Seattle Weather:  A Bum Rap

They say that if you parachute anywhere into downtown Seattle, you would land mere yards away from the nearest espresso stand.  This might be an advantage in a city that is considered the wettest spot on the planet, but don't believe the hype:  with an average rainfall of approximately 30 inches, Seattle has less precipitation than New York or Miami!

Seattleites are optimists:  more sunglasses per capita are sold here than in any U.S. city and only amateurs carry umbrellas.  On a clear day, the views of downtown Seattle, with the Space Needle, Puget Sound, and Mount Rainier in the background, are breathtaking.  For a special treat, take a ferry from the pier to Bainbridge Island.  From the deck you can enjoy unobstructed views of the city, the Needle, and the mountain – all at once!

An Eclectic Collection

Seattle seems less like a single, cohesive entity than a collection of diverse neighborhoods, each with its own distinctive personality.  Downtown is the bustling commercial hub of the city, and for sheer color and chaos, nothing beats a visit to Pike Place Market.  Explore the veritable maze of edible and inedible treasures, and watch out for low-flying fish as vendors toss salmon to each other, delighting crowds.  Other downtown gems include the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Center, the new EMP (Experience Music Project) and, of course, the Space Needle.  Annual downtown festivals like Seafair usually rate a visit by the Blue Angels, who fly low and buzz the skyscrapers, to the chagrin of office workers.

North of downtown is the bucolic community of Queen Anne Hill, known for its gorgeous homes and stunning views — don't miss the panorama from Kerry Park.  Cross Aurora Bridge into Fremont, a free-wheeling artists' community where coffee and art houses, vintage clothing, and antique stores abound.  But beware the Fremont Troll, who lives beneath the bridge and devours careless Volkswagens that stray too close.  The Woodland Park  Zoo, one of the 10 best in the country, is in nearby Wallingford, where Green Lake is popular with joggers, cyclists, and in-line skaters.

Ya Sure, Ya Betcha!

The neighborhood of Ballard was first settled by Swedish, Norwegian, and Finnish immigrants, and still retains its heritage with a yearly Scandinavian Festival celebrating traditional costumes, dances, and food.  While in Ballard, don't miss the Hiram Chittenden Locks and the fish ladder with its underwater viewing window.  Here you can observe both human and salmon travelers coming home from sea.

In stark contrast to the sleepy character of Queen Anne and Ballard, Capitol Hill is the section of the city that never sleeps.  This neighborhood seems to be riding its own caffeine buzz, with enough restaurants, pubs, and dance clubs to keep its denizens out well past most people's bedtime.  Volunteer Park is a focal point, featuring the Asian Art Museum and a conservatory.  Climb the historic Water Tower for unbeatable views of Lake Washington to the east and the Olympic Mountains to the west.

Given Seattle's rich diversity, there is never a shortage of activity and excitement.  Or maybe that's just the coffee talking.