Sunny Seattle Tourist Weekend

We had family from out of town, and like any good Seattleites, we played tourist on the sunniest weekend of the year so far.  Seriously folks, if you didn't go outside and enjoy a healthy dose of Vitamin D, you really missed out. It doesn't get better than 80 degrees on the first weekend in May here.
Our touristy checklist:

Underground Tour

Smith Tower Observation Deck

Seattle Pier

Pike Place Market

Ride the Ducks

Bust of Chief Seattle  in Pioneer Square

The Pioneer Building, the start of the Underground Tour

If you've never been on the Underground tour, especially if you are a Seattle resident, do it. You will learn more about the seedy side of Seattle History in 90 minutes than you ever wanted to know. Just a few facts to get you interested: Seattle is the originator of the term "Skid Row", elevated toilets were the norm (high tide was a HUGE factor to take into account), Seattle's original size depended on whether it was high or low tide. Are you getting the feeling that the original Seattle settlers might not have understood tides when the city was founded? If you want a complete history grab "Sons of the Profits" by Bill Speidel, or go take the tour (Underground Tour info here)

Elevated toilet in lower Seattle.. a throne

Then, with a suggestion from our tour guide off we went to Smith Tower! Did you know that when it was built in 1914, Smith Tower was the tallest building in the world outside of New York City. The original Otis elevators (complete with elevator operator!) are still in operation, and will whisk you up to the 35 floor.  The 360 degree view you get today is still one of the most complete views in the city, besides the Space Needle.

Smith Tower from below

Space Needle through the city from the Observation Deck

Elliot Bay, Great Wheel, and the Olympics from the Observation Deck

Mt. Rainier and Beacon Hill from the Observation Deck

Guys, if the unbelievable views don't convince you to go, then go for the Chinese Room; the furniture and the hand carved ceiling were gifts from the Empress of China.

 $7.50 is a deal for the views and the experience, click here for more info on the Smith Tower. We had Dinner at the Crab Pot on Pier 57; pretty much the perfect day for crab and cocktails outside in the sun.  At my insistence (to walk off some dinner), we hiked back up the hill, past Pike Place Market and all the way back home.  Let me tell you, that's a hill-filled hike!

On Sunday we decided we were long overdue to Ride the Ducks!

Gasworks Park; all those little dots on the hill are people enjoying the sun!

Glittering water and a view of the city from the Duck boat

I learned even more about Seattle (Lake Union is only 35 feet deep!) and getting a boat ride on Lake Union on the opening weekend of boating season, on the most gorgeous weekend since last year made for a pretty perfect weekend. Get more info on Ride the Ducks Seattle here.  

Golden Tidbit:

Sunny days in Seattle don't happen often, but when they do, make sure you are protected from those crazy rays with a little golden touch. Get some SPF 30 Australian Gold, available on Amazon for $9.49

Golden quote: "Science has never drummed up quite as effective a tranquilizing agent as a sunny spring day." - W. Earl Hall