Seattle

I live in the backcountry of Alaska, about 200 miles from the nearest road. This time of year, we are well into winter, and the entire landscape is blanketed in deep snow and solitude. Life is wonderful in the wilds. Shopping for the holidays is severely limited. So, this past weekend my daughter Mandy and I decided to take a local trip -- meaning we only had to fly 3 hours and 1,500 miles -- to explore the holiday festivities of Seattle's colorful Pike Place Market.

Historic waterfronts in many cities transitioned from gritty transportation hubs to dynamic tourist attractions in the latter part of the 20th century. These destinations display their obvious appeal in the summer — gulls squawking overhead, tantalizing food smells, cooling breezes — as the perfect antidote to a sweltering day in the city. But many urban waterfronts deserve a wintertime visit. Though an invigorating bite to the breeze can turn summer’s leisurely stroll into a brisk walk, the crowds thin to congenial proportions and the crisp air makes everything seem more sharply focused.

The Pacific Science Center's Eames IMAX Theater is scheduled to re-open later this month after undergoing an extensive, months-long renovation to preserve its architectural heritage while introducing state-of-the-art technology to the theater. This article, originally published on the website of the Pacific Science Center, was written by Philip Cosand, a senior projectionist at the theater who clearly enjoys his job. Here, he shares some history of the Eames IMAX Theater, as well as some interesting Theater Trivia, and looks forward to the changes that the almost-complete renovation will bring.

Few people actually appreciate fruitcake. Yet each Christmas, thousands of them crisscross the country, allegedly sent as “gifts.” Encased in a festive tin, many end up stuffed into the closet along with the holiday decorations, saved for regifting next year. There’s no need to let this dubious tradition infiltrate your holiday gift list. The advent of modern shipping methods — overnight delivery, cooled packaging — means you can send gourmet foods your recipients will want to devour the moment your present arrives.

Nothing yields a fresh perspective quite as much as an observation deck. Whether you’re the cautious person who stands back from the rail and looks far, far out or the daredevil who leans as close to the edge as possible, you can’t help but be impressed by the view from umpteen floors up.

Whether you’re a loyal iPhone user or you love your Android device, smartphone apps have changed the way we travel. You no longer need to carry around a map, guidebook, bus schedule, and directions to the restaurant you want to try for lunch. You can find all of that, and more, on your phone.

“The rats are pretty big down here, so don’t fall behind.” So begins the short, quirky and fun descent into the Emerald City’s underground.

EMP presents Can't Look Away: The Lure of Horror Film, an in-depth exploration into horror, and how it is expressed through cinema, biology, history, and contemporary culture.

Got a kid in college? No doubt you’ve already received your invitation to the gala event of the season: Parents’ Visiting Weekend. When your student goes to school in a major urban area, this trip is extra-thrilling. Not only do you get to reunite with your child (while reminiscing endlessly and annoyingly about your own days on campus), you get to do it in a big city! How fun is that?

Sure, you love your car – but maybe it deserves some R & R, just like you do. Leave it in the parking garage at the hotel, and take advantage of the futuristic, whimsical and earth-friendly touring options found in CityPASS locales.