Starting this weekend, roughly 10,000 legal professionals from across the globe will begin converging on the great City of Seattle for the 2018 Annual Meeting of the International Trademark Association. There are so many fun, interesting, and exciting things to do in the Pacific Northwest. But let’s face it, unless you have boundless energy and lots of extra time on your hands, you probably won’t be able to take in most of what the Emerald City and its surrounding environs have to offer. So, we’ve compiled a list of of our Top 10 favorite close by attractions that you might want to check out—all of which are accessible within a short walk from the Convention Center or after a brief journey using your favorite ridesharing service.
#10. Fugetaboutit. Sure, other metropolitan areas are far better known for Italian fare than Seattle, but Vito’s is an Italian gem in the Emerald City. It’s been open since the 1950s (yes some of that décor looks like it could be the original). Excellent musical acts play nightly starting Wednesday through Sunday. Vito’s is just a few blocks south of the Convention Center. Email reservations@vitosseattle.com or call 206-397-4053.
#9. Pike Place Market. This is Seattle’s original farmers market established in 1907. It’s about a 6 block walk from the Convention Center. It is ground zero for shops, fresh seafood, and iconic restaurants. While there, check out a couple of our favorite spots including Beecher’s Hand Made Cheese Café, and the Original Starbucks, which opened its doors in 1971.
#8. Books & Architecture? If you are a bibliophile and a connoisseur of interesting architecture, take a short stroll down to Seattle’s downtown Central Library. It was designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas in a joint venture with Seattle-based LMN Architects. It opens at 10:00 am daily (12:00 p.m. on Sundays).
# 7. Skyview Observatory. If you haven’t experienced Seattle from 902 feet above the ground, head down to Seattle’s tallest building—the Columbia Center—and head up to floor 73 for 360 degree sweeping views of Seattle, Bellevue, Mt. Rainer, the Puget Sound, and much more. The Skyview Observatory is the highest observatory in the Northwest and well worth the 10 minute walk from the Convention Center. It’s open daily from 10 am-8 p.m.
# 6. Smith Tower. If tall modern buildings like the Columbia Center give you vertigo, perhaps you want to check out the Smith Tower just down the street. It is after all Seattle’s first skyscraper and, at one time, was the tallest building west of the mighty Mississippi River. Head up to the observatory and take in the sights at the speakeasy-inspired bar on the 35th floor. Weekday happy hour from 4-6 p.m. and late happy hour from 9-11 p.m.
#5. Pioneer Square. If you make your way to Smith Tower, you will officially be in Pioneer Square, Seattle’s Original Neighborhood founded in 1852. Dozens of shops, restaurants, and other attractions await you. Check out this helpful map on things to do and see while you are in the Square. One of our particular favorite dining spots is the recently “re-opened” 13 Coins. Great food, live entertainment on weekends, and, hey, its conveniently opened 24 hours a day for all of you INTA early birds and night owls.
#4. The Underground Tour. Ok, it may sound weird, but go spend 75 minutes on this guided walking tour of entombed storefronts and sidewalks from when Seattle was rebuilt on top of itself after the great fire of 1889. Call 206-682-4646, visit the ticket counter at 614 First Avenue in Pioneer Place Park, Pioneer Square, or click here for ordering tickets online.
#3. The Seattle Great Wheel. From Pioneer Square you can walk down to the waterfront and take a spin on Seattle’s Ferris wheel. Maybe it’s not quite the London Eye, but it is a fun, touristy place to go on Seattle’s waterfront. It’s open until 10 pm Sunday-Thursday, and until 12 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
#2. Elliot’s Oyster House and the Edgewater Hotel. If you’ve worked up an appetite after being whirled about on the Great Wheel, you are steps away from two restaurant staples on the waterfront. Elliot’s Oyster House is a great place for seafood, and the aptly-named Edgewater Hotel (the only hotel on Seattle’s waterfront), offers great lounge and dining options as well.
#1. Seattle Center. This is your stop for all sorts of entertainment and diversion in Seattle. From the world famous (and highly recommended) Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), to the Space Needle built for the 1962 World’s Fair, there is plenty to see and do @ the Center. For quick, easy access to the Seattle Center, you can hop on the Seattle Monorail, which is just a few blocks away from the Convention Center.
Safe travels and enjoy INTA 2018!
