Pike Place Market 

Yes, everybody goes there, especially in the summer. But for the insider experience, grab a seat at the bar for lunch at Matt’s in the Market, take a shot of probiotic-packed pickle brine at Britt’s, belly up to the spicy lunch buffet at Kastoori Grill, grab a cured meat plate at DeLaurenti, order a Green Eggs and Ham at The Crumpet Shop and head into Bavarian Meats for a sausage on a stick. Are you full yet?

A Brilliant Discovery

Many visitors fail to check out Discovery Park, 594 acres stretching from a scenic bluff to the sea. The park has stunning views of the Olympic Mountains, and trails lead north all the way to Ballard via Hiram Chittenden Locks. It’s Seattle’s best walk.

Neighborhood Farmers Markets

As much as we love Pike Place -- please don’t call it Pike’s Place! -- the real chance to meet farmers and score some of the freshest produce in the region is at markets around the city, especially the year-round U-District Market each Saturday. Lots of yummy food vendors, too.

A Day at the Beach

Seattle’s first settlers, the Denny party, landed on Alki Beach in 1851. Check out the Birthplace of Seattle Monument, then spend the afternoon people-watching and taking in the gorgeous views of Elliott Bay.

Oyster, oysters and more oysters

These love-’em-or-hate-’em bivalves are blissfully abundant around the city, and often discounted during happy hour. Hit up Taylor Shellfish, Elliott’s, Tankard and Tun, White Swan Pub and Seatown.

Riding the Burke-Gilman Trail

Everybody and their dog does it. So what? Join in and you won’t get a better taste of fitness-conscious Seattle than the B-G, stretching from Bothell to Ballard.

Slurpin' in the City

Whether you love ramen or pho, or prefer soup dumplings, there are a ton of possibilities for noodle fans. Ooink Ramen on Capitol Hill offers modern twists on the classic bowls, including a Mapo Tofu version, and Pho Bac Sup Shop is the latest/greatest pho eatery in Little Saigon that doubles as a wine bar. Loads of well-deserved love is heaped on Din Tai Fung, but Dough Zone is also an awesome option for dumplings packed with a juicy broth.

The Space Needle

We can see this landmark from our now-sold home on Queen Anne, and Leslie has been up and down many, many times on her annual pass. The latest update on the Observation Deck with clear glass replacing the railing is going to make those who experience fear of heights hyperventilate.

Appreciating Public Art

There’s so much to see for free, but the Seattle Art Museum’s Sculpture Park takes the prize for most satisfying experience, with the stunning view of Elliott Bay as the bonus. Picnic spot perfection!

Summit Queen Anne

Want Seattle’s best views -- and also get a workout? Start at Westlake Avenue and Galer Street on Lake Union and start climbing westward. A series of stairways leads up the east side of Queen Anne, crossing over busy Aurora Avenue at one point. After reaching the top, keep walking past Queen Anne Avenue and at Second Avenue West, turn south to hit Kerry Park for the quintessential city view. But even better is Marshall Park five blocks west on Highland Drive.

Brunchin’

Love the fried oyster eggs benedict at Rock Creek in Fremont, the signature pork chop plate at Porkchop & Co., in Ballard, everything on the menu at Terra Plata and the octopus and eggs at Lola. Also, biscuits are BIG around here, and Serious Biscuit bakes the best and turns them into outstanding sandwiches.

Pioneer Proper

The thing we love best about Pioneer Square is not the funky bars -- it’s the history. Stop at Yesler and First and take it all in, just like Doc Maynard did when he built the first cabin here. Then stroll through Occidental Square, originally a salt marsh that was eventually filled in with sawdust as the city grew up.

A Toast to Whiskey, Beer and Wine

The local distillery, brewing and wine producing scene has exploded in the past few years, which is so cool. Celebrate the made-here spirits, suds and fine varietals at Radiator Whiskey, Reuben’s Brews, Pike Brewing Co., Wines of Washington Tasting Room, and very special single malts at Westland.

Seattle’s oldest trees

Seward Park on Lake Washington is a surprising piece of wilderness right in the city. Walk the trails amid the old-growth forest and imagine Seattle the way the settlers saw it.

Of course, there's so much more, but it's a pretty awesome start, right? Please share your favorites and we'll spread the good word.

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