Hip isn’t a word I bandy about with any sort of regularity, but when writing about Seattle, hip is exactly the word that comes to mind. From the omnipresent coffee house to the great arts and music scene to a bounty of boutiques, galleries, and professional sporting teams, Seattle seems to have it all. Singles, families, and outdoor enthusiasts will find no end to the list of things to do (or to the availability of caffeine to fuel them while doing it).

Seattle Art Museum (SAM)
Some museums are so large that I feel overwhelmed, almost pained (I’m talking head and eye aches here), trying to take it all in. Then there are those that remind me of a meal from a Chinese restaurant. Satisfying, but not enough substance to linger in my thoughts. Well, fortunately, SAM is neither. It’s as though Goldilocks walked through the space (newly expanded and remodeled) and claimed it “just right.” The exhibits are well presented and impressive, the space is bright and airy, and the experience is completely satisfying. Finish it off, or kick it off, with lunch at Taste Restaurant, located on the museum’s ground level (and ponder the relevance of the triple X theater located directly across the street). http://www.seattleartmuseum.org/

Space Needle, Seattle Monorail
Touristy? You bet. Worth it? Yep. (You are a tourist, after all).
http://www.spaceneedle.com/
http://www.seattlemonorail.com/

Seattle Mariners
First things first, go Red Sox! Okay, back to Seattle….
The Mariners play in Safeco Field, an awesome stadium with a retractable roof that, when closing, reminded me of a scene from the movie “Independence Day.” It’s as though an alien ship is smothering the stadium. That sight—and the ridiculously large pretzels and beer in plastic cups—make Safeco a Must Do.
http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=sea

Central Library
That’s right, the library. Visit not so much for the books (though the list of events and activities is impressive and tempting) as to enjoy the bold, eye-catching architecture: Steel grids, lots of glass, an odd shape, and the bizarre, but fun-to-walk, four-story Book Spiral, designed to ensure the library can increase its non-fiction collection without disrupting the Dewey Decimal system. And no, it’s not a spiral staircase, but rather a gently sloping walk through the wonderful world of words. 1000 4th Ave, downtown Seattle. http://www.spl.org/default.asp?pageID=branch_central_about&branchID=1

Pike Place Market
A trip to Seattle isn’t complete without a visit to the Pike Place Market. Dedicated in 1907 and covering nearly nine acres (seriously, nine acres!), the market houses 190 businesses and 50 restaurants and takeout shops. Here, you’ll find fresh produce, flowers, seafood, antiques, and goods from around the world. While not exactly exotic, I did purchase the sweetest, most succulent, gloriously-colored peaches I have ever tasted. Prepare yourself for elbow-to-elbow crowds. 
www.pikesplacemarket.org

Shopping
Numerous neighborhoods and districts translate into an absolute abundance of stores carrying everything from clothing and furniture to books and art. Pack light (you’ll need room in that suitcase for all those great finds) and pack cash.
http://www.seattle.com/shopping/
http://www.pacificplaceseattle.com

Green Lake Park
Looking for a break from the city, within the city? Head to Green Lake
Park. Nestled in an urban area, the 323.7 acres boast a beach; boat launch; tennis and basketball courts; soccer, baseball and softball fields; and the popular 2.8-mile long trail circumventing Green Lake. Bring your walking shoes, bikes or strollers, or pack a picnic and relax in this outdoor oasis. We sure did. Dogs welcome.
7201 E Green Lake Dr. N
http://www.seattle.gov/parks/park_detail.asp?ID=307

Ferry to Bainbridge Island
I highly recommend taking the ferry to charming Bainbridge Island for the day. The ride is only 35 minutes long, and it’s a great way to get a panoramic view of the city and its skyline. Besides, being out on the ocean is completely exhilarating. You can catch the ferry at Pier 52 in downtown Seattle. Walk, drive or bike on. We were sans car on this trip, so we walked from our hotel, arriving about 30 minutes early. It was a Sunday, and we had no problem picking up the Sunday “Seattle Times” and a couple of muffins in the terminal. Costs, schedules, and details specific to those bringing their cars: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/

Bainbridge Island
http://visitkitsap.com/cities.asp?ID=1
It’s an easy walk from the ferry into town, where you’ll find of plenty of shops, restaurants, and galleries. We made brunch reservations in advance at
Café Nola, on the corner of Winslow Way and Madison. Must Have: Carmel Pecan French Toast.
http://www.cafenola.com/index.htm

After filling up on brunch or lunch, take a self-guided tour through the manicured gardens and rustic woods that comprise the 150-acre Bloedel Reserve. Here, you’ll enjoy the solitude of the Japanese Garden, Moss Garden, Reflection Garden, Bird Refuge, and Visitor Center (an impressive French Country House situated on bluff overlooking Port Madison Bay). The reserve is approximately seven miles from the ferry, so you’ll need a car, shuttle, or taxi to get there (see below). Or, do as we did, and rent a bike, helmet, and lock in town (details below) and work off the french toast and chai tea from Café Nola. You can return to the bike shop via the same route, or take the hillier, coastal route (ask for directions at the reserve) and enjoy killer views (not to mention the knowledge that you’ve now earned dessert with dinner). $10 per person, $8 seniors, $6 children age 5 to 12.
Reservations are required, so plan ahead at http://www.bloedelreserve.org/ or (206) 842-7631.

Bike rentals in town at Classic Cycles. Check out the vintage and antique wheels showcased in the shop’s backroom.  http://www.classiccycleus.com/new/index.html

Lodging

Executive Hotel Pacific
Located directly across the street from the Central Library and six blocks from Pike Place, the Executive Hotel Pacific is walking distance to just about everything (even Safeco Field). Rooms are super-small (think European boutique hotel), but clean and relatively comfortable. Complimentary wireless Internet is available on the Mezzanine lounge. There’s even a Seattle’s Best Coffee located in the lobby. If you’re looking for luxury or traveling with kids, this probably isn’t the place for you. If, however, you plan to pound the pavement by day and hit the hot spots by night, you just might like it. 
http://www.executivehotels.net/seattle/s_seattle_home.cgi

Hilton Seattle
Know what I love best about Hilton hotels? The beds. Seriously. The hotel chain has some of the most comfortable mattresses in the world (which only makes going home all the more difficult). Located in the heart of downtown, the Hilton Seattle serves up all the amenities the brand is known for: well appointed guestrooms, room service, concierge service, complimentary access to Gold’s Gym, flat screen televisions, Web TV, Nintendo, music channels and more.
http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/SEASHHF-Hilton-Seattle-Washington/index.do

Courtyard by Marriott
If you have a car, or don’t mind walking, this is a great hotel. Rooms are large, bright, comfortable, and affordable (by Seattle standards). Request a room overlooking Lake Union. 
http://www.courtyardlakeunion.com/

Dine

Joey’s Lake Union
New world cuisine. We’ve eaten lunch here on two different trips, a pretty good indication of how much we like it. Try to sit near the windows overlooking the lake. The seaplanes flying overhead perform some sort of a dive-bomb maneuver as they make their way onto the water, skidding to a fast stop between the omnipresent fleet of kayaks, motorboats, and sailboats. Must Haves: Ahi Tuna Tacos, Chinatown Lettuce Wraps with Chicken, Baja Fish Tacos, and The Lunch Grill.
http://www.joeysrestaurants.com/

El Gaucho Steakhouse
Reminiscent of a swanky, oh-so-cool 1950s supper club, El Gaucho is well worth the effort (go ahead, get dolled up) and the splurge. With its black walls, perfectly dimmed lighting, tuxedo-clad wait staff and exemplary tableside service (Caesar Salad, Chateaubriand and Bananas Foster), you probably wouldn’t be surprised if Sammy Davis, Jr., Frank Sinatra, and the rest of the Rat Pack strolled by. Make no mistake, El Gaucho is as much about the experience as it is the food. And the food is exemplary. The restaurant is ranked among the best in the nation. Must Haves: the entire experience. Simply put: if you go to Seattle, you must go to El Gaucho. Check out the Web site for the schedule of live music.
http://www.elgaucho.com/elgaucho/_seattle/home.htm

Andaluca
On their Web site, the owners tag it, “Fresh, seasonal Northwest foods influenced by the flavors of the Mediterranean.” I call it—simply—amazing. Located in the Mayflower Park Hotel, Andaluca was a surprise hit on our last trip to the city. Discouraged when our first restaurant choice couldn’t fit us in, we stumbled upon Andaluca by chance. The space is intimate, with a seasoned wait staff well-versed on menu items and the appropriate wine pairings. Must Haves: Stuffed Dates (delicious…it’s like I died and went to heaven), Roasted Mussels, Cheese Sampler, Lamb Shanks, Grilled Pork Chop. Stop by 407 Olive Way or call (206) 623-8700.