When you think of Seattle, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? The Space Needle? Sure. Mt. Rainier? Maybe. Rain? Definitely! But when Seattle gets a dusting of snow instead of a dousing of rain, it’s time to get outside and enjoy the wonder.
Where better to take a stroll on a cold winter’s morning than Pioneer Square, the city’s oldest neighborhood? Just don’t be surprised, if you hail from a snowbelt region like I do, to see Seattleites use an umbrella for both rain and snow (see the photo below), even in the wind.
Popular for its low-rise brick buildings and pedestrian mall-park, the 20-block area of Pioneer Square provides a peek into Seattle’s fabled past – including this ghost sign of a local brew that was a Seattle favorite for over a century, Rainier Beer.
Even more legendary than the beer itself were the clever, quirky commercials touting the beverage.
The quirkiness continues in Occidental Park with its blend of local art and diverse patrons. Four totem poles, including a human figure with open arms, are surrounded by leafy trees cloaked in colorful sweaters.
Here, too, you’ll find the Seattle Firefighters Memorial Sculpture, honoring fallen firefighters from the time of the devastating Great Fire that consumed the business district and waterfront in 1889.
To view more local artwork in Pioneer Square, stop in at Glasshouse Studio which offers visitors the chance to watch glassblowers honing their craft.
At the end of a day of play in Seattle’s snow, it’s time to ward off the winter chill with a cup of you-know-what. We are in Seattle after all. And they call the Big Apple the City That Never Sleeps . . .
What are your favorite winter activities, Wanderboomers?
This looks like a Winter Wonderland Nancy! It does here also, but yours is different, and it’s sublime to see somewhere different. I feel like making myself some hot chocolate!
Would these be your daughter’s pictures? They are all AWESOME! I particularly love the one with all the trees forming an arch.
And to Elizabeth above, I’m down with the hot chocolate making!
It is a winter wonderland here in Seattle, Elizabeth! And you’ll be happy to know I just finished making some hot chocolate. Mmm ~
Thanks, Beth! I’ll be sure to pass on your kind words to my daughter. That will make her day. Photography is quickly becoming another of her favorite hobbies. My choice among the photos in this blog is the statute with open arms surrounded by the colorful sweater trees. Wish I’d had room to include more pics here . . .
Nancy thank you for the memories, I used to live in Woodinville and I worked in Seattle as well as Bellevue. Boy do I remember the welcoming snow. Born and raised, in my opinion California has noting on Washington…I miss it all. Augie
Simply lovely! The photos are truly magnificant! I enjoy a good snowfall too, but not only to I live in Canada’s national capital, I also seem to live in the freezing rain capital 🙁
While, freezing rain can present a pretty picture, it’s treacherous driving and even walking! Send some snow our way – I’m ready to hit to slopes. You must come and do a travel story on our Rideau Canal skateway soon (longest natural skating rink in the world and an UNESCO Heritage site!!).
Thanks, Astra! My photographer-in-the-making daughter will be so happy to read your kind comments. This morning we’re having our own freezing rain, making today’s driving even more dangerous in this city of seven hills than it was yesterday. I don’t think I ever recall our forecasters warning of an approaching ice storm before. The Rideau Canal skateway sounds beautiful. Thanks for the travel story tip :-). I’ll see what I can do ~
My pleasure, Augie! Come back for a visit to the beautiful Pacific Northwest anytime! Thanks for commenting ~
Fun and beautiful post! Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I can totally appreciate these images. Any time we got snow in Portland, it was like a national holiday. Everything shut down, and everybody reveled in the fun and beauty.
Having lived high in the Rockies for nearly twenty years (the next chapter of my life), my favorite winter activities involved cross-country skiing, uphill snowshoeing and the occasional downhill adventure. And of course, hot cocoa and/or coffee at the end of a fun day. Aaaah.
Now my winter in CA (yet another chapter in my life) consists of 76 degrees and boogie boarding at the beach. I’m grateful to have experienced all different kinds of winters. It definitely gives you perspective!
Thanks for a great post!
Thanks, Becky! One winter sport I have yet to try but would love to is snowshoeing – that and dog sledding. And I have yet to move into my next winter chapter of sun & fun – but I’m ready any time now!
My favorite winter activities are sitting at home in front of a real fire with a book, a glass of wine, Brazilian jazz, and my prince while watching the snow outside. I am so not into being cold and doing sports, and I know I should be ashamed of myself.
If I had a choice, I’d be somewhere warm and exotic. Say Bali.
Ah, you’re a woman after my own heart! I’m not one to go looking for cold-weather outdoor activities either, but I do my best to get into the spirit of play when the rare occasional snowfall covers Seattle, like on this occasion. What’s odd is that I once made a list of places I’d like to celebrate Christmas, and not one of them was in a warm, sunny location. Instead, I zeroed in on Rome, Montreal, Santa Fe, Tokyo and, of course, Paris :-).
the photos that i really love looking at are those taken during winter and autumn. great photos u have here… makes me wish i’m in somewhere cold and everything around me is white. 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed the winter photos, Gladys! The Seattle snow was fun while it lasted. Me? I’m looking forward to Spring bursting into color!