FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Uncover the Past: Explore Pioneer Square, Seattle’s Oldest Neighborhood

by Eugenia Lazaris

Feb 3, 2023

© Yooran Park | Dreamstime.com

January/February 2023

Like most big cities, Seattle’s distinct personality is made up of the sum of its many parts. Each of The Emerald City’s unique neighborhoods offers something distinct, and exploring them provides as much of an adventure as visiting the Space Needle or wandering stalls at Pike Place Market.

Pioneer Square, just south of downtown, offers a window into the city’s storied past and lets visitors discover how history shaped its modern personality. The area, first established in 1852 and Seattle’s oldest neighborhood, is built on the ancestral land of the indigenous Coast Salish people. As it evolved, various cultures, ethnicities and industries comingled to create a modern art ,food and wine hub that honors the city’s cultural roots.

The 1-square-mile Pioneer Square neighborhood is best explored on foot. Walking along its cobblestoned streets, you can take time to enjoy the beautiful architecture of historic buildings and relax in the peaceful parks and public spaces that feature installations from local artists. Find the heart of the neighborhood in Occidental Square, a beautiful tree-lined plaza that provides play spaces for kids (along with plenty of activities like bocce ball courts and ping pong tables for adults), totem poles and woodcarvings depicting images from indigenous lore, trendy cafés and wine bars, and quaint shops and boutiques that include independent bookstores and art galleries.

Smith Tower

© Iandewarphotography | Dreamstime.com

These historic streets no only let you explore modern Seattle but also historic treasures like Smith Tower, the city’s first skyscraper. Dating back to 1914, Smith Tower gives a glimpse into history with a Prohibition-era bar that sits atop the tower in the observatory. Complete with an open-air observation deck displaying a 360-degree view of the city with the beautiful Puget Sound nearby, this observatory is accessible via the building’s original gilded elevator, still powered by its original DC motor.

To dig even deeper into the history of the area, head below the streets of Pioneer Square for a guided experience with a Beneath the Streets tour. This excursion takes you deep underground to see what is left of the original city of Seattle that burned down in 1889 by exploring long- abandoned tunnels and passageways from the 1890s.

Whether looking to explore Seattle’s past or spend a day meeting deadlines in one of the neighborhood’s convenient coworking spaces, Pioneer Square provides the perfect introduction to a melting-pot city ripe with history, culture and personality.

 

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Apr 17, 2025

United Airlines Launches Direct Flights from Newark to Madeira, Faro

We’re calling it now: Portugal is going to be the destination of the summer thanks to a new partnership between Madeira Promotion Bureau, VisitAlgarve and United Airlines. These destinations are excited to announce the launch of two new direct flights routes from Newark (EWR) to Portugal’s Madeira (FNC) and Faro (FAO).

Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach

Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.

April 2025
Apr 17, 2025

Budapest, Hungary’s Vibrant Capital, Emerges as a Go-To City for Business and Beyond

Straddling the Danube River, the Hungarian capital splits into two parts: Buda and Pest. Buda sits on the west of the river with a series of historic buildings nestled among steep hills, while Pest is flatter and located on the east bank of the river.

Daily
Apr 17, 2025

Exclusive St. Barts Hotel Offers for 2025

Embrace the warm breezes and turquoise waters of St. Barts with these exclusive hotel offers available this year.

Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive

Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.

Daily
Apr 16, 2025

Wine Festivals and Events Happening in California This Month

April marks California’s Down to Earth Month wine celebration. Wineries throughout the state participate with fun-filled festivals and events, with a focus on sustainable winemaking.

eFlyer Deals
Apr 16, 2025

The Lake House on Canandaigua Debuts Spring in Bloom Vacation Offer

Head to the Finger Lakes region in New York this spring and stay at The Lake House on Canandaigua. This boutique property welcomes spring with the all-new Spring in Bloom Vacation offer.

Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage

Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.

eFlyer Deals
Apr 16, 2025

Holland America Line Celebrates 152 Years of Cruising with Anniversary Sale

Holland America Line celebrates 152 years of memorable cruises with its Anniversary Sale, through April 30. With this promotion, guests receive up to 30 percent off cruise fares, onboard credits of up to $300 per stateroom and 50 percent reduced deposits.