This is the main drag that slices across Capitol
Hill, one of Seattle’s edgier communities just up the hill from
downtown. Block after block of hip stores and a wide variety of cafés
and restaurants attract a thriving gay culture and gritty youth
population. On warm nights, Broadway is about as urban as Seattle gets
as it surges with pedestrians. Thanks to the avenue’s proclivity for
over-the-edge fashion, people-watching can be a year-round activity and
great source of entertainment. Broadway has, until recently, served as
the main route for the Seattle Pride March . The march has now moved out of the area.
Broadway Performance Hall1625 Broadway 206 325 3113
Cal Anderson Park/ Lincoln Reservoir
Red Light312 Broadway Ave E 206 329 2200
Bailey/Coy Books414 Broadway Ave E 206 323 8842
Zebraclub421 E Pine St 206 325 2452
The Vajra518 Broadway Ave E 206 323 7846
Dick’s115 Broadway Ave E 206 323 1300
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An affectionate term for
First Hill, the area almost indistinct from Capitol Hill along the same
high ridge above downtown. It’s thick with most of the area’s hospitals
and medical research facilities, hence the nickname.
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There are several pockets of panhandlers and homeless street people along Broadway. Use your discretion if asked for donations.
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Parking on Capitol Hill is at a premium; leave the car at the hotel and take a bus instead.
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Top 10 SightsBroadway Performance Hall Originally Broadway High School, the hall is part of the campus for Seattle Central Community College. Victor
Steinbrueck was instrumental in restoring this structure. Its repertoire
includes film festivals, and music and dance recitals. Jimi Hendrix sculpture This cast iron sculpture of rock legend Jimi Hendrix is located by the popular Pike/Pine corridor. Cal Anderson Park Named
after one of Washington’s openly gay legislators, the park features
Lincoln Reservoir, Bobby Morris playfield, tennis courts, a children’s
play area to the southeast, and an interactive water feature. Dance Steps on Broadway Sculptor Jack Mackie created an amusing series of inlaid bronze dance steps along the sidewalks of Broadway in 1982.
Red Light This
two-story bastion of quirk and fashion is Seattle’s largest vintage
clothing store. Choose from a varied collection with the help of
friendly and informed staff. Bailey/Coy Books A city institution as well as a Broadway favorite, this store is tiny by large chain standards. Expect a gracious and knowledgeable
staff, and an enviable inventory – especially if you’re hunting for gay
and lesbian literature. Zebraclub This
outlet of Zebraclub’s downtown store has an equally modern collection
of urban fashion from designers such as Betsey Johnson and Diane Von
Furstenburg. The Vajra The
name translates as “Destroyer of Ignorance”, and this shop is perfect
for your Tibetan Buddhist meditation supplies. Look for blockprint
tapestries, scented oils, and incense. It’s also a popular spot for
tarot card reading.
Harvard Exit/Egyptian Theaters Broadway’s two vintage movie houses showcase independent films from directors on the vanguard. The Seattle International Film Festival makes liberal use of both the theaters each year. Dick’s Seattle’s
homegrown version of a fast food hamburger joint, and unadulterated
Americana to boot since 1954, this branch is a magnet for crowds on
weekend nights. Quick and delicious, but not recommended for cholesterol
watchers.
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