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Further Distractions Capitol Hill This district was once the residence of Seattle’s wealthiest citizens but now it has the most diverse and youth-oriented population. The city’s gay community, grunge rockers and people of many races share the area with long-time residents of the historic mansions, elegant old homes and classic apartment houses. Throughout the area are numerous boutiques, entertainment venues and coffeehouses, particularly along Broadway Avenue East, between East Denny Way and East Roy Street and along Pike and Pine between Boren Avenue and Broadway. Nearby, the Central District/South Seattle neighbourhoods have long been the heart of the city’s African-American community and, in the 1930s, the area began establishing a reputation for jazz and blues musicians. Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, Jimi Hendrix and Ernestine Anderson have all lived here at one time. Transport: Bus from Olive Way, at Fourth Avenue and Stewart Street (Downtown). Ballard Seattle’s Scandinavian heritage remains evident in this small maritime neighbourhood of north Seattle, where the Alaskan fishing fleet winters at Fishermen’s Terminal before embarking on its quest for salmon. The Hiram M Chittenden Locks provide the link to the saltwater beyond. A walk along the Locks is a unique experience, with underwater windows from which to watch migrating salmon. Historic Downtown Ballard has brick streets, numerous galleries and lively taverns full of local music. The Nordic Heritage Museum is here, the country’s only museum honouring immigrants from the five Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden) in collections of photographs, costumes and century-old fishing and maritime implements. Nordic Heritage Museum 3014 Northwest 67th Street Tel: (206) 789 5707. Website: www.nordicmuseum.com Transport: Bus 17 north from Downtown. Opening hours: Tues-Sat 1000-1600, Sun 1200-1600. Admission: US$4 (concessions available). Washington Park Arboretum On the shores of Lake Washington, south of the University District on Union Bay, is an 80-hectare (200-acre) park, with over 5500 species of rare trees and other flora, both native and imported. The Japanese Garden has koi pools and a traditional tea house. 23 Arboretum Drive East Tel: (206) 543 8800. Website: www.cityofseattle.net/parks/parkspaces/gardens.htm Transport: Bus 11 to Madison Street. Opening hours: Daily 1000-1600 (visitor centre); 0700-dusk (grounds). Admission: Free; US$3 (Japanese Garden), concessions available. Alki Drive Along the water out in West Seattle, the 3.2km (two-mile) white sandy beach along Alki Drive is the point where the first white settlers arrived in 1851 before retreating to the less windy site on Elliott Bay. The view over Puget Sound and the city skyline is considered one of the best in the city. In summer, the beach is filled with families and kids hanging out – picnicking, swimming and sunbathing and eating the speciality fish and chips. |
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