Lower Queen Anne

Queen Anne is iconic. That’s all, review over.

What, you wanted details? What more is there to say? Queen Anne is what you see in every picture of Seattle that’s got the Space Needle in it. The Century 21 Exposition (one of the World’s Fairs) cemented this area as the face of Seattle to the outside world with assured perpetuity. The fairgrounds are not the campus of Seattle Center, where the Space Needle, the Pacific Science Center (a sprawling science activity center and IMAX theater with science-themed exhibits for elementary school students—a staple field trip location for local kids), the Experience Music Project and Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame (Paul Allen’s pet exhibition project and the site of the Science Fiction Fantasy Short Film Festival).

Once you’re done with whatever it is that suits your tastes, you’re not allowed to leave Queen Anne before you stop in for a bite; it’s a rule. I suggest Dick’s, a local, ultra-minimalist burger chain. Their genius stems from making the same few menu items quickly and well, and their restaurants are usually more like a window with a fast-food factory floor behind it. This is a no-frills joint, and the orders of the day are to come in, stock up, and get out with enough to last you well into the midnight snack period.

The World's Fair from the 1960's gave this neighborhood a fabulous playground! Having the most coveted Seattle landmark right in your backyard makes any resident proud of their community. Almost identical in shape to Texas, and embodying the Seattle Center, Lower Queen Anne lacks no lull in entertainment. Hardly a week goes by without an event or festival happening on this soil. From the creative Bumbershoot Music Festival over Labor Day weekend to the New Year's celebration, complete with high altitude fireworks from the Needle, brings joy to every crowd.

A plethora of auditoriums are sprinkled about the Center's grounds, bringing people from near and far to observe great performances. The Pacific Science Center houses imaginative exhibits and is always a draw for their IMAX films on one of the area's largest screens. The Experience Music Project attracts attention just from its unusual building geometry. Inside, a rich history and interactive experience of Northwest music and renown singers.

A few years ago it would have been possible to watch an NBA match in Key Arena, but the Sonics have since relocated to Oklahoma. The arena is still heavily used for concerts and exhibitions. Last, but not least, the Space Needle continues to beckon visitors and locals for a panorama of the Emerald City like no other. Plan ahead to dine in the rotating restaurant near the top. Not to fear the risk of dizziness, as the velocity is slow enough to put your stomach at ease. Don't miss visiting the observation deck, complete with outdoor viewing.

For a one of a kind tour, head east to the duck boats for an open air drive through downtown and a dip in Lake Union.

When you finish quacking with the guides, be sure to note Bill and Melinda Gate's new foundation building being erected to the north. It is boasting to be one of the most "green" projects in the world. KCTS TV studios lie across the street to the West, housing Seattle's PBS station. KOMO News also prides themselves in being close by.

Lower Queen Anne's boundaries rise diagonally along Puget Sound and Broad Street. The northern line extends along Ward and Galer Streets, with a zig zag toward the Sound on the northwest corner.

There are too many restaurants, stores and cafes to highlight in this review. Most of these venues are concentrated on the northern and western sides of the Center. Roy Street, to the north, is a great strip to park your vehicle for a stay of two or less hours. Our family enjoys this strategy on warm days, because the large fountain at the Center is a straight shot from our car. Getting back to the interstate is a cinch by heading back on Mercer Street. However, don't get caught at high traffic times or it could be a long wait to the ramp.

To highlight just a couple of establishments (Not to be too vague in this write up): A few weeks ago, my wife and I tried Chinese cuisine just West of Key Arena. The place was recommended by friends and proved to be delicious, friendly and clean. If inexpensive is necessary, don't hesitate to experience Dick's Burgers. This greasy spoon shop goes almost as closely with Puget Sound as the infamous Needle. The burgers are no frills, but tasty. The staff are well paid with benefits, and that matters down to the patty engaging your mouth. There are also a couple of other locations around the city.

A water-side green space awaits, Myrtle Edwards Park, along Puget Sound. Take this on foot or your bike to the heart of the Waterfront. It ends at the fountain near the railroad bridge. A brilliant use of property for urban exercise, complete with artistic extras for added pleasure. An added treat for cyclists coming from Magnolia or North Seattle.

Ascending residences lie to the north which overlook all the action. Snatch up a house here and friends will be nagging for a visit or dinner party. No need to feel to jealous, however, as this neighborhood will always be hosting the world.

One of the older areas of the city, Lower Queen Anne is located at the base of Queen Anne Hill. Most Seattle residents don't have a clear idea of the neighborhood boundaries, though the name usually includes everything up the hill until a very steep section of Queen Anne Avenue North, separating Upper Queen Anne from Lower Queen Anne. Some residents of Seattle also call Lower Queen Anne “uptown” because it is just north of Downtown.

Lower Queen Anne is perhaps best known for Seattle Center, though few residents use the term Lower Queen Anne to refer to this section of the city, instead preferring to call it simply Seattle Center. This area includes the Key Arena, McCaw Hall, the Bagley Wright Theater, and other performance venues, and was the site of the 1962 World's Fair.

In the surrounding neighborhood, you'll find dozens of restaurants and bars, ranging from fast-food to upscale dining. Apartment and condo communities sit atop a wide array of shopping possibilities, many with a contemporary look. Though Lower Queen Anne is considered an urban neighborhood, there are plenty of green spaces, including Myrtle Edwards Park on the waterfront.

Most residents of Lower Queen Anne are young professionals who enjoy an active nightlife and upscale yet economical housing. The neighborhood is often considered a more upscale version of Belltown, and downtown Seattle is easily reached by riding the monorail from Seattle Center to Westlake.This neighborhood offers a great mix of activities for those looking for a vibrant neighborhood in the heart of the city.

South Queen Anne offers an extension of the community-centered shopping at the top of the hill, and throws in some fun after-hours entertainment, as well. While there are some houses in the area, most of the residences consist of secure apartment buildings. The main arterial streets are generally quite busy and pretty congested, and street parking is hit-or-miss most of the time. There are a few small pay-parking lots and a very large parking garage for visitors to Seattle Center events. The shops close to Queen Anne Ave have undergone some renovations a few years ago, giving the area a more contemporary look. Some of the restaurants in the area are not to be missed, such as Phu'ket, Pagliacci's Pizza and, a Seattle staple - Dick's.