Logging was Seattle’s first major industry, but by the late 19th century, the city had become a commercial and shipbuilding center as a gateway to Alaska during the Klondike Gold Rush. Growth after World War II was partially due to the local Boeing company, which established Seattle as a center for aircraft manufacturing. The Seattle area developed into a technology center from the 1980s onwards with companies like Microsoft becoming established in the region; Microsoft founder Bill Gates is a Seattleite by birth. Internet retailer Amazon was founded in Seattle in 1994, and major airline Alaska Airlines is based in SeaTac, Washington, serving Seattle’s international airport, Seattle–Tacoma International Airport. The stream of new software, biotechnology, and Internet companies led to an economic revival, which increased the city’s population by almost 100,000 between 1990 and 2020. Seattle also has a significant musical history. Between 1918 and 1951, nearly two dozen jazz nightclubs existed along Jackson Street, from the current Chinatown/International District to the Central District. The jazz scene nurtured the early careers of Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, Ernestine Anderson, and others. Seattle is also the birthplace of rock musician Jimi Hendrix, as well as the origin of the bands Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Foo Fighters, and the alternative rock movement grunge.
Seattle has become well known as a technology hub, and this has brought with it many other challenges facing growing cities. Traffic can go from pretty bad to terrible in just a few minutes. Due to the many bodies of water, the traffic routes are limited. Thankfully, the city is implementing the Light Rail system which reaches from the North Seattle, all the way to Sea Tac Airport. Additionally, tech companies are allowing more work from home choices–most likely for two reasons: to keep their talent, and to help alleviate the commute times.
Affordability is an issue, like many other cities. The ability to have a flexible work schedule and variable office hours will help to avoid getting stuck in our traffic!
If you’re a food lover, you’re in luck! Seattle is home to many fantastic restaurants. High-end would be Canlis, Aqua & El Gaucho. If you’re looking for something great for date night try Terra-Plata where you can enjoy the fine culinary creations of nationally recognized Chef Tamara Murphy. For those craving southern fusion check out recently recognized by James Beard, Chef Kristi Brown at Communion.
The Space Needle was built in 1962 for the World’s Fair and offers remarkable views of city and surrounding areas. On clear days (which are not as rare as you may think) you can ponder the Olympic and Cascade mountains, including Mount Rainier, and many of Seattle’s surrounding islands. Surrounding the area beneath the Space Needle is Seattle Center. This area features Climate Pledge Area, home to the WNBA 4x Champions Seattle Storm, and Seattle Kraken. One item you surely need to add to the “to-do” list is a visit to the Chihuly Glass Museum.
A true gem of the city is our Pike Place Market. There really are not enough words to describe this complex assortment of flower booth, fresh fish (yes, they thrown them!), fresh vegetables and local arts and crafts. Pike Place Market is a MUST see and MUST do! Visit the FIRST original Starbucks, purchase local crafted cheese, wine, beer. This place has it all and its not to be missed!
Want to Summit Mt. Rainier? Take the
“Basic Mountaineering” course at The Mountaineers or reach out to one of the local guides companies like RMI Guides. The views on top of Mt. Rainier are spectacular. Prefer water sports? We’ve got that too! There’s SO much to do outdoors that you will find yourself buying a new wardrobe at REI, our local outdoor retailer. For some sunshine, many Seattlites will cross over the mountains and spend a day in Vantage where the sun is often shining!
There are three main ski destinations: Snoqualmie Pass, Crystal Mountain, Stevens Pass. There are all within easy driving distance.
The Pacific Northwest has so much to offer for outdoor lovers. Please make sure that you practice the mantra “Leave No Trace”, and pack out what you bring in. Also, if you’re going on a hike, consider making sure you have the “10 Essentials” in case you end up having to stay out longer than you anticipated.