Pike Place Market
Once you've been to Pike Place (as a resident), it loses a bit of its luster. But Pike Place is a fabulous place to take out of town guests. Years ago there was more variety in terms of the vendors: more crafts, homemade artifacts. Lately it seems as though flower vendors have taken over the majority of the place. Great prices for some beautiful flowers, but I'd like to see more of the old vendors come back. Make sure to visit the shops down on the lower level. We went to visit the palm reader, she was a hoot! And for lunch visit Lowell's. If you sit next to one of the windows, you can feed french fries to the seagulls. Lots of fun for tourists!
PROS: Great way to spend the day for tourists.
CONS: Not as much variety in the vendors as there was about 5-7 years ago.
Pacific Science Center
My son and I have been going to the Science Center at least once a month his entire life (he's 11). When he was about 4 or 5, we would go once a week. He was terrified of the Dinosaur Room but the older he got, the braver he grew. When he was 8 he took his first step into that room and we spent our entire visit there. He learned all about dinosaurs it was great! They have a ton of different learning levels. Waterworks for the little ones, a larger, tech area for older ones. And outside they have some fun toys for the kids to play with regarding water. It's helped foster a lot of curiosity in my boy and he loves science now.
PROS: Lots of exhibits for all ages
CONS: Gets really crowded on a Saturday afternoon. Better to go on a weekday morning.
Three Dog Bakery Inc
I love this place! I have a pug and enjoy getting her treats. But she has a sensitive stomach so anything I get has to agree with her system. 3 Dog has homemade, all natural treats for dogs and no matter what I buy, it won't make my pug sick. Beagle Bagels seem to be her favorite. Of course there are a tone of novelty items, but we usually skip all that. One could easily spend a fortune in that place.
PROS: Great treats
CONS: A little pricey.
The Paramount
I love seeing concerts and musicals at the Paramount. Every seat is a great one. I've gone to see the Nutcracker, Audioslave, The Vines and more there. Every single time I have gotten great seats. They aren't always close but even so, I am always able to see. And the sound is great. It's a small venue with a big sound. I would definitely choose seeing a band or play here over a larger venue like Key Arena. Mainly because it's small, but seems larger when good bands play. Worth every penny!
PROS: Sound and seats
CONS: Hard to get tix for popular shows because of the size of the venue.
Lost Boys Skate Shop
I'd recommend shopping at Lost Boys simply because their t-shirt collection is endless. And it's almost a guarantee that you will find something in your size that you like. We've also found good deals on skateboard shoes and snowboarding gloves. I was impressed. They have some good sales promotions as well. And what's nice is that they are friendly to everyone, including me--a mom who just came in to find some "cool" stuff for my son.
PROS: Sales Promotions, Selection
CONS: A little crowded.
