Through our Lens:

Seattle, Washington

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Located in America’s Pacific Northwest sits a city not only surrounded by the beauty of nature, but also filled with the magic of humanity. Between Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, a happening arts and music scene, and stunning architecture, there’s no shortage of things to do and places to see in Seattle.

Studiously situated on the hills of the University District stands a hotel where “every room is a corner room.” Once acclaimed as one America’s most distinguished buildings in the 1930s, the 16-story Graduate Seattle is embracing its roots with homages to Seattle legends and nature-lovers who shaped its beginning.

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4507 Brooklyn Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105

Mountaineering Club

Thanks to modern-day technology, adventurers no longer have to climb a mountain for a nice view. Instead, they can take a trip to The Graduate Seattle, hop on the elevator and ride it sixteen stories up to a rustic spot serving cocktails, food, and spectacular views. Decked out with oriental rugs, luxurious leather chairs, and relics from mountaineering’s past, this restaurant and bar covers all the elements, offering panoramic views of downtown Seattle, Mount Rainier, and Puget Sound.

4507 Brooklyn Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105

Neptune Theater

Receiving its name for its blue nautical-themed decor, this one-of-a-kind theater first opened its doors in 1921 to showcase “2nd run films”. At the time, the theater seated 1,000 patrons and housed the largest Kimball Theater Pipe Organ. Originally built during the silent film era, The Neptune is the only surviving area theater from the early 20s. Today, the theater remains open, and programs consist of films and live performances, including musicals, comedy shows, and fine art presentations.

1303 NE 45th St, Seattle, WA 98105

Mike’s Chili Parlor

A traditional Greek recipe, an all-day cooking process, and 100 years leading Seattle’s chili scene? We must be talking about none other than Mike’s! Originally a simple food cart, this iconic establishment set up shop at its current location in 1939, where it has been serving up chili bowls, burgers, dogs, pastas, and fries to Seattle’s working population since.

1447 NW Ballard Way, Seattle, WA 98107

Majestic Bay Theater

Built in 1914, this Emerald City-based theater was the oldest-operating theater in America before its closure in 1997. One year later, the theater was renovated and reopened as a modern-day triplex. Today, the theater maintains a classic ambiance, with clean lines, neon lights, and nautical-themed design elements consistent with the Northwest lifestyle. While this ancient theater is well–ancient–it is outfitted with the latest cinematic technology and ready for the biggest blockbusters releasing this year!

2044 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107

Sloop Tavern

Known for its laid-back atmosphere and history of yachting excellence, this Seattle dive bar is a welcoming contradiction. While most yacht clubs are built on exclusivity and charge a premium, Sloop owner Wayne Schmidt wanted to make a boating club for everyone. If yachting isn’t your cup of tea, the neon-lit clubhouse and bar is sure to become your new favorite watering hole.

2830 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107

Ballard Locks

Commonly regarded as one of Seattle’s most popular tourist attractions, this complex of locks links Puget Sound with Lake Union and Lake Washington. Hundreds of boats, from cargo ships to kayaks, travel through The Locks each week. The Ballard grounds also include the fish ladder where you can peer into the life of salmon traveling upstream and botanical garden which are ideal for picnics and boat-watching!

3015 NW 54th St, Seattle, WA 98107

Volunteer Park Conservatory

Modeled after England’s famed Crystal Palace, this historic Victorian greenhouse has been the crown jewel of Volunteer Park since 1912. With five distinct temperate environments, consisting of the Palm, Seasonal, Cactus, Fern, and Bromeliad houses, the Conservatory showcases a variety of plants from numerous climates. Therefore, Seattleites have an opportunity to escape a dreary day and be transported to a botanical wonderland!

1400 E Galer St, Seattle, WA 98112

Seattle Asian Art Museum

Designed in 1933 by Paris-trained, Seattle-based architect Carl Gould, this Art Deco-gem is one of the country’s only museums exclusively showcasing Asian art. While traditional Chinese and Japanese works account for most of the acclaimed collection, SAAM also features artwork from Korea, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Himalayas, and the Middle East.

1400 E Prospect St, Seattle, WA 98112

Museum of History & Industry

Located in the lively neighborhood of South Union Lake, this must-visit museum is the largest private heritage organization in Washington state. Through various exhibits and programs, the waterfront institution aims to collect and preserve Seattle’s rich history of industry. Explore everything from an old Boeing B-1 once used as a mail carrier to some of Seattle’s most iconic neon signs. There’s a little bit of something for everyone!

860 Terry Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109

Center for Wooden Boats

Founded by the Wagner family in 1976, this once family-run boat rental business has grown into a full-blown hands-on maritime homage. With a large collection of historic wooden vessels, the Center offers exhibits, boat rentals, classes, workshops, and for the sea-dwelling scallywags out there, even a boat building apprentice program.

1010 Valley St, Seattle, WA 98109

Washington State Ferries is the government agency that operates the largest ferry fleet in the United States. Its twenty-three vessels carry 25 million passengers throughout Puget Sound and up to Canada’s British Columbia via inland waterways.

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801 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98104

For the meager price of ten dollars, 2,800 audience members filed into the Paramount Theatre on October 31, 1991, to be treated to a performance from a hometown group spearheading the Seattle grunge music scene–Nirvana. With headbanging tunes and lyrics filled with angst, the show at the Paramount was electric. But for a theater close to 100 years old that has seen a wide spectrum of the Seattle music scene, it was just another night on Pine Street.

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911 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101

Pike Place Market

Founded in 1907 out of necessity due to the soaring price of onions (who knew!?), this vibrant Market, considered “the soul of Seattle,” has been in operation for over a century, making it one of the oldest public markets in America. Spanning nine acres, the Market is also one of the largest in the country, housing more than 500 stalls, including farmers, crafters, and other small businesses. With such a thriving community and defining impact on the Seattle area, the Market attracts upwards of 10 million visitors each year, tourists and locals alike. Be sure to check out the famous “fish throwing” on the upper level – the crowd will be impossible to miss.

85 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101

Arctic Club

Founded in 1907 by two Klondike Gold Rush tycoons, this social club was a place for Arctic explorers and like-minded individuals to drink, smoke, and reminisce on the good ol’ days of exploring the unknowns of the Arctic. The building’s lavish interior hosts a cigar lounge, bowling alley, barber shop, game rooms, dining rooms, guest rooms, and a large stained glass Dome Room. However, initially there was no bar. Legend has it that one night, in a moment of drunken glory, a couple of club members stole a bar from a building down the street and installed it in The Arctic Building. Drinking has prospered there ever since. Today, The Arctic Building is preparing for its next act as a four-star hotel, with a fully operational bar.

362 Cherry St, Seattle, WA 98104

The opening of Union Station in Seattle in 1911 brought a new confidence to the city, hopeful that it was on its way to stand alongside the metropolises of New York and Chicago. Designed by architect Daniel J. Patterson, Union Station serviced the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad, and the Union Pacific Railroad.

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401 S Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104

King Street Station

This three-story brick and granite building is one of Seattle’s most stunning landmarks. First opened in 1906 and later restored in 2008, the station’s interior features elegant plasterwork, towering Corinthian columns, bronze chandeliers, and polished floors inlaid with intricate designs. The exterior boasts a twelve-story clock tower modeled after the San Marco bell tower in Venice, Italy. The building is truly a station built for a king.

303 S Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104

Seattle Pinball Museum

Pinball and beer! Name a better combination! Fortunately, the good folks over at this legendary Seattle establishment also recognized the potential of this classic game and refreshing drink. The Seattle Pinball Museum has a collection of over 50 vintage machines, ranging from 1960 to the present day. The machines are organized chronologically, allowing visitors to travel through decades of pinball history while enjoying a cold one.

508 Maynard Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104

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