Whether you live in Seattle or are planning to relocate to the area, it’s always fun to see if you can spot some landmarks on the big screen (or on the little screen if you watch a streaming video). Following are five films you may want to take a look at to see whether you can spot anything of significance. The Parallax View (1974) is the story of an overly eager reporter who gets in deep water while investigating a senator’s assassination which in turn leads to conspiracy complications.10 Things I Hate About You (1999) is loosely based on Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew” only this is story is set in a modern day high school. Sleepless in Seattle (1993) is a classic that you knew would be included in the list. Apart from the oh-so-famous antics of Meg Ryan the film showcases the romantic twinkling side of the city. The Ring (2002) is based on the story of a young journalist investigating a mysterious videotape that results in the death of anyone who sees it within one week of viewing. Say Anything (1989) is a romantic comedy starring a young John Cusack playing the role of an overachiever who falls in love with the class valedictorian during the summer before she heads off to college.
Seattle is the only place in the world to host a Science Fiction Museum. The museum has only been open for six years, but already it has become a popular tourist attraction. Located in the same building as the Experience Music Project, the museum brings pop culture to Seattle.The museum is home to three permanent exhibitions. One of these is the Homeworld showcase. The purpose of Homeworld is to leave visitors with a comprehensive understanding of science fiction, all within seven subsections. The Science Fiction Hall of Fame honors the greats, such as Octavia Butler and Roger Zelazny. While some of Homeward’s other collections cover the history of science fiction (Science Fiction Timeline) and offer the chance to explore human and non human life-forms (Metal or Mortal). Read more »
As the coffee capital of the world, Seattle is home to some of the most decadent pastries and full flavored coffees. Whether you wake up at 6am or 12pm, you’ll find the perfect coffees, pastries and sandwiches to start your day.The Essential Baking CompanyWith three cafes in the Seattle area, the Essential Baking Company has grown famous for its tasty organic breads, pastries, and desserts. The company started making bread in 1994, and opened their first cafe in 1998 (Wallingford). The Essential Baking Company’s success grew, and the Madison and Georgetown cafes followed. Pastry selections include Chocolate Mocha cookies, Almond Croissants, Lemon Bars, Blueberry Coffee Cakes, and many, many more. If you come for lunch, choose from a variety of their best breads, like Sweet Potato Pecan and Honey orange, for your sandwich. Oh, and of course, they serve coffee, too!Tully’s CoffeeWith a collection of any coffee lover’s favorite flavors, to their Bellaccinos and gourmet shakes, there’s a coffee treat for all ages. Tully’s has been serving coffee since 1992, and delicious coffee at that. Just some of the company’s best beverages include a Ghirardelli Intense Dark Mocha, Caramel Macchiato, and an Espresso Con Panna. They even have coffee shakes. Read more »
The Pike Place Market, also named the “Soul of Seattle,” is one of the city’s oldest, and most popular, tourist attractions. Open since 1907, the market place provides the best site to experience Seattle’s thriving culture.The market has a remarkable history. When the price of onions reached unbearable heights, local councilman Thomas Revelle suggested starting the market. This way, the companies supplying the product would be removed, and customers could find cheaper prices by dealing directly with the local growers. On Pike Place’s first day, the market was crowded with roughly 10,000 people. The market has been a success ever since. Read more »
It all started with the classic tale of an orphaned boy who didn’t fit in. Now, with a total of eight movies produced/scheduled for release, a newly opened theme park, and multiple video games to boot, an exhibition is the logical next step. If you live in Seattle, and you’re a Harry Potter fan, it doesn’t get more magical than this: The Harry Potter Exhibition will be coming to the city this October.Located at the Pacific Science Center, Harry Potter fans will have the opportunity to explore his magical wizarding world. Fans can except to see 200 costumes and famous Potter items, such as the Marauder’s Map and the Sorcerer’s stone. While the final movies haven’t hit theatres yet, there will even be props from the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows films. Read more »
There’s never been a better time to visit the Experience Music Project. Alongside its permanent exhibits, the museum is hosting collections from two legendary musicians: Reflections: The Mary Wilson Supreme Legacy Collection and Jimi Hendrix: An Evolution of Sound. In the Mary Wilson exhibit, visitors can view over 50 outfits worn by the Supremes. In the background, video and audio clips of the Supremes will play, all to provide context for the display. The Supreme’s exhibit will come to an end September 6th.On the other hand, the Jimi Hendrix museum contains five subsections: the iconic guitar wall, musical and cultural timeline, sound effects interactive, mixing interactive and a Play on Theater. From getting a glimpse of Hendrix’s infamous guitars (such as the Woodstock Fender Stratocaster) to understanding how Jimi reinvented the guitar, the exhibit truly explores this musician’s life.But if you miss the EMP’s featured exhibits, no worries, because their permanent collections are just as interesting. In the Guitar Gallery: The Quest for Volume, music lovers can watch the progression of one of the most popular musical instruments. From an Italian guitar, dating back to the 1770s, to a modern collection (with models by Gibson and more), there’s a comprehensive exhibit of guitars.For an understanding of music in the Northwest, visit the Northwest Passage exhibit. The Northwest Passage explores more than the arrival of 90′s grunge, but also, the world of Jazz, R & B, Hip Hop and Punk. Music lovers can expect to see instruments, alongside costumes and records in this collection.The last exhibit, Sound and Vision: Artists Tell Their Stories, contains video clips of famous artists. Histories and personal stories can be heard from Eric Clapton, Tony Tone, Doug E. Fresh, and more. The exhibition also joins both of the museums in the Frank Gehry building: Experience Music Project and Science Fiction Museum.For tickets and prices, visit the EPM and SFM website.