Hey Mom, Let's go to Seattle
This August I was lucky to have my son all to myself on a mother/son getaway to Seattle. He was ecstatic knowing he was going to check out the digs of one of his rock idols - legendary grunger Kurt Cobain, and I was just happy he wanted to hang out with me for more than a few hours!
Traveling with small children is not that much different from traveling with a young adult child. A parent still needs to make plans to visit things the child would find interesting while inserting places adults want to see along the way. Actually I find that this is a great way to travel because it opens each others minds to new experiences!
We arrived to balmy Seattle on a cool evening, a welcome relief to the 95 plus degree weather we had just come from. After checking into the Fairmont Olympic we splurged with room service. This is something my son and I love to do when we travel - having freshly made tasty concoctions brought to us all the while just relaxing in the comforts of our cozy and scrumptiously well appointed room. This is a lot better to us than having to get dressed, find a place to eat, then wait to be served! Yes, both my son and I agree that this is one of the pleasures of travel.
So, after a peaceful nights rest we started our next morning having breakfast at this great little bakery called, Flying Apron Bakery. Definitely more than a bakery - they served salads, sandwiches, soup, pot pies, pizza - all made with fresh organic ingredients on site. You can check them out at 3510 Fremont Ave. N. website is http://www.flyingapron.net. After stuffing ourselves on freshly baked goodies we were off, heading over to Bill Speidel's Underground Seattle tour, which we both agreed sounded like a lot of fun. We combined this adventure with his Sub Seattle "above" ground tour which is an excursion around Seattle, describing the "scandalous and more humorous" side of Seattle's torrid past. The tour actually follows a route that connects the city parks which were designed by descendants of Frederick Law Olmstead who is famous for designing New York's Central Park.
The real highlight though is the Underground tour, www.undergroundtour.com. How many cities in America boast an underground that is still viable and in use today? Seattle's underground story is quite interesting and the tour is unlike anything I have been on before. This other worldly part of Seattle is located in Pioneer Square which was once the epicenter of Seattle, this is where the city founders first set the groundwork for this great gold rush city. Century old buildings encompass this 20 block historical area that now are full of antiques, eateries, clothing boutiques and music venues. As a side trip I suggest a visit to an amazing independent book store, "Elliott Bay Book Company" www.elliottbaybook.com. My son is an avid reader and we spent just about two hours poking around the multi levels and little nooks of the store, which has an amazing array of both new and used books. Located in "Pioneer Square" this charming book store with its creaky cedar floors is super cozy and a great place to chill out after being busy all day.
With my son being an extremely talented musician a must visit was the Experience Music Project. And you can't help but check out the Science Fiction Museum which is included in your admission price (many donations made courtesy of Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Paul Allen) www.empsfm.org. Both of these exhibits are located at the Seattle Center that was celebrating the end of summer with the 38th Bumbershoot music festival www.bumbershoot.org. The scenery was typical of a music festival with all the free spirited booths with wares for sale, and quite a plethora of cultural foods. There were several stages featuring a variety of genres of music, and I actually knew some of the bands! Of course, my son was thrilled because he got to see a performer that he thinks is very talented and is part of the Indie scene!
Since we had a car we went to another free spirited community - Fremont www.fremontseattle.com. I thought any town that has a statue of a troll eating a car under a bridge deserved a visit. We were not disappointed. This town was quite charming and beautiful - kinda quirky with unique statues and art effects scattered here and there. The lushness afforded Seattle is seen in all the landscaped yards that sit on little hills most of which are within walking distance to the center of town making it a fabulous green community. On the fringe of town, traversing alongside the river you will find a wonderful multi purpose paved path about 30 miles in length used by outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
About 10 minutes inland is the most gorgeous university I have ever seen - the University of Washington. I have been to quite a few west coast campuses and none are as exquisite as this campus...
Lastly, a visit to Seattle would not be complete without a trip to Pike's Market. Here you will find the infamous fish guy who throws the fish (used to throw real fish). This is a huge Farmer's Market plus more. The flowers are incredible - huge bouquets for just a few dollars, everything you see is fresh and larger than what we are used to in California because of the growing season! We bought some tantalizing organic jams at www.johnsonberryfarm.com, and it was my son who picked these out! Finally, for those of you who are Starbucks fans - a visit to the very first java hut is a must - you will find long lines at this basic coffee stop, but what the heck the very essence of Starbuck's shows capitalism at its best!
So all in all my mother/son getaway was a huge success and something I know I will forever keep dear to my heart. And I know my son will too - he saved his ticket to the Bumpershoot festival, so every time he thinks of that special day I will be forever included in his remembrance! Hope you all created some wonderful memories this year with the ones you love!
Joyce Craddock
