Sep 30, 2009 12:58 - By: James Austin
Seattle Central Library: Admission Always Free
If you are one of the thousands or travelers to Seattle every week and are looking for a few ‘inexpensive’ things to see to supplement your stay, read on.
Considering that the Fall weather in Seattle is still pleasant and at times beautiful, there are plenty of inexpensive ways to take in this cosmopolitan city which is surrounded by abundant natural beauty. With that in mind, here is a short list of FREE (You can’t get any less expensive than that)activities in my fair city that can fill up an agenda and serve as a supplement to a memorable Northwest vacation. See you around town.
1. Free Sail at Center for Wooden Boats - Located on the South end of picturesqe Lake Union, the Center for Wooden Boats moors dozens of beautiful wooden boats of all shapes and sizes. Most are sail boats, and on Sunday afternoons you can show up a little before 2:00 PM and sign up to take a free family sail. It is a terrific way to enjoy the water with stunning views of the surrounding city. Read More »
Jun 09, 2009 20:51 - By: James Austin
The Center for Wooden Boats offers excellent opportunities to enjoy the Water in Seattle
Late spring ushers in a wonderful time in the Northwest. Grey skies gradually give way to magnificent sunny afternoons paired with low humidity and lush green landscapes. It is a breath of fresh air which convinces more than a few locals to take a step back from whichever bridge or cliff they may have been contemplating after dealing with endless dismal afternoons for the past several months.
And, for this long time resident, nothing refreshes the senses more than getting out on the crisp Seattle area waters. Too expensive you say? Well, it doesn’t need to be. There are plenty of inexpensive ways to get your outdoor boating fix in one of the most beautiful cities in the country. Here are five refreshing options which won’t bust your wallet.
1. Ferries: The Washington State Ferry System has routes running all across Puget Sound and to the San Juan Islands. Several routes leave from downtown Seattle to various ports of call. One of my favorite lazy weekend activities is to board the Seattle to Bainbridge Island Ferry leaving from Pier 50. You can walk on for under $7.00 per person round trip and walk to the lovely town of Winslow. Alternatively, you can drive on for under $30.00 and then take a scenic drive around the Island. While traveling on the ferry, take advantage of stunning views of the water, mountains, city, wildlife, and other boaters as you travel across the sound.
Sea Kayaking in Seattle can be refreshing
2. Sea Kayaks: If you want to get more up close and personal with the water, and get a healthy workout while you are at it, you can rent sea kayaks from any of a number of local spots around Seattle and the Puget Sound. One trip I took with my wife we saw seals, bald eagles, water fowl and, at shallower depths, purple starfish and other Pacific marine species. For local sea kayaking options, a great place to start is with this link. Read More »
