Seattle Underground Tour -Originally Published 2009

Seattle is one of the centers of the high tech world.  As a result, it has been flooded by former honors students who specialize in being nice.  But here’s the great thing about Seattle.  It actually has a really gritty history.  While it has been inherited by the geeks, it was actually formed by loggers and robber barons who built the city on a tidal flat.

Nestled down in Pioneer Square, the Seattle Underground tour is a great way to get a peek into Seattle’s unvarnished past. 

Building on a tidal flat was not a wise idea.  First of all, the city had a tendency to flood.  Second of all, when people elected to install indoor plumbing, the raw sewage stalled at the bottom of the hills.  As soon as the tide rolled in, all of that raw sewage was returned to the people who delivered.

After a fire leveled the city, the good citizens elected to rebuild, but aside from that, they decided to raise the city.  As a result, Seattle was left with a subterranean underground.  The tour is the only way to see it first hand.

Now if you’re a fan of the old Kolchak show, you won’t see a complete city like Darren McGavin did.  What you actually see is a lot better.  There are several underground tunnels complete with skylights, some of them still used as storage for above ground business.

The Smith Tower - Originally Published 2009

After taking the Seattle Underground Tour, you can get a discounted lift to the top of the Smith Tower.  The Smith Tower was built by the family that founded the typewriter empire.  Until the 1930’s, it was the tallest skyscraper west of the Mississippi. 

For just a few dollars, you can get a ride to the observation deck in an elevator with a real, live elevator operator.

The 360 degree views of Seattle make this a worth while stop.

Glass Beach - Originally Published 2008

If it weren’t for a hairdresser in Lake Tahoe, we would have never stumbled upon Glass Beach.  My wife was getting her hair did for our wedding and got to talking to the beautician.  She found out we were going to wander the coast and she recommended a stop in Fort Bragg, home of the Glass Beach.

Once upon a time, the locals decided to use the ocean as a garbage dump.  Apparently, they threw everything in the sea, including old car parts.  They eventually found a more proper place for their trash, but their legacy lives on.  All of the glass that had been dumped has been tumbled and returned to the shore making this one of the most unique beaches I have ever been to.

Avenue of the Giants - Originally Published 2008

There is no excuse for the intrepid traveler to not pay a visit to The Avenue of the Giants.  The Avenue is a thirty-mile stretch of the last old growth redwoods in the world.  The fact that the 101 cuts right through it makes it unbelievably accessible.  It’s a living, breathing contradiction because it seems so remote, but at the same time it’s so simple to get to.

So, what exactly is there to see?  There are redwoods.  Lots and lots of redwoods.  In fact Humbolt Redwoods State Park butts right up against the Avenue.  If you like trees, this is the place for you.

However, I understand that there’s a rube inside of all of us that wants to do more than just look at an old tree.  Don’t worry.  The locals have provided plenty of roadside attractions to give you a reason step on the breaks and spend some money.

Drive through trees, walk through trees, houses made from trees, it’s all there. 

We approached the redwoods from the north.  I got really excited when I saw this thing.  We pulled over and took a few pictures.  However, I want to assure you that this is not the only drive through tree you will encounter on the 101.  I counted no less that three of them.  No regrets, though.  Our one-dollar admission went to support the local economy.

Sequoias National Park - Originally Published 2009

You ever watch one of them reality shows that has “The Real Housewives” somewhere in the title?  How about that one with the rich kids who have a sweet sixteen party?  Let me tell you, we in California are a lot like one of those overindulged brats.

Case in point:  The Sequoias.  There are states in the Union that would kill for just a few acres that are as breathtaking as this place.  Somehow, we managed to hit the lottery and get blessed this a park.  We are no better that that brat that gets a BMW for her birthday.

Now, here is my advice for how we differentiate ourselves from the creepy kids basic cable channels like to follow around.  Appreciate what we’ve got.  Book a campsite in this place and spend a summer weekend sitting by a mountain stream. 

No one will ever make you go to an intervention or rehab because you go to the Sequoias.  No religion will ever call you a sinner for spending some time here.

Make sure to buy tickets for the Crystal Cave at the visitor’s center.  They don’t sell any at the entrance to the cave.