July 11, 2019
DBEI, the Digital Built Environment Institute, is having its 2019 North American events in Seattle next week. These are:
- July 15-16 – DBEI Hackathon NA
- July 17-18 – Design Technology Summit 2019
- July 17-18 – Data Day 2019
- July 18-19 – BCS (Building Content Summit) NA 2019
- July 18-20 – BILT NA 2019
That's quite a schedule of events! And BILT is consistently my favorite technology conference of the year.
Seattle is my adopted hometown, so I'd be remiss if I didn't provide some information about this beautiful city for our out-of-town friends. First off, expect the weather to be mild and very pleasant. The current forecast calls for temperatures in the 67°-76° F range (19°-25° C), with plenty of sun breaks. There is rain forecast for late in the week, but, honestly, it's too early to rely on that. If it does rain, our rainfall is usually light, as opposed to the torrential downpours often portrayed in film. Proof of this is that Seattleites almost never carry umbrellas.
For sightseeing, the premier attraction is of course the iconic Space Needle. Built for the 1962 World's Fair, the Space Needle has an observation deck at 520 ft (160 m). On a clear day, not only can Mount Rainier be seen, but also Mount Baker to the north and even Oregon's Mount Hood to the south.
Seattle's "Great Wheel" Ferris wheel on the Elliot Bay waterfront also offers spectacular views, especially at night.
For shopping, souvenir and otherwise, Pike Place Market can't be beat.
Among other things, check out the only Starbucks still authorized to use the company's original logo (see if you can deduce why the coffee chain probably ditched it).
A lot of people, tourist or otherwise, don't realize that the market consists of more than just the main concourse level–there are several sub-levels, containing some hidden gems. Check out this article for list of some of these.
Decades ago, being a lifelong Marvel zombie, I was pleasantly surprised to discover a comic book store on a lower level of the market. Having just now Googled it to see if it's still there, I'm even more surprised to learn that it purports to be the world's oldest comic shop, "refusing to grow up since 1961." Because the industry didn't start (suicidally) moving away from drug stores, book stores, newsstands, etc. to the direct market until the mid-80's, I'd say that's a fair proclamation!
If you're so inclined, check out Golden Age Collectibles on the Lower Level.
Now for some things that are uniquely Seattle...
Number one on my list of things to do in Seattle is the Underrground Tour. Started as a conservation effort, the tour humorously showcases some unique Seattle history. Trust me, you'll never see – or hear – anything like it again. Whether you're interested in architecture, city planning, or local history, the Underground Tour is a winner.
In my opinion, in a city known for marching to its own beat, there's nothing funkier than the Fremont Troll. Created in 1990 for an art competition, the sculpture incorporates an actual Volkswagen Beetle automobile. It's a great place for a photo op.
July 20 marks,with the Apollo 11 mission, the 50th anniversary of the first time man landed on the moon, and the Museum of Flight has the Apollo 11 space capsule on display. How cool is that? Also check out the museum and learn why Seattle, the home of Boeing, is sometimes referred to as the Jet City.
The Seattle Mariners, with their young crop of talent, are in town at the end of the week, facing off against division rivals the Los Angeles Angels. And, designed by the local office of NBBJ, there are few, if any, better places to watch a Major League Baseball game than T-Mobile Park. Simply put, it's exquisite.
If you're feeling adventurous, buy the cheapest tickets you can and enjoy the game from any number of standing-room-only areas, like Bullpen Landing, which puts you right next to the action.
If you're staying for the weekend, the area offers lots of outstanding hiking trails. In fact, just last weekend, my 9 y.o. sons and I hiked to Boulder River falls, east of Arlington.
I'll be attending BILT. If you see me there and would like to chat, please feel free to flag me down. Here's a recent photo:
If you're the plan ahead type and would like to meet with me, just drop me a line.
In closing, if you're coming to the Emerald City next week, I hope you have a great time!
Tim Grimm
Ye ole editor
Mukilteo, WA
Fully acclimatized since 1993
Updates
July 12, 2019 – Added information about the Museum of Flight
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