What are you into?
Seattle is strong for outdoor activities - hiking, biking, climbing, skiiing, etc. It is not as strong on cultural stuff if that is your bent.
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So, when I go to Paizocon this year, it will be my first time in the state. I'm just wondering what there is to do there besides the obvious Paizocon and Mariners games. Thanks.
Since you asked, I'll tell.
A few things.
Reserve your hotel room for a week. That cuts down on your whole stay immensely. Monday you arrive and Monday you leave.
Get a rental car (unless you are bringing one) and buy Citipass! It allows you to visit multiple places such as the Sci-Fi Museum and other attractions like the Space Needle. It is a bargain. You can do your self-touring of Seattle on Tuesday.
Wednesday, meet up with Tim Nightengale's large group tour at Pike's Place. It is open ended and really fun. Lots of good food too.
Thursaday you can polish off your remaining touring of Seattle and then hit the evening Crab Feed with all the early PaizoCon arrivals. This is a massive gathering not to be missed. And sorry, nothing happens after that. Nothing at all.
And the rest is PaizoCon.
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I lived in downtown Seattle (Belltown) for a little over three years and never ran out of things to do. I don't know Bellevue as well as Seattle, but here are some links you may find useful.
The Experience Music Project and Sci-Fi Museum are very close to the Space Needle so check that out if you're into science fiction or music. The exhibits are very cool.
If you're a film geek, check out the Grand Illusion Cinema. They play indy, cult and classic films. I saw Creature From the Black Lagoon in the original 3D format with the cardboard glasses here. It was a good time.
The Fremont Troll "lives" under a bridge in Fremont if you're interested in community art, roadside attractions or giant trolls.
Garage on Capitol Hill is a great place for billiards and bowling if you want to relax and have a drink.
I recommend Mama's Mexican Kitchen in Belltown if you like Mexican food or Elvis, and Hot Mama's Pizza on Capitol Hill has great pizza.
You can also visit the graves of Bruce and Brandon Lee if you want to pay your respects.
There are dozens of good places to go for live bands but, if you're into rock nostalgia, The Crocodile in Belltown is back in business after some renovations. Nirvana, Mudhoney, Pearl Jam and R.E.M. all played here before they made it big.
I hope these help.
Oh yeah, bring a skateboard or longboard if you skate. Seattle's a good place for it.
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I am a huge fan of taking the ferry out to Bainbridge island. I think it is $6/$7 round trip (walk on) and it is a very relaxing and very beautiful journey. You get a phenomenal view of Seattle and the surrounding area and it is very relaxing to stand out at the front upper deck of the ferry with the wind blowing.
What are you into?
It is not as strong on cultural stuff if that is your bent.
I respectfully disagree.
Pacific Northwest Ballet is performing Giselle the week of Paizocon.
Seattle Symphony is performing The Barbra Streisland Songbook (I know, not their best program choice, but still a world caliber symphony).
Intiman Theatre (Tony award winner for regional theatre) has The Call on stage that week.
Village Theatre (a highly acclaimed regional theatre in nearby Issaquah) is putting on a production of Jesus Christ Superstar.
The EMP and SF Museum is putting on an exhibition on Avatar.
Seattle Arm Museum is presenting the Freeing the Figure exhibition.
Unfortunately the Moore Theatre, The Paramount Theatre and the 5th Avenue Theatre are dark that weekend.
Also, the Whim W'Him dance company isn't performing again until a couple weeks after Paizocon. (Obligitory Disclaimer)
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I am a huge fan of taking the ferry out to Bainbridge island. I think it is $6/$7 round trip (walk on) and it is a very relaxing and very beautiful journey. You get a phenomenal view of Seattle and the surrounding area and it is very relaxing to stand out at the front upper deck of the ferry with the wind blowing.
Unless it is raining, which it was when I tried years ago. We got muddy shoes for our efforts but man the trip across the sound was nice.
Wayfinder, PaizoCon Founder
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I keep seeing this question pop up, especially once PaizoCon is announced.
HERE is the thread I started for PaizoCon 2009. Most all the links still work fine (expect for the Siam on Lake Union one....it's pointing towards an erectile dysfunction page now.....strange).