Traveling with Pride: Seattle

It's official: Pride season is upon us. Cities across the country are waving rainbow flags to celebrate the LGBT community. And while familiar destinations such as New York and San Francisco continue to raise the roof, there are plenty of other Pride festivals that beckon the gay traveler and offer the opportunity to connect with new communities. Consider adding Seattle to your Pride bucket list. Now entering its 41st year, the Emerald City awaits... just follow the yellow brick road to your west coast dream getaway.

Founded in 1851 by pioneers from Illinois, Seattle was once a small frontier town that eventually grew to become a major shipping hub for the Pacific Coast. The city nearly burned to the ground in 1889 (take that, Chicago) and later became an international spotlight during the 1909 World's Fair and again in 1962.

Seattle has also been an anchor in the commercial aviation industry and visitors can witness the miracle of flight firsthand at Boeing's Future of Flight Aviation Center. Travelers are bound to find affordable and friendly flights aboard Alaska Airlines, which offers more nonstop flights from Seattle than any other carrier. The airline is growing again and will add non-stop service from Seattle to Charleston, South Carolina, Nashville, Tennessee and Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina beginning fall 2015.

Pride Highlights

More than four decades strong, this year's Seattle Pride Grand Marshalls represent the very best that the city has to offer. Co-owners Martha Manning and Shelley Brothers have operated Wildrose for 30 years and claim it's the longest-running lesbian bar in America. We'll drink to that! Also honored this year is Seattle's chapter of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the Abbey of St. Joan. The organization raises money for HIV/AIDS organizations, advocates for queer rights and visibility, and promotes safe sex education.

Prior to the parade, Seattle Pride throws a scrumptious Pride Brunch. This year's venue is Parlor Live Seattle, a 16,000-square-foot entertainment venue. VIP tickets are available, which include exclusive parade seating at Westlake Park.

Out-of-towners can take advantage of Kimpton Hotels. Stay at Alexis Seattle, Palladian, or Monaco Seattle and receive 15 percent off best available rates. The brand will also make a charitable donation to The Trevor Project.

What's New

Space Needle Goes Digital
You can't visit Seattle with ascending the city's iconic Space Needle. Built more than 50 years ago for the World's Fair as a symbol of the future, the 520-foot-high landmark is stepping into the 21st century with a new digital app and on-site digital kiosks. Virtual tours enable visitors to transport themselves to some of the city's most famous attractions, like CenturyLink Field and Lake Union. Learn more at www.spaceneedle.com.

Hot Stove Society
Seattle restaurateur Tom Douglas is the name behind this popular cooking school located inside the Hotel Andra. Classes range from basic skills like knife sharpening and egg methodology 101 to west coast favorites such as how to butcher a whole wild Pacific salmon. Those who prefer to drink their dinner will appreciate summer cocktail workshops. Be sure to visit The �ndra Bar where you can kick back and toast to your culinary accomplishments with a house specialty: Swedish aquavit.

Ring Them Bells
If you've always dreamt of a coastal wedding, take a look at Two Days in Seattle's "Marry Me" webpage. Here you'll discover everything you need to plan the perfect day, including accommodations, catering, venues, flowers, entertainment, and more.

Get Out of Town
Join Evergreen Escapes on a Pacific Northwest adventure of your choosing. Oenophiles will be ready to raise a glass on the Woodinville Wine Trail or at their new Adventure Hub & Winery, while adrenaline junkies will be impressed with the natural wonders of Mt. Rainier National Park and Mt. St. Helens.

Getting There
Alaska Airlines is offering a 10 percent discount to not only Seattle Gay Pride, for which it is a sponsor, but also dozens of Pride celebrations throughout 2015, including New Orleans, Chicago, San Diego, Orlando, Atlanta, and more. Click Here for full listing.