Seattle Road Trip Ideas - Things to do when you get there

Image by Viton via Flickr

by Tim Palisades

Just like the states south of it, the state of Washington is becoming a top notch producer of quality American wines. The quality of the grape vines grown in the northwestern US are building a new export industry for its people. Every year, the wineries form the greater Washington area receive more and more wine industry awards. Their gorgeous state is very well suited for growing top notch vines. Local winery owners ask you to try their wines and take a tour of their operations.

The Space Needle in the city is a popular tourist destination. It has been part of the city's skyline since the early 1960's. It was built as an exhibit for visitors to the Worlds Fair. Visitors who aren't afraid of heights can go up more than 500 feet to look over the city like a bird does. There is a restaurant at the top of the Space Needle that serves quality.

When it comes to farmers markets the residents of Seattle know how to organize one. Seattle's Pike Place Market is the one of the best farmers markets you will ever see. Travelers come from all over to see all of the unique shops and stands as well as musicians and other artists. All in this one place you can buy quality antiques, foreign imported items, fresh food, deserts, wine, cheeses and all kinds of other goodies.

One of the more interesting tourist attractions in the Seattle area is the Native American Tillicum Village. It is a place here history comes alive. You will learn all kinds of cool information about the early settlers of this part of the United States. Native Americans perform symbolic dances that have been passed down through generations of Native Americans. It is a very unique place.

With so much water around, you would expect to see a lot of boats around. There are a number of ferries that will take you to various tourist spots and allow you to see a glimpse of the city from the water. The surrounding mountainous region is very beautiful. The smell and serenity of the ocean is something to be experienced.

Complete the family's getaway by visiting the Seattle zoo. Get back to nature in this well run zoo. Show the children the real life versions of the beasts you see in books or on the Discovery Channel. There is a wide variety of animals at the Seattle Zoo. They have everything from the simplest farm animal to elephants and giraffes. It will be a memorable part of any vacation for the kids.

If you plan your visit far enough in advance, you may be able to get seats at one of Seattle's professional sports team games. The Seattle Seahawks put on a great show in their relatively modern Qwest Field stadium. You can visit the Key Arena in the Seattle Center to cheer for the Seattle Storm WNBA basketball team or the Seattle Sonics NBA team. Safeco field is home to the Seattle Mariners Major League Baseball team.

Spend a Saturday crawling around the Seattle area microbreweries. For men, what could be more enticing? You can choose from a variety of lagers, ales and stouts ranging from light to full bodied. Make sure you taste an ESB (extra special bitters) ale proudly served at the Redhook Ale Brewery.

About the Author:
Consider making your next trip to Seattle a first class trip.? If you want to add a touch of class to your next trip consider using Seattle limos to add some class your Seattle vacation.

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Arod

Image via Wikipedia

by Denise I Smithson


Better known by the nickname A-Rod, New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez is one of the most famous players in baseball today. Born in New York City, Rodriguez's family moved to the Dominican Republic when he was four years old, only to return to Miami a short time later. Rodriguez's father took for New Jersey not long after returning to the US, leaving his family behind.

In Miami Rodriguez would begin his baseball career playing for his high school team. It was here that Alex would go All-American his senior year and be the first high school player to ever to try out for Team America.

Upon finishing high school, Rodriguez signed a letter of intent to play for the baseball team at the University of Miami - but he decided to pursue a professional career in baseball instead, entering the amateur draft.

He was quickly picked up by the Seattle Mariners, where he played as the third 18 year old short stop since the turn of the century. His star was rising, but the season was cut short due to the Major League strike of 1994.

Because of this disruption, A-Rod didn't get a chance to really shine until the 1996 season, when he batted an incredible .358 average, scored 36 home runs and 123 RBIs, the highest averages for any right handed batter in the American League since Joe Di Maggio! This was a stellar season for Rodtriguez, with the highest total of hits, doubles, extra base hits and runs in the Major Leagues - he finished the season with the Major League Player of the Year title.

Rodriguez continued with the Mariners until becoming a free agent and playing with the Texas Rangers for a short time. In 2004, Rodriguez was signed by the New York Yankees, where he still plays today. He has continued to play at a level few others can match, winning the MVP titles in 2005 and 2007. He has been criticized by sportswriters and fans for sometimes failing to hold up under pressure, something which has not bothered him; says Rodriguez: "I could care less. In my career, I've been hearing it for a long time. It will never stop until you win five or six World Series in a row, and hit a Joe Carter home run. I've done a lot of special things in this game, and for none of that to be considered clutch, it's an injustice." The Yankees apparently do not agree with this criticism, having signed him to a 10 year, $275 million contract. If Rodriguez breaks the home run record while on the team, he stands to make millions more.

A-Rod's personal life is also controversial; he has been seen with another woman and his marriage is reputed to be on the rocks. There have also been rumors that Rodriguez has had an affair with Madonna, something lent more credence by the singer's own troubled marriage to filmmaker Guy Ritchie.

About the Author:
How much do you know about baseball? ttp://www.nothingbutsports.info Nothing But Sports is a great place to brush up on your sports trivia and learn how to swing that bat.

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