Even gray, drizzly forecasts won’t cramp a visit to picturesque Seattle, where great coffee, amazing seafood and a vibrant music scene reign supreme. Nearly surrounded by water, the Emerald City is situated on low hills overlooking the harbor of Puget Sound.

Take an elevator to the top of the 605-foot high Space Needle, located just one mile north of downtown, to scope amazing views of the city’s lakes and mountains. Pike Place Market, home to the famous flying salmon, offers everything from fresh seafood to beautiful flowers. A short walk away, Pioneer Square Historical District is home to charming bistros, bookstores, boutiques, and bars. You can also take an interesting underground tour of the city that goes beneath the streets and storefronts surrounding the square.

Lake Union’s houseboat community, made popular in the film “Sleepless in Seattle”, is worth visiting. The lake is also the perfect place to participate in activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Eclectic Fremont, a bohemian community of free thinkers, features a fun assortment of funky bars, little shops, and cozy sidewalk cafes.