Welcome to Seattle, one of the most diversified cities in the US! Seattle is often credited as the birth place of grunge, but musically and culturally it is so much more than that. The legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix was born here, and the world’s most famous martial artist Bruce Lee made this city his final resting place. Modern Seattle is a breathtaking mix of natural beauty and a sustainable urban lifestyle. Education levels are extremely high, public transportation is some of the best in the nation, and vibrant, caring people make Seattle a great place to visit and maybe even a better place to live!

Here is what’s going on in Seattle to check out during your Memorial Day trip.

Seattle International Film Festival: Going on right now (May 19 – June 12), the SIFF is one of the world’s leading film festivals. The festival makes it’s home at the Nesholm Family Lecture Hall of McCaw Hall, the same place that the famed Seattle Opera calls home, but also hosts screenings at additional venues. One fun and unique feature is the “Secret Festival”, a four-film sidebar whose attendees do not know in advance the films they will be shown, and are sworn to secrecy about what they see inside.

Northwest Folklife: Every year starting in 1971 over Memorial Day weekend Seattle becomes a cultural hub for a particular ethnic community or folk tradition. This years festival focuses on Northwest stories and celebrates the Bulgarian community. Each year the Folklife fest brings over 6,000 performers together with an estimated 250,000 visitors for a cultural celebration that the entire city enjoys. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated and well worth it, and the International Fountain at the Seattle Center becomes a public water park, fun!

Pike Place Market: Seattle is home to many famous faces; Starbucks, Costco, and Amazon just to name a few. However, the true Seattle experience can only be had at the world-famous Pike Place Market. You’ve most likely already seen the Pike Place Fish Market guys throwing 3-foot salmon toeach other, but what you may not know is the market spans over 7 acres and accommodates over 500 local vendors. If you don’t make it out to this amazing throwback market at least once in your life you will miss out on an enriching and engaging event.

Seattle Washington, the birthplace of Grunge and Starbucks

Downtown Seattle is also renown for their fresh seafood caught from the bordering Pacific and the legendary Pike Place Fish Market. You know, the massive fish market where they chuck full size salmon across the market yelling the whole time, its quite the experience and inevitably someone usually gets hit with a fish which is hilarious providing you’re not the one getting hit.

Don’t forget you also have your standbys such as the Space Needle with the revolving restaurant overlooking the city and the breathtaking observation deck, the Seattle Aquarium, Bellevue Square and republic of Fremont for all you shoppers, GameWorks (which is pretty much the ultimate arcade), SafeCo Field for baseball fans and a killer night life.

Going on right now is a Puget Sound staple, the Seattle Seafair. Drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year this massive month long fest is home to the Chevrolet Cup power boat races (August 1st-3rd). If you don’t know what a racing power boat is or “Hydroplanes”, its basically a little futuristic looking boat with a helicopter jet strapped to it and sent flying across the water.

The Seafair also includes an interesting element…Pirates!  Yes we all love pirates, I mean honestly who doesn’t?  Well maybe ninjas I suppose.  But seriously the Seafair pirates are composed of 40 or more swashbuckling performers that gallivant across the grounds stirring up ruckus providing music and entertainment.  There is even a Pirate ship!  What more could you want!?

So if you are looking to explore the Northwest now is definitely the best time to go, especially before we get back in to the rainy season.

If you are wondering where to stay and have a budget then check out the Sorrento Hotel. This gorgeous boutique hotel is a nice step away from ordinary with luxury Mediterranean styling this early 1900′s landmark is centrally located only a few blocks from downtown, Pioneer Place and a couple miles to the Pike Place Fish Market.

I would like to hear some of the less “touristy” spots Seattle has to offer, I know there is a huge underground and I am looking to head back to the Northwest soon so send me a line!