Washington - Landmarks and Points of Interest
- By Smithsonian.com
- Smithsonian.com, November 06, 2007, Subscribe
(Page 2 of 2)
In a city filled with architectural marvels, many have claimed Seattle's Central Library, opened in 2004, as the most imaginative and distinct structure. Designed by a Dutch architectural firm, the striking, silvery 11-story metal and glass figure dazzles visitors on either side of its 1.45-million volume collection.
Other man-made marvels are honored at Kent's Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum, the only one in American dedicated to powerboat racing. Paying homage to the region's maritime and boat racing tradition, the collection features hydroplanes spanning seven decades, including boats that have won 17 Gold Cups.
Washington is home to another novelty museum, the World Kite Museum in Long Beach on the state's coast. Now in a new 10,000-square-foot building, it's still the only American museum dedicated to kites, kite makers and famous kite fliers.
A reminder of the early farming industry, the three-story Barron Flour Mill in Eastern Washington's Oakesdale, has withstood the Depression, and the advent of supermarkets. This flour mill continues today, supply the finest flour to a broad spectrum of people, ranging from rural communities to the finest organic diners in New York.
The self-proclaimed "Antique Capital of the Northwest," Snohomish, north of King County, is justified in its title, with 450 dealers offering their wares within five blocks. Astride a river carrying the same name, Snohomish itself feels collectible, with an array of historic Victorian homes, a turn-of-the-19th-century village, and gardens around town.
Paying homage to Washington's state flower is the Rhododendron Species Foundation and Botanical Garden in Federal Way. One of the world's largest rhododendron collections, this site boasts more than 10,000 rhododendrons in a brilliant array of colors against a 22-acre backdrop of native conifers.
An unusual roadside attraction, Ex-Nihilo (also known as Recycled Spirits of Iron), has been turning many heads en route to Mount Rainer. This 4-acre outdoor gallery features sculptures created from recycled iron and driftwood by artist Dan Klennert.
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Comments (3)
cool fun
Posted by on May 15,2012 | 04:39 PM
bad
Posted by Zoe on April 10,2012 | 01:15 PM
Noticed your write up on the Steptoe Battlefield in Rosalia, Wa. My husband and I are volunteers at Rosalia's 1923 Texaco (which was placed on the State and National Register in 2006 following a EPA Brownsfield cleanup) and now serves at the Rosalia Visitor Resource and Interpretive Center for the Steptoe Battlefield State Park. For the last 7 years our group of volunteers have been working with State Park to place 3 new interpretive panels at the battlefield/. It would be great if someone from the Smithsonian where present for the Dedication Ceremony of the panels. We have invited the 5 local tribes that were involved in that battle along with the Governor, senators, representatives, historians and the general public to witness the ceremony to be held June 7, 2008 following the Rosalia Annual Battle Days Parade at approximately 11:30 am Find out more about our town, Texaco and Battlefield on www.rosaliavic.org Thank you
Posted by Diane Nebel on April 18,2008 | 05:55 PM