Eyeflare - Travel Articles and Tips

Posted: 30 May 2011 02:00 AM PDT

In the center of the amazing city of Seattle is the Seattle Center that consists of the Pacific Science Center and IMAX Theater and the Experience Music Project at the base of the 1962 World’s Fair landmark, the Space Needle. The Seattle Center is a center of fairs, free music, food stands and people who enjoying blending cultures. The Experience Music Project, also known as EMP, was founded by Paul Allen the Microsoft giant. It is a venue for artists old and new and has a restaurant and museum on site.

If the Space Needle has evaded your curiosity all you have to do is lay eyes on it. It is awe inspiring and unique structure pulls you in for a breathtaking view of the city, the Cascade mountain range, the Olympic mountain range, the Puget Sound, Lake Washington, Lake Union, and on a clear day several mountains including Mount Rainier. Atop the giant structure is a revolving is a fine dining restaurant. The Seattle Waterfront is home to many other amazing activities ranging from hang gliding, the famous Ye Olde Curiosity Shop and Museum, ferry terminal that runs boats through the San Juan Islands, the Seattle Aquarium, and famous seafood restaurants.

Pike Place Market is just a short walk up a flight of stairs, or elevator if you choose. It is a market of vendors selling fish, flowers, jewelry, jams, pasta, fruit, vegetables, and unique pieces of art. Seattle has many high end shopping locations such a Westlake Mall and Pacific Place, all walking distance or a short ride on the light rail. If your activities are geared towards children, try the Seattle Aquarium or Alki Beach across the water for sandcastle building or just relaxing. Seattle and surrounding areas offer other outdoor activities nearby that include just a 30 minute drive or less.

Snoqualmie Falls and Lodge is a site to behold and not to forget at the right time of year. Snoqualmie pass offers an intertwined myriad of hiking trails that are sure to challenge even the most experienced. If golf is your thing, Seattle has some of the country’s top rated courses within a one to two hour drive including Washington National, Newcastle in Bellevue, The Home Course, Hawk’s Prairie, and a short ferry ride over to Kingston will give you a phenomenal Washington based course called White Horse.

The Space Needle address and hours

Space Needle
400 Broad St.
Seattle, WA 98109

Located near the Monorail and Seattle Center House at 5th Avenue North & Broad Street.

The Space Needle is open 365 days a year, but may close for special events.

Monday – Thursday: 9:30am – 11:00pm
Friday & Saturday: 9:00am – 11:30pm
Sunday: 9:00am – 11:00pm

*the Ticket Booth closes 1/2 hour prior to the above closing times.

Photo by wildpianist on flickr

This is originally posted at http://www.eyeflare.com/article/space-needle-seattle/

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Clarence House, London

Posted: 29 May 2011 02:00 AM PDT

Clarence House in London is the official home of The Prince of Wales, and up until 2009 his two sons William and Harry. Formerly, it was the home of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, up until her death. The house was constructed between 1825-27 based on the design of John Nash. During World War Two the house suffered extensive damage from German bombing raids, but was soon after repaired and remodeled and much of the original structure has now been replaced. The term Clarence House now mainly refers to the office of the Prince of Wales.

Clarence House is now open to the public for 2 months during the summer. At which time guided tours of the house are available. Guests are shown around the mansion and can view a great deal of the Queen's personal art and furniture collection, which features some of the best art and jewelery items of the 20th century. It's a must see for any visitor to London.