Seattle and environs

PNW life

When someone tells me that they're visiting Seattle for the first time, I search out my email list of must-do's while visiting this PNW paradise. If they can make it to half of the stops on the list they're guaranteed to have a good time. Nature, food, coffee, and a funky culture; Seattle has it all. Much like Montreal, I advise the uninitiated to get out of downtown and explore the neighborhoods. Ballard, Fremont, Queen Anne, and Capital Hill are where Seattle really shines. With a car, the region opens up and day trips out to Olympic National Park or up to Anacortes for whale watching are a must. I credit Seattle for teaching me what it is to really love and understand coffee. As for music, I have to restrain myself from visiting Dusty Strings in Ballard out of fear I'll leave with a new guitar I don't need (but want). The KEXP radio station in lower Queen Anne is an indie rock hotspot that often features free live shows of bands passing through town. For Hendrix fans you can visit his grave. For Nirvana fans, go leave a memento at the bench in the park next to Kurt Cobain's house that serves as an unofficial memorial. And yes, you have to visit Pike Place Market. At least eat a few huge oysters from the fish stalls.