Recently in Seattle Category

Seattle has long been a forward-thinking city when it comes to the environment, leading the country in recycling programs and wise stewardship of the land, but a major show in one of the city's most cutting-edge galleries is putting an artistic spin on the low-impact ethos. Reclaim, at Drop City Gallery, is a collection of sculptures made entirely of reclaimed materials from the South Lake Union neighborhood. Local artists John Fleming and W. Scott Trimble give unused and discarded materials new life, as they repurpose what was once a foundation for industry into an inspired vision of the city's artistic future. Wooden pallets, tiles, and other scraps are reborn as blocky towers, undulating waves, and serpentine paths. And in one of the highlights of the show, a collection of disused street signs is rearranged into a collection of colorful flags (pictured) in an amusing take on color and shape. It's one of the the most dynamic shows of contemporary art in Seattle, and it's convenient to several Starwood properties, including the nearby W Seattle. The show runs through November 29, 2008.

There's nothing like enjoying a lovingly-brewed beer with friends, and there will be plenty of that going on in Seattle this September 19-21. The Fremont Oktoberfest 2008 brings a variety of fun outdoor activities to one of Seattle's most dynamic neighborhoods, and, believe it or not, they don't all involve beer. For example, there's the Brew-Ha-Ha 5K run, a scavenger hunt, a pumpkin-carving contest, live music, a canine beauty contest, and a root beer tasting for kids or adults like me who enjoy a good root beer. But when it's time to sample some real beer, you won't be disappointed. The Stranger Microbrew Garden brings together 35 breweries pouring over 70 different kinds of beers, and beer enthusiasts can chat with the brewers and taste their finest brews in a miniature tasting mug. When it's time to kick back with a proper pint, make your way to the Buxom Beer Garden, where you can take a seat and reflect on a beery world of hops, barley, and malt. Fremont Oktoberfest 2008 is convenient to several Starwood hotels, including the stylish W Seattle.

[image via Seattlest]

Looking for some outdoor fun in the Pacific Northwest? Then set your sights on Seattle, where the annual Seafair festival spices up the summer with a wide-ranging series of attractions and entertainment. Every July and August, the city plays host to, well, a little bit of everything, including (but not limited to) a wine tasting, Chinatown festival, bicycle race, Indian pow wow, triathlon, and even something called a Hi-Yu parade. (Okay, Hi-Yu means "abundance" in native Chinook jargon, and the parade features an abundance of colorful floats and Seattle spirit.) The climax of the festival occurs on August 1-3 with two events designed for those with a need for speed. First, the Chevrolet Cup brings high-speed boat racing to Lake Washington, where futuristic hydrofoils skim across the water at more than 200 miles per hour. Not to be outdone, the KeyBank Air Show features the amazing acrobatic flying of the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels, which will have all of Seattle looking up at the sky in wonder and amazement. Guests at the nearby W Seattle or any of Starwood's Seattle properties should take a look at the event schedule to see what's going on in this eclectic festival.

It's often been said that the best way to see Seattle is from the water, but one cruise line in this funky city has taken the concept of the sightseeing cruise to the next level. Every month, Seattle's Argosy Cruises takes guests on an evening cruise that not only features spectacular views of the city, but adds a double serving of action, intrigue, and ... murder. Fortunately, the murder is of the theatrical kind, as a professional theater troupe infiltrates the audience to stage a floating performance like no other. The Murder Mystery Cruise and Dinner, one of several Theme Cruises offered by the company, features incognito performers who reveal themselves as the show gets going. Audiences get to follow the action while enjoying a gourmet meal, and try to figure out whodunit by the time dessert comes around. Doesn't that sound like more fun than a conga line? The Royal Argosy departs from Pier 56 at the Seattle Waterfront, which is a short jaunt from three Starwood properties: the Westin Seattle, the Sheraton Seattle Hotel, and the W Seattle.