what to know about seattle

What to Know About SeattleSeattle’s natural beauty is impossible to miss. Located on Puget Sound, a deepwater inlet on the northwest Washington coast, this scenic metropolis provides outstanding views everywhere you look. Yes, it can be gloomy (locals will tell you that summer finally arrives on July 4). Yes, it can be rainy (the kind of light but persistent rain that requires a rain jacket but not an umbrella). But the reward for putting up with this weather is sweet indeed: the stunning blue skies, warm sun and low humidity that characterize the glorious days of midsummer and early fall in Seattle.

If it’s your first time visiting Seattle, here are a few things you should know.

The soul of the city is in Pike Place Market. There's no better place to be early in the morning, wandering among the produce, seafood, craft and flower vendors as they set up shop. Locally grown raspberries and wood ear mushrooms, sourdough cinnamon rolls, whole Dungeness crab, artisan cheeses, Greek yogurt made from locally sourced ingredients: it's foodie heaven.

The market also is the location of the oldest operating Starbucks (1912 Pike Place), but contrary to popular belief, this Starbucks location is not the original one. (The first one opened in the ‘70s just around the corner on Western Avenue.)

A good way to get acquainted with the city’s history is on a walking tour. And while you can’t pay a visit Café Nervosa from the TV series “Frasier” or Seattle Grace Hospital from “Grey’s Anatomy” (both are fictional locations said to be set in Seattle), you can pay a visit to Lake Union to see the houseboat featured in “Sleepless in Seattle.” Whatever you’re into, Seattle is sure to please. Just don’t forget your raincoat.