Seniors, if you are a coffee lover and enjoy sitting outside to take in a relaxing view, I've got a place for you, after all you are in the coffee capitol of America and Starbucks is just part of the local competition. Perhaps you savor the glistening light beams bouncing off the water's edge or seeing snow capped mountain peaks in the distance, while sipping that java. You'll want to spit shine those spectacles to obtain a clear view of the sights about to be seen. Make sure you've tanked up on that caffeine quota and slipped into your favorite walking shoes because this day doesn't end until at least 10:00 pm tonight. I'm talking about a senior's day out in Seattle , Washington . With temperatures averaging around middle seventies and average rainfall of seven to ten days throughout August, it is sure to be the time when you bundle up with a sweater or dress in layers. Sunshine does indeed last until around 10:00 pm and you will encounter quite a few Seattleites out-of-doors.

Seattle is considered the “city of views” and has as much tourist attraction as San Francisco . You will find many fun and exciting activities to attend and experience. For North Americans or world travelers who haven't experienced ferry boat rides, there are ample opportunities to ride the ferries for a fraction of transportation fees and enjoy getting to see the occasional Orcas, porpoise, or bald eagle, plus enjoying your own self exploration of Puget Sound. Seattle is a uniquely urban city and getting around the city can be costly and challenging! City guides recommend using the transit systems and bus systems within the city as well as the monorail system. Within the city itself, most transportation systems offer free services during working hours, which does help offset the expense for the tourist. So drink up my latte' loving friend, no sleep for you, we're in Seattle!

Upon arriving in Seattle , Washington , there are a couple of places you'll want to see first. The City Wide Concierge Center , located within the State Convention and Trade Center around Seventh and Eighth Avenue , is a fantastic way to begin your tour of Seattle . Here you'll be able to obtain tourism information and they book almost anything you desire, or contact them at 206.461.5888 prior to your vacation for in-depth information. They will also help you with the costs of restaurants, hotels, and fairs for travel which isn't covered under the “free” ride areas. The other place I hope you visit is the Space Needle. Built in time for the World Fair in 1962, this three hundred sixty-degree circumferential, six hundred and five feet tall structure with a space saucer designed observation deck is the essence of Seattle. An icon of the future, Seattleites have enjoyed visiting the Space Needle for the past forty years to view the superb sites of Mt. Rainier , Puget Sound , the Olympic Mountains , exploding vistas, and spectacular sunsets. A city pass costs around forty dollars and provides numerous trips up through the Space Needle as well as admission to several other attractions such as the Woodland Park Zoo, Pacific Science Center, Seattle Aquarium, Argosy Cruise Harbor and Tour, and the Museum of Flight which houses a replica of the Wright brothers first designs of aviation and a number of one-of-a kind planes found only in Seattle's flight museum. Visit the Space Needle online at www.spaceneedle.com for other ticket information.

Seattle boasts of a salmon run. During June through September salmon can be viewed through underwater observations at the Seattle Aquarium as the salmon leap up the fish ladder. Pike Place Market is an interesting place to visit. Plan to spend several hours here as you wind through the maze of shops and street vendors. Once founded in 1907 as a farmer's market, and temporarily derailed due to the impact of WWII, a fundamental move took place to renew the nine acre market and it was eventually declared a National Historic District. Over two hundred artisans and crafters along with more than one hundred farmers make up the atmosphere within the market place. Street performers and mimes, musicians, and dulcimer players serenade the shoppers as they stroll through the crowd. Be sure and look for the flying fish at the Pike Place Fish Stall. It is something to see!

Seattle hosts a number of art museums which cover Asian, European, Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods of art. Depending upon the time of year, special exhibits also are available for viewing. Further out toward the Seattle waterfront, you'll find another type of art. T-shirt art, tacky art, gift shops, tattoo shops, saltwater taffy, all types of pier, touristy artifacts, and home to the Seattle Aquarium. Living art as the underwater creatures continuously change the canvass within which they live. On the waterfront, one of the best activities is to book a cruise on the Royal Argosy, a relaxing day cruise through the San Juan islands where Orcas can be observed playing. Reservations are required and questions can be asked at www.argosycruises.com . While on the Argosy check out the scheduled events of upcoming jazz trumpeter Lance Butler, and bluesman Lloyd Jones.

Experiencing Seattle will use up all the caffeine you've put in. A city of hills, fabulous scenery, and a few quirky artisans, along with its own history makes this an interesting senior's destination. You'll have to gulp down coffee by the jugs to stay on top of things in this city! I'll take two creams with mine and three sugars. Happy Traveling!