I live in Downtown Seattle and sometimes forget to extol it’s virtues. Many think a lot of time is spent under an umbrella or sipping a latte. Seattle’s sky is often gray and wet, that’s why we have such lush greenery everywhere but here’s the most amazing fact:  Despite Seattle’s reputation as being rainy, we DON’T even rank in the TOP 10 rainiest cities. Does that surprise you? Not me, because I rank Seattle as the #1 most beautiful.

As I hang out I see tons of people from around the world enjoying our attractions. Mostly, however I see folks from the city and the suburbs doing what people do… having fun together. At Seattle Savvy we believe the energy of the city and the relaxing surroundings ARE the attractions. Consequently, I’ve made a collection of photos to show you some of the lesser known pleasure spots around town used by locals.

These two were enjoying the sun mid-day at Myrtle Edwards park pointing at the para sailor in the Puget Sound.  In the distance you can see the statue ‘Eagle‘ at the Olympic Sculpture Park and Pier 70 which is home of the elegant Waterfront restaurant and location of MTV’s season 7 of the Real World.  ouch!

Why aren’t I getting wet too?

Believe it or not, there’s more than just amazing hot dogs on 2nd and Bell.   Beginning with Mama’s Mexican Kitchen, there’s a slew of pubs on this one block up until the Crocodile Cafe where legends such as Nirvana and the Beastie Boys have strummed a cord or scratched a record.  On Friday and Saturday nights, you’ll find many of our locals bar hopping along this strip whereas the 1st Avenue strip is where many come from all over to enjoy downtown nightlife.

Several years ago, the Seattle Center skate park was demolished to make way for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation which is almost completed!  With intention to do so, Paul Allen later donated necessary funds to build the kids a new skate park on the other side of the center.  Over the last several years, the skateboarding community has been awarded four Seattle skate parks along with many others being designed and reviewed for approval.

A new shop in Belltown has been getting downtown residents on bikes as if cars where going out of style!    This kid was poppin’ a wheelie where most locals might remember there being a carnival type ride which sat next to a not-so-popular roller coaster.   Today that area has been cleared for a full-size basketball court, a pea-patch shared with the Seattle Children’s Museum, and some other designated spaces for performances of various types.

Cyclops is great for Ginger Rum, Belltown Pizza across the street serves slices till 2a.m., and on the southern corner of 1st and Wall is a fine dining steak house with a movie theater.  Yes, you can order drinks during the movie.

The City of Seattle website is a great place to get information about what to do and what the city is doing to make the quality of life better.  Find more information about the city’s planning for improving Downtown at Public Spaces & Public Life. The homepage of SeattleSavvy.com has a slide show with even more pics for you to enjoy. It’s constantly changing, so visit us often!