Seattle information
Anyone who has ever been to Seattle, or the "Emerald City" as it's often called, can tell you that there is vastly more to it than rain, coffee, and plaid flannel. The unique blend of a breathtaking topography and a thriving arts scene offer visitors both culture and nature. Peppered with museums, theaters, music venues, and seaside shopping areas, it can satisfy the most urban of appetites, while its majestic surrounding mountains and oceanfront location, provide settings for outdoor activities. It's true that Seattle days are often gray or misty, but you'll find that the rain doesn't really stand in the way of any activity--whether you've planned to spend the afternoon milling around Pioneer Square or kayaking on the Puget Sound.
The mid-summer months in Washington are truly spectacular. When the sun shines in Seattle it's easy to see why the city ranks among the most beautiful in the country. With grand Mount Rainier off on the horizon and the bay flanking downtown, the city itself is a sight to see. The hip urban areas of Capitol Hill, the U District, and Pioneer Square have made Seattle a trendy city, and its proximity to Mount Olympia, the San Juan islands, and Canada bring visitors and new residents in droves.
Seattle was named after the Native American chief Noah Sealth who, in 1851, befriended white settler David Denny as he set up camp on Alki Beach. When gold was discovered in northwestern Canada, Seattle was the closest American port for fortune seekers, and the city grew dramatically. These days, Microsoft and Boeing reign supreme in the Seattle area, and Starbucks calls this city home.
While nearby colleges, universities, and a cutting-edge music scene contribute to Seattle's hip and youthful flavor, the Washingtonians who have called Seattle home for generations keep the area's rich traditions alive. The region's laid-back pace makes for a relaxing getaway, while the pulse of the city offers urban entertainment of every variety.
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