The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, locally known as the Ballard Locks, is a unique and historic location in Seattle. Completed in 1917, this landmark connects the waters of Lake Washington, Lake Union and the Puget Sound. Watching the boats navigate the locks is interesting enough, but the location also hosts an unusual fish ladder that connects salt and freshwater for the local migrating Pacific Salmon. The grounds feature a visitors centre as well as the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Gardens.
Seattle's most famous landmark, the Space Needle's futuristic design rises over 600 feet (182.88 meters) tall. The tower was originally built for the 1962 World Expo in Seattle, and was designed with cutting-edge know how by award-winning engineer John K. Minasian, known for his work at Cape Canaveral, home of the U.S. Space Program. From the top, the Space Needle provides 360-degree views of downtown Seattle, Mount Rainier, Elliott Bay, and the Cascade and Olympic mountains. Besides the Skydeck restaurant, the Space Needle also features a gift shop and observation deck.
Woodland Park Zoo is an award-winning zoo and a must to visit while you are in the city. Only minutes from busy downtown, the zoo lets you step into an African savannah, an Asian elephant habitat and a tropical rain forest. The zoo also brings special exhibits, which have included monitor dragons, butterflies and other bugs and beasts. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the green lawns of Woodland Park, which surrounds the zoo. You also won't want to miss the nearby Rose Garden.
Endowed with spectacular natural features, Earth Sanctuary is exactly that, a verdant refuge from the grind of daily life. Escape into the scenic woodlands that define the area's landscape and allow the rejuvenating atmosphere to unburden your shoulders and relieve your stress. Soak in the fresh air as you traverse the terrain and explore varying artistic sculptures and fixtures, many of which embody spirituality, harmony, reflection, self-realization, and healing, among other ideals. Driftwood ley lines, labyrinths, majestic megaliths, stone sculptures, and a Buddhist stupa are among the remarkable works found here.
As the name suggests, the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial commemorates the forceful eviction and exile of the Japanese Americans from Bainbridge Island. This outdoor exhibit comprises a stonewall, which bears the name of the 276 ill-fated Japanese Americans residents. Within the premises, one will also find pictorial retelling of the eventful history of the community, which entails their foremost migration to the region, their contribution in strawberry farming and their unjust evacuation. The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial is a stirring reminder of a dark chapter of America’s history and merits a visit by all.
Formerly serving as the abode and garden of a timber baron, Bloedel Reserve is now an exquisite pastoral preserve. The French-influenced house has been turned into a visitor's center, which also serves as a lavish wedding venue. Taking the spotlight away from the home, however, is the collection of ornamental gardens adorning its front yard. Each garden boasts a different style. One will find a reflecting pool, a Japanese Zen sand garden and teahouse, a moss garden and an azalea garden here. Accentuating the landscape is the rhododendron hillside and the surrounding forested area. While picnicking is prohibited in the gardens, one can wander along the verdure and take in the unbridled beauty of the gardens.
One of the largest academic law libraries in the West, this library has court briefs, United States government publications, an East Asian collection and a general collection. It also provides access to legal databases, including LegalTrac, LEXIS-NEXIS and WESTLAW, the World News Collection and Congressional Universe. Those not affiliated with the University of Washington should sign in at the second floor entrance. To check out materials, visitors must register at the Circulation Desk (photo identification and proof of Washington residency required).
Located on the Bellevue College Campus, Willard Geer Planetarium is one of the most progressive planetariums in the state in regards to its technological set up. Used by students of the college and the nearby schools, it is one of Bellevue's prime spots.
Join Diane LaVonne for an engaging and unique food experience, one which connects the farmer, the ingredients, and cooking, with the finished product. You will start with lessons on choosing fresh ingredients for the days menu at the "Heart of Seattle", the Pike Place Market, where you will meet many of the farmer vendors and shop owners she has known for more than 20 years. After the tour you will go to her kitchen for a fun, interactive experience, learning about, preparing, and enjoying the best of what the Northwest has to offer from its waters, farms, orchards, and vineyards.
Inaugurated in 1982 in the historic City Hall building, located on East Main Street in Monroe, the Monroe Historical Society & Museum is a popular tourist attraction and local history museum. Featuring a wide range of local historical artifacts that highlight and pay tribute to the rich heritage of the region, this museum witnesses thousands of tourists every year. This history museum also preserves a huge repertoire of important documents, books and other literary works within its premises that are restricted from public viewing. The Monroe Historical Museum's much acclaimed self-guided walking tour is also a favorite among tourists.
The Greenbank region in Washington is flanked by the eminent Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens. These stellar botanical gardens can be toured daily on a modest admission charge. The gardens were founded and established by Ann and Max Meerkerk. A visit to these gardens is a pleasant experience.
As the name suggests, the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial commemorates the forceful eviction and exile of the Japanese Americans from Bainbridge Island. This outdoor exhibit comprises a stonewall, which bears the name of the 276 ill-fated Japanese Americans residents. Within the premises, one will also find pictorial retelling of the eventful history of the community, which entails their foremost migration to the region, their contribution in strawberry farming and their unjust evacuation. The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial is a stirring reminder of a dark chapter of America’s history and merits a visit by all.