Bears in Seattle

[JWBear]

Bill wants to know what and where we should avoid.

[Prudence]

Originally Posted by JWBear

Bill wants to know what and where we should avoid.

You can start with that McD's Kevy mentioned. Unless you like meeting Seattle's local gang population.

In general, north is safer than south. There are areas downtown around 2nd and 3rd in the pike/pine area that I wouldn't hang out in at night. During the day, there are shoppers and workers about, so it's not so bad.

Pioneer Square can be dicey at night. It's also one of the big nightclub scenes. For some reason the whole area gives me the heebie jeebies and always has, but that's just me. It's a very historic area and popular - just be alert.

Anywhere near the waterfront is a bit dicey at night. But being alert is generally sufficient. More likely to be hassled by bums and druggies than attacked.

South Seattle, areas like the Central District and Columbia City are mixed. Used to be much lower class, and now they're being gentrified. So, a mix of white yuppies and gang bangers.

Yessler Terrance should probably be avoided.

Capitol Hill is generally fairly safe. Although my mom always was afraid I'd be hit in a drive-by shooting there. You know all those violent gay gang....

The U-District is generally pretty safe. I might avoid frat row, but that's more because I can't stand the stench o' frat rat. That area is also well known for aggressive panhandling and open drug use, but it's not terribly violent usually.

Queen Anne Hill has a lot of neat shops and restaurants and parks, but I never seem to get there.

Doesn't that make the place sound lovely?

[wendybeth]

Seattle is a lot of fun. As Pru stated, it's an edgy kind of fun, but one that you won't forget anytime soon. Pioneer Square is a blast, but nasty as well, so go in the daytime. (We have a pic of our family posing in front of the totem in the square, while behind us in the bushes a half naked bum is struggling to get his pants back on. This was taken at 4:00 pm on a Sunday). The waterfront is cool- we ate at the Crabpot the last time we were there and it was fantastic. If you want a cool little boutique type hotel, the Warwick Hotel is great! It's within walking distance to everywhere downtown, and has a fabulous deli store across the street where you can buy everything from lite beer to vintage wines, and lots of great food as well.

Have a great time!