Seattle’s ’10 Things I Hate About You’ Dating Guide
Filmed in and around Seattle, the movie turns 20 this month, and its iconic scenes and venues are ideal date inspiration
By Chris VR March 11, 2019
On March 31, 1999, a now-familiar fresh-faced trio burst onto the screen. In 10 Things I Hate about You, the quirky adaptation of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles and Joseph Gordon-Levitt captivated audiences and portrayed the frustrating, yet endearing nature of love in High School America.
Filmed throughout Seattle and Tacoma, the film’s 20th anniversary is a cause for celebration—or perhaps in famously hard-to-date Seattle, an excuse to emulate the deeply romantic gestures of Patrick Verona (Ledger), who whisks stubborn Kat Stratford (Stiles) on an array of eccentric dates. If you’re looking to impress, consider staging your next date night at one of these locales.
Kerry Park: The setting for the opening credits of the film, Kerry Park is famed for its breath-taking panoramas of downtown Seattle, Mount Rainier and the Puget Sound. As winter fades into spring, bring a thermos of cocoa and cuddle up with your significant other as the sun sets over the Emerald City and the lights of the Space Needle flicker to life.
Lake Union: Patrick and Kat casually navigate a paddleboat around Lake Union with the skyline of Seattle in the distance and a floatplane soaring overhead. Although it’s not possible to rent paddleboats on the lake, recreate the iconic scene by taking in the view with a kayak or SUP rented from Agua Verde Paddle Club, or make it more luxurious with an electric hot-tub boat.
Gas Works Park: The city’s decommissioned gasification plant on the northern shores of Lake Union was the setting for Patrick and Kat’s first kiss and the film’s famous paintball fight scene. While paintball is not an option, you and your date can enjoy the park and soak up our occasional sun on the grassy knoll, enjoy a picnic spread, fly kites or gather to watch the 4th of July fireworks.
Fremont Troll: The gatekeeper of Aurora Bridge has been an iconic landmark since 1990, and when 10 Things I Hate About You was filmed, the troll looked on as Cameron James (Gordon-Levitt) and his love interest Bianca Stratford (Oleynik) plotted Kat’s love life. Is he an all-seeing matchmaker? Stop by for a snapshot and time will tell.
Paramount Theatre: Prom takes center stage here during one of the film’s most lavish settings, and fights between antagonists and protagonists ensue. While no school dance would realistically be held here, it’s a terrific place to take in a show and wow your date: with its crystal chandeliers, marble walls and gold leaf porticos. Oscar, Grammy and Tony award-winners perform here throughout the year (such as Tiffany Haddish – 3/21, James Bay – 4/2 and Dance Theatre of Harlem 4/28).
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