Safeco Field, the home of the Mariners with its retractable roof to let the sunshine in, draws sports fans downtown, as will the new Seahawks football stadium, currently being constructed over the remains of the Kingdome. Plus, how many metropolitan areas can boast mountain and beach access within less than an hour of downtown?

Mountains and Water
Seattle's varied geography encourages a lifetime commitment to personal recreation. Besides hosting some of the most spectacular scenery in the United States, Seattle has more than 6,100 acres of parkland. Walking, hiking, rollerblading and jogging, as well as kayaking, sailing, rowing and scuba-diving all can be done within the city limits. Hills, lakes and waterways help to separate Seattle's neighborhoods, giving them unique characteristics and appeal.

Leaving the city behind, you can hike, ski, mountain- bike, rock climb or fish in the surrounding mountain areas. Whale watching on Puget Sound and island-hopping in the San Juan Islands are also popular weekend activities. Whatever type of lifestyle you're looking for, Seattle has a place for it.

Seattle's geographical location has helped to make it the business and tourist hub of the Pacific Northwest. The city's relationship with Japan and the rest of Asia has brought Seattle economic and cultural rewards. Seattle is also fortunate to be only a 3'/2-hour drive away from one of Canada's largest dries, Vancouver, British Columbia. This close proximity allows a healthy exchange of Canadian and American tourists and business people.

As one of the key cities of the Pacific Rim, Seattle's economy continues to experience a boom. Jobs are expected to increase by 8.5 percent through the year 2002. Unemployment is at an all-time low. The downtown Seattle core has been energized, and developers are building new offices, hotels and retail centers.

Something for Everyone
The consensus is Seattleites are nice. Low-key is a good description, and you'll find a surprising sense of small-town friendliness for a city this size. Ask any resident where they live and chances are most won't say, "Seattle." Instead, you might hear "Green Lake," "Queen Anne," "Capitol Hill" or "Rainier Beach," among others. Each of these places is a neighborhood within Seattle, and each conjures up distinct images of different lifestyles: from active singles to professional couples to traditional families. The Seattle Neighborhoods section profiles the major neighborhoods within the city.

Seattle's suburbs are also distinct. Whether you choose to live in one of the communities north of Seattle, east of Lake Washington, south of Boeing Field or west on the Peninsula, you'll have a choice of areas close to the fast-paced city life, conveniently located to shopping and recreational areas, or rural farmland with acreage and cows. No matter what type of lifestyle you're looking for, there's a neighborhood or suburb to suit your needs. Spend some time exploring the area, and you'll find the one that's right for you.

Looking for that "Seattle Scene?" Go to one of Seattle's many nightclubs or cafes. Check out Belltown for the newest sounds or Pioneer Square for blues and rock. Jazz Alley and the Crocodile Cafe consistently serve up quality acts.

Speaking of serving up quality, Seattle restaurants offer everything from international cuisine to pasta and, of course, seafood. You can dine at the top of the Space Needle, on a train running through wine country or at an eclectic all-night cafe. No matter what kind of food you're in the mood for, you'll find it in Seattle.

You can hardly mention Seattle without the word "latte" sneaking in. Though not the inventor of these tasty coffees, Seattle has adopted espresso as its official drink. Lattes are available at gas stations, fast-food restaurants and on almost every street comer.

Seattle is known also for great wine and microbrew beer. Tours and tastings are available at several local wineries and breweries within easy driving distance from downtown. Many also offer live music and outdoor concerts in summer.

The city proudly showcases its heritage of Native American art in museums and public places. The Seattle Art Museum displays art from all cultures. A gallery walk, an after-hours tour of local art venues, is held monthly at the museum and other downtown galleries.

Exciting professional baseball, football, soccer and basketball teams will get you cheering. Semi-professional sports, such as hockey, and collegiate sports, such as crew, soccer, football and basketball also provide year-round entertainment.

Look through this guide for ideas and then go exploring. Enjoy dinner and the view on the waterfront. Meet your friends at a cozy pub. Spend an evening listening to the symphony. Visit down- town, Pike Place Market or the zoo. Seattle is more than just a city; it's an attitude, a way of life.