Viva Seattle!

Five Movies Set in Seattle

www.vivaseattle.org — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

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’s Science Fiction Museum

admin — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 14:42:40 +0000

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).Another of the museum’s exhibitions is the Fantastic Voyages showcase. Fantastic Voyages takes you into the world of space adventures. From the Spacedock collection, which houses a variety of spaceships, to the Spacesuits exhibit, visitors will gain an understanding of all parts of space travel. Other sections of Fantastic Voyages contain lightsabers, communicators, and famous characters. These exciting artifacts and displays can be found in the remaining subsections: Science Fiction Characters, the Armory, Special Equipment Locker, Journeys Gone Awry, Travel Technologies, and Amazing Places.With only three subsections, Brave New Worlds explores different conceptions of Science Fiction cities. Cities of Tomorrow showcases the home of the Jetsons and the Matrix, while Out of the Ashes focuses on the after apocalypse society.Coming in October, science fiction fans can explore the world of Syfy’s Battlestar Galactica. From spaceships to costumes, the exhibit will really connect fans with the show. You can visit Battlestar Galactica up until March 4, 2012.Tickets for the Science Fiction Museum also include tickets for the Experience Music Project. Adult tickets run for 15, whereas student, youth and senior tickets are 12. However, for EMP & SFM members or children 4 and under, admission is free.

Seattle’s top three coffee and pastry shops

admin — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 07:36:22 +0000

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. For example, the Espresso Cookies and Crme shake is a traditional cookies and cream, but with a shot of espresso. Don’t let the delightful aroma of fresh coffee distract you from picking up a pastry. Tully’s brings in pastries from Pink’s Original Bakery and desserts from Finales Gourmet Desserts.Seattle Coffee WorksIf you’re looking for a completely original coffee experience, Seattle Coffee Works is the place to visit. While Seattle Coffee Works does have a regular coffee house (Express Bar), it is their Slow Bar that sets them apart from other coffee houses. At the Slow Bar, try an extensive coffee collection, and compare different flavors to discover your favorite. The Slow Bar also promotes experimentation, and dares you to create your own coffee.

Find Seattle’s thriving culture at Pike Place Market

admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:35:26 +0000

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.There’s truly something to suit everybody’s taste, from a delicious farmer’s market, to antiques, artwork, music, crafts, and clothing, the market has it all. One favorite for residents and visitors is Pike Place Fish. This infamous fish market provides the best fresh and smoked Salmon, as well as specialty fish steaks (such as Swordfish and Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi)).But Pike Place is home to more than an assortment of fresh produce and local crafts. In-fact, one of the world’s biggest coffee companies would also get their start in Pike Place Market. The first Starbucks opened, and has remained open, since 1971. Now, the original Starbucks offers locals and tourists great tasting coffee for their shopping excursion.If you’re not a coffee drinker, there’s also a wine restaurant. The Tasting Room offers wines from 7 different Washington State wineries. From Camaraderie Cellars to Wineglass Cellars, wine connoisseurs can expect to enjoy top quality wine. For pricing and hours, visit The Tasting Room’s website.And for the ultimate piece of art, check out the gum wall. Yes, that does mean a wall coated in nothing but globs of gum. Perhaps not the best sight for OCD guests.For a full list of what Pike Place market has to offer, be sure to check out their merchant listing.

Seattle is receiving a magical exhibit

admin — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:27:25 +0000

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.But the most exciting part of the showcase is the replicated Harry Potter settings. Walking through the exhibit, guests will pass the Great Hall, Gryffindor common room, and even Hagrid’s hut.The Harry Potter exhibition will run from October 23^rd until January 30^th, 2011. Tickets prices vary, with daytime admission costing 26 for adults, 17 for children’s tickets, and with youths and seniors running for 24. Each ticket option has a 4 fee. For more ticket prices and package options, visit the Pacific Science Center’s website.For the ultimate Harry Potter experience, wait until the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows (part 1). That way, you can visit the exhibit and then watch the film in their IMAX theatre (and in 3D, too).

Experience music at Seattle’s Experience Music Project

admin — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 20:22:42 +0000

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 6^th.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.