Cheap Vacation Winter

by Drew
(Seattle)

Although perhaps not the first city that comes to mind when considering a winter vacation, Seattle offers great value during the winter, with extremely low hotel rates.

This is a great opportunity to see the city as it is meant to be seen---through the fog and sprinkles of rain.

Further, although the dense city center is what tourists often see most of when they visit Seattle, locals will tell you that the less densely populated neighborhoods outside of the city are where the heart and soul of the city are.

These neighborhoods have many sites and dining opportunities that should not be missed by those visiting the city.

These neighborhoods certainly do not require the excellent weather of summer to enjoy the opportunities they present, also.

Among the best opportunities are north of downtown such as stately Queen Anne, with its mansions and thriving business district.

Magnolia, just north and west of downtown, has the crown jewel of Seattle’s park system, Discovery Park.

It also has Palisades (fine northwest dining) and Chinooks (fresh and simply prepared seafood entrees on the largest fishing port on the West Coast) restaurants, both are highly recommended.

Further north, trendy and bohemian Ballard (La Carta de Oaxaca is recommended for authentic simple and fresh Mexican fare) offers the Ballard Locks and Shilshole Bay Marina for sightseeing.

Artsy Fremont offers a number of statues of interest, including a statue of Lenin and a giant troll ‘eating’ a VW bug under the Aurora bridge.

Recreation-wonderland Greelake (try Spud’s wonderful Fish and Chips shack located along Green Lake) offers excellent opportunities for people watching and exercise.

In between Greenlake and Ballard, the Woodland Park Zoo is one of the country’s best.

Wealthy Madison Park (Cactus offers excellent Mexican fare) and funky Capitol Hill just east of downtown offer opportunities closer to downtown.

To the Southwest, West Seattle offers tremendous views of downtown Seattle regardless of the weather (Salty’s on Alki Beach offers an excellent brunch year-round).

Alki Beach in West Seattle offers Seattle’s best example of a sandy beach.

Take advantage of a cheap vacation in winter in Seattle, get outside of the urban core and see what the neighborhoods of Seattle have to offer.

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