Seattle

Surrounded by natural beauty, Seattle, Washington, offers something for everybody: art, culture, a lively music scene, dining options representing global cuisines, exciting shopping venues, professional sports and outdoor recreation, in spades.

GETTING THERE & AROUND

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport lies about 14 miles south of downtown Seattle and is served by light rail, buses, shuttles, taxis and ride shares, with car rental also an option. Amtrak service to points east and north-south operates from Union Station, and Seattle also hosts two cruise line terminals. Public transportation throughout the city includes Link light rail, Seattle Center monorail, King County water taxis, buses and streetcars, all of which can be paid for using the ORCA transit card. In addition to taxis and ride sharing, dockless JUMP electric-assist and Lime (e-assist and pedal) app-based bicycle sharing services are available. For a uniquely Seattle experience, consider hopping a Washington State Ferry for a daytrip to a nearby Puget Sound island.

LODGING

The Edgewater Hotel

The city’s only over-the-water hotel, since 1962 The Edgewater has provided accommodations for musicians from the Beatles to Led Zeppelin and features unique, band-themed suites.

2411 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121, tel 206 792 5959 edgewaterhotel.com

The Paramount Hotel Seattle

With classic décor and a central downtown location within walking distance of key attractions and the state convention center, this boutique hotel proves ideal for business or leisure travelers.

724 Pine St., Seattle, WA 98101, tel 206 292 9500 paramounthotelseattle.com

Willows Lodge

Every guestroom features a stone fireplace at this luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Woodinville’s wine country, also offering a spa, landscaped grounds and fine dining.

14580 N.E. 145th St., Woodinville, WA 98072, tel 425 424 3900 willowslodge.com

PHOTO: © EMILY743 | DREAMSTIME.COM

DINING

El Gaucho Seattle

Fresh seafood and Prime Angus Beef prepared on a charcoal grill figure prominently on the menu of this upscale, dimly lit steakhouse where tuxedo-clad staff and live piano music harken back to a bygone era.

2200 Western Ave. Suite 101, Seattle, WA 98121, tel 206 728 1337 elgaucho.com

Palisade Restaurant

Weekend brunch and lunch and dinner menus, not surprisingly, feature fresh Northwest seafood and an extensive wine list. Dine indoors or out and enjoy views from Palisade’s Elliott Bay Marina location.

2601 W. Marina Place, Seattle, WA 98199, tel 206 285 1000 palisaderestaurant.com

Pike Place Chowder

If you’re going to be at the Market, don’t miss the award-winning chowder here. Choose from eight varieties or, if you can’t decide, opt for the four- or eight-serving sampler. Take-home quarts also available.

1530 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101, tel 206 267 2537 pikeplacechowder.com

ATTRACTIONS

Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

With a mission to make creative expression a lifechanging force, MoPOP is more than a museum of popular culture. The former Experience Music Project (housed in its visually astonishing Frank Gehry-designed building) offers classes, workshops, special programs and events. Exhibits cover topics from science fiction to horror films, video gaming to classic rock heroes.

325 Fifth Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109, tel 206 770 2700 mopop.org

Seattle Underground Tour

This 75-minute tour provides a totally unique perspective of Seattle, offering “history with punchlines” as guides escort guests beneath the sidewalks and buildings of the city’s historic Pioneer Square to explore the city left behind following the Great Fire of 1889.

614 First Ave., Seattle, WA 98104, tel 206 682 4646 undergroundtour.com

Woodinville Wineries

Just 30 minutes east of downtown Seattle lies Woodinville wine country, four distinct districts boasting more than 115 wineries, restaurants, hotels, breweries, shops and more. The area makes for a fun daytrip or a relaxing weekend. Walk or take a bike between wineries, or sign up with a tour company or tasting shuttle. A wide selection of Woodinville Wine Passes — digital tickets — can be downloaded to gain discounts for tastings and tours.

woodinvillewinecountry.com