This downtown location is the hub for all of the Seattle Public Library branches, and it circulates more than a million books annually. It has a large computer area and a 200-seat auditorium where literary programs, workshops and events for kids are held (all free of charge). Other services include an area to assist deaf, deaf-blind and hard-of-hearing patrons, a genealogy desk for those researching family history, and a writer's room to encourage new writers.
Surrounded by the likes of the 76-story Columbia Tower, the classical dome of this former church can seem lost in the cityscape. But the venue remains a lovely, calm setting for concerts and literary events throughout the week. Take note of the beautiful stained glass windows that adorn the walls here.
Elegance is the word that comes to your mind as you come across this art deco heritage in downtown Seattle. This 27-story tall historic structure was built in the 1920s by the Northern Life Insurance Company, which also housed its offices on the top floors. Tallest in the city at that time, the building glittered with a fantastic display of aura created by the colorful flashlights. Although, today it lies in the shadows of taller and modern skyscrapers, the structure stands out as being one of the first of the art deco structures in Seattle.
Saint James Cathedral is located in the First Hill area, overlooking downtown Seattle. With its elegant facade and double steeples, the cathedral epitomizes quiet grace. Opened only on selected holy days, the two new bronze ceremonial doors, by renowned German artist Ulrich Henn, tell the story of the great procession of the human family towards the heavenly city. The cathedral holds a full schedule of services. Mass is offered several times a day all week.
Established in the early 20th Century, Coliseum Theater was one of Seattle's first movie theaters. Designed by the renowned architect, Priteca, B. Marcus, the building is an impressive example of the architecture of the time with is beautiful facade and ornate interior. The building functioned as a movie theater well into the 1990s after which it was reconstructed. It now serves as an outlet for the clothing store chain, Banana Republic.
Spread over 34 acres of land, The Harvard-Belmont Landmark District is a district that displays various architectural styles including the Victorian, Neoclassical, Neo Georgian, and Colonial. Featuring lanes with tree shades, and wooden structure neighborhoods, it is a great place to visit.
The Seattle Center Monorail is the first full scale commercial monorail in the United States. Like the Space Needle, this train is a remnant of the 1962 World's Fair. Riding above ground, it takes passengers on a two-minute ride between two terminals: Westlake Center downtown and Seattle Center. Although short, the trip has nice views of Elliott Bay, downtown and the Capitol Hill area.
Founded in 1892, Fremont Baptist Church is housed in a historic red brick building built in 1924. Erected in 1950, the white sign on the church roof can be seen from the Fremont Bridge as you cross the canal into Fremont. Adult Sunday school is held on Sundays, followed by worship services. Sunday school for children is held during the Sunday service.
Come learn about the indigenous people – the Duwamish Tribe – that occupied Seattle thousands of years ago. Admission is free, so it is a great opportunity to educate yourself about those that came before. A small but beautiful museum, Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center has educational videos and interesting artifacts for visitors to examine. You may leave the experience with a heavy heart, but you will feel thankful for the experience.
Founded in 1861, the University of Washington is one of the oldest in the country and is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. The public research university has been a pioneering educational institution in the country and attracts not only the best students, but also some of best faculty from around the world. The university's well-manicured grounds are essentially the biggest park in the city. On a clear day, you can soak up views of Mount Rainier from Drumheller Fountain. Central Plaza or Red Square is the heart of the campus, where students flow in and out of Suzzallo Library and ordinary citizens head for the concerts and lectures at Meany and Kane Hall. The entire campus has a cohesive brick look, thanks to the university's insistence on making additions blend in.
Located one block from Alki Beach, this little museum houses a rotating series of exhibits that focuses on West Seattle, which has been called 'the birthplace of Seattle'. Incorporating fascinating artifacts and charming audio and video presentations, the exhibits strive to combine information on settlers and the native Duwamish and Suquamish tribes. The museum's ongoing oral history project provides a continuing flow of new stories. Events are held monthly for kids and special-interest groups. A small gift shop keeps the same hours as the museum.
It's hard to miss the colorful Hat 'n' Boots structure while riding on the Carleton Avenue in Georgetown. Although it is now relocated in Oxbow Park, this eye-catching attraction was once part of a western-themed Texan gas station, built in the 1950s. While the hat served as a shelter for the gas station, the boots were used as washrooms for the cowgirls and the cowboys. Today, you can visit these quirky historic landmarks, which were restored to its original style in 2010.