Seattle's "Holiday Tree" lights up the neighborhood all year 'round

Photo by Ryan Whitney , Creative Commons

Since the mid-70's, Herb Allwine and his wife, Mary Lou, have decorated the tree on the corner at their house for every holiday. Each year it became more elaborate to the delight of all the neighbors. Mary Lou passed away a few years ago, but Mr. Allwine still decorates the house in honor of his wife. Here's a video below with the whole story.

Sound of Light Reflector Art Installation

Artist Dick Elliot has created an incredible public work of art that you can see from your car or get out and examine more closely. The cool thing is you can see it even at night, as it's made out of reflector buttons that light up as autos pass by.

The Sound of Light is a public art piece that enhances the Hudson Wall Of Seattle’s Sound Transit light rail corridor. It is composed of 35 reflector panels attached to the retaining wall. The largest panel is 5’ wide by 20’ tall. It was installed in the fall of 2007 and was recognized by American's for the Arts Recognition for Innovation in Public Art. The piece runs for 2 blocks along Martin Luther King Way on the Seattle Sound Transit Light Rail Corridor between Dawson St. and Hudson St. It can only be seen when driving north.

Here's a photo of Richard Elliot in front of his creation.  He passed away in 2008. 

Seattle's Luna Park Cafe - Still crazy after all these years

The original building constructed by Chris Boysen right after World War II. You can still see his namesake on the adjacent apartment building. Originally built as a neighborhood tavern, the building went through various identities over the decades. The last one being the infamous “Pat & Ron’s Tavern” which closed in 1988. After months of work on the space, it reopened on March of 1989 as Luna Park Cafe. The name coming from the former boardwalk park that existed in West Seattle in the early 1900’s. Over the years it has become a museum of sorts for all generations to enjoy. With a 1958 Seeburg Jukebox, other coin-ops like Pepe the Dancing Clown and the mini Orchestra above the front door and plenty of nostalgic decorations, this diner is a haven to it’s regulars and a spectacle to newcomers. The idea behind the cafe is to serve delicious food and great milkshakes in a 1950’s diner atmosphere and they definitely succeed! 

 Luna Park is located at 2918 SW Avalon Way, Seattle, WA 98126