 | |
 |
|
About Seattle Attractions Conference Map External Links: Seattle Super Saver Seattle Attractions Coupon Guide Seattle Tourist Map What to Do in Seattle Seattle Cultural Calendar |
Sitting on a slim isthmus between two bodies of water, Puget Sound to the west and Lake Washington to the east, Seattle is known as the "Emerald City". Surrounded by the Coastal Mountains and the many islands and fingers of land and water that make up the complex geography near by, it is set in one of the most beautiful places in all of America.One of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the United States, Seattle is Washington's largest city, and it is no accident that it is known as the "coffee capitol of the world". This city is not only home to the first ever Starbucks but also to over 25 other star bucks throughout the city. This town is also known for its responsibility in starting the growth of grunge rock music which swept the nation in the 1990's. Seattle's hip but quirky social and cultural life not only sets a comfortable and exciting setting for the locals but for the tourists and for everyone in between. While visually beautiful, Seattle is rich in history as well, and overall a truly amazing place to be. The Lake Washington area was originally home to the Duwamish, a Salish tribe. Seaport potential of the sound attracted a group of settlers in 1851. Where they settled in what is now west-Seattle. By 1893 this city was linked to the rest of the country by rail and many new settlers were rushing into this newfound area. During this time prospectors were certain that Seattle was the right place to be and in turn, the banking centers boomed there. In recent years, it has become home to the richest man in the world, bill gates, and his company. Microsoft and other companies like it have been extremely successful there because of the technological demand. In fact it is rare to find someone that lives in this city and is not employed by Microsoft. Seattle's Climate Seattle and the Pacific Northwest generally have a wet climate. A normal average yearly precipitation for this area of the world is around 37 inches. It rains in Seattle at least 50% of the time, with the heaviest rain periods between January and May and between October and December. June, July and August are the driest and warmest months. Temperatures in the summer usually are around a pleasant 75, though seattle has also been known to suffer through weeklong heat spells in the high 80s or low 90s. The best way to prepare for visiting Seattle is to layer -- the climate, with the hilly terrain's infamous "convergence zones", is unpredictable enough that you never know when a rain storm, a dry spell, or a sudden drop in temperature might occur. Seattle has a milder climate than many other parts of the world, with less extreme variations in temperature, and a higher number of cloudy days with misty and damp weather. Overall though, this city is a pleasant and beautiful place to be, and there is much to do and experience. |