July 2010

Seattle Might Turn Up a Few Surprises

Seattle has stereotypes to spare; rainy days, coffee shops galore, fish markets and a culture defined by hippies and slackers. There may be kernels of truth in some of these images, but this exciting and intelligent city has much more going on than just the tired clichés that outsiders rely upon. The best thing to do is check out Seattle for yourself in order to evaluate its merits as a vacation destination; it’s a safe bet that you won’t be disappointed.
From a distance, it’s already possible to see a few of Seattle’s major draws. The Space Needle is of course an integral part of the skyline, and a visit to the observation deck is practically expected of all visitors. It may seem unoriginal, but the view will be worth it. Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, Lake Union, and the tiny people below you will make for a few wow-inducing moments and an excellent entry into your cosmopolitan trip. Pick out a few interesting landmarks from 520 feet above the ground and then make your way over to see them up close and personal.
One such eye-catcher is the Experience Music Project. Frank Gehry certainly has a distinctive architectural style, and the inside of the museum is just as mind-boggling as the shiny, sloping, ultra-modern exterior. Hands-on activities and exhibits that are just plain cool will amaze and inspire music lovers and tone-deaf visitors alike. From Jimi Hendrix to the latest technologies and trends, culture and sound merge here in harmony to create a true experience that will leave no one disappointed.
Seattle’s waterfront scene should not be missed. Experiencing a natural wonder in the midst of the city is always a treat, and visiting Bell Street Pier will deposit you in just such a study in contrasts. The plaza attracts people of all kinds who are seeking a good meal, a place to shop and a glimpse of authentic marina life, so join in the fun. The Odyssey Maritime Discovery Center will teach you a thing or two about the history of Puget Sound and the many restaurants will allow you to get your seafood fix while taking in the panoramic view.
Several museums and art galleries will further your journey of cultural enrichment. The Seattle Asian Art Museum celebrates Eastern influences on this region of the country, and the Frye Art Museum is always free to the public. If anyone in your group has an interest in the paranormal, don’t miss the Museum of the Mysteries, where UFO’s, strange occurrences and unusual history can be explored in eerie depth. Post-modern architecture buffs will enjoy simply strolling around town and keeping a lookout for gems like the Downtown Public Library, which some people compare to a spacecraft.
Of course, any time is a good time for a cup of joe in this city, and finding a place to grab a latte will not be a problem. A certain ubiquitous chain began its fight for world-domination here, but there are plenty of unique and independent cafes as well. The food in general is pretty good, ranging from Asian infusion to high-class cuisine. Play it casual or break out the pearls, there will be a bistro or bar to satisfy every taste.
Because it’s impossible to ignore, it’s best to just accept it; yes, it frequently rains in Seattle. That doesn’t meant you’ll end up twiddling your thumbs as you watch the gutters fill with water, however; there’s plenty to do that will take your mind off the drizzle and convince you of Seattle’s potent charms. This wouldn’t be such a happening and desirable place if the town shut down due to a few raindrops. Historic movie theatres, salsa clubs that shake and shimmy long into the night, the aforementioned museums, and an off the wall sculpture landmark known as the Fremont Troll will allow you to stay dry without missing a beat. It’s best not to be scared of a little rain, and at the end of your stay you’ll probably hardly notice the pitter patter of drops on the windowpane.
While Seattle is filled with hotels, in the unconventional spirit of the city it would be worth it to consider renting a vacation property. This way, you could feel like a local as you cook breakfast in your downtown condo before emerging onto the street with a game plan that involves zero stress or hassle. Waterfront homes will allow you to get your fill of the stunning scenery without taking you too far from the heart of all the action, and high rise town homes with amazing views will add a touch of luxury to your getaway. Think about it, it might just be the element that makes this trip positively magical.
Bring your umbrella along and prepare to indulge in a few cups of java, but be ready for the possibility that Seattle will surprise you, too. There’s much to see and do, so check out the Seattle Vacation Rentals online and entertain the idea of leaving a few worn out misconceptions behind.

Give Yourself The Luxury Of Houseboat Living

Through cultures and through history, people have chosen to live in water. Well, not underwater but just on the surface. This is done primarily by living on houses on top of the water. Some houses are fixed structures near the beach. However what is more fascinating are the floating houses or houseboats that serve also as means of travel apart from a means of shelter. Such houseboats provide people with the luxury of traveling while still being at home. Nowadays, as more people preferred to live on land, some still want the luxury of being able to stay on water, thus houseboating as a pastime was born, and becoming more popular among vacation goers.

Houseboats All Over the World

Houseboats are basically boats that have been designed to be fit for people to live in. Houseboats in the past were usually moored, and were not motorized. Such houseboats that were used as permanent homes were more common in Southeast Asia. But nowadays, most houseboats for luxury have motors for flexibility in traveling by boating enthusiasts.

There are also houseboats in India, usually found on Dal Lake in the vicinity of Srinagar in Kashmir and Jammu or on Kerala’s backwaters. These indigenous houseboats were slow and used for trading spice and rice to the Kochi port from Kuttanad. Nowadays most of them are used for luxury trips as part of tourism in the area. Kerala houseboats typically are 60 to 70 feet long and around 15 feet wide at the center part. The body of the boat is made of wooden planks fastened by coconut fiber ropes. The roof is usually made of palm leaves on top of bamboo shafts. Cashew and nut oils are used to protect the houseboat’s exteriors.

European houseboats are more built for luxury than as a residence. Along Amsterdan’s long canals, one could see very expensive and fabulous models of luxury houseboats. There are even houseboat hotels in the Netherlands. Such houseboats are usually moored, and the decreasing availability of moorings have made such houseboats even more expensive. It is estimated that there are 2,400 famlies living in houseboats along the waters of the city of Amsterdam and the size of their houseboats vary according to family size and affluence.

In Great Britain, there are narrowboats along canals that are both used as permanent homes and luxury holiday accomodations for hire. These boats were originally meant for transporting fuel and raw materials along the canals during the Industrial revolution. Nowadays, the canals are being used mainly for recreational and leisure purposes and as tourist attractions. The narrow houseboats in turn have been transformed to accommodate visitors. Other houseboats can be foundin the United Kingdom, particularly in the coastal regions and they are also used as vacation shacks.

Way down under in Australia, there are also luxury houseboats, particulaly along the Murray River. There, a lot of motorized houseboats based on pontoons are present. Some have two or even more bedrooms, others even have several storeys or levels. There are houseboats that have private owners used either as permanent homes or as vacation houses. Several houseboats in Austrialia are available for rent and could accommmodate from four to as much as a dozen persons.

Houseboats are just beginning to become popular in the United States. The use of houseboats can be traced back to the 40s when some people needed a means of being able to stay on the water surface for long terms. Many houseboat enthusiasts consider Kentucky’s Lake Cumberland to be the birthplace of American houseboating. Nowadays, there are houseboats that could span more than 2000 square feet, of luxury living space. There are also many houseboats in Portage Bay and Lake Union in the city of Seattle in Washington. A lot of American houseboats are built and designed for use in waterways and inland lakes, but there are some that can be used along the coastal areas. Most American experience houseboating through vacations.

Houseboats can be fun to live in especially if they are built for luxury. They offer exciting ways of living on water. Houseboats are getting more popular than ever and could probably become one of the standard elements of vacations in the future.

Seattle Real Estate Maintains Its Value

Seattle real estate maintains its status as one of the top 10 real estate markets in the United States. With the present real estate crisis that has been affecting and plaguing the country at large it is reassuring to know that Seattle real estate remains firm and strong. Part of the reason for this is that while other states in the US are having a hard time coping with economic problems largely affecting its employment, Seattle employment maintains its stability and growth. Seattle offers plenty of permanent and part time jobs and has been voted as one of the most job friendly cities of USA.

The largest city in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle lies between the salt water of Puget Sound and the fresh water of Lake Washington. The Olympic mountain ranges to the west and the Cascade Mountains to the east. Seattle’s nickname “The Emerald City” is ever so fitting to describe a city that is surrounded by shimmering bodies of water, snow capped mountain ranges and a beautiful lush green countryside, Seattle’s glistening skyscrapers rising up in the middle of this natural beauty truly give it a jewel like appearance. With such natural beauty and a strong real estate market to boot, it only makes sense that one would want to invest in Seattle real estate of some type.

Seattle offers fantastic views from all directions, there are many waterfront homes available as well as the biggest houseboat population outside of the Orient. If you love the water, then investing in a home in the Seattle area would be a dream come true for you. Your investment would be a safe bet as Seattle has such a strong market and you would be able to enjoy living in an area that offers you the things you love in life. Just imagine getting out of bed in the morning, fixing a cup of coffee and within minutes being able to fish, go boating, water skiing or kayaking. Living in a home that is close to the water would save you time and hassle. You would not have to load up the car, pack up gear, drive long distances, because you will be living close to the things you love doing the most.

The median value of a single family home in Seattle is around $520,000. In the Seattle metro area you can purchase a three bedroom home starting at around $400,000. If you are not looking for a stand alone family residence, you might consider a townhouse, prices for town homes start at about $330,000. If you do not want to be troubled with yard work, another option would be a condominium. Two bedroom condominiums can be found starting at around $200,000. As you can see there are many price options, as well as home options available for you to chose from.

One of the big worries about buying waterfront property is loss of privacy. However there are many waterfront homes around Puget Sound that are tucked away in remote locations. Property owners of Puget Sound enjoy a quiet more private lifestyle then owners of waterfront properties on the Lakes in Seattle. Of course living in a Puget Sound waterfront home may require you to take a short ferry ride to reach the downtown Seattle area.

For parent finding your home in an area that provides a quality education for your children will be an important consideration for you. For your family, the school system may be more important than the neighborhood, the commute to work, or the physical structure of the home itself. Your real estate agent will be able to provide you information on the school districts in the Seattle area. A good agent will take all your childrens special needs into consideration, such as honor programs, sports, the arts, or any other special need your child has and help find the perfect location for your home.

One thing about it, no matter what part of Seattle you choose to live in, or what type of Seattle property you choose, house, houseboat, condominium, townhouse or apartment you can be assured that the area will be surrounded in natural beauty and maintain its value.

THE WATERFRONT CITY OF KIRKLAND BECOMES POPULAR WASHINGTON LOCATION FOR AFFORDABLE AND UNIQUE DESTINATION WEDDINGS

Formerly for celebrities and those with big budgets, Destination Weddings have become more accessible and more popular for engaged couples looking to add a unique twist to their wedding plans.  With its fantastic views of the Seattle skyline, the Olympic Mountains and numerous waterfront parks steps away from Lake Washington, Kirkland is quickly growing in popularity as the perfect Washington Destination Wedding location. 

For those who have grown up in Washington State or attended one of its many colleges including the nearby University of Washington, Kirkland’s own Northwest University, or Lake Washington Technical College, Kirkland has been a place where memories are made.  For those who have worked either in Kirkland, Seattle or around the Eastside, Kirkland has been the perfect location for a business meeting, day in the sun or an evening of good food and entertainment.  Because of this, it is not surprising that many of these same people choose Kirkland for their wedding celebration with family and friends.

With its convenient location, only ten miles east of Seattle, twenty-two miles north of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and less than ten miles from Woodinville’s wine country, Kirkland is convenient and accessible for both in state and out of town guests.  Combined with the waterfront city’s outstanding accommodations, venues, wedding planners, caterers, florists, photographers and more, it has everything a bride and groom could need to turn their special event into a once-in-a-lifetime experience for themselves and family and friends. 

When it comes to accommodations for the wedding couple, their family, friends and guests, Kirkland offers many choices.  For those wanting to experience two of the top destination hotels, The Heathman Hotel in downtown Kirkland is centrally located to all that the city has to offer including waterfront parks and an eclectic selection of restaurants, shops and entertainment venues.  The Woodmark Hotel and Yacht Club is located directly on Lake Washington at Carillon Point.  Much like a small resort, the property features outstanding accommodations, dining, a spa, several boutique-style shops and amazing view of Seattle from across the lake.  For those looking for a hotel brand that is well respected across the world, the Marriott offers their Courtyard location at Totem Lake, and for those interested in good accommodations at reasonable prices, the Baymont Inn, Carlton Inn, Comfort Inn and La Quinta Inn and Suites are all excellent choices.  There is also a Motel 6 and a few bed and breakfasts.  Information on all can be found on explorekirkland.com.

For the day before or after the ceremony, activities and itineraries for the couple and their guests abound both on the water and on land.   For those who want to explore the beauty of Lake Washington, East Puget Sound, Seattle and the Olympic Mountains, tours on the Argosy Cruise Ships or Waterways yachts are a definite must.  For others who would enjoy the lake in a more private or personalized manner, boats and kayaks are available for rent by the hour, the day or even the entire weekend.  Parasailing in the warmer months is also a popular and exciting way to take in the sights of the lake, the city and beyond. 

For those couples or guests who enjoy an “active” itinerary, the city offers many opportunities for walking, hiking, cycling, bird watching, playing golf, tennis or beach volleyball and more.  Wine lovers can tour nearby Woodinville’s wineries, local tasting rooms like Northwest Cellars or Kirkland’s own wine specialty stores, like The Grape Choice at Kirkland Marina Park.  Martini lovers can wander a few doors down to VoVina for a variety of libations with unique flavors and names.  But for those who would rather just enjoy the slow pace of a gentle stroll around the quaint city with its unique shops and art galleries, or a picnic and sunbathing at one of its many waterfront parks, Kirkland is a city that believes in taking life at your own pace.

When it comes to the rehearsal dinner, or the post-wedding brunch, the venues range from elegant sophistication, like that found at the Trellis Restaurant at The Heathman Hotel with unique plates created by Executive Chef Brian Scheehser, to family friendly, like the Crab Cracker, to casual fun like an old-fashioned crab boil by Lake Street Catering at the Marina Park Pavilion.  If seafood and a view is your desire, the incredibly popular Anthony’s Homeport Restaurant and bin on the lake are both guaranteed to please.  And if you are looking for a little entertainment during, or after, dinner or brunch, the Kirkland Performance Center and Laughs Comedy Club are two of several great choices for a venue that can be fun, a little bit different and flexible to your entertainment and catering needs. 

 For the big day of your wedding ceremony and reception, again the options are numerous.  The Woodmark Hotel, located directly on Lake Washington, is one of Kirkland’s most popular choices for the all-inclusive wedding day.  With panoramic views of the lake, Seattle and the Olympic Mountains, the waterside resort affords couples the opportunity to say “I do” any day of the week, either on the lawn under a tent or inside from one of The Woodmark Hotel’s rooms looking out on Lake Washington. It also offers them one of the most beautiful backgrounds for their wedding and day of photos.

Kirkland is also the home of a variety of churches, historic buildings, landmarks and outdoor parks and venues that are available for any type of wedding from elegant to casual, big to small.  If you can dream it, Kirkland has the perfect location for your perfect wedding day. 

Perhaps what truly makes Kirkland desired for Destination Weddings, besides the awe-inspiring scenery and the convenient location with easy access to Seattle, wine country, the San Juan Islands and more, is that Kirkland is the home of some of the most in-demand wedding planners, photographers, florists, caterers, bridal and tuxedo shops, officiants and more tapped into for weddings across the state.  Why?  Because like those couples who choose Kirkland for their Destination Wedding, Kirkland’s wedding professionals know firsthand the beauty of living and working in this unique waterfront city.  And because of Kirkland’s Destination Wedding resources, engaging the city’s professionals is more affordable and cost effective than choosing to plan a wedding further away. Many of the city’s local wedding resources can be found on www.KirklandWeddings.com or www.KirklandFirst.org.

KirklandWeddings.com also holds an annual event on February 14th called “Tie the Knot.”  Now in its fifth year, the event gives twenty-four couples in twenty-four hours the opportunity to experience a “no fuss” easy-to-plan wedding for the special low price of $350.  The special Valentine’s promotion includes a ceremony, with thirty of your closest friends, at Kirkland’s historic Heritage Hall, preset floral arrangements, decorations, recorded “wedding” music, and a retired District Judge as officiant.  Also included are the services of a professional photographer, with one 5×7 print and a keepsake bouquet and boutonniere.  On site a professional wedding coordinator is on hand to ensure that your experience is a memorable one.  It is Kirkland’s version of the Quickie Wedding commonly found in Nevada, but with a beautiful lake as the backdrop versus a strip of traffic-congested concrete and the noisy casinos found in Las Vegas.

So, whether you are eloping, planning a small destination wedding or producing a lavish, but affordable, mini vacation/wedding for your family, friends and guests, Kirkland, has everything you need to make those special moments of celebrating one of the most important events of your life truly unforgettable.   Visit www.explorekirkland.com to learn more about the City of Kirkland, WA.

Five Awesome Seattle City Tours

If you’re going to Seattle for the first time, or if you don’t know the city that well, I’d recommend taking a tour. I’ve been to Seattle many, many times and I still enjoy the tours. For you sports fans, I’ll be talking about one awesome tour in a moment. Whether you’re alone, with a loved one or the family, Seattle offers great tours to suit your situation.

Family Fun Tour

While this first tour is fun for anyone, it’s especially fun for families. You can tour Seattle by land and sea in a cool amphibious Word War II vehicle with Ride the Ducks of Seattle.

You’ll start out on land, hitting downtown Seattle, and wrap things up by venturing into Lake Union to look at famous houseboats and more.

Aviator’s Rejoice

Sure, you can tour Seattle by land and sea, but why not air? Olde Thyme Aviation offers a fantastic aerial tour. For starters, you’ll suit up in a leather jacket and goggles. The plane? How about a classic biplane?

The biplane is fully restored and ready to take you on the tour of your life. Enjoy the crisp, clean Seattle air as you look down on Seattle. The takeoff point is the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field.

Chinatown Delight

Even if you aren’t Asian, Chinatown is a fantastic, interesting place. Chinatown Discovery Tours allows you to customize a personal tour through this fascinating area.

As they say, you can “nibble your way through Chinatown.” You’ll be immersed in music, herbal medicine, acupuncture and shopping. This is one unique tour.

Sports Fan’s Tours

Okay sports fans here are the tours for you. While I can’t imagine anyone not being a Seattle Seahawks or Seattle Mariners fan, it’s okay if you’re not. Qwest Field, where the Hawks play, and Safeco Field, where the M’s play, offer special tours that you’ll love.

When a game is going on, you just head to your seat and that’s it. Now, you can take a complete Qwest Field tour that will guide you through the luxury suites, visitor’s clubhouse and even the field.

But, don’t stop there. Safeco Field is right next to Qwest Field. With this tour, you’ll visit the press box, luxury suites, visitor’s clubhouse and the field. You’ll also see the retractable roof-this thing is awesome.

Enjoy the Architecture

Finally, you can wrap up your Seattle stay by taking a tour from Seattle Architecture Tours.

As you might have guessed, this tour is all about the architecture of Seattle. Personally guided tours explore various buildings in Seattle, including the downtown buildings, skyscrapers, historic theaters, and more.

The tours change with the time of year and they are inexpensive. For instance, the Modern Skyscraper tour, which is about 2 hours in length, is only $15 – $17. There’s a $2 discount for early registration.

If you’re interested, I’d recommend checking out the Seattle Architecture Foundation’s Web site for complete details, so you can line up a tour or two with your visit.

Seattle City Guide- a Ride Through Seattle City

Any Seattle city guide, will always kick-off by referring to the nickname entitled to Seattle city- ‘the emerald city’. The emerald like greenery spawning in the surrounding area should corroborate the words of the Seattle city guide. Seattle, a coastal city (yes, it harbors a port too) of the United States, is located in the State of Washington and is also the largest city in the Pacific North-west region of the U.S. Geographically, Seattle city is located between ‘Puget Sound’ (an arm of the vast pacific ocean) and Lake Washington. The Canada-U.S border is around ninety-six miles away from Seattle city.
Taking a break from the altitudes and longitudes of Seattle city, it would be better if the Seattle city guide hits on a venture around the city. Firstly, the ‘Space Needle’ should undoubtedly top the Seattle city guide into being the most recognizable landmark in the city. The logo of the T.V series ‘Frasier’ or the backgrounds of a T.V series ‘Grey’s anatomy’ and another named ‘Icarly’ should help one in envisaging ‘the space needle’, or perhaps sweet memories of the movie ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ should help more. Seattle center, surrounding the ‘Space needle’ is a host venue to several civic events along with few cultural extravaganzas like ‘folklife’ and ‘bite of the Seattle’. Few of the other important landmarks of the city which ought to be mentioned in the Seattle city guide are: The Columbia center, which stands tall with 76 storeys to be the tallest building in the North in the Pacific Northwest, the ‘Washington Manual tower’, which is Seattle’s second tallest skyscraper, the Fremont Troll, the Seattle Central Library, the experience music project, the Pike Place Market and the Starbucks Center (the largest building by volume).
Seattle city guide can’t just be complete by listing few skyscrapers of the city. Seattle city, also called the ‘Rainy city’ has much more to offer. The ambience around the countryside of Seattle city, where greenery abodes in all forms possible, is much more beautiful than the description provided by any Seattle city guide! A glance to the volcanic (yet a marvelous treat to eyes) Cascade Range in the east during early mornings should be an ideal start to any day. The picturesque views that the city offers is something a Seattle city guide can’t miss on. Queen Anne hill, the downtown Seattle skyline, the Elliot bay and the Lake Union views from the Space needle can be rightly called (by this Seattle city guide at least) a picture perfect scenery. The beauty of the Seattle waterfront across the Eliot bay, viewed from the Alki point, compels any Seattle city guide to mention its name in it. Lake Union, typically famous for the umpteen houseboats around has seaplanes, ships spread through along with sail boats and all the amazing utilities of water sports for enthusiasts.

The climate of Seattle is mild and wet in winters and is quite dry in summers. It rains for around 225 days in a year in Seattle. The population here ranks 23rd in U.S and is increasing every year, thanks to the opportunities and jobs available in the city that entices people. A line from the title song of a T.V series which goes like “The greenest green you ever seen, in Seattle’, probably sums up the entirety of a Seattle city guide.

Open House Must See

OPEN HOUSE Sunday 7/11 (1:00 to 4:00 PM) aboard this fabulous steel pontoon hull custom houseboat. See Virtual Tour! Financing available through Seattle metropolitan Credit Union. Contact Denise Carlson.