WHAT TO SEE:
It is definitely worth venturing to the outlying islands. The San Juan Islands beseech you for a visit: just ask locals which are their favorites. Water sports abound, and if you love clamming or crabbing, you'll be in crustacean heaven. Volunteer Park is graced by an impressive Asian art museum. Of course, if phallic symbols captivate you, then go up the Space Needle. Safeco Field, the new home of the local ball team, is a magnificent architectural and engineering feat. Of course, it should be at its price tag: over $500 million! Next to it is the Kingdome, which you can tour if you're interested in this ugly pile of concrete.
WHAT TO DO:
If you love nightlife, you're in the right town! Pioneer Square is a great place to go barhopping and nightclubbing. Often you can pay a cover charge at one place and you'll gain entrance to several other joints. Just walk around the various districts: downtown will remind you of San Francisco with its hills, the International District and Chinatown will take you overseas, and Capitol Hill, the gay/alternative district, has funky shops and is great for people watching. When you visit Seattle, you'll probably still find protestors extolling the evils of the WTO, so drop by the carousel on Pine Street and check out the latest demonstration. If you're into shopping, Seattle is home to Nordstrom's and its Imelda Marcos-inspired shoe collection. Just down the street, on Pine Street, is the Rack, Nordstrom's clearance store, which is convenient in case you forgot anything for your trip. Also nearby is the Bon Marche, another department store that can hold its own against its New York cousins.
WHAT NOT TO DO:
Seattle is very safe, at least compared to other large American cities. Unfortunately, masked thugs have been plaguing the city since the ill-fated WTO meeting in December 1999. If you see anyone wearing a ski mask who is being a bit too aggressive, calmly scoot away.
WHERE TO EAT:
Eating is a delightful experience in Seattle. Start out at the Pike Street Market, a local institution that is hopping with produce vendors, crafts, and hole-in-the-wall eateries. There's plenty of fish if that's what you're craving! Wild Ginger, on Western Avenue, has a daring menu inspired by Southeast Asian recipes. Their satays are wonderful. For some great lunchtime Thai food, drop by Mae Pim Thai Restaurant, on 94 Columbia Street, between First and Western. The friendly staff efficiently whips out great Thai dishes for about five bucks: try the Swimming Rama! Microbreweries abound, so try some of the local suds. Ah, and coffee. This is the home of the latest corporate pox, Starbuck's. If you don't want to pay homage to McCoffee, however, there are plenty of locally owned coffee shops that'll make you a mean cup of java. Chai has become big here as well. During my last day there, a student working at the shop trapped me into a conversation on the virtues of this trendy drink.
WHERE TO STAY:
Seattle is not a cheap city, though the cost of living has not reached the heights of New York or San Francisco. A good place to stay would be the local HI youth hostel, which is at an old immigration station near Pike Place Market on the waterfront. Located on 84 Union Street, you can call the hostel at 206-622-5443 or email them at reserve@hiseattle.org .