Suggestions for Seattle trip?

[Otis]

Hello Everyone-

I'm leaving tomorrow for a 4 day trip to Seattle to visit Family. Ma and Pa will probably "tucker out" quickly and I'm looking for fun (EDC related) things to do.

I've lined up a trip to Tom Bihn, and will probably hit Archie McPhees and the flagship Filson Store.

Any other gear manufacturers in the area that you all may know of? Any shops that you have found that are fun to check out? A choice "jewel" that I would be doing a disservice by not visiting?

I welcome any and all of your ideas- Thanks

[greenLED]

REI's got a huge store up in Seattle.

Make sure you visit the waterfront and the market!

[Otis]

Thanks-

I either forgot or didnt know about REI there.

I always hit Pikes Place Market. The flashpaper I get from the magic shop there is often part of my EDC.

A.

[sammyz]

The REI there is sort of like a personal mecca for me, I can't visit Seattle without hitting up the REI. If you're a climber do yourself a favor and buy a trip up the spire (60' natural type rock tower) and take a walk around the store's outdoor hiking/mountainbike testing trail.

HINT: Spire trips are $5 for REI members, $15 for non members, and REI membership is only $20 nowadays.

[Priestly]

Depending one where you're from, I'd definitely hit Fisheries Supply in Fremont: http://www.fisheriessupply.com/

All sorts of interesting snaps and rings and hooks for keychains and whatnot as well as one of the better supplies of good rope in town. Also emergency kits and signaling devices and a good supply of hard weather gear.

Outdoor and More on Westlake Avenue is another good spot to stop.

Federal Army and Navy on First Avenue in the Belltown neighborhood is always worth a peek.

As long as you're going to Filson, go a tad farther down 4th and stop in at Outdoor Emporium.

Expect sun and 70's into early next week (as of now). The waterfront is far less crowded on weekdays. Pike Place Market should be as well.

Seattle's own Red Robin is on Pier 55. Ivar's ("Keep Clam") is on Pier 54 or try Steamer's on 56. Elliott's on 56 if you tack toward higher brow seafood. Anthony's on 66 or the fish bar up front for quick eats.

Remember the FREE green and yellow Streetcar line buses (the streetcar is down for a while - no car barn due to the Sculpture Park) traverse the Waterfront and on into the Chinatown International District.

Enjoy!

[bruner]

I simply HAVE TO visit Seattle some day.

Sounds like the weather will be nice while you are there, but I'm the kind of person who loves a rainy day regardless.

How about visiting the Space Needle. It's not EDC related, but isn't it a required stop for visitors?

Thanks for all the tips Priestly!

Dan

[jemhouston]

Try a tour of Lake Union and Lake Washington. I've been to Seattle 3 times, and taken that tour each time. If you go, take a hat / jacket, and maybe sun screen. My Brother-in-Law wore a tank top (mid July), and didn't have any of the three. He was sunburn the next day. His bald spot was a lovely shade of crimson.

Do go to the main REI store, love how they got the outside landscaped.

[Entropy]

I know that if I were to visit Seattle, the Science Fiction Museum (http://www.empsfm.org/) would be a must see for me. But then, I'm a bit of a nerd.

[Otis]

Thanks for all the suggestions Guys-

I highly recommend Tom Bihn's place here. His stuff may not be "tactical looking" but when it comes to crafting a single piece of luggage for carry-on (and a lot more) the quality cannot be beat. Plus, he's a nice guy- showed me and my folks the production floor.

Some of your ideas are on my agenda. (I knew we'd go to Pikes Place for instance.) I will say that with Priestly's help (Thanks) I hit the Federal Army Navy Surpuls store for the first time and that was a treat. The guys there know a lot, and helped me immensely with info on some Surefires.

More later- heading off to Dim Sum in the morning and perhaps some Jazz in the evening.

Take Care Y'all-

A.

[sammyz]

Thanks for all the suggestions Guys-

I highly recommend Tom Bihn's place here. His stuff may not be "tactical looking" but when it comes to crafting a single piece of luggage for carry-on (and a lot more) the quality cannot be beat. Plus, he's a nice guy- showed me and my folks the production floor.



My Tom Bihn Aeronaut changed the way I travel. I will never go back to checking a bag for anything less than 2 weeks (:

[saniterra]

I guess I'm weighing in late here, but if you have a chance on a sunny day, a sunset from the space needle can be out of this world. That and Mount Ranier off to the southeast.

[Priestly]

I simply HAVE TO visit Seattle some day.

Sounds like the weather will be nice while you are there, but I'm the kind of person who loves a rainy day regardless.

How about visiting the Space Needle. It's not EDC related, but isn't it a required stop for visitors?

Thanks for all the tips Priestly!

Dan


Well the weather (of course) didn't hold completely fair but hoping for sun in Seattle is more of a gamble than the strip in Vegas.

Glad I could help Otis out and offer suggestions to the lurkers. ;D

[Priestly]

I will say that with Priestly's help (Thanks) I hit the Federal Army Navy Surpuls store for the first time and that was a treat. The guys there know a lot, and helped me immensely with info on some Surefires.


You're welcome! Happy to help!

[bpa]

I guess I'm weighing in late here, but if you have a chance on a sunny day, a sunset from the space needle can be out of this world. That and Mount Ranier off to the southeast.


Nice when the mountains are out, which is not as often as one might like.

And don't forget Mt. Baker!

[Corporal Punishment]

Sorry, didn't see this thread until today.

I love Seattle and that whole NW islands area. It's one of those places that I instantly felt like... "hey, I could live here!" because of the people, the scenery, the cosmopolitan flavour, and even the weather. I particularly liked the area around those San Juan Islands further North. It has a very Alaska feel to it without the temperature extremes.

In town, I loved the Natural History Museum (whatever it's called), the Sci-Fi Museum (I am a super-nerd), and, to make up for indulging my nerdy-side, the Experience Music Project, which is sort of like this combination Rock and Roll history museum and a hands-on music lab for anyone curious about rock music. I was surprised at how much fun it was (playing an electric guitar on a special lighted fret guitar, learning about different mics and sound equipment, playing with two turntables) and discovering how actually difficult it is to play drums (if you don't have rhythmn) and rapping... (LOL... don't ask). All three of these attractions are right near the Space Needle, which of course is a "don't miss" thing in Seattle.

Besides REI, I would possibly add a side trip up to Bellingham to visit Shomer-Tec, which is one of those police gear suppliers. They carry all sorts of neat things which are not commonly offered. Some titanium tools, special tac gear (for SWAT), special ammo loads for shotguns (like rubber shot, flechette, and lead powder "door busters"), and smoke grenades. It's about a 40 minute drive, but the Rest Areas in Washington state offer FREE coffee! On the way, you'll pass the Boeing plant, which, I believe has their own museum and visitor center. BTW, there is also a store up there called Fred Meyer which I really liked. It's like a Target, Wal-mart, K-mart type store, but they seemed to have a good stock of useful stuff for the outdoorsman, like a Cabela's.

[DSC]

Make sure you take something to fend off the panhandlers. I've never seen so many people just blatantly walk up to me and literally say, "Give me some money for lunch." or just hold their hand out to you when you get near. Disgusting.

I wanted to like Seattle...I really did. Just not my kind of place I guess. This happened to my buddy and I about 7 times over the three days were were there.

[MKram]

For grins check out the Utilikilts retail store:

Utilikilts Pioneer Square Store
620 1st Avenue (@ Cherry Street)
Seattle, WA 98104Store Hours:
Monday - Friday: 10am to 6pm
Saturday & Sunday: 11am to 6pm

If nothing else you'll experience real freedom....and maybe get converted.

[rongoms]

hmm...what to bring to Seattle?

A return ticket!

Seriously, you'll hate it here. Don't even bother to come....

(yes, i know this is a months-old thread)