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Also unique to the area, the Museum of Glass celebrates Seattle's distinct position as the second-largest glassblowing city in the world (only Venice, Italy has more studios than Seattle) and includes galleries, outdoor exhibitions and an education studio. Likewise, Seattle's International Film Festival, held each year in late spring, earns its place in the credits as the largest film festival in the U.S. In this birthplace of the grunge scene, music festivals are common but if you can only make one, choose Bumbershoot. Every Labor Day, thousands of artists in every variety pack the Seattle Center for four days of art and music. Another not-to-miss attraction is the Experience Music Project (EMP), opened in 1999 as the brainchild of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. With its shocking architectural statement as its setting, EMP began as a haven for Jimi Hendrix memorabilia and evolved into an interactive tribute to the history and evolution of rock and roll, jazz, R&B and blues - a place to explore and celebrate music diversity. You'll find traditional and interactive exhibits, educational programs, hands-on workshops, and live performances. And this place isn't named SEAttle for nothing. The fishing trade is still a large part of the city and there is nowhere that better illustrates that point than Pike Place Fish (as seen on MTV's Real World: Seattle). As the nation's oldest continually working farmer's market, Pike Place Market is an open-air emporium with fresh produce, meat, seafood, dairy and herbs, handcrafted work by local artists, and a collection of shops, restaurants and eateries. (Legend has it that Pike Place Market claims another slice of history as home to the very first Starbucks in 1971.) Asian culture is especially pronounced in Seattle, a gateway for visitors and immigrants from China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and other Far East cultures. You won't want to miss the 15-day Chinese New Year celebration in Chinatown, or a trip to the Seattle Asian Museum in Volunteer Park. For Native American performance, food and goods, the Indian Art Market and Salmon Bake is held on selected Saturdays in the months of October through March at the Daybreak Star Cultural Center in Discovery Park. Seattle's cuisine is as diverse as its population. Locals head to Salty's on Alki for the exceptional seafood and the extraordinary view. Other favorites include La Rustica (Italian), Union (eclectic), Yarrow Bay Grill (seafood), La Carta de Oaxaca (Mexican), EN (modern Japanese) and Soup Daddy (a staple lunch spot popular with locals). Dick's Drive-In, the oldest fast-food restaurant in Washington, is located in Seattle. Since 1954, Dick's has been serving hand-cut fries, generous portions, and classic milkshakes to satisfied customers. With a Dick's Deluxe burger, you can't go wrong. If you're looking for a more glamorous meal, set out for the Metropolitan Grille. The elegant high ceilings and dark wood paneling will prepare you for an equally exquisite meal. Try the chateaubriand or New York strip for some of the best steak in town, or opt for one of the fantastic seafood dishes. For more information on life in Seattle and Puget Sound Region, go to:
www.seattle.citysearch.com
www.seattleinsider.com
www.digitalcity.com/seattle/
www.apartments.com
www.relocationcentral.com
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