PlanetEye

There really isn't a replacement for the Space Needle. It has World's Fair history and a great 360 degree view of the city. It is a little pricey though for a fast elevator ride and a walk around the observation deck ($16). You can avoid the fee and spend your money on food instead by eating at Sky City and enjoying a leisurely spin while you eat. (I recommend the restaurant route, since you can peruse the deck after you eat as well, just don't expect all that much regarding the food.)

That said, the Needle isn't the only high view of the city there is. Aside from wonderful view parks like Queen Anne's Kerry or Wallingford's Gas Works Park, there is also the Columbia Center (formerly the Bank of America tower) located on Fourth Avenue and Columbia Street.  Columbia is currently the tallest building in Seattle and at 937 feet is nearly twice as tall as the Needle.  Of course the bonus is that it is also less than half as crowded at any given time.

Take advantage of the Sky View (observation deck located on the 73rd floor) by entering via the main lobby and inquiring at the security desk.  Admission is $5 per person.

Sure, one can see a movie in their own hometown, but sometimes when you're traveling it's nice to kick back and relax in a theater for an hour or two.

In addition to a couple of really neat cinema drafthouse style theaters in the area, Seattle also boasts its own IMAX theater.  Located at the Pacific Science Center at the Seattle Center, the IMAX regularly shows shot for IMAX nature/adventure films and special laser shows...but that's not all. 

One can also catch first-run films there.  Often they are action adventure - such as Spiderman 3 - or movies made specifically to play at local IMAXs - like the latest Harry Potter in 3D! The current film is Kung Fu Panda, but coming up on July 18th, the newest Batman film, The Dark Knight, will be showing there as well. 

Tickets are $10.75 for adults and $8.75 for children 6-12 years of age, which is pretty comparable to non-matinee shows at regular theaters.

Looking for something that you'll never find anywhere else?  Look no further than the Greenwood neighborhood in Seattle.  Located at the intersection of Greenwood Avenue and 85th Street NE, you'll find the Greenwood Space Travel Supply store.

With rocket parking on the roof and an interplanetary atomic transporter located in the store, it's very easy to get to even from as far away as Pluto.  Inside you'll find astronaut food, clothing, blasters, and diversion equipment.  Any little doo-dad your universal travel might need.  In fact, their motto is, "If we don't have it, you don't need it."

The best part of the place isn't really the items you purchase, but the hilarious copy on the packaging.  For instance, you can purchase a Near Death Ray which asks, "Why kill when you can be stunning?" and whose features include, "Stockholm-syndrome compatible" and "Sleek yet undeniably intimidating design."  Any of these items are a must have for the gift giving traveler.

Part of the growing Dave Eggers empire, Greenwood Space Travel Supply is the storefront to 826 Seattle, a writing and tutoring center for children aged 6 to 18.  Manned entirely by volunteers, all proceeds from the store go directly to the non-profit.

There are some things one must see whilst one is in Seattle. The Fremont Troll - who lives under the Aurora (not Fremont) Bridge - is definitely one of them. 

Plan ahead, because although the Troll (and the other many attractions in Fremont) is always available for your viewing pleasure, while you're up in Fremont you should also take the Theo Chocolate factory tour, which absolutely requires reservations.

Theo Chocolate is very much a Seattle company. Not only because they are located in the former Seattle Electric Railway home (and also former Red Hook Ale Brewery), but also because - much like the stereotypical Seattleite - they are committed to producing chocolate in the best manner possible. Using certified-organic, free-trade cocoa beans they control the quality from roasting to packaging for all of their amazing bars and confections. Their history, their convictions, and their methods are all detailed on the tour. The tour also includes - and here is the best part - a LOT of chocolate to sample.

From their Web site:

"Public tours are available seven days a week at 1pm and 3pm, with additional 11am and 4:30pm tours on Saturday and Sunday. The tour is $5 per person ages 5 and older. RESERVATIONS ARE RECOMMENDED. TO MAKE A RESERVATION PLEASE CALL (206) 632-5100."