“Olympic Peninsula and Olympic National Park — Home to the only temperate<!–more–> rain forests in the continental U.S., old growth forest, rugged un-spoiled beaches, mountains, abundant wildlife and our state’s rich Native American heritage, the Olympic Peninsula and Olympic National Park. Pike Place Market — Seattle’s Pike Place Market: It will always be known as Seattle’s soul. It’s simply better than any other public market in the world. Washington Wine —With more than 850 wineries,Washington wine will play a growing role in state tourism promotion in the future.”
— Tom Norwalk
President & CEO, Visit Seattle
“A ride on the Big Wheel — View breathtaking mountains, clear water, and a beautiful city—you can see forever. Chihuly Garden and Glass — Spectacular color and artistry of our most famous glass artist. The café has Chihuly’s personal collections and great food. Pike Place Market — Take a food tour—the very first Starbucks, fresh produce and flying fish!”
— Ted Fick
CEO, Port of Seattle
“My top three treasures: The Plate of Nations annual event that features the rich diversity of local restaurants in SE Seattle along MLK Jr. Way South, taking place this year from March 20 – April 5, 2015. The Bullitt Center on Capitol Hill, which is the greenest commercial building in the world. Fremont Brewing, a family-owned craft brewery founded in 2009 to brew small-batch artisan beers.”
— Jennifer Tam
Restaurant Advocate, City of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development
“Seattle really is one of the best places to live. The University of Washington is known for its teaching and research commitment, it is home for many of the nation’s fastest growing high-tech companies, and we have fantastic healthcare. There is also the Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park. This magnificent Art Deco building is one of the Northwest’s most cherished cultural treasures.”
— Ben Zhang
CEO of Greater China Industries
“The Japanese Garden at the Aboretum is a treasure. It’s peaceful, spiritual, beautiful and captivating. You feel solitude and refuge. The three crown jewels in our region are Jim Ellis, Dan Evans and Bill Gates Sr., who have done so much for our state. They give back in many ways constantly.”
— Nate Miles
Vice President of Government Relations, Lilly
“Chinatown is the most important treasure in our state. History, heritage and culture are the characteristics of Chinatown. This is the place where I can see all my friends; we built the Chinese Gate in 2008 with a joint effort of all the Chinese community organizations. It just makes me happy to be in the community. The only thing I wish is we had more parking…”
— Kwan Louie
Former president, Soo Yuen Association
“My original destination was to go to Georgetown University, On the way, I stopped in Seattle and it changed my whole life. In 1964, my friend persuaded me to stay in Seattle. He talked about how beautiful our city was. I changed my mind and didn’t go to D.C. The quality of life here is the best. I have not regretted my decision and love this place more and more. The Evergreen state is a top treasure in the whole U.S.”
— Richard Ma
Retired State Auditor
“Mayflower Park Hotel is a beautiful place. Glacier covered mountains, raging rivers, surrounded by water…it is heaven and earth. Our food offers lots of creative and diverse restaurants/bars and close proximity to fresh grown and caught produce and seafood. Our people are diverse, creative, receptive, progressive, and entrepreneurial.”
— Paul Ishii
General Manager, Mayflower Park Hotel
“I travel often and to many parts of the world. It doesn’t matter where I go, I come home to Seattle. There is no comparison with Seattle. I visit Vancouver and Richmond B.C. a lot because I have family there. BC with all the fine Chinese restaurants and grocery stores, is convenient for immigrants. But everything there costs twice as much. The quality of life is better in Seattle.”
— Hsiao-lin Wang
Owner, China Harbor Restaurant
“My list of Washington state treasures are Mount Rainier National Park (stunning natural beauty; often overlooked by locals); our colleges and universities (an incredible system which fuels our economy) and our former governor and U.S. Senator Dan Evans (model leader, worked both sides of the aisle to help the State)”
— Brad Tilden
CEO, Alaska Air Group
“If one imagined the history of Seattle as a family photo album, page after page would be filled with pictures of the Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park. Since its opening in 1933, generations of young children have played on the camels that flank the front door and then crossed the threshold for their first visit to a museum. This magnificent Art Deco building is one of the Northwest’s most cherished cultural treasures.”
— All of us at Seattle Asian Art Museum