Pioneer Square
Seattle Washington
If you want to make a day out of seeing one place, why not
make it Pioneer Square? Seattle’s oldest neighborhood, located in south
downtown, has enough activities to keep a person occupied from sunup until
sundown. If you are in the mood for one of a kind sightseeing, Pioneer
Square is the place to do it. Take a guided tour (the Underground Tour
is incredible,) or just meander around Pioneer Square and see it for
yourself. Visiting Pioneer Square is like traveling back in time.
Cable cars pass through the area, and horse drawn buggies carry tourists and
romantics through the cobblestone-lined streets. The buildings are built in
Victorian-Romanesque style, and quite a few are over one hundred years old,
built just after the Great Seattle Fire. Begin at Pioneer Square Park, where
you’ll find a well preserved totem pole, deriving from the Indian tribes
that originally inhabited the area. You’ll also see the Pergola, which is an
ornate structure originally used by people as shelter while they waited for
the cable car (remember, you’re in one of the rainiest cities in the
county.)
The Pioneer Square neighborhood is the cultural epicenter of
Seattle. You’ll find many galleries, several of which feature local and
regional artists, and quite a few museums. Klondike Gold Rush Park is a must
see for anyone interested in mining history, and admission is free. Check
out Occidental Park, where there are street fairs and art walks throughout
the year. Here, you’ll also find the Fallen Fire Fighters monument, a
tribute to Seattle firefighters killed in the line of duty. The streets of
Pioneer Square are
lined with unique shops, such as the infamous Elliot Bay Books, as well as
numerous little cafes. Grab a to-go lunch, and eat it in one of Seattle’s
little known gems: Waterfall Park, which is tucked away in a quaint
courtyard, and features a man-made waterfall, surrounded by tables and
chairs. It is a pleasant and quiet place to rest your feet. The nightlife in
Pioneer Square is anything but quiet. This the perfect place to go for a
victory beer after a successful Mariners or Seahawks game (Qwest
Field is
located just south of Pioneer Square.) For a genuine experience, try one of the
old historic pubs like Doc Maynards, or The Triangle,
formerly the “west coast’s smallest hotel.” Or, if you’re up to it, go
dancing in one of the many chic clubs that are housed in Pioneer Square. Or you
can always just wander your way over to the waterfront, which is just blocks
away, and check out the exquisite beauty of the bay at night.
Pioneer Square