Winter Journey to Seattle

March 12, 2019 by amyb

Seattle’s exciting downtown, thrilling landscape and vibrant culture makes it a wonderful summer stop, but it’s a city that shouldn’t be counted out in the winter months! The Emerald City plays host to a vast array of beautiful museums, monuments and dining establishments that are best experienced when the colder weather rolls in. When you’re planning to travel to Seattle in the winter, here are a few places you’ll want to be sure to add to the itinerary.

Day 1: Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

While you might not want to be out panning for gold in the winter months, that doesn’t mean you can’t be a part of the story. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park provides guests with an engaging overview of the role Seattle played in the infamous rush to be rich. Those passionate with the pursuit of wealth used Seattle as the primary gateway to reaching potential gold deposits farther north. This museum provides several exhibits that look at the interesting and intricate details of how the gold rush changed the face of Seattle over time.

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
319 2nd Ave S.
(206) 220-4240

Day 2: Frye Art Museum

While the winter weather may fluctuate, the Frye Art Museum’s dedication to displaying contemporary works by local and global artists is unwavering. A stop in at this museum is an immersive experience in creative expression. Come for a visit and enjoy browsing a variety of exhibits that explore the ever-changing pulse of the Seattle city-scene as noticed by many different artistic minds. Guests can browse paintings, sculpture and mix-medium exhibits during their time at the museum. In addition, guests should keep an eye on the events calendar as the Frye Art Museum regularly hosts musical performances, artistic lectures and meditation in their on-site auditorium.

Frye Art Museum
704 Terry Ave
(206) 622-9250

Day 3: Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour

Learn about Seattle’s unique history on this 75-minute tour of our Underground City. From the ‘Seamstresses’ that started what would become the Seattle Public Schools, to what really started the great fire of 1889, and how Bill and his wife, Shirley, saved Pioneer Square, you will be guided by locals through the twists and turns of the old city. Tours run daily on the hour starting at 9am. The tour starts in Doc Maynard’s Public House, where you can get a snack or beverage before you go or come back and have lunch or dinner. They even have a special Lunch and Tour combo, and offer local, seasonal entrees for the entire family. The tour ends in the Rogues Gallery and Underground Giftshop – a great place for unique, Seattle gifts. Tour tickets can be purchased online, by phone or at the box office.

Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour
614 1^stAve, in Pioneer Square Park
206-682-4646 ext 118

Stay Cozy in the Emerald City

Avoid traveling through the weather and instead, choose to stay in the heart of downtown when you come to Seattle in the winter. The team at Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals will help you book a luxurious property with a skyline view and stylish amenities customized to your travel taste. Make it a cozy winter stay that keeps you close to all the fun when you’re ready to get out and explore. Contact us to start planning your next trip!

Running Through the Sprinkler, Seattle Style

June 29, 2018 by darik

Hello Seattle, locals and guests alike!

Guess what? 90 degrees is a fairly uncommon occurance in this town. Some might call it rare, even in this era of global warming. So with this week’s forecast of 90 echoing in our eardrums, stop what you are doing.

Stop. Right now. Seriously. Time to dump the plans.

Do something quintessentially Seattle today. Get yourself to Seattle’s back yard sprinkler, otherwise known as the International Foundation at the Seattle Center.

Just about every local Seattle school kid has a story of getting drenched at the Fountain. Pack yourself a picnic, or snacks, and something to drink. If that feels like too much trouble, don’t. There are no rules here on how to do this, and food is available on-site, at the Armory.

The fountain alternates between a driblle, a gentle arch, and jet bursts shooting water 70 feet in the air. Your job is to time your journey to the dome without getting a face full of water.

It’s a short walk, a very quck Lyft ride, or a little jaunt on the closest LimeBike from most of our properties. Pretend you’re a kid again, or bring your kids and show them how its done.

You won’t regret it, I promise.

Neighborhoods You Can’t Miss in Seattle

May 12, 2018 by darik

Seattle is full of interesting sights, sounds, and tastes, and each neighborhood features its own unique flavor. Downtown and the Pike Place Market are not to be missed, but Seattle is more than that! Sit back while we give you a run down on how to navigate the neighborhoods of the Emerald City.

Belltown

Chances are, if you are staying with us, this is the area you are calling home. This neighborhood continues to grow, with hip restaurants, nightlife and shopping. Highlights are the great music venues, including Jazz Alley, Tula’s, and the world famous Crocodile (it was a big part of the grunge rock scene). Also, check out the coffee scene! Cherry Street Coffee, Moore Coffee, Bedlam and Street Bean are local alternative to the giant Starbucks! Don’t miss Olympic Sculpture Park while in this area.

Ballard

This charming section is historically Scandinavian, and ideal for a pleasant stroll, shopping, and enjoying a little local nightlife. Check out the brand new Nordic Museum and Ballard’s Brew district, with scores of small and local breweries. Golden Gardens and the adjacent marina make for an excellent summertime walk. Start or end the stroll at the Ray’s Boathouse deck with some adult beverages or excellent seafood. The farmer’s market on Sunday is not to be missed.

West Seattle

West Seattle is where Seattle began, and is today is almost like a city within a city. I recommend starting your West Seattle explorations with a ride on Seattle’s Water Taxi from Pier 52. A 10 minute boat ride will get you to Alki. Right at the West Seattle dock is a fantastic restaurant (Marination Ma Kai) as well as bike, kayak, skate and paddleboard rentals. A stroll, or ride, along Alki’s concrete boardwalk is a lovely way to spend an afternoon, with views back towards Seattle’s skyline and plenty of places to grab a bite or just pull over and enjoy the day.

Seattle Center

moPOP Seattle 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.

The International Fountain is a summertime favorite (picture a giant backyard sprinkler), while the Pacific Science Center, MoPOP, Garden and Glass, 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 colorful fiberglass dragons on the lampposts or the bi-lingual Chinese/English street signs. 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, and don’t miss Uwajimaya!