure you’re always getting the freshest fare.

Don’t miss the oyster bar, which is actually on the Little Gull side off the house.  It doesn’t get any fresher than this, so belly up and get your fill of this ever-changing list of uber fresh bivalves. Then grab a seat at the retro-chic bar that lets you swivel left to get a dinner and a movie peek show at the applewood-burning oven, or right for a view of the docks. Or wander through the open garage doors that open onto the deck and bring the outdoors in.

Bon Appetit recommends sipping a rose while snacking on manila clam dip and fresh, housemade potato chips out on the deck before finding your way into the dining room for DIY gyros of soft braised lamb shoulder. For a veggie option they suggest the wood baked gigante beans with tomato and feta.

No stranger to good press, Westward has been featured in a variety of magazines and has awards galore. The James Beard foundation awarded them Outstanding Restaurant Design Finalist. In 2014 GQ Magazine voted them one of the top 25 best new restaurants in America. They won Seattle Weekly’s Voracious tasting Zeitgeist award, USA Today’s 10 best foodie spots in Seattle, and Seattle Metropolitan Magazine’s 50 best dishes of 2013.

While part of the fun is enjoying the open air and whiling away the afternoon snacking, Westward does take a few daily reservations. Call to talk with their reservation specialist or book online.

If you’re vacationing in Seattle anytime from October 10 through November 11, you’ll have the chance to experience world-class live jazz all right within earshot.

Swinging into its 24th year, the Earshot Jazz Festival is labeled a collection of masters, monsters, and mentors. More than a weekend event, this month-long festival brings together jazz greats from around the world. It offers a full spectrum of jazz, from high profile concerts in Seattle’s finest halls to cutting edge creations that move the art form forward. Included are concerts by some of the most important and emerging artist in the world. Rounding out the festival is a series of rare jazz films, photo exhibits, panel discussions, and educational programs.

“One of the best jazz festivals in America,” raves Seattle Times.

Over 250 artists are presented in the four weeks of the festival. DownBeat says Earshot Jazz Festival is “Seattle’s most important annual jazz event.”

Venues range from small, intimate stages to main stage performances by award-winning student ensembles and the renowned Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra. Music venues are located all around Seattle so there’s bound to be one near your vacation rental home.

Prices vary according to show size, but remain more than reasonable for such world-class entertainment. There’s a performance every night from October 11 until the festival wraps up with a free appreciation party on November 11 at Triple Door’s Musicquarium. Tickets are available through the earshot website or call 206.547.6763.

Earshot Jazz is a Seattle-based nonprofit music, arts, and service organization. Formed in 1984, Earshot supports jazz and increases awareness in the community. They publish a monthly newsletter and present music and educational programs. They also assist jazz artists, increase listenership, complement existing services and programs, and network with the national and international jazz community.

If Seattle is one of your favorite vacation spots and jazz is your passion, you can become a member of Earshot. Simply check out their website or call 206.547.6763 to join. The newsletter is available online so you can keep track of what’s happening in Seattle’s jazz scene and arrange vacations to see favorite events.

5 neighborhood bookstores you can visit to keep the pages turning

Page junkies know the thrill of exploring a new place to shop for books. New or used, a bookstore is a place that entices all the senses. Seattle may be known for its fresh seafood and its delicious coffee, but those in the know realize the significance of a good bookstore. While you’re on vacation, check out one or all of the following bookstores for a perfect way to start your adventure.

The Elliot Bay Book Company
1521 10th Ave.
Known to be spacious yet intimate, Elliot Bay offers a décor of exposed wood beams, wood flooring, and a rustic industrial vibe that makes it fun to find your ideal read. Local art adorns the walls and the café provides java and baked goods. Comfy chairs and tables beckon you to sit and explore the pages as your coffee cools.

Queen Anne Book Company
1811 Queen Anne Ave N
Quaint and comfortable, the Queen Anne Book Company offers locals and visitors a place to relax and enjoy the pure joy of exploring the shelves for a new favorite. With a knowledgeable staff and plenty of recommendations, it’s hard not to find what you’re looking for, even if you didn’t know you were looking for it! It’s connected to El Diablo Coffee, so you can get java with your new favorite read.

Left Bank Books Collective
92 Pike Street
Looking for something left of the dial? Check out this small shop that boasts a collection including anti-authoritarian, anarchist, independent, radical, and small-press titles. New and used, this place offers a wide variety of books, magazines, graphic novels, and more. Not your typical page-turner, it’s a respite for poets, thinkers, and the curious.

Open Books
2414 N 45th Street
The front of this bookstore makes you want to stop where you’re going and just step in. Narrow and cozy, it welcomes you with shelves of new and used titles. There’s even a selection of chapbooks for the poet in you. A knowledgeable and friendly staff will guide you to new prospects if you are uncertain as to what you’re looking for. To stay or not to stay? That will be your question.

The Book Larder
4252 Fremont Ave N
Foodies, we have found your Nirvana. From the outside, the Book Larder might look like any other little bookstore, but crack open the doors and you will soon realize you are surrounded by tomes dedicated to the tasteful art of cooking. That’s right, it’s a cookbook store! They have a wide selection of new, vintage, and imported cookbooks. They also have food demos, cooking classes, guest chefs, and tastings. When it comes to Seattle bookstores, this one takes the cake.

Make the most of your Seattle visit with a foot tour of local hot spots. Here are some tours you can take that will get you on your feet and into the heart of the city.

Food and Cultural Walking Tour of Pike Place Market

This tour is about 2 hours long and takes visitors through an array of some of the city’s favorite market spots. Enjoy stops that let you taste fresh produce, locally roasted coffee, warm doughnuts, handmade cheeses, smoked salmon, and much more. Walkers get personal audio devices that offer crystal clear audio of the tour guide while still giving you the full market experience. Read reviews and check out the itinerary here: Food and Cultural Walking Tour Online.

Capitol Hill Food and Cultural Tour

Looking to explore the culinary and cultural diversity that makes Seattle unique? Then this tour is for you. This tour is approximately 2 hours long and takes you on a tour of one of Seattle’s most happening food scenes. You’ll traverse through a wide variety of delectable restaurants, cafes, coffee houses, bakeries, nightclubs, ice cream shops, and bistros. Rated 5 stars on Seattletours.us, this fun walking tour will satisfy your adventurous spirit and tantalize your taste buds at the same time. Visit: Capitol Hill walking tour infofor more information.

Children’s Walking Tour

Get the kids out and exploring all the family-friendly places Seattle has to offer on this exciting walking tour made just for them. Heather and Penny, two devoted Seattle moms and co-owners of Seattle byFoot, realized there were very few, if any, tours designed specifically with kids in mind. So they created one that is guaranteed to entertain both kids and parents. You’ll enjoy the fresh air and the exercise as you and your kids make 4-5 stops along the way at places like the Market, Benaroya Hall, the Seattle Art Museum, bookstores, and more! For more info visit Seattle by Foot Walking Kids’ Tours.

Market Walking Ghost Tour

Looking for an out of the ordinary tour that offers history and a touch of the unknown? Then prepare yourself for the Market Walking Ghost Tour. This tour is not a ghost hunt, rather an informative and stimulating excursion into the paranormal history of the Pike Place Market. Learn about hauntings and ghostly experiences from your tour guides who have spent countless hours of research on the local history and happenings. Visit: Seattleghost.com for information on tour times and activities.

Seattle Coffee Crawl

Rated as a “Must do” activity from Seattle Magazine, Seattle by Foot’s Coffee Crawl is the first of its kind in the city. Get your buzz on as you visit a variety of coffee houses, tasting the amazing brews that made Seattle famous. Discover Seattle’s obsession with coffee through its history of roasting in this 2.5 hour jaunt. Read reviews and book your tour by visiting: Seattle by Foot Coffee Crawl.

Attractions that will get your blood pumping this Fall

If the adrenaline rush of a good scare is part of your annual Halloween ritual, you’re sure to get your thrills at some of Seattle’s scariest horror attractions.

All the rage around the world the owners and actors who put on these houses know how to bring the fear. Step outside your comfortable vacation rental home and visit some of Seattle’s most notorious Halloween attractions.

KUBE 93 FM Haunted House at The Georgetown Morgue
An old morgue with a horrific history is the home to terrifying clowns, scenes of torture, and bloody experiments. Said to have a truly tragic story, this haunted house is consistently noted as one of the scariest in town. Wandering the halls, visitors will be tormented by jump-out scares, bloody scenes, hidden passages, and sounds that will haunt your nightmares.
https://www.seattlehaunts.com/georgetown-morgue/index.php

Nightmare at Beaver Lake
For guests with a car. Run in coordination with several youth organizations and high schools, this haunted attraction gets thousands of visitors per year. Staff members are all volunteers and money plus food donations go back to charitable organizations. The trial of terror, if you dare to get through it, leads to a screamingly frightful haunted house filled with creeps, monsters, and the undead.
https://www.nightmareatbeaverlake.com/

Can’t Look Away – The Lure of Horror Film Exhibition
Love horror films and want to get a first-hand look at props like the Jack Torrance’s axe from the Shining, a cute face-hugger from Alien, or even the script from Night of the Living Dead? The frightful exhibition at EMP museum is for you. Displays inform and entertain as they take you through some bloody horror history.

Make your visit to Seattle memorable by visiting one (or all) of these local “chippies.”

Chippy’s Fish and Drink – 4741 Ballard Avenue NW
Located next to Staple & Fancy (same owner), this fish and chips joint specializes in classic sea-inspired pub food, local microbrews, novelty beers, craft cocktails, and a stellar whiskey menu. Their take on fish and chips includes 5 options – true cod, halibut, salmon, oysters and east coast clams for a variety that runs the gamut of texture and flavor.
https://www.ethanstowellrestaurants.com/locations/chippys/

Marination Ma Kai
A small establishment at the Water Taxi terminal along Alki, this place is a Hawaiian-Korean fusion restaurant that also does some of the best fish and chips in the city! Beer batter and panko breading makes a crisp crust for the moist and tender fish.  The miso or kimchi tartar is worthy of eating with a spoon.
https://marinationmobile.com/ma-kai

Spud Fish and Chips – 3 Seattle locations
The Alger brothers are known as the catalyst for boosting the popularity of fish and chips in the Seattle area. With 3 locations, this F&C joint is the real deal and you can enjoy the tasty fried treats within walking distance of the beach. Get your standard fish and chips or try a variety of seafood fare with a side of golden, delicious chips.
https://www.spudfishandchips.com/

Pacific Inn Pub
Fish and chips are a standard at pubs that serve food. The Pacific Inn Pub has made a name in food circles regarding this traditional English walk and eat treat. With a menu that includes some tasty burgers and notable fried oysters, they pair their fare with local brews and your standard array of booze and cocktail offerings. This location is very close to our Florentia townhome.
https://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/3213/restaurant/Wallingford/Pacific-Inn-Pub-Seattle

Pike Street Fish Fry
A small joint in the heart of Capitol Hill, the Pike Street Fish Fry is open late on the weekends and caters to the boozy after bar crowd. With a menu of highly regarded fish and chips along with fish tacos, catfish, shrimp, oysters, and more, this place fills the void. Reviewers rave about the aioli and curry ketchup and the crispy double fried French fries plus a batter that doesn’t overwhelm the fish.
https://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/393953/restaurant/Capitol-Hill/Pike-Street-Fish-Fry-Seattle

Day tripping Seattle’s wineries with the
Woodinville Wine Trail Experience

There’s nothing quite like discovering new wines in the place they were made. With over 100 wineries and tasting rooms in Woodinville wine country, you can find your new favorite vino while touring the countryside in comfort with the Woodinville Wine Trail Experience from Evergreen Escapes Cascadia.

This tour visits 3 award-winning wineries on a half-day excursion. You’ll be picked up from your downtown Seattle hotel or cruise terminal and whisked away in a plush luxury adventure-outfitted Mercedes SUV. Each stop offers an intimate look into the wineries, their wine making process, grapes, and history of the vineyard. You’ll enjoy wine tastings from each vineyard and cleanse your palate with locally sourced meats and cheeses. Visitors get personal tours of each facility and learn about viticulture from experienced tour guides.

These tours are ideal for couples and groups up to 10 people. Snacks and refreshments are offered throughout the tour and the conversation only gets better as the tour goes on. For those who have never experienced a wine tasting, you won’t have to worry about snobby servers and pretentious atmospheres. This tour is designed for those who want to relax and enjoy the rich history of the area and learn what they like and don’t like about a wide variety of wines. It’s the perfect way to learn about the aspects of wine, such as color, clarity, viscosity, aroma, dryness, and more. Learn what types of glasses go with what types of wines, which wines pair with various foods, and the characteristics of various grapes and blends. You’ll even be able to take a few bottles home or place an order for cases if you wish.

The tour guides are also there to teach visitors about the history of the local area and to share information of ecology, sustainability, geology, botany, and other aspects that affect the viticulture of these fine winemakers.

A few tips for travelers: dress in layers in case of wind or rain, bring good walking shoes, sunglasses, and of course a camera to document your experience. Let them know ahead of time if you have any food allergies and make sure to bring a water bottle for hydrating between wineries.

Fun and educational, this day trip lets you raise a glass or three for a great time that showcases the history of Washington winemaking.

Seattle is no stranger to the paranormal. Suicides, murders, and Native American burial grounds have all contributed energy to the city’s spiritual inhabitants. Leave your cozy vacation rental home and head out to investigate some of Seattle’s notorious sites for the remnants of the formerly living. If you’re less adventurous, join a group tour to see places that go bump in the night.

Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery
Located on Capitol Hill next to the Lakeview Cemetery (the burial site for Bruce and Brandon Lee – also said to be haunted), this century-old burial spot is home to more than 500 graves from the Civil War era. Witnesses claim to see apparitions of spirit soldiers wearing Civil War uniforms wandering the site and hear the cries and moans of the deceased.

The Harvard Exit Theater
This building has been a theater and meeting place since the late 1920s. It features vintage décor and a reputation as a place where spirits still congregate. It’s been investigated by a plethora of paranormal groups, psychic mediums, and tourists, many who claim a few spirits still linger and appear as apparitions.

Pike Place Market
Daily this market is full of vendors and shoppers, but locals know it’s one of the most haunted places in Seattle. And why wouldn’t it be? Natives forced off the land and the market was built over an Indian burial ground. What more do you need for a haunting than that? Apparitions and other paranormal activities have been witnessed here for decades.

Haunted ghost tour from Private Eye on Seattle – https://www.privateeyetours.com
Book your own tour of some of the most haunted sites in Seattle and learn where the spirits still roam. Led by members of a local paranormal group, these tours take you to several locations where it is rumored activities still occur. See out of the way sites and get a local history lesson in the process.

Spooked In Seattle – https://spookedinseattle.com/
If you’re looking for an up close and personal paranormal experience, Spooked in Seattle offers a variety of tours guided by real paranormal investigators. These tours take the living right where the spirits are said to roam. It offers on-site experiences, collected evidence, and plenty of haunted history. Pub tours, haunted buildings, haunted walking tours – they have it all. There’s also an extensive website for those wanting to learn more about the paranormal

Shopping International in Seattle

Seattle’s International/Asian community boasts plenty of shopping opportunities that take you around the globe in just a few blocks. Metered parking is usually readily available on Main Street between Sixth and Maynard and Hing Hay Park (meaning "Park for Pleasurable Gatherings") is a hub for the International District.

This list includes a few favorite shops as listed in Seattle Magazine.

KOBO at Higo
Koboseattle.com
Open since 1995, Kobo (meaning “artist’s workspace”) is a gallery that focuses on Japanese and Northwestern fine crafts. Showcasing a combination of traditional and contemporary works, this gallery includes items of clay, paper, fiber, metal, textile, bamboo, and more. They offer 6 exhibits per year and a wide variety of artists and mediums.

MoMo
Momoseattle.blogspot.com
Beloved by locals and visitors alike, MoMo is the peach of Seattle (MoMo means “peach” in Japanese). Since 2007 the charming boutique has offered clients a variety of curated items that blend Asian and European styles. From clothing to China cabinets, this eclectic shop will have you combing its nooks and crannies longer than you think.

Tuesday Scarves
Tuesday shop online
Fashion designer Rian Robison opened this brick and mortar shop to begin selling her wares. She quickly developed a following for her infinity scarves, clutches, and more.

Marketplace at the Wing
The Wing online
Find an array of treasures in the Marketplace at the Wing. Located at the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience in Seattle’s Chinatown International District, it offers a large selection of books, toys, and more, all with an Asian Pacific American flavor.

New Century Tea Gallery
Newcenturyteagallery.com
Shop and sip at this beautiful and popular tea spot that offers a large selection of Chinese and Taiwanese teas and even Pu-erh (Chinese fermented dark tea). You can even taste whatever you like for free before you purchase. The staff is knowledgeable and will help you select your new favorite tea.

Uwajimaya Shopping Center
Uwajimaya online
The Uwajimaya Shopping Center is one of the largest Asian grocery retailers in the Pacific Northwest. It’s a true destination location with a focus on quality products and a dedication to educate the public on Asian culture. This location is the anchor tenant of Uwajimaya Village which also includes, Kinokuniya Bookstore – Japan’s largest bookstore chain, Boiling Point Restaurant, Paris Miki Optical, Savvy Cosmetics, and a Chase Bank. Dining options include: Aloha Plates, Beard Papa’s Cream Puffs, Herfy’s Burgers, Noodle Zen, Saigon Bistro, Samurai Noodle, Shilla Korean BBQ, Thai Place, Yummy House Bakery, Unicone Crepes and Tako Kyuuban Takoyaki.

Geocaching Treasures in Seattle

One of the best ways to discover new places in any city is by Geocaching. No matter where your travels take you, there is a Geocache waiting to be discovered. Seattle offers an abundance of Geocaches for the avid treasure hunter.

What is Geocaching?

Geocaching is a popular, world-wide treasure hunting game for people of all ages. It’s perfect for travelers as there are millions of Geocaches across the globe. Participants find the Geocaches using a GPS-enabled mobile device. Getting started is simple, just go to Geocaching.com and sign up for free. Use the online site to discover where the Geocaches are located near you and let your GPS mobile device lead you to the hiding spot. Find the cache, sign the log, and place it back where you found it. Then log your find on the website. Sure, it sounds simple, but it’s incredibly fun and addictive.

Plenty to see in Seattle

There are hundreds of Geocaches in the Seattle area. One look at the map on Geocaching.com and you won’t have a problem planning out your excursions. Many caches take you to fun points of interest in Seattle or areas that may be off the grid to most.

Favorite caches to catch

Hop on Geocaching.com or google “Seattle Geocaching” and you’ll find some top caches that showcase the city. Below are the caches, their numbers, and descriptions with links to each site.

Carkeek Cache (GC33A) – Said to be the oldest cache in Seattle. Wooded trails, salmon spawning, or a leisurely bench walk in the Carkeek Park make this a must-find.

Department of Magnetism and Gravitation (GCQY5T) – Leisurely wander the University of Washington campus to find this cache. You can also try to solve the Department of Forensic Morphology Annex (GCNFWZ), another local favorite. 

Double Bubble Toil and Trouble (GC24H25) – Downtown, near Pike Place Market. Discover the world-famous gum-wall.

Fresh Fish (GC16WQW) – A creative hide and Fisherman’s Terminal is the real deal – fresh fish, right off the boats. Are you a "Deadliest Catch" fan?

Hamilton Viewpoint (GCHEGW) – West Seattle. One of the best Seattle views, looking northeast from Alki Point. On most days, you can see Elliott bay, downtown Seattle, Bainbridge Island, the Space Needle, and most of Seattle’s major hills.

Olympic Sculpture Walk Park (GC1A2TN) – Downtown. Great waterfront art park – stroll the gardens admiring the sculptures and then enjoy the beach views. The Seattle Art Museum has created a downtown gem. 

Still Sleepless in Seattle (GCNHNH) – East Lake Union. Those picturesque house boats, made famous in, "Sleepless in Seattle."

The food trucks of Seattle and where to find them

Whether grabbing a bite before your vacation begins or finding something satisfying while touring the sights of Seattle, food trucks offer a variety and convenience that make your alfresco dining experience that much more delicious.

These mobile kitchens go where the action is and don’t fall short on flavor. The competitive business of the food truck keeps owners on their toes, offering portable plates that win awards and keep the regulars running back for more.

When renting a vacation home, you can discover the tastes of Seattle just by cruising down the street or checking social media feeds. With the amount of food trucks available, you can enjoy a different type of cuisine every meal of the day, every day of the week.

Some of the offerings from these roadside eateries include: Japanese, pizza, Northwest cuisine, comfort food, Chinese, crepes, burgers, sandwiches, French, Mexican, Vietnamese, hot dogs, fish and chips, Mediterranean, sweets, BBQ, coffee, Cajun/creole, Filipino, Thai, and Asian fusion just to name a few.

Hungry yet?

In fact, four Seattle food trucks were named “Best Food Trucks in America” by the Daily Meal.

Here are some of the trucks that delight Seattle’s locals and tourists:

• Charlie’s Buns ’n Stuff – burgers and cheesesteaks
• Lumpia World – Filipino
• Stella Fiore Pizza – wood fired pizza
• Bikelava – baklava and tasty sweets
• Xplosive – Vietnamese Filipino
• Ben & Jerry’s – Ice cream
• Outside the Box – Paleo
• Jemil’s Big Easy – Cajun
• Bing of Fire – Chinese crepes
• Grilled Cheese Experience – Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
• Snout & Co. – Cuban and BBQ
• NOSH – English, fish & chips

If you’re wondering where you can treat your taste buds when visiting the area, check out Seattlefoodtruck.com and you’ll find most trucks have websites that will show you where they’ll be selling their delicious offerings at any given time.

Touring Seattle by Land, Sea, and Air!

Argosy Cruises

If you love being on the water and discovering the sights from the unique vantage point of a ship, then Argosy Cruises has tours that will satisfy your inner sailor. Known as Seattle’s “friend with a boat,” Argosy Cruises has been showing locals and visitors the sights for over 60 years. With a variety of vessels for both private and public cruises, they showcase the best of the Puget Sound area.

Whether booking for special events or just to see the breathtaking sights, Argosy offers a unique experience enhanced by exquisite cuisine. Choose from a variety of sightseeing or dining cruises to experience Seattle in a completely new way. Some cruises include Seattle Waterfront Harbor, Locks Cruise, A Taste of Seattle History Cruise, Murder/Mystery Cruises, Dinner/Dancing Cruises, and much more.

Show Me Seattle

Looking to explore Seattle’s unique inner beauty with a local that knows what’s what? Then Show Me Seattle is the bus to be on. Since 1995 this tour company has taken thousands on intimate tours of the Emerald City. It’s a family business run by husband and wife team, John Williams and Kathleen O’Hanlon. They know Seattle.

You’ll get to explore exciting local destinations like Downtown Seattle, Pioneer Square, Chinatown, Ballard Locks, and much more. You’ll even get to tour the vibrant neighborhoods and enjoy stunning views of the city. See the “Sleepless in Seattle” floating home or the very first Starbucks Coffee in the Pike Place Public Market. These tours are great for visitors looking to discover things to do in the area while on vacation as well as the best places to eat. and put some local flavor on the itinerary for your next visit.

Seattle Scenic Flights

If you prefer a birds-eye view, SeattleScenicFlights.com offers tours that take you above and beyond. Experience Seattle from the completely unique perspective of an airplane! Soar past the downtown Seattle waterfront, snap a perfect shot of the Space Needle, get a birds-eye view of beautiful Lake Washington and the homes of Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer, and marvel at the power and beauty of Snoqualmie Falls!

Seattle Scenic Flights also offers 30minute, 45minute, and 60 minute air tours featuring Safeco & Quest Field, Downtown Seattle, Space Needle, Lake Union, University of Washington, Lake Washington, Kirkland, Downtown Bellevue, Spectacular Homes in Medina, Green Lake, Highland Estates, Golden Gardens, Shilshole Bay Marina, Ballard Locks and Ship Canal, Fisherman’s Terminal, Elliott Bay Marina, West Seattle, SeaTac Airport.  

Kenmore Air

If you prefer a birds-eye view, Kenmore Air offers tours that take you above and beyond. You’ll take off from the water in a seaplane and start the adventure that sends you soaring above the city. Take in the beauty of the skyline and all its city charms! You’ll see the houseboat communities, University campus, Elliot Bay waterfront, the stadiums, and then enjoy a gentle landing in Lake Union. It’s a 20-minute flight where every seat is a window seat and the flight path is set for sightseeing.

Kenmore Air also offers a longer, 2-hour seaplane tour that is a round-trip flight to the spectacular San Juan Islands. You’ll get a chance to view the stunning islands, harbors, and docks lined with types of sailing and fishing vessels. Discover a new view as you soar over the sights in a seaplane tour you’ll never forget.

Part of the beauty of renting a vacation home in Seattle is its amazing art culture. There are several places to tour and take in inspired works from local and international artists. Modern art, street art, fine art, sculpture, and more are waiting for you in a variety of scenic locales. Below are a few examples you’ll want to visit during your stay in the Emerald City.

Chihuly Garden and Glass

The colorful blown glass sculptures of Chihuly are famous around the globe and the Chihuly Gardens and Glass exhibit is a great place to get a first-hand look at his amazing work. Located right next to the Space Needle, this glass house exhibition takes your breath away with showcases like the 100-foot suspended installation in the glass house, garden sculpture walk, and the 8-room exhibition hall. Day and evenings are different experiences as you can view the works in natural daylight or enjoy them illuminated at night.
Visit: Chihuly Garden and Glass to buy tickets and see amazing photos.

Seattle Art Museum

Visit Seattle’s iconic museum that houses over 25,000 works of art. Located just a few blocks up from the waterfront, its “Hammering Man” sculpture stands right outside the entrance. The subdivisions of  the museum include Olympic Sculpture Park and the Asian Art Museum. Upcoming 2014 exhibitions include Modernism in the Pacific Northwest: the Mythic and the Mystical, Trumpin: Binaural Beats, Pop
Departures, Disguise: Masks and Global African Art, and more throughout 2015. Visit: The Seattle Art Museum online for more information and hours.

Olympic Sculpture Park

Take a leisurely stroll through this free public park and enjoy the wide variety of contemporary sculptures that adorn the waterfront of Seattle’s Belltown and Lower Queen Anne neighborhoods. You’ll enjoy an amazing view of Puget Sound as well as the Olympic Mountains while taking in the interesting outdoor sculpture pieces, garden, and water. Find out more information here: Olympic Sculpture Park.

Pioneer Square

Located in the southwest corner of downtown Seattle, Pioneer Square offers a variety of small galleries you can visit that feature an abundance of diverse, artistic styles. Near the Seattle Art Museum, this area offers visitors a taste of local art. The best time to see it in action is during First Thursday Seattle Art Walks held in Pioneer Square from noon to 8 pm. It’s free and a great way to mingle with the artists and fellow visitors. Food is also available to help fill your hunger for both art and the culinary delights of the square. Check out: Pioneer Square online for more information on galleries and events.

Day 1

Hit all the hotspots on your first day, ensuring that you’ll get your trip off to a fun and memorable start.

Olympic Sculpture Park is the perfect first stop, and you can catch the free Waterfront Streetcar bus to Pike Place Market. Not to be missed, this historic complex features stalls of fresh seafood and the original Starbucks. It’s a quick jaunt to The Waterfront where you can enjoy the tourist shops and beautiful view. Make sure to hit the Seattle Aquarium while you’re here. Next it’s on to historic Pioneer Square where you can see how it all began. And don’t miss the Seattle Underground Tour where you can see the seedier side of Seattle past. Head over to the Seattle Center where you can see the beautiful grounds of the 1962 World’s Fair, and visit the iconic Space Needle. No trip is complete without a stop at the EMP/SFM where you can learn about Seattle music and see historic artifacts from your favorite musicians.

Day 2

A day full of fresh salmon, breathtaking scenery and the finest culture await you on day two of your Seattle excursion.

Start off at Hiram M. Chittenden (Ballard) Locks to watch boats travel between Elliott Bay and Lake Union. In the summer you may even get to see salmon migrating up-river. Hop back down to Pike Place Market to take in any sights you may have missed the first day, and then on to the Harbor Steps. The sculptures, shops, and restaurants make a lovely excursion of their own on your way to Bainbridge Island. Take a ferry out to this charming island, full of natural beauty and historic elements. After that, hit up the Seattle Art Museum and enjoy the impressive collection of art. The Ancient Grounds will keep the learning experience going, with Native American art and artifacts galore. End your day at Tillicum Village Tour, where you’ll enjoy a boat ride to Blake Island State Park where you’ll enjoy a fabulous salmon dinner and watch a fascinating performance by Northwest Coast Native American mask dancers.

Volunteer Park Cafe

No place reveals Seattle’s small-town soul like the Volunteer Park Café on a Saturday morning. Someone’s golden retriever wags affably at the door. Sunbeams pour in soaring windows, warming flour sack–topped tables and mismatched chairs and legions of sleepy neighbors waiting (and waiting) for a cup of steaming, stunning Stumptown and the city’s best house-baked pastries, blueberry scones to pear-­cardamom muffins. There’s fancy food too, day and night, but it’s the drop-in dreaminess of morning combined with the casually exquisite food that makes Volunteer Park Café indispensable.

Volunteer Park Café, 1501 17th Ave E, Capitol Hill

La Carta de Oaxaca

Authentic mole negro and albondigas and entomatadas on stylish Ballard Ave render La Carta de Oaxaca one of the really unlikely finds in this town. Bring a crowd of folks you like a lot (you’ll be standing in line with them), then send someone up to the salsa bar to fetch pots of each of that day’s five fresh choices for an informal sampling. With La Carta’s lighter-than-air housemade tortilla chips as conveyances, try ’em all, including an admirable tomatillo salsa verde and one red version whose bright fire will light up your taste buds like a pinball machine.

La Carta de Oaxaca, 5431 Ballard Ave NW, Ballard

Sea Garden

You walk right past them on your way to your table, trying desperately to avoid eye contact with the tilapia and spot prawns and lumbering Dungeness that are about to become dinner. It’s a beloved tradition in Chinatown’s seafood restaurants—well, beloved for humans—and one best worth savoring at longtime haunt Sea Garden, where you can walk right up to the tank and point out the very lobster or geoduck you prefer. Or leave the choice to the chef, who will pluck the creature out of the brine and bring it squirming to your table for your approval. Your heart may bleed a little, but one garlicky bite of Sea Garden’s signature black bean crab will restore your killer instincts immediately.

Sea Garden, 509 Seventh Ave S, International District

Elliot’s Oyster House

Oysters on the half shell? Blessedly plentiful in this part of the world. Two dozen varieties in one place? That can only be the 21-foot ice bar at Elliott’s Oyster House. Order up a sampler ($23–$28 for a dozen—but just 50 cents apiece from 3 till 3:30pm) and someone much more knowledgeable than you will cleanly shuck your fresh Olympias or Totten Virginicas or pearly Kusshis before your eyes, then serve the briny little beasties with or without a mignonette. It’s like Oyster University, with a watery Elliott Bay view for inspiration. This local jewel hides in plain sight behind lackluster fish plates and about a jillion quacking tourists.

Elliott’s Oyster House, 1201 Alaskan Way, Pier 56, Downtown

Seattle is full of interesting sights, sounds, and tastes, and each neighborhood features its own unique flavor. Sit back and get ready to rent your Seattle Oasis Vacation home while we give you a run down on how to navigate the neighborhoods of the Emerald City.

Ballard

This charming section is historically Scandinavian, and ideal for a pleasant stroll, shopping, and enjoying a little local nightlife. The farmer’s market on Sunday is not to be missed.

First Hill and Capitol Hill

Get ready to climb and see the sights with the most breathtaking view in the city atop the water tower in Volunteer Park. It’s a hike up the staircase, but totally worth it for the panorama that awaits.Seattle loves its parks, and it’s no wonder when you see the acres of beauty that make up Volunteer Park.

Belltown

This area continues to grow, with hip restaurants, condos, and shopping sprouting up all the time. Artifacts from its more edgy past still abound, with a punk-rock vinyl shop, street art, and ultra-cool indie music venue, Crocodile (it was a big part of the grunge rock scene). Don’t miss Olympic Sculpture Park while in this area.

Seattle Center

You may know Seattle Center as home of the world-famous Space Needle, but it was originally built for the 1962 World’s Fair. The grounds are home to festivals of all kind, and boast a variety of great attractions you won’t want to miss. A kid’s amusement park and fountain are summertime favorites, while the Pacific Science Center, Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Museum, and the Children’s Museum are definitely some of the best Seattle has to offer.

International District

If you’re looking for some of the most delectable food around, you have to hit up the I.D. Looking for the best dumplings you’ve ever tasted or some killer duck? This is the place. You’ll know you’re there when you see the giant fiberglass dragons on the lampposts or the Chinese gate. Pan-Asian cuisine abounds, and you won’t walk away hungry. Check out the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience to learn about the rich cultural heritage.

Downtown

There’s plenty to do and see in the heart of Seattle. The downtown area features such staples as PikePlace Market, the art museum, and the eye-catching Central Library. There’s a wealth of shopping andstrolling to be had in this area, and you’ll catch gorgeous views of the water everywhere you go.

They’re Living in a Book-Lover’s Paradise

Seattle is the most literate city in the United States, and boasts not only the most book stores per capita, but the most libraries and library card-holders as well. If you’ve ever been accused of being a bookworm, these are your people.

We Built This City…On Another City

The Great Fire of 1889 wiped out most of the Emerald City, but being the industrious folk they are, Seattleites just built it again. They raised the street level and started over. The coolest part? If you take the Underground Tour you can still see parts of the old city. So why did they raise the street level? The Seattle sewer system flowed with the tides, which meant that at certain times of the day toilets operated more like fountains. While not necessarily a blessing, rebuilding after the fire allowed for Seattle to become more industrialized.

It’s Not as Rainy as You Hear

While it’s touted as being rainy all the time, Seattle actually sees less annual rainfall than the cities of Chicago, Houston, and New York City. Maybe even more surprisingly, residents of the city purchase more sunglasses per capita than any other city in the United States.

They’re Green and Healthy

Seattle has the most bikers in the US, and we don’t mean the leather-clad kind, either. More people ride their bikes to work here than in any other city. They were also the first to put cops on bicycles. The Pike Place Farmers Market is the longest continuously running farmer’s market in the country, making it the ideal place to purchase fresh fish and produce.

Seattle is Just the Most (and Sometimes the First)

Seattle boasts the most residents of houseboats in the world, and the largest houseboat population outside of Asia. The first gas station in the world opened on East Marginal Way. It was also the first US city to play a Beatles song on the radio. It’s the Northernmost city with a population over half a million. The restaurant atop the Space Needle was the first revolving restaurant in the country.