Secrets in Seattle

Look beyond the guidebooks to find the quirky heart of Seattle.

By Chelan David • Illustrations by Ilana Kohn

Sometimes the pulse of a city lies beyond the must-see attractions listed in guidebooks. This is certainly the case in Seattle. While the iconic Space Needle and Pike Place Market are both worth a visit, visitors would do well to check out the unpublicized treasures in Seattle’s vibrant neighborhoods. They offer a welcome respite from the crowds and an opportunity to bond with locals. Here are several off-the-beaten path attractions that showcase the eccentric spirit of the Emerald City.

KISSING SCHOOL

Proving that education is not limited to textbooks, kissing maestro Cherie Byrd teaches the finer points of smooching to couples hoping to improve their puckering technique.

Each kissing class is designed to help couples discover that spark when locking lips. A five-hour affair, the sessions consist of anywhere between six to 20 couples. Singles are also welcome, but are encouraged to bring a partner.

206-324-2526 www.kissingschool.com

NORDIC HERITAGE MUSEUM

Check out the Scandinavian side of the Pacific Northwest with a trip to the Nordic Heritage Museum. Set in a former schoolhouse, the museum’s permanent exhibition features galleries dedicated to the five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. In addition to the permanent exhibits, the museum also features regular artwork displays and workshops where participants can learn about topics ranging from Nordic cooking to embroidery and knitting.

206-789-5707 www.nordicmuseum.org

HISTORY HOUSE OF GREATER SEATTLE

The motto of the History House of Greater Seattle is “giving every neighborhood a place to tell their story.” Located in Fremont, the self-proclaimed “Center of the Universe,” the History House provides an opportunity for Seattle’s individual neighborhoods to share stories about the accomplishments and events that have shaped their communities. Recent exhibits on display included a profile of the man instrumental in popularizing Japanese gardens in Seattle, the emergence of aviation in the area and a history of the Seattle Rainiers baseball team. And if you return in the spring or summer, the History House hosts an outdoor concert series in its sculpture garden. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $1.

206-675-8875 www.historyhouse.org

CLUB HOLLYWOOD CASINO

A casino in north Seattle isn’t exactly where you’d expect to find an extensive memorabilia collection, but wander around the gallery of this casino and you’ll be transfixed. Mark Mitchell, the owner of Club Hollywood, has been collecting autographs for more than 60 years—starting when he was four years old—and has nearly 2,500 signatures on display in the club’s spacious gallery. Some of the most notable pieces include an early photo of The Beatles, signed by all four mopheads including original drummer Pete Best; and a Guys and Dolls publicity still signed by Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, Vivian Blaine and Jean Simmons. New Hollywood is also well represented, with signatures from the likes of Will Smith, Drew Barrymore and Brad Pitt on permanent display.

206-546-4444; www.clubhollywoodredcrane.com

MADAME K’S

Legend has it that a brothel used to operate on the site of this Ballard eatery, and Madame K’s takes that theme and runs with it. Upon entering the restaurant, visitors are bathed in mood lighting, which accentuates the full-sized bed suspended directly behind the hostess above the bar. Red velvet is everywhere—from the upholstery on the chairs to the curtains draping the bathrooms. While the setting is unconventional, the menu is heavy on traditional favorites. Madame K’s specializes in Italian cuisine and offers everything from deep-dish pizza to antipasto to lasagna. At the end of the meal, diners are presented with checks embellished with a bright red lipstick kiss.

206-783-9710

SEATTLE METROPOLITAN POLICE MUSEUM

The inconspicuous Seattle Metropolitan Police Museum is tucked away in Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square. Working in collaboration with the Seattle Police Department and the King County Sheriff’s Office, the nonprofit museum offers insight into how the police force has evolved since the early 1860s. Exhibits include documentation of riots and corruption along with displays of antique firearms, badges and uniforms. Founded in 1997, the museum bills itself as the largest police museum in the western United States and is appropriate for a variety of ages. Children can dress up in real police uniforms and practice their dispatching skills.

206-748-9991 www.members.aol.com/smpmuseum

WALK OF HEALTH

Bastyr University’s Walk of Health is designed to offer more than a pleasant stroll. The path, located in north Seattle, is pocketed with smooth, jutting stones, which stimulate the nerve endings of each foot. The walkway was built using the principles of reflexology, an ancient practice that links health to specific points on the feet, hands and ears. The walk can be uncomfortable at first, but is designed to knead sore muscles, break down toxins and help build immunities. The stones at Bastyr are about two inches high and the path stretches for 64 feet.

4500 Juanita Dr. N.E. (located at the edge of Bastyr University’s herb garden)

HAT N’ BOOTS

No trip to Seattle is complete without a pilgrimage to the giant cowboy hat (44 feet in diameter) and massive Western boots (22 feet tall) standing sentry in Oxbow Park. Originally part of a cowboy-themed gas station from the ‘50s, the kitschy sculptures were lovingly restored by locals and moved to the arty neighborhood of Georgetown, just south of downtown. They’re as iconic, in their own way, as the Space Needle.

www.hatnboots.org

Utilikilts

Utilikilts, which recently moved its flagship store to Pioneer Square, has sold more than 10,000 of its modern kilts worldwide. Be forewarned: These are not your grandfather’s kilts. Eight versions are available, including a tuxedo style for grooms with attitude. Prices range from $131 to $625 (for a sleek leather kilt.) Go ahead and try one on—it’s downright liberating.

866-666-6985 www.utilikilts.com

The Fremont Troll

Underneath the north end of the Aurora Bridge, several blocks from the History House, lurks the Fremont Troll. Standing 18 feet high and weighing two tons, the head-and-shoulders sculpture clutches a Volkswagen Beetle in his left hand as if he has just pilfered it from the busy roadway above. Constructed of steel rebar, wire and ferroconcrete, the troll was made by four Seattle-area artists for the Fremont Arts Council in 1990. Although fearsome looking, with a menacing glass eye fashioned from a hubcap, the troll is always willing to pose for photos.

www.arfarfarf.com/troll

These artsy attractions are light on the wallet, but they offer priceless insights into the soul of the city. ■

MIDWEST AIRLINES offers daily flights to and from Seattle/Tacoma. Details can be found at www.midwestairlines.com.