Smart Sightseeing in Seattle

Clichés aside, Seattle is unique: a hip, urban center thrusting up from the shadow of Mount Rainier and situated at the edge of the silvery Puget Sound. Though it has a definitive energy fueled by coffee and a high-tech economy, Seattle retains the laid-back vibe that is typical of the great outdoors. So think outside instead of in for the better part of this whirlwind tour. Oh, and don't worry about the rain. Most of the time, though the sky might be cloudy, you can expect a little light drizzle rather than a steady downpour. Natives don't even carry umbrellas, preferring slickers and good waterproof walking shoes instead.

Start early and head straight for the spot many would argue is the heartbeat of the city, Pike Place. You'll be in good company. The 100-year-old Pike Place Market, America's farmer's market extraordinaire, has hundreds of vendors hawking everything from seafood to silver jewelry and attracts millions of visitors each year. Stroll the stalls, step into the shops and sample some of the "street food." You can put together a breakfast-to-go like a local, with quick stops in one of the French bakeries, a fruit stand, and of course, any one of the coffee shops. Don't just be dazzled by the array of foods, be sure and observe the people. You'll see all kinds here, from buttoned-up business folk to beautiful bohemians. If you're in the mood for a history lesson, The Market Foundation offers fun, informative tours Wednesdays to Sundays, starting at the Market Heritage Center at 1531 Western Avenue.

From the Market, it's a quick walk to a venerable Seattle institution, Elliott Bay Book Co. The exposed brick walls have sheltered thousands of books over the last three decades, including many rare, out-of-print and used selections. There is a coffee shop downstairs in case you need another cuppa joe before you go on to explore the art galleries, boutiques and eateries of historic Pioneer Square, another moveable feast of people watching. Sit on the steps and rest your feet before heading off to the next destination.

One of the things Seattle has become known for is glass, thanks to native son Dale Chihuly. With a tight time budget, you may not have enough hours to get over to the Museum of Glass near Tacoma, but you can step into the Glasshouse Studio and Gallery to see the creative process at work. One of the Northwest's first glass-blowing studios, it features rotating displays by a new local artist each month.

If your feet are starting to tire, take a quick ride on the Monorail over to City Center. You'll have to resist the urge to spend the rest of your time going to all the attractions here, but Experience the Music is an absolute must-see. The outside of this ultra-modern Frank Gehry-designed building, which resembles a smashed guitar, might be worth the price of admission alone. Venturing inside, though, reveals some of music's most cherished relics, from Janis Joplin's floral bell-bottoms to the King's leather jacket.