DK Travel : Seattle

Over the last decade, Seattle has blossomed into a bustling powerhouse of influence, steering the future of high technology as well as popular culture. The population of this vibrant metropolis is fueled by the latest in software, espresso drinks, music, and visual art that’s often as far on the leading edge as the city itself. Seattle has emerged as one of the most attractive cities in the United States, with an ever-changing skyline that reflects the pioneering spirit that brought settlers here in the mid-19th century.

Discovery Park

Rising above Puget Sound is a gorgeous 534-acre park. Densely wooded trails, beaches, historic military homes, and wildlife are just some of its attractive features.
Dock Overlook

The fenced-in area with benches and a roof sits right on the water, making it perfect for sunsets and bird- and boat-watching. Distant views include Salmon Bay’s dry-dock industry and the Olympic Mountains beyond to the west.
Downtown Shopping Spree

Mid-morning

Stop at Westlake Center and grab an espresso and pastry at the stand in the plaza before window-shopping West-lake’s indoor mall. Inside, Made in Washington offers a large and creative inventory of regionally produced merchandise. Walk across Pine Street to find Nordstrom’s spacious flagship store (see Nordstrom), stocked with top designer brands and the absolute best of everything. Splurge in Pacific Place mall (see Pacific Place), where you can choose from upmarket stores including Tiffany & Co., Coach, Ann Taylor, Cartier, and Williams-Sonoma. Exit the mall on Pine, turn right, and then left on 5th Avenue to University Street for pricey boutiques and fine jewelry, such as Fox’s Gem Shop (1341 5th Ave).

Descend into the cavernous indoor mall at Rainier Square , underneath the white high-rise that rests on a narrow pedestal. The base of the building opens up for a city block’s worth of shops, galleries, and restaurants. Look for fine art in the Jeffrey Moose Gallery and imported Swiss chocolate from Neuhaus. Walk downhill on University to 4th Avenue, where you can board a number of non-express buses for a free ride back to Pike Street, or stay on the bus a few more blocks to Virginia Street for a superb Italian lunch at Assaggio (see Assaggio Ristorante). Ask the driver for help if you need it.
Dusty Strings

Since 1979, this musical instrument store has attracted players and fans of folk music looking for an Irish harp, fiddle, rare acoustic guitar, or a workshop on hammered dulcimers.
E.E. Robbins Engagement Rings

It would be hard to miss the arty neon sign of a bejeweled ring glowing above this tempting shop in Belltown. The staff is informed and easy going.
Eagle

It’s Seattle’s oldest leather bar, and the atmosphere reeks of a crowd driven by studs and black leather straps and hard rock music.
Earshot Jazz Festival

The shoestring staff at the non-profit Earshot Jazz held between October and November present a well-respected event. The festivals have consistently showcased successful as well as struggling jazz artists, enriching and enlightening the Seattle community at large. Well-known performers have included Bill Frisell and John McLaughlin.
Eastlake

An entire neighborhood disappeared when Interstate-5 cut a trough at the base of Capitol Hill. The sliver of a community that remains is called Eastlake, named after the main thoroughfare. Today, it survives as a mixed-use residential community at Lake Union’s edge, popular with students, artists, and water-lovers as exemplified by the community of houseboats. REI’s flagship store (see Climbing Rock Walls) marks the beginning of Eastlake’s commercial area, and farther north, the neighborhood opens up with taverns, cafés, and stores that revel in the geography – halfway between downtown and the University District.
Eastside Wineries

Tip your glass of red wine during a visit to Chateau Ste. Michelle, Washington state’s oldest winery. Their 87-acre wooded estate in Woodinville, 15-miles (24-km) north of Seattle, hosts tours and well attended summer concerts. It’s one of several outfits taking advantage of a climate that favors excellent grape varieties. Other producers of good quality wine include Columbia Crest, DeLille Cellars, and family owned and operated Facelli Winery.
Eddie Bauer

This store offers seasonal collections of all-occasion apparel, footwear, travel gear, and accessories for men and women. Founded in 1920 in Seattle, today more than 425 stores exist worldwide.