ASRS 2023: Getting a bird’s eye view of the Seattle scene

Seattle is replete with recreational offerings, museums, cuisine and opportunities for family fun. Image credit: ©Oleksandr Dibrova – stock.adobe.com

The 2023 41st annual meeting of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) will run from Thursday, July 27 to Tuesday, August 1 in Seattle.

However, while the conference is replete with educational offerings, it is not all work. This locale offers many highlights. The following is just a small sample.

Sightseeing

Pike Place Market is the oldest operating farmer's market in the country with 500 shops, vendors, restaurants, and bars that boasts the original Starbucks. Address: 85 Pike Street.

The Space Needle: The symbol of Seattle built in 1962 for the World’s Fair, is 605 feet up and provides astounding views of the city and surroundings including Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and the Cascades and Olympic mountain ranges. Address: 400 Broad Street.

Seattle Aquarium: A great venue for families, lets attendees see the underwater world of the Pacific Northwest and a Pacific coral reef. Address: Alaskan Way, Pier 5.

Seattle Great Wheel: At the end of 57, is an air-conditioned gondola that provides a bird's eye view of the city, water, and mountains. Address: 1301 Alaskan Way.

Bill Speidel's Underground Tour: This fascinating 75-minute walk is a stroll through subterranean storefronts and sidewalks that are underground because the city rebuilt on top of itself after the Great Fire of 1889. The guided tour begins beneath Doc Maynard’s Public House, an progressed into historic Pioneer Square, Seattle’s birthplace, before proceeding underground. Address: 614 1st Avenue, in Pioneer Place Park, Pioneer Square, between Cherry and James Street.

Museums and Galleries

Olympic Sculpture Park contains sculptures that can be appreciated in an outdoor setting with the backdrop of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. Admission is free. Address: 2901 Western Ave.

The Museum of Pop Culture is the venue for the Welcome Reception on July 28 and is reserved exclusively for ASRS that night. The museum contains some of the world’s most legendary pop culture artifacts, such as the influential history of Nirvana, explore science fiction, fantasy and horror films, and Jimi Hendrix’s Seattle roots. The venue also has a state-of-the-art interactive Sound Lab! Address: 325 5th Ave. N.

Chihuly Garden and Glass: The site of the ASRS’s Annual Gala, has 8 gallery exhibitions surrounded by a richly landscaped garden and a centerpiece glasshouse with an expansive 100-foot-long sculpture in a color palette of reds, oranges, yellows and ambers. This attraction, described as exquisite, provides a look at the inspiration and influences that inform the career of artist Dale Chihuly. Address: 305 Harrison St.

Seattle Art Museum is located only a block from the Pike Place Market. Visitors can stroll global art collections, temporary installations, and special exhibitions from around the world. Enjoy remarkable Native American galleries featuring Northwest Coast art. The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. Address:1300 First Ave.

Museum of Flight: Visitors can explore the past, present and future of flight in the exhibits and there is a full schedule of special programs. Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Address: 9404 E. Marginal Way S.

Fun For Families

Seattle Center is a fun way to spend the day. Along with local food and beverage kiosks, it offers easy access to the Chihuly Gardens, Space Needle, Children's Museum, Museum of Pop Culture, outdoor play spaces, McCaw Hall, and the Armory.

In addition, for those looking to explore the local cuisine, there are far too many restaurants to mention individually. However, it is needless to say that every palette will be satisfied.