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Archive for November, 2007

Seattle Events for the Week of 11/29

November 29th, 2007 by jamie a

Saturday, December 1 (11 am - 5 pm)
The third annual Urban Craft Uprising will be held this weekend at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. With 120 eclectic indie crafters selling their handmade wares, this is a hip place to get your holiday shopping done!

Saturday, December 1 (1 - 10 pm)
The third annual (hmm…seems to be a trend in Seattle…) Winter Beer Festival will be hosted by the Washington Beer Commission. Featuring winter warmer beers from over 30 local breweries, you’re certain to find a new drink of choice for this chilly season.

Saturday, December 1 (12 - 7 pm)
Join Floating Leaves Tea as they showcase their new Japanese teas and antique Japanese teawares. Tastings are available as you sign up at the door as well as demonstrations for making mochi and Takoyaki.

Saturday, December 1 - Sunday, December 2 (noon & 4 pm)
The Seattle Center presents two free showings of regional and international dance selections as part of Winterfest 2007. See everything from modern dance to ballet and martial arts at this spectacular show.

Planning a trip to Seattle? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Seattle Card.

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Shannnon’s Weekend in Seattle

November 26th, 2007 by shannon b

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Entrance to the Science Fiction Museum
Photo uploaded by Go Card USA

On occasion, we bloggers over here at Smart Destinations have a chance to step away from our desks and enjoy the cities and attractions we’re so happily sharing with our customers. Back in early October, I packed my ancient, olive green bags (with the questionable zippers), grabbed my travel-illiterate boyfriend Russ, and jetted off to spend 5 fun-filled days in the Pacific Northwest (for less than $600).

The Hotel
If you’re traveling on a budget (as I always am), I recommend grabbing a room at the impossibly hip Ace Hotel in Seattle. Not only will you be nestled in the heart of Belltown, where the mod, artistic types roam, but this quirky, minimalist hotel is only a few short blocks to Seattle Center and just around the corner from tons of free galleries and yummy dining. Plus, if you’re budgeting the Ace Hotel not only provides reduced parking 2 blocks away and an included continental breakfast featuring granola, toast, and coffee, but it’s set up to be ridiculously affordable.

For $99 (split between us) we got a comfortable bed, earplugs (since Belltown can be loud at night) and enough free magazines to keep Russ busy while I got ready in the morning. The only catch? In exchange for the $99 deal, you must have a shared bath, but I assure you it’s practically a steal. The showers are A.) Super Clean B.) Always Available. C.) There is a Sink and Mirror in your room as well.

But, in the off chance you don’t play nicely with others—you can always pay $75 more for a Delux room complete with a private bath. (more…)

Planning a trip to Seattle? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Seattle Card.

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Happy Thanksgiving!

November 19th, 2007 by merrill j

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Volunteers, Christmas 2006
Photo uploaded by Cale Bruckner

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I thought I’d share a family that we’ve started in recent years. We volunteer to serve others before we serve ourselves on Thanksgiving. Whether we’re volunteering to serve dinner at a shelter or delivering meals to those in need, we find it personally gratifying to serve those who are having particularly difficult times. I’d like to encourage readers to please consider volunteering for one of your community organizations. The local United Way and Salvation Army are two good organizations. Local churches in your communities ususally also have holiday meal programs. From our family to yours, have a happy Thanksgiving!

Planning a trip to Seattle? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Seattle Card.

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Seattle Events for the Week of 11/15

November 15th, 2007 by jamie a

Friday, November 16 (12 - 6 pm)
The Seattle International Bead, Gem, and Jewelry Show is this weekend at The Seattle Center. If you’re a beader or love collecting jewelry, this show has an incredible selection all under one roof.

Saturday, November 17 (6 pm)
Join Lake Fest community group for their LakeFest Turkey Pub Crawl which benefits the Anna’s Ride Home local program to reduce drinking and driving. Starting at Paddy Coyne’s at 6 pm, this crawl includes 5 fabulous drinking destinations.

Saturday, November 17 (3-9 pm)
Check out local artist John Osgood’s new show entitled “Pulp Depiction.” Held at Bherd Studios, John works with stenciling, texturing, layering, and collage to create his unforgettable works.

November 1- 29
Attention foodies! For the whole month of November (excluding Thanksgiving Day), you can participate in Dine Around Seattle , with 30 restaurants offering $30 3-course dinners. In its 6th year, this is a favorite of locals and tourists alike looking to find some new and delicious food to enjoy.

Planning a trip to Seattle? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Seattle Card.

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Seattle’s Spectacular Fall Colors

November 14th, 2007 by merrill j

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Fall in Seattle
Photo uploaded by whiskeyandtears

Crisp apples, stunning sunsets, and spectacular fall foliage make Seattle the ideal destination for a fall getaway. Whether you rent a cabin on the beach, tour the city, or take a ride through the North Cascades, the Puget Sound area offers memorable views and outdoor activities. Don’t be discouraged by the “rain” rumors and discover what us locals have known for years — our city and its surrounding offer the hippest experience and most pristine beauty in all of the great Northwest.

Click to read some recommendations from the Seattle Times on where to see the best foliage.

Planning a trip to Seattle? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Seattle Card.

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Experience a Seattle Cruise

November 12th, 2007 by susan j

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Argosy Cruises
Photo uploaded by Go Card USA

One of the best ways to experience the rugged beauty of Puget Sound is by boat, and Seattle’s marine climate means that temperatures are mild even in November and December, usually hovering in the 50’s. Argosy Cruises offers several different cruise options, combining breathtaking views with delicious food or family fun. Here’s an overview of some upcoming cruises:

Thursday, November 22
Argosy’s Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise on Elliot Bay includes a seated 4-course dinner, live music, and an arts and crafts area for kids. Choose from entrees like a traditional roast turkey, wild Chinook salmon, butternut squash ravioli, or baked stuffed double pork chop.

Saturday, November 24
The Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise features an interactive dinner theater mystery. Enjoy a 3-course dinner as you try to track down the culprit in this uproariously entertaining evening!

December 1 - 23
The Christmas Ship Festival is a 58 year old Seattle tradition. Each night the ships sail to different waterfront communities, and onboard choirs serenade the crowds gathered on the shores. It’s the largest holiday floating parade in the world, and a great way to get into the holiday spirit!

Planning a trip to Seattle? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Seattle Card.

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Seattle Events for the Week of 11/9

November 8th, 2007 by jamie a

November 1- November 10
At the Howard/Mandville Galleries, the 17th Annual Invitational Small Works Show is underway. The paintings, 11 x 14 or smaller, have been created by over 100 different artists.

Thursday, November 8 (9 am) - Friday, November 9 (9 am)
At the Center on Contemporary Art, you can watch artists in action at the 15th Annual Painting Marathon & Auction. On Friday, there will be an auction held for the works completed from 5:30 - 9:30 pm.

Saturday, November 10 - Monday, November 11
Join the Seattle Aquarium for Family Science Weekend! Hear live presentations from local scientists, meteorologists, and researchers and participate in some great interactive experiments.

October 19 - December 30
Take the kids to see The Big Friendly Giant at the Seattle Children’s Theatre. An adaptation of the beloved Roald Dahl book The BFG, kids will learn that “Friendship comes in all shapes and sizes, if we just keep our hearts open to it.”

Planning a trip to Seattle? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Seattle Card.

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Seattle Hotel Guide

November 5th, 2007 by susan j

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Hotel Max, photo courtesy of Hotels.com

Whether you’re bringing the family for a weekend of Seattle sightseeing or you’re doing business at the Seattle Trade Center, Seattle has just the right hotel to fit your needs. All of our picks are conveniently located downtown so you’ll have easy access to all of Seattle’s best attractions.

For those with kids… The Westin Seattle welcomes kids with a special goodie bag as part of the Westin Kids Club. Amenities include a heated indoor pool, a complimentary 24-four fitness facility, and three different restaurants. The Space Needle® and the Pacific Science Center are just two of the nearby attractions.

For those with pets… Hotel Monaco offers a pet-friendly package so you and you pooch can travel in style. You can even treat your dog to a monogrammed Hotel Monaco dog coat (a portion from each sale goes to the King County Human Society). If you choose not to bring a pet, the hotel will lend you a pet goldfish for the duration of your stay and the housekeeping staff will take care of it for you.

For the business traveler… the Sheraton Seattle Hotel has over 1,200 guest rooms and 47 meeting rooms. The Sheraton also features an indoor whirlpool and heated lap pool, copy/printing services, valet parking, and dry cleaning. The Underground Tour and Pike Place Market are nearby.

For the artistically inclined… Hotel Max offers the perfect mix of comfort and cutting edge art. Decorated with more than 350 original paintings and photographs by emerging artists from the Northwest, the Hotel Max experience is anything but ordinary. If you’d like to soak up even more culture, the Experience Music Project and 5th Avenue Musical Theatre are located nearby.

Planning a trip to Seattle? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Seattle Card.

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Seattle Events for the Week of 11/1

November 1st, 2007 by jamie a

Saturday, November 3 (10 am - 4 pm)
Join the Burke Museum for the 2nd Annual Meet the Mammals! Pet a sea otter or touch the brain case of Moby Dick at this event that’s great for both families and adults.

Saturday, November 3 (6 pm - midnight)
Appreciate the art of Derek Johnson at the opening of his show, “New Orleans: We’ll Be Together Again.” At the Gilt Edge Society Gallery, admission is free and all the proceeds from prints and books sold go to help rebuild New Orleans.

Saturday, November 3 (8 pm)
Experience a night of modern dance with Ronald K. Brown’s amazing choreography in “One Shot” at the Moore Theatre.

Daily! (10 am - 2 pm)
Why not treat yourself this weekend to a Savor Seattle Food Tour and indulge your inner foodie? These tours highlight local businesses, history, and the vibrant culinary scene Seattle has to offer.

Planning a trip to Seattle? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Seattle Card.

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