………and so the journey began…off to the Emerald City
It had been years since the Tin Man had ventured to one of his favorite cities, The Emerald City : Seattle
We found a most interesting hotel……The Arctic Club…
The site of the Arctic building was originally owned by Joseph R. Lewis, the Chief Justice of Washington Territory and a direct descendant of George Washington‘s sister Betty.
The home he built on the site in 1875 was considered one of the finest in Seattle at the time. The house was replaced in 1892 by the three-story, brick Seattle Theatre, designed by the firm of Saunders and Lawton.
The newly formed Rainier Club occupied the office portion of the building until it and the theater were replaced by the Arctic Club Building in 1916.
The Arctic Club was formed in 1908 by successful veterans of the Klondike Gold Rush.
The existing Alaska Club was merged that year into the Arctic Club. In Seattle, it was a fraternal men’s club for businessmen with Gold Rush or Alaska connections.
Upon arrival we were greeted by a lovely welcoming Cheese and Fruit Tray….perfect after a long day of travel…
The Accommodations were very masculine and warm…the hotel had an old world charm.
The Northern Lights Room is over 100 years old and features a domed, stained glass ceiling that uses natural light to showcase the beautiful stained glass …
A nice walk along the waterfront to Pike Place Market..
YAY…….arrived at Pike Place Market…….
It has been a while since Tin Man visited and he was quite disappointed to see that the market and his favorite surrounding fooderies have become so commercialized….the hometown feel is gone…..but it was nice remembering the good ole days….
An old time favorite….used to be called the Russian Bakery now……Piroshky, Piroshky…
A long line with que out in the street……this once unknown now a tourist destination…the fare much smaller and not as delightful…
Oh well……….it was still fun……..and then the Turkish Delight Shoppe……oh…closed today….oh well…
Even the Emerald City has changed…….time to sit for some Gelato….
Cantaloupe, Pleeeeaaasssseeeee….
Back to The Arctic Club to Club Juno for a nice dinner and some chardonnay….
All though things have changed and Tin Man missed the simpler times, it was a lovely visit
Tales and Travels of the Tinman 
What a treat to see the Tin Man back in The Emerald City! I like the masculine look of the hotel and can forgive the club/building its past of probably excluding women. The photos are outstanding – like the softened edges on some of them. Yes, it is sad when we revisit a place and see that it has changed but a little chardonnay helps ease the loss. I am glad to see you posting and sharing your journey!
Thank you, my dear. Yes it is good to be back in blogland. You are perfectly correct that chardonnay does ease the loss. This was a grand loss so several bottles were necessary and we are still maintaining a maintenance dose………lol. Hope all is well with you!!
The Arctic Club made the journey into the past all worth while. In this world of cookie cutter almost everything we yearn for the quiet, the quality, the clarity of a place like this. When fleets of hotels are so alike you have no idea if you are in Tokyo, London or Atlanta something as original as The Arctic Club will remain forever in your memory. Like The Tin Man it has heart!
Kisses and Hugs my dear friends……….our Emerald City is in for more rain……my goodness……feast or famine here in these hills.
Lar has just asked me to ask you about watermelon seeds, He is obsessed about planting watermelon that tastes like watermelon use to… you know with lots of seeds and even more flavour. Stay dry dear friends. Run between the drops. It works for me. XXOO L & V
Dear Monsieur Tin Man, Again, I am GREEN with envy. Historic markets. Old hotels. The perfect day, in my book. Your shots are wonderful, as always. Where’s the Tin Man? Well, there he is by Gelato! Perfection. You look so happy. The Northern Lights room is amazing. I like the little room under the clock. Any old concierge desk? Any interesting architectural traces in the lobby? Elevator? (I also love the wallpaper.) What fun.
Gorgeous!
Theadora
Dearest Theadora………so nice that you always come to visit and have the most beautiful words. You lift my spirits!! The Northern Lights Room was quite amazing and the photographs do it little justice. The little room under the clock looked as if it was a coat check station or a concierge or ticket station. Reminded me of the old train station in Toledo, Spain. The entire hotel was a treasure trove of surprises from the past. Just Delightful at every turn.
A cloakroom or ticket station . . . Interesting. OH, I love chasing traces from the past. Again, what a gorgeous post. Enjoy the weekend!!
Always fun to travel with you even from afar.
You should write a book about your travels. You have the gift for sure.
You are far too kind. The blog actually started as a way to share travel photos with friends and family. It has led to some very nice friendships, like ours.
Ahhh! Your kindness is appreciated too in a world that seems very unkind. I always look forward to hearing from you.
I agree you should.
Sweet words and encouragement………thank you.
My accommodations were not so luxurious as I stayed with my cousin. It is sad when the changes erode the old charms. Of all the cities in the entire Country, I would say Seattle is probably #2 on my list. Like Bennet and others, my heart remains in the city by the bay…
Alas, I have traded those shores for my new life along The Mediterranean and would not trade it for the world. However, there is much more to France that beckons. 🙂 Léa