CityPASS Seattle: Chihuly Garden and Glass

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I had never heard of  Dale Chihuly until I saw in my CityPASS Seattle booklet that there was a $5 off admission for his Chihuly Garden and Glass installation.   This had to be worth checking out.  CityPASS has not let me down yet.

Chihuly Garden and Glass is a long-term installation and contains 10 different displays, a movie theatre showing Chihuly’s team of artists at work, and a quirky café, featuring local fare served atop the artist’s favorite collectables.

Born in 1941 in Tacoma, Wash., Dale Chihuly’s work is included in 225 museum collections worldwide, as well as special installations in Venice, Jerusalem, London and Chicago. The new collection in Seattle samples some of his more famous works: Cylinders and Baskets from the 1970s; Seaforms, Macchia, Venetians, and Persians from the 1980s; Niijima Floats and Chandeliers from the 1990s; and Fiori from the 2000s.

The “Glass Forest,” one of Chihuly’s earlier works in collaboration with artist Jamie Carpenter.  It is eerie.  It reminded me of something that an Ice Queen would have installed in her castle.  The neon glow of this work was truly hypnotic.

The Sea life Room echoed imaginary glass waves from deep within the work.

The Mille Fiori, which is Italian for 1,000 flowers, is a glowing garden of glass set in the dark.   This room was truly mesmerising and made me wonder ‘is this installation as good as it gets?’  Nope.  There was more to come.

The Glass House is the piece de resistance.  This conservatory contains one of Chihuly’s largest suspended sculptures.  It is 100-feet long; it’s an expansive explosion of Persian glass in reds, oranges, yellows and amber made up of 1,340 pieces.  It’s a true game changer.  I took a seat in the conservatory for a good fifteen minutes to take it all in.  Even then I couldn’t.  It was so wonderfully immense.

The day I was at the Chihuly Garden and Glass it was pouring outside but nevertheless I trekked out onto the grounds.  Catching the 16-foot Seattle Sun, a gorgeous, round tangle of yellow and orange was a true highlight even in the midst of the gloominess. Check out the Rose Crystal and Green Icicle Towers as well.

The great news was that I was able to get a discount from the $19 for general admission using my CityPASS Seattle booklet.  The CityPASS Seattle included a coupon for $5 off general admission to Chihuly Garden and Glass; however you will need to purchase that ticket separately because the Chihuly Garden and Glass is not a ticket included in the core CityPASS Seattle product.

The Chihuly Garden and Glass was the best $15 I have spent on an exhibit in a long time.

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Address: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States

http://www.chihulygardenandglass.com/

CityPASS Seattle: EMP Museum

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The draw for me in visiting the EMP Museum in Seattle was definitely seeing my second Frank Gehry designed building up close.  It was tremendous.  How can you not be totally gobsmacked from looking up at such an amazing piece of architecture?

Other Highlights included:

• Experience hands-on installations that include world building, mapmaking, and a life-sized animatronic dragon in Fantasy: Worlds of Myth and Magic.
• Be a star at On Stage, a virtual concert experience where you’re under the bright lights, in front of screaming fans.
• Watch music performances and light shows in Sky Church, featuring a mammoth HD LED screen. To be able to watch videos from Lorde and Pearl Jam felt like I was truly paying homage in the church of music.
• Explore the spectrum of cinematic horror in Can’t Look Away: The Lure of Horror Film.
• Iconic sci-fi artifacts on display include an Imperial Dalek from Doctor Who, the Star Trek command chair, and Neo’s coat from The Matrix Reloaded.
• See the Vince Lombardi Trophy and the Super Bowl Championship Ring in We Are 12™: The Seattle Seahawks and the Road to Victory.

My favourite out of the Special Exhibits Included with CityPASS was the Nirvana: Taking Punk to the Masses collection.

To be able to view the most extensive exhibition of memorabilia celebrating the music and history of Seattle grunge luminaries, Nirvana was a treat. The exhibit features rare and unseen artifacts and photography from the band, their crews and families.

Kurt’s striped sweater from the ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ video, In Utero memorabilia and Nirvana’s make shift Sup Pop record deal were delights to see up close.  It is extensively curated and full of fun and fascinating facts.

But the exhibit is not solely about Nirvana.  It also gives a fantastic snapshot of the early days of grunge with nods to the likes of the Screaming Trees, The Melvin’s and Mudhoney.

Advice for Visitors

• Conveniently located at the Seattle Center alongside several other attractions including the Space Needle and Pacific Science Center.
• EMP is easily accessible by many bus routes, or hop on the historic Seattle Center Monorail, which departs every 10 minutes from Westlake Center downtown and from Seattle Center.
• Parking is convenient with a lot adjacent to the museum, and a multi-level covered garage across the street on 5th Avenue.
• Check out Jimi Hendrix performance videos and more all day in JBL Theater.
• Enhance your museum experience by purchasing an Audio Guide at the ticketing desk on your way in.
• Get $5 off purchases of over $35 at EMP stores, plus a free set of limited edition EMP guitar picks; see coupon in booklet.

EMP

325 5th Avenue N.

Seattle, WA 98109

At Seattle Center, near Space Needle

(206) 770-2700

empmuseum.org

Summer (May 24-Sep 2): Open daily, 10am-7pm

Winter (Sep 3-May 23): Open daily 10am-5pm

Seasonal hours may apply; see details.

Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day

CityPASS Seattle: Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour

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Learn about Seattle on this entertaining, one-hour, cheery live-narrated cruise of Elliott Bay and the Seattle Harbor. View the spectacular panoramic background of the majestic Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges. See the city’s historic waterfront, sparkling Emerald City skyline, busy shipyards, colorful Alki Beach and breathtaking natural beauty.

The best part of the cruise was the behind the scenes views of the container ships as they came and left the port.  Plus, who knew the Washington State ferry fleet is the largest in the U.S.?

I was lucky I had wonderful sunny days whilst in Seattle.   It was a tad cold on the water but regardless made for great views and photography.  Talk about bang for my buck!

Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour

Visitor Center: Pier 56

Ticket booth and dock: Pier 55

Seattle, WA 98101

5-minute walk southwest/below Pike Place Market

(206) 623-1445

argosycruises.com

CityPASS Seattle: Seattle Aquarium

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I enjoyed my time at the Seattle Aquarium.  The Seattle Aquarium is a decent size, easy to navigate and has great exhibits both indoors and outdoors.

The Seattle Aquarium is the 9th largest Aquarium in the U.S. by attendance and among the top 5 paid visitor attractions in the Puget Sound region.

The Aquarium’s species collection is featured within six major exhibits: Window on Washington Waters, Life on the Edge, Pacific Coral Reef, Puget Sound Fish and Dome Room, Puget Sound Orcas Family Activity Center, and Marine Mammals.

My favourite part of my exhibit was the Puget Sound Fish and Dome Room.  Talk about a magical experience. To see fish swimming around up close in a room that looks positively spaceship like  – it is definitely photo worthy.

Seattle Aquarium

1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59

Seattle, WA 98101-2015

Phone:  (206) 386-4300

Hours:

9:30am to 5pm daily

Last entry at 5pm,

Exhibits close at 6pm

http://www.seattleaquarium.org

11th Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast

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Walk to the Pike Place Market and to the other Downtown Seattle attractions from the 11th Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast, a cozy B&B on a tree-lined side street in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. We are 1.0 mile from Downtown Seattle – a 20 minute walk, and 1.5 miles from the Pike Place Market – a 30 minute walk. Most of our guests walk to Downtown. Buses to Downtown Seattle stop one block from the Inn. We’re near dozens of restaurants, shops, and a popular park. Queen beds, private bathrooms, full hot breakfast, 9 guestrooms, free on-site parking lot, guest computers, Wi-Fi. Some guestrooms have two beds.

If you are looking for more of an authentic, unique, small boutique hotel experience in Seattle, please check us out. The 11th Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast is a large, classic, light-filled house built in 1906 and located on a street of trees and other houses and apartments from the turn of the century. The Inn has 9 guestrooms, original wood floors and detailing, antique furniture, and oriental rugs. We are located just up the hill from the Seattle hotel district – the area where most tourists and business travelers stay in Seattle. We are often more affordable than a Downtown Seattle hotel, especially with our mid-week and longer stay discounts, or when including our free parking, free breakfast, and free Wi-Fi. Most of our guests are visiting friends or family here in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, or are visitors to town or business travelers looking for an alternative to the downtown hotel scene.

Review:

When I travelled to Seattle after my trip to Portland I wanted to take things down a further notch.    Was it even possible?  Even though it was a chilled experience in Portland I decided to stay outside the city centre in Seattle.  I found a quaint little Inn on Capitol Hill which suited me called 11th Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast.

The house was on a quiet street and a decent distance from the main road.  It was within walking distance from a few convenient bus stops and also close to some boutique shops and nice restaurants if you didn’t want to trek into the city in the evenings.

My first night I thought I was the only one in the Inn as there wasn’t a peep to be heard.  But sure enough as I came down for breakfast the following the day there were 4 shining fellow travellers sitting and enjoying a hearty breakfast.   Pleasant talk to be had and a wonderful breakfast to behold.

I have never stayed at an Inn where the breakfasts were so lush, nutritious and plentiful.  Think fluffy pancakes, crepes, with fresh fruit, cups of tea, yogurt and the like.  I was pleased with the variety, tastiness and quality of the food.

I appreciated that there was always tea, coffee and snacks available at the 11th Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast.  When I was in Seattle I was lucky to have a bright and sunny days.  In the evening it would get a tad chilly.  Coming in in from the cold most nights, it was such a pleasure to brew up a Stash Tea within seconds of entering the door.

It was rare that I would see the Inn staff in the evenings.  The house felt like my home away from home.  Warm, inviting, safe and an air of sweetness.  Going up to my room on the second floor with my hot tea, some biscotti in hand and chocolate tucked in my pockets would make for the best part of my evenings resting my sore legs from days of walking up and down hills.

I stayed in the Ruby Room.  It was small and tidy.  Dark woods, comfy bed, a vanity, desk and comfy chair where included.  It was the last room down a long hall and free from any house noise and distractions.  It was perfect for a girl like me travelling alone.

The Wi-Fi onsite was fast and made for a great companion when catching up with life at home away from home.

The 11th Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast was a good fit for me whilst in Seattle.  For an Inn just a tad outside of the downtown core you are offered an affordable price, creature comforts, a wonderful breakfast layout and a location that can’t be beat.

11th Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast

121 11th Ave E

Seattle, WA, 98102, USA

info@11thavenueinn.com

Phone:  206-720-7161

http://www.11thavenueinn.com/

Thirty Four Flavours Goes to The Pacific Northwest: Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington

So after weeks of writing posts hinting to my upcoming holiday – I’m sure you must be wondering, ‘where is this girl going?’. Well I’m going to Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington next week!

Like my NYC trip last Fall, I have organized a finely curated journey between both cities and I’m looking forward to sharing them with you.  I won’t tell you specifics right now – but let’s just say there will be lots of surprises.  My schedule is brimming to the surface with fun stuff.  So stay tuned!

As of this upcoming week – I will be off to Portland for 5 days and then Seattle for another 5 days.  I will be back in 10 days time with reviews, pictures and notes of adventurous shenanigans for your perusal.

In the mean time – check out my daily Twitter feed for thoughts and snaps at cool sites in and around Portland and Seattle.  Feel free to send me tips, comments and good energy.

See you soon!