SEATTLE  

"Seattle may be one of the nations' perfect "blended" cities: It features an abundance of historical and cultural heritage, a wealth of natural beauty, and an impressive infusion of high-tech industry and creative development. This blending of history, culture, beauty, and modern technology describes Seattle. Seattle may also be summed up as a conglomerate of neighborhoods, each with its own identity and charm.

Bordered, as the city is, by nature on all sides - lush evergreen forests and hundreds of miles of fresh and saltwater shoreline - it is not difficult to understand how Seattle acquired its nickname, "The Emerald City". Seattle's bejeweled treasures are found everywhere, from its eclectic neighborhoods to its wealthy cosmopolitan downtown, to its waterfront areas. Seattle is a city of contrasts: Its cultural offerings rival those of America's largest metropolises and its historical roots have been preserved in such areas as Pioneer Square and Pike Place Market (one of the country's oldest farmers markets) for generations to come. Yet Seattle has come to symbolize a new youthful ingenuity that is in apparent in all phases of its growth. While Washington state has a larger per capita share of technology-dependant jobs than any other state, Seattle, in particular shines as the states technology leader. Seattle is the home of Bill Gates and Microsoft as well as Jeff Bezo's Amazon.com; it is the birthplace of Starbucks, the country's leading retailer and roaster of brand coffee beans; and it also the home of America's leading producer of outdoor recreational equipment, Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI). The city boasts one of the most impressive cutting-edge museums in the country, Experience Music Project, and has one of the nations best public transportation systems."  - Kathy Strong, The Seattle Guidebook

Seattle Weather in April