Going to See Attle - A Great Weekend Getaway to Seattle

Surveys reveal that Seattle, Washington has the highest suicide rate, mostly due to its gloomy, arguably depressing weather, with its constant rain and cloudy skies with barely any sun in sight. However, my recent trip to Seattle proved otherwise - it was sunny for the most part (it only rained once while I was there) and surprisingly warm. People seemed cheerful and friendly, and they were out and about enjoying outdoor activities. Basically, it was the perfect getaway from Los Angeles, since it was the complete opposite of what LA is comprised. Instead of endless traffic, abundance of superficial people, and a sense of urgency, rush, and rudeness, there was an overall feeling of relaxation - everything just seemed laid back.

In fact, the first place that we visited upon arrival was the popular tourist destination -- Pike Place Market, located within walking distance of the Waterfront, another tourist destination. Walking around Pike Place Market and the Waterfront with the cool breeze from Elliot Bay brushing against your skin, in the farmer's market-like atmosphere, provides a pleasant outdoor experience. What adds to this is the smell of fresh seafood everywhere - partly from the famous Fresh Fish Market, known for the fish throwing that takes place between the merchants, where they throw fresh whole fish across the venue to each other and catch them without fail every time. Then there is the plethora of places to eat seafood -- both big and small. If you are a fan of clam chowder, then a visit to Pike Place Chowder is a must. Their award winning clam chowder is packed with the freshest chunks of clams and flavored to perfection with herbs and spices. Tucked away in the alley across the street from Pike Place Market, it offers a more relaxed place to sit and enjoy the scene away from the bigger crowds.

Another great thing about visiting Seattle is that you do not necessarily need a car. If you stay in downtown Seattle, you are in the middle of the shopping district, as well as within walking distance from the historic Pioneer Square. As soon as you enter this district, you can drastically notice the older looking buildings and walkway, as well as the numerous antique stores that are lined up throughout the streets. If you want to eat at another popular site where the locals go as well, the Elliot Bay Café is the place to go. Known for being the model for the café featured on the show "Frasier," its unique location in the basement of the Elliot Bay Bookstore provides a quiet, low-lit relaxing atmosphere to rest after a long walk around downtown. The people who work are all friendly and give off the hippie vibe that makes Seattle unique.

When you feel like you have enjoyed the sights of Downtown Seattle, you can take a walk down Alaskan Way towards the Westlake Center Mall (on Pine St. and 4th Ave), where you can see the commuter ferries along the bay. From the mall, you can take the monorail to another tourist destination, the Seattle Center. This is the location of the famous Space Needle, where you can go up and enjoy the panoramic sight of the city from 520 feet above ground. Also in the Seattle Center, there is the well-known Experience Music Project, an interactive museum displaying various memorabilia from music that spans almost hundreds of years. Amusing and educational, there are exhibits centering around legendary musicians including Jimi Hendrix, history of hip hop, and a room full of guitars from various decades, exemplifying the evolution of the vital rock and roll instrument. If you are a musician, there are studios within the musician where you can record your own music for a small fee. Children can also enjoy posing for photographs as they emulate rock and roll icons, play with toy instruments, and participate in fun trivia games located throughout the museum.

A bonus is that with the paid admission of the Experience Music Project, you can gain admission to the Science Fiction Museum. If you are a fan of science fiction, you will definitely be a happy camper. Displaying memorabilia from popular sci-fi films such as "Blade Runner," "Star Trek," and other cult favorites, the museum itself feels like you have entered another world. Even if you are not a fan of science fiction, facts about the universe, astronomy, and movies will be entertaining and amusing.

One of the best parts about visiting Seattle is that Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada is just a two and a half hour drive away. Even if you hate driving, it is definitely worth the drive, as the sight of Vancouver is one of the most beautiful places you may ever visit. Next to the Strait of Georgia, Vancouver and the buildings that are laid out around the city is amazing - very modern and stylish, many which seem to be made out of mostly glass. But, similar to Pioneer Square of Seattle, there is a section of Vancouver called Gastown, which appear to be the historic part of the town, with antique shops and actual gas lamps lighting up the streets (very reminiscent of the Gaslamp District in San Diego, California). If you love shopping, the shopping on Robson Street is a must - lined with boutiques of famous brands, independent designers, it is like Rodeo Drive of Vancouver. My favorite shop was called Aritzia, a trendy Canadian fashion boutique filled with well-known brands, as well as Aritzia originals, including Talula and TNA.

With the combination of refreshing atmosphere, friendly people, and relaxing environment, Seattle serves as the perfect getaway for a long weekend, especially if you are vacationing from a hectic place such as Los Angeles. So before you leave the lovely city nicknamed the 'Emerald City" -- due to its lush evergreen trees that surround the area -- take in the breath of fresh air, stare out into the greens or the grand view from the edge of Pike Place Market and remind yourself just how much nature can help provide for a peaceful, distressing mindset. You may find yourself seeking nature back home as well.