Along with the rest of Western Washington, we said goodbye to the Viaduct this past Saturday. The Alaska Way Viaduct, Seattle’s elevated highway that runs through downtown has gorgeous views of the waterfront, Pike Place Market, and surrounding cityscape.

For those not familiar with the project, the viaduct is being torn down due to age. Instead, drivers will use the new highway 99 tunnel. Seattle’s waterfront will be revitalized with walking paths, elevated overlooks, and more public spaces to enjoy the beauty of the city, Elliott Bay, and beyond.

It’s funny to think we actually “beat” the crowd. By showing up in the late afternoon (after nap time) we waited in a swift moving line, and entered in less than 10 minutes. At the start of the event, the line stretched 4 blocks, and lasted an hour. We’re so glad we waited!

Our farewell included walking a quarter of a mile or so from Seneca Street to the Viaduct’s northern end where the Battery Street tunnel begins. Along the way, we stopped to take in views of downtown, admiring the Great Wheel, ferry boats, and iconic piers.

What I wasn’t expecting, but certainly should have knowing our unique city, was the outpouring of creativity from our local artists, musicians, and writers. An art car covered in toys had Georgia captivated, the kids climbed aboard wooden goats, and the skyline was filled with windsocks and wire puppets.

When we made our way into the Battery Street tunnel, soon to be filled with the rubble of the Viaduct, I thought Georgia might get spooked, and prepared myself. Instead, she was moved by the novelty of it all, and enjoyed walking along the curb listening to her echo.

Once out of the tunnel, we circled back, and actually walked above the action, on Battery Street. The kids screamed through the sidewalk vents, chanting “HELLO TUNNEL PEOPLE!” as we made our way through Belltown. We continued down First Avenue toward Pike Place Market, and joined the celebration at one of our market favorites, Old Stove Brewing Co. As the new waterfront project progresses, Old Stove will soon be accessible through a pedestrian pathway.

We capped the evening off with a visit to Shug’s Soda Fountain & Ice Cream—the kid’s first time! I’m not sure what they liked better, riding the mechanical horse or devouring the sundae with blueberry ice cream. On the way to Shug’s, we tried to sneak in a quick stop at Beecher’s Cheese (the Cheese Factory, if you ask Georgia), but unfortunately were just a few minutes late. We still got to peer inside though, watching the cheesemongers clean the large vats, and pretend to spray us!

While many Seattleites, also took a walk through the new Highway 99 tunnel, we decided to save that experience for our upcoming family bike ride. On Memorial Day weekend, Cascade Bicycle Club is hosting the Emerald City Ride: a bike adventure (car free!) through the new tunnel stopping at Gas Works Park, and then heading back via I-5.