TRAVEL GUIDE
HISTORY
Sleepless in Seattle: Your 24/7 Guide
Welcome to our 2024 Annual Conference host city - Seattle! As you embark on your journey to the Emerald City for conference, this travel guide is your key to unlocking the best of Seattle's offerings. From iconic landmarks like the Space Needle to the bustling Pike Place Market and the serene waters of Puget Sound, Seattle promises a unique experience for all Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, your Seattle experience will blend innovation, stunning views, and a whole lot of fun!
Fast Facts
Metro population: 3.7 million
1000+ downtown bars and restaurants
Average May temperature: 63℉ high/50℉ low
37 inches of annual rainfall (7th in the country!)
Pacific time zone
Nicknamed the “Emerald City” due to it’s year-round greenery
Silver medal for Best U.S. Destination for Meetings & Conventions - Prevue Visionary Awards
1
Tip from a Local
FAMOUS
The famous Pike Place Market is the oldest continuously operating farmer’s market in the country! Pike Place began in 1907 when produce prices spiked and the community wanted a place for farmers to sell directly to consumers.
Make sure to say hello to Rachel, the bronze piggy bank in the middle of the market She weighs 550 pounds and was named after a real 750-pound pig who won the 1985 Island County Fair
Space Needle
The Space Needle, designed on a cocktail napkin in 1961, offers stellar views of three U.S. National Parks. Despite being built in just 400 days for the 1962 World’s Fair, the Space Needle can withstand up to 200 mph of wind speed and 9 1 magnitude earthquakes with ease
Pro Sports
Seahawks (Football)
Mariners (Baseball)
Storm (Women’s Basketball)
Sounders (Men’s Soccer)
Reign (Women’s Soccer)
Kraken (Men’s Hockey)
Seawolves (Men’s Rugby)
Companies
Starbucks
Boeing Amazon
Microsoft REI
Nordstrom
Alaska Airlines
Music
Nirvana
The Head and the Heart
Sir Mix-A-Lot
Kenny Loggins
Pearl Jam
Foo Fighters
Jimi Hendrix
Macklemore
Death Cab for Cutie
Seattle also boasts one of the highest per capita rates of live music, making it a live music haven
2
Airport
TRAVEL
The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is located 14 miles from the conference hotel Check your flight status at the Sea-Tac website
Light Rail
The Link Light Rail is a great way to save money on parking and rideshare costs. A one-way ticket is just $3. You’ll travel from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to the Westlake stop, which will bring you within two blocks of the Sheraton Grand Seattle hotel This train ride will take approximately 40 minutes. Light Rail information can be found on both the Sea-Tac and SoundTransit websites
Getting Around Town
Ready to see the sights? Like any mainstream city, Seattle offers rideshares such as Uber and Lyft Here are a few other ways to cruise around town The King County Metro provides bus services in and around the downtown area. The One Bus Away app is a seamless way to plan your trip around the city. Fare is about $2.75 per ride.
Seattle Streetcars connects you to the center of downtown Seattle full of shops, restaurants, and Lake Union’s waterfront park The Seattle Center Monorail is another way to get to and from downtown For more information on transportation options and more information about Seattle, go to the Visit Seattle CIVSA 2024 website.
3
Hotel Information
HOTEL
Sheraton Grand Seattle | 1400 6th Avenue, Seattle, Washington, USA, 98101| 206-621-9000
Check-in: 3 p.m.; Check-out: noon
Room amenities: fitness center, indoor swimming pool, concierge, room service, wake up calls, daily housekeeping
Off-site parking at US Bank Centre parking garage, 1420 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101 (0 1 miles) or valet $60 daily
On-site dining: Starbucks, Fountain Wine Bar, Alder & Ash, Grab & Go
Packing List
Business cards
Past CIVSA conference pins
School apparel
“First Class” apparel for closing dinner
Swag swap item
Comfortable walking shoes
Dress code for the conference is casual/business casual.
Weather
Notetaking device
Light jacket/sweatshirt
Snacks
Reusable water bottle
Rain gear
Workout clothes (just in case!)
During the conference, the temperature in Seattle typically ranges from 51 degrees to 70 degrees. There are sunny days and of course a few rainy ones! Be prepared by bringing rain gear and sunscreen
4
e
Breakfast
Glo’s Cafe - Capitol Hill
SAVOR SEATTLE
Seattle is a culinary dream! Caffeine isn’t the only thing Seattlelites like to consume
Located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, it’s a quick eight-minute trip (via Light Rail) from the conference hotel Notable dishes include typical diner food, eggs benedict, omelets, and pancakes
Biscuit Bitch - Downtown
Located approximately 10 minutes from the conference hotel If you like biscuits, this is the place for you!
Rubenstein's Bagels - SLU/Belltown
Located in South Lake Union and close to the Amazon Spheres, this bagel shop has handcrafted bagels, schmear and an assortment of breakfast sandwiches A quick 10-minute walk is all the time you’ll need for a satisfying breakfast
Honest Biscuits - Pike Place Market
What began as a stall at the Broadway Farmers Market, is now a permanent fixture at the Pike Place Market. Only an 11-minute walk from the conference hotel
Lola
This Tom Douglas restaurant serves Greek cuisine inspired by family memories Located just a nine-m you fancy a sweet treat, check out Dahlia Bakery also owned by Tom Douglas
Restaurants
The Purple Cafe and Wine Bar - walking distance from hotel
Old Stove Brewing - one of the best craft beer menus in the Pacific Northwest
Von’s 1000 Spirits - “scratch American approachable food”
Cutter’s Crabhouse - Pacific Northwest seafood cuisine with views of the bay
Aerlume - local ingredients and local wines with view of Puget Sound
Japonessa Sushi - fusion of sushi rolls with Latin influences
Asean Street Food Hall - food carts with Southeast Asian-inspired dishes
Dick’s Drive In - a local favorite!
5
Seafood
Local Tide
SAVOR SEATTLE
Located in the Fremont neighborhood, this local spot is known for their Clam Chowder and Salmon House Salad! It’s best to take an Uber/Lyft to get here, as it is about 3 6 miles from the conference hotel
Jackson’s Catfish Corner
Located in the Historic Central District, this restaurant has deep roots and ties to the community There is an extensive menu featuring fried catfish with numerous side dishes You can get here by using public transportation The #4 bus line will take about 30 minutes, or taking an Uber/Lyft will take about 11 minutes
Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar
The Capitol Hill location is only an 11-minute walk from the conference hotel This location is also on the same block as the Starbucks Roastery!
Ivar’s
This Pacific Northwest staple has been serving the region since 1938 Just a 15-minute walk from the conference hotel, this location on the Seattle waterfront gives you an amazing view of Puget Sound If you want something a bit more casual, check out the Ivar’s Fish Bar on Pier 54
Elliot’s Oyster House
Located on Pier 56, this restaurant has more than just oysters This is a quick 15-minute walk (almost all downhill) from the conference hotel
Jack’s Fish Spot
This spot in the Pike Place Market is an 11-minute walk from the conference hotel
6
SAVOR SEAT
Sweet Treats & Baked Goods
Hello Robin
This local staple has been serving delectable cookies since 2013 Some favorites include the Mackles Habanero Chocolate Chip, and classic Chocolate Chip This shop is a 10-minute drive from the confer
Hot Cakes
Created at the Seattle Farmers Market in 2008, their signature product is a molten chocolate cake Sinc sundaes, and some savory items The Capitol Hill location is approximately a five-minute drive from the conference hotel or 13 minutes by public transit
Temple Pastries
Located in the historic Central District, this bakery is best known for their assortment of breads, pastries, and coffee My personal favorite is the Black Currant Vanilla Scroll! It’s best to get here early to beat the line Located approximately 11 minutes (driving) from the conference hotel
Molly Moon's
“From kitchen to cone,” this ice cream shop uses sustainable practices and the finest ingredients Locals’ favorite flavors include the Yeti The Capitol Hill location is approximately a five-minute drive from the conference hotel
Fran’s Chocolates
Only an eight-minute walk from the conference hotel and close to the Pike Place Market
Cinnamon Works
Cinnamon Works is self-proclaimed as “one of the only scratch bakeries left in Seattle” and located a 10-minute walk from the conference hotel
Indi Chocolate
Featured in Eater Magazine as one of the 24 best chocolate shops in America! Located in the Pike Place Market and a short walk from the conference hotel
7
SAVOR SEATTLE
Coffee Shops
Aroom Coffee
The coffee here is VERY strong and very good! Aroom features Vietnamese coffee drinks and teas Som favorites are Salty Coffee and Sesame Latte Located approximately a 10-minute walk from the confere
Artly Coffee: The Barista Bot
Located 12 minutes from the conference hotel, this shop crafts your next cup of coffee using robots! They strive to “utilize technology to bring high-quality coffee and a unique experience to coffee drinkers in every space ”
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
No introduction or explanation needed! Located approximately 10 minutes walking (uphill) from the conference hotel
Storyville Coffee
Located in Pike Place Market
Moore Coffee Shop
The original 2nd Avenue location is only an 11 minutes walking distance from the conference hotel and serves their famous breakfast waffles
Overcast Coffee
Atulea
A non-coffee option!
Monorail Espresso
The Pike Street location is just across
Cocktails
Montana
Linda’s Tavern
Jupiter
Jarbar - “the best little bar in Seattle”
Screwdriver Bar
Bar Miriam
The Nest - a great rooftop bar!
8
ATTRACTIONS
Walkable
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop)
Seattle Great Wheel
Pike Place Market
Seattle Art Museum
Olympic Sculpture Park
Gas Works Park
Washington State Ferries
Bill Speidel's Underground Tour
5th Avenue Theatre
Secret Food Tours Seattle
Gingerbread Village
Seattle Public Library
Pacific Place
Seattle Theatre Group
Westlake Center
The Triple Door
The Seattle Waterfront
Post Alley
Navigating Pike Place Market
Le Panier
Mee Sum Pastry
Pike Place Chowder
Rachel’s Ginger Beer
“The First Starbucks”
Beecher's Cheese
Piroksy Pirosky
Daily Dozen Donuts
Pink Door
The Athenian - local bar for folks that work in the market
Market Grill - sandwiches, seafood to order from the market
Matt’s on the Market - reservations recommended
Breakfast at Pike Place Market
Vegan-Friendly at Pike Place Market
9
NEIGHBORHOODS
In 1959, the Consul General of Japan gifted the city of Seattle several Japanese cherry trees, which were planted across the city. The gift was meant to commemorate America’s bicentennial, and the enduring friendship
Fun Fact between the people of Japan and Washington State. Today, it is an attraction that draws visitors from across the globe.
1
2
Pike Place – Pike Place Market was established by Seattle City Council in 1907 as a place where locals could buy their food directly from farmers and fishers The first market day had just eight vendors By the end of the year, new buildings were already being constructed to house the 120 farmers that became regular tenants In 1971, it was designated as a historic district
Pioneer Square – Seattle’s first downtown The Great Seattle Fire of 1889 led the city of Seattle to rebuild the city higher than the tidal flats that it was built on originally. This reconstruction process created the underground areas that are now available to tour in historic Pioneer Square.
3 Downtown – Cultural center with the tallest office building in the US west of Chicago. Home to Seattle Symphony, Seattle Art Museum, the new Seattle Public Library, and Cornish College for the Arts.
4 Belltown – Home to Seattle Glassblowing Studio, the storied venue The Crocodile and legendary Moore Theatre–Seattle’s oldest active theatre!
5 Capital Hill – arguably the cultural and generational melting pot of Seattle Capital Hill is home to the Seattle Asian Art Museum, Seattle Central Community College, and the Richard Hugo House writer’s center
6 Central District – One of the main hubs of Seattle’s Black community, this diverse district thrives with engaging art galleries, restaurants, and shops
7 Fremont – As the self-proclaimed “Center of the Universe,” this artsy neighborhood on the north shore of Lake Washington thrives with its bohemian vibe and quirky claims to fame
8
7
8 University District – Home of the University of Washington since 1895, this neighborhood also offers restaurants, cafes, a renowned street fair, a farmer’s market, the Henry Art Gallery, and thousands of university students!
Learn more about Seattle’s other amazing neighborhoods–22 in total–at Visit Seattle
4
1 2 3
5 6
10