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Seattle, Washington, is well known for its bustling city districts and diverse social spaces, but it's also a destination where comfort food cravings are expertly matched with authentic, heartwarming recipes guaranteed to soothe the soul. Whether you're in the mood for traditional flavors or international delights, comfort food isn't hard to come by at these top Seattle restaurants. The Wandering Goose Situated within the North Capitol Hill neighborhood is the Wandering Goose, a Southern-style cafe serving daily breakfast and lunch. Local favorites include biscuits and mushroom gravy, Boonville grits, and fried chicken sandwiches. You can also indulge in comfort sides such as collard greens and mac and cheese to complement your main dish. more Additionally, the Wandering Goose is open on Fridays between 5 and 9 p.m. for a special fried chicken dinner. You'll want to bring your appetite to this event as you're treated with three pieces of buttermilk fried chicken, three side dishes, and a biscuit. Combine that with the cafe's cozy, 30-seat interior, and you have a space perfect for a relaxing night. CJ's Eatery Head toward Seattle's Belltown neighborhood and make a stop at CJ's Eatery for all-day breakfast, plus lunch and weekday specials. You can start with a morning pick-me-up like the Bourbon Street omelet with andouille sausage and pepper jack cheese or a classic serving of eggs any way you like, including eggs Benedict. Other fan favorites we recommend are the corned beef hash, latkes (potato pancakes), and sweet French toast. For lunch, the menu expands to include salads, sandwiches, homemade soups, and chili, as well as beverage options such as coffee, tea, beer, wine, and mimosas. Wann Yen Cafe We swap traditional U.S. comfort dishes with authentic Thai recipes at this next establishment, many of which are prepared with free-range chicken and organic tofu. You can select a special off the daily in-house menu or sample a standard staple like Panang curry pork served over a bed of Jasmine rice. Other delicacies include the Khao Mun Gai, a poached chicken over garlic ginger rice and a side of winter melon soup, or the Pad Thai noodles with your choice of meat, seafood, or tofu. Don't forget to pair your dish with one of Wann Yenn's refreshing drink options. These span from fruit juice and iced tea to traditional Thai shaved ice with coconut milk and sweet-infused toppings. Ma'Ono Asian fusion cuisine is a specialty at Ma'Ono. Menus vary slightly between the two locations in West Seattle and University Village, though dishes tend to range from Kalua pig tacos to spicy fried chicken to the Loco Moco — a combination of ground chuck steak, Portuguese sausage, rice, gravy, and a fried egg. Side dishes are just as creative and include Korean chili kimchi and a curry-bacon fried rice blend. Looking for food and drink specials, too? Happy hour at Ma'Ono takes place between Wednesday and Sunday from 5 to 6 p.m. Everyone can agree comfort food is a staple for most, especially when particular cravings hit. Fortunately for Seattle residents, these top restaurants know just how to serve up some of the best comfort food in the Pacific Northwest. Image via Foodista | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

Burien is a city that embraces diversity, especially when it comes to food. Trying new foods is exciting and unpredictable, and the area around Burien, Washington, offers plenty of unusual dishes for you to sample. Expand your palate and discover these three exotic eateries in Burien, WA. El Pique Restaurant Bar and Grill The best exotic cuisine reflects its native culture and indigenous ingredients. The same is true for El Pique, a local Mexican and Peruvian restaurant brought to you by immigrants of these countries. Outstanding traditional Peruvian cuisine is created from a fusion of flavors. By blending classic fare and always fresh produce with ancestral techniques, the result is mouthwatering modern dishes such as Choros a la chalaca. This dish features mussels bathed in a special sauce, and Peruvian corn called choclo. more Order the Ceviche Mixto. It features a variety of fresh seafood marinated in tangy lime juice, an authentic Peruvian sauce, and garnished with yams. After your meal, visit El Pique's hopping nightclub and bar. It's a great way to spend time with friends and dance away the calories. The Greek House Restaurant and Lounge Traditional Greek hospitality awaits you at The Greek House. Built on a family's love of good food and a warm, inviting environment, all of their recipes are long-held secrets straight from Athens, where restaurateur Philip was born and raised. Greece's culture is centered around food, family and living life to the fullest, and that's the atmosphere you can expect at The Greek House. Philip's Yaya and Papou inspired the menu here in Burien, showcasing savory light bites such as Dolmathakia Yalantzi, a stuff grape leaf served with pita bread. Discover the extensive genuine Greek dinner menu with Arni Kapama, a baked lamb shank. Bistro Baffi Italian Cuisine Less than 5 miles from Burien's city center, in nearby Seahurst, you'll find a taste of the Mediterranean at Bistro Baffi. Internationally known Chef Vujovich shops the Pike Place Market every day in search of only the freshest seafood. Annual visits to Italy inspire Chef's daily specials, so anticipate a variety of new and flavorful dishes popping up on the menu often. The Spaghetti Pescatore topped with a signature risotto pink sauce will take you away to the Adriatic beaches of Montenegro. Seafood lovers will appreciate the Antipasti Insalata Cozze Positano. It's centered around fresh sauteed mussels and topped with a classic garlic and herb based Chianti wine and tomato sauce. Finish your meal with the local favorite Tiramisu. It's a decadent chocolaty, coffee-flavored dessert that melts on your tongue. Order a specialty cocktail from the full-service bar or browse the extensive imported Italian wine list for a perfect pairing with your meal. Sip one of their private label Bistro Baffi wines including Villa Toscana and Syrah, bottled by local St. Hilaire Winery. If you're squeamish about the idea of trying new exotic foods, keep an open mind. Not only do unfamiliar tastes stimulate your palate, but you might also discover a regional flavor that you absolutely love. Image via Marco Verch | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

Going for a jog is a great way to keep fit, and running outside is a lot more interesting than hitting the treadmill. When you live in Burien, finding a great path is almost as easy as stepping out your front door. Burien is home to more than 365 acres of open space, and offers nearly a dozen parks with running trails. Lace up your Nikes, and discover the six best local parks in Burien, Washington, for joggers. Dottie Harper Park This 3.5-acre wooded park is adjacent to the Burien Community Center, and offers runners a scenic path through mature firs, cedars, and other native hardwoods. Dottie Harper Park also features a remodeled playground, space for a picnic lunch, and an amphitheater where you can catch the occasional live performance. Dottie Harper's trails are within walking distance of apartments and family homes, making it the ideal place for a quiet run right in the city. more Hazel Valley Park Located on the north side of Burien, Hazel Valley Park covers a modest 2.9 acres accessible from 124th Street. The park offers paved and unpaved trails neighbored by a delightful grove of fir trees. A lovely community park, the trails are mostly flat and are ideal for a leisurely jog. Mathison Park When you want a view with your run, head out to Mathison Park. Situated over 5.3 acres at the highest point in Burien, this neighborhood park's paved trails lead you up in elevation to picturesque views of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier. Shorewood Park Shorewood Park encompasses 3.4 acres of wooded parkland that is well maintained by community volunteers and members of the Shorewood on the Sound Club. It offers novice runners a short and little-known forested trail right near the elementary school. Salmon Creek Ravine If jogging in an undeveloped open space is more your style, head out to Salmon Creek Ravine. Featuring 88 acres set along the Salmon Creek, it's a favorite destination of joggers who enjoy a mostly primitive trail system. The path winds throughout the wooded hillsides, and is accessible from Shorewood Drive SW. The ravine is heavily wooded with cedar trees and offers runners access to the mile-long, year-round stream, and spring-fed tributaries. Catch sight of bald eagles, raccoons or an elusive red fox. The ravine is also home to muskrat, bats, osprey, otters, and gray squirrels. Seahurst Ed Monro Park Referred to as the jewel of Burien's park system by residents, Seahurst Park offers access to a beautiful salt water beach on Puget Sound. Jog several trails with spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains, then enjoy a lunch in one of the reservable picnic shelters. There's a playground, and a variety of natural features to explore including forests, streams, and wetlands. In addition to offering an exceptional backdrop for a run, it's a favorite spot for photographers to capture Burien's natural beauty. Jogging in the great outdoors is much better than pounding a treadmill. Get outside and explore one of Burien's many parks with a mood-boosting run today. Image via Bernard Spragg | Licensed by CC0 1.0

The cold waters of Puget Sound are a perfect environment for orcas. These killer whales feed on the salmon that come into the sound. Unfortunately, Orcas are an endangered species, and the pod that returns each year keeps getting smaller. The orcas return to the sound each spring, and there are several places in the area where you can see them both from the water and from land. Point Defiance If you want to stay on land to see the orcas, head to Point Defiance. There are several places along Five Mile Drive right in Point Defiance Park where you can see south Vashon Island. The whales often navigate around the island as they travel down through the sound. Early in the season, you might even catch a glimpse of a humpback whale that sticks around a little longer for its season. more Point No Point Point No Point on the northeast point of the Kitsap Peninsula that faces the Admiralty Inlet. This area is a great place to see all kinds of species in and around the water including the orcas. They pass fairly close to the shore as they come into the sound so you can get a good look at them. Point No Point is also a popular spot for bird-watchers and offers one of the most extensive lists of species in Washington. Take A Whale Watching Tour There are several companies that offer whale watching tours in Puget Sound. Most of the excursions last about three to four hours and will guarantee that you'll see whales. The captains of these boats all know the area and know the places where the whales go so you are likely to see orcas or some other whales while you are out. Thomas Hladky Memorial Park Many Seattle residents refer to Thomas Hladky Memorial Park as Whale Bell Park because of the large brass bell that visitors ring every time they see a whale. Several different species of whales pass through the Saratoga Passage, and the bell is a fun way to announce the presence of whales. You'll find the park at 100 Anthes Ave in Langley, and it is accessible by car, bus, and by ferry. Point Robinson If you can leave the mainland for a trip to see the orca, hop on the ferry over to Vashon Island. Point Robinson sits between Seattle and Tacoma in Puget Sound and connects Maury Island to Vashon Island. There is easy access to the beach where you can go for some of the best whale watching because when the orcas are out in the sound, they will sometimes pass as close as 50 feet from the shore. There is also a lighthouse on the beach worth visiting, and some spectacular views of Mount Rainier. Even though the number of orcas that come back to the sound each year is diminishing, they are still a sight to see. Keep an eye and an ear out for the daily sightings to make sure to head to the right spot. Image via Ingrid Taylar | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

When we stop to shop or eat at a large chain store or restaurant, we don't usually think about where it all started. Because of this, many people probably don't realize how many large companies got their start right in Seattle. This exciting city is the birthplace of many different well-known brands. How many of these national brands did you know that got their start in Seattle? more Starbucks There can't be a list of companies that got their start in Seattle that doesn't include Starbucks. The popular coffeehouse chain is probably the most famous brand with roots in Seattle. It all started in 1971, with the first store on Western Avenue. It stayed here until 1976 when the company moved to Pike Place, where it remains today. When Starbucks first started, it only sold whole roasted coffee beans, and the original location still sells just coffee and a few beverages. If you want more, you can stop in at one of the other 24,000 other locations around the world. Cinnabon The delicious cinnamon rolls of Cinnabon also got their start in Seattle. In 1985, at the SeaTac Mall, which is now the Federal Way Mall, the first Cinnabon rolls made their way to customers. Rich Komen, the owner of Restaurants Unlimited and CEO Ray Lindstrom, made it their mission to create the perfect cinnamon treat. These rich and delicious treats are now sold all around the country. Eddie Bauer Eddie Bauer, famous for its down jackets and outdoor wear, got its start in Seattle. Eddie Bauer, a Pacific Northwest outdoorsman, started the company, and in 1940 patented the first quilted down jacket. Over the years, he would also patent several other outdoor items, before selling his interest in the company in 1968. Sur La Table Sur la Table is a retail kitchenware company that sells everything from cookware to cutlery, appliances, bakeware and more. This company got its start in 1972 when Shirley Collins opened a store in Pike Place Market. Now, there are over 100 stores around the country, 75 of which offer cooking classes, and a website with cooking tips and recipes. Shirley Collins sold the company in 1995, but its corporate headquarters are still based right in Seattle. REI It's not surprising that another outdoor gear company got its start in Seattle. Lloyd and Mary Anderson created REI or Recreational Equipment Incorporated as a cooperative to help people who love the outdoors get affordable equipment. The first full-time employee was Jim Whittaker, who is also the first American to reach the summit of Mount Everest, and he later became the CEO. REI is now the largest consumer co-op in the country and you can find shops in almost every state. The company still encourages their customers to try before they buy. How many of these brands did you know got their start in Seattle? There are many other products and companies that have roots in the Seattle area including Microsoft, UPS, and Amazon. Image via shinji_w | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

Several amazing state parks are just a short drive from Burien, Washington. Washington state's unique natural environments provide an awe-inspiring journey into landscapes that seem like they could only be found in movies. Instead, they're actually a great candidate for a day trip. Let's look at some of the state parks near Burien that are worth the trip. 1) Tiger Mountain State Forest This state park consists of over ten thousand acres of natural forest adorned with sky-scraping pines and a forest floor covered with moss and ferns. If you're looking for outdoor activities and recreation, look no further. This park has access to hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and even hang gliding. There are no designated campsites in the park, and camping outside of designated sites is not permitted. Because of this, the park should be considered for day trips only. Thankfully, it's only 21 miles outside of Burien. more Before you go, make sure you check the park's website, which has up to date information on trail closures and recreational activities. Mountain bike and horseback trails are open seasonally. 2) Squak Mountain State Park This is yet another amazing park that is just a stone's throw from Burien. Here, you can hike through dense thickets of ferns, around meandering creeks, and stroll past moss-covered trees. Places like this bring you the most peace when you've had a stressful week. Hiking and horseback riding are the only available activities in the park, but that is no excuse to pass it up. Some of the trails take you to the summit of Squak Mountain, where you can take in views of the Seattle skyline. Another trail will take you to the remains of a 1952 stone fireplace. Much like Tiger Mountain State Forest, Squak Mountain State Park is only open during daylight hours. 3) Saltwater State Park If woodland adventures aren't up your alley, you should consider Saltwater State Park as an alternate attraction. Getting there is a breeze, as it's just a seven-mile drive down the coast. The beach is a popular spot in the summer, so don't expect to find the driftwood-laden coastline unoccupied. Don't let crowds deter you though. Saltwater State Park has a handful of exciting and unique opportunities for adventure. This park does have a campground where visitors can enjoy a night outdoors. The location also offers several tidal pools for exploring. There is also a man-made reef where divers can explore underwater wildlife in a one-of-a-kind experience. It should be noted that harvesting from the reef is prohibited. However, you can do some saltwater fishing in other areas of the park. Planning Your Trip Before heading out into the great outdoors, it's important to make sure that you're prepared. Here are a couple tips to make sure you stay safe when visiting these parks. If you plan on doing any hiking, make sure you have the most up-to-date trail map, just in case you get lost. You should also let someone know where you'll be going, and when you should be returning. Lastly, bring a first-aid kit along for any unplanned injuries. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy some time in all of the state parks close to Burien, Washington. They're worth the trip! Image via Andrew E. Larsen | Licensed by CC BY-ND 2.0

If you find yourself in the Seattle area this summer, you may want to check out some of the area's natural beaches. The region is blessed with some of the most visually stunning and exciting beach landscapes in the country. Here are some of Seattle's best natural beaches for beach bums and day-trippers. Seahurst Beach Located on Puget Sound, Seahurst Beach brings in stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. It is one of many saltwater beaches in the Seattle area.  A part of Seahurst Park in the Burien Park System, the beach is a three-quarter-mile-long natural treasure. In addition to the spectacular views from the beach itself, the park has open and closed picnic areas, hiking trails, open spaces for outdoor activities, and two playgrounds. There are three private areas, capable of accommodating 75 people, available for half-day and full-day rentals. more Owen Beach Owen Beach in Point Defiance Park is another fantastic natural beach in the Seattle/Tacoma area. Among its top features are covered picnic areas and kayaks for rent. Owen Beach is also an exceptional fishing and boating spot. If you have a powerful camera, you may even be able to snap a photo of the resident harbor seals. Don't get too close, because approaching the seals is prohibited. Be sure to keep a distance of at least 100 yards and report any infractions to NOAA Fisheries Enforcement or a park ranger. Madrona Park The Madrona Park and Beach are located along Lake Washington. After walking along a sloped woodland path, you arrive at a serene grassy beach that can melt your stress after a long week of work. Like many of the other natural beaches in the area, Madrona Park offers a jogging trail, picnic areas, and swimming. During the summer months, there is a lifeguard on duty. The park itself is open from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m. Lifeguards are on duty, but their hours vary depending on the season and day. Discovery Park The final stop on our list of stunning natural beaches is Discovery Park. The beach has lightly rolling hills leading up to a smooth sandy beach that can take you out of city life completely. It's no wonder Discovery Park is a local favorite. Among its remarkable hiking and walking trails lies a small lighthouse. The beach itself is a sight that is not to be missed regardless of the time of day, but the sunsets are extraordinarily beautiful. The entire park encompasses 534 acres and includes a recently renovated playground for younger children. The overall landscape is a landscape photographers' dream and should make its way onto a must-see list if you are visiting Seattle's beaches. All of the spots above are guaranteed to help you beat the heat and enjoy the great outdoors this summer, despite just being a few miles outside of downtown Seattle. There are dozens of natural beaches in the Seattle area, and many of them offer the same breathtaking vistas and amenities as the parks listed above. Image via Audrey Kolb | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

When you think of Seattle, Washington, you may think of amazing seafood or the unique culture that thrives in the city. When you are looking for something to do this summer, try something different and visit one of these beautiful botanical gardens that help take you out of the busy city and into a more relaxing atmosphere. Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, otherwise known as the Ballard Locks, is one of Seattle's most popular tourist attractions. However, you may not know that a very popular part of the Locks complex includes 7 acres of exotic plants and trees in its beautiful Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden. It is separated from Seattle so that you feel you have left the city and entered somewhere else entirely. Over the span of 40 years, Carl S. English Jr. transformed an old construction site into a lovely English-style garden, very much like Downton Abbey. Not only can you explore grounds, but they also host weddings and free summer concerts. The visitor center is currently open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and you may want to take advantage of their free scheduled walking tours. more Bellevue Botanical Garden Fifty-three acres of cultivated gardens, natural wetlands, and restored woodlands make up the Bellevue Botanical Garden. These gardens are all about education. If you want to learn about the plants you are seeing, visit the Interactive Garden. You can use Tap or Scan Markers in the garden to find information about plants, gardening, and events. If you want to have a more formal class, there are educational opportunities for everyone, from preschoolers to adults. Your small ones will enjoy Kids in the Garden, a program for preschoolers or Garden Explorers, a sensory discovery program for kids a few years older. Classes and lectures for adults span topics from shrubs to food fermentation. You can also enjoy free tours, art exhibits, the new visitor's center, and free summer concerts. Bellevue Botanical Garden is located on Main Street and is open from dawn until dusk. Admission is free. Washington Park Arboretum Hidden on the shores of Lake Washington, the Washington Park Arboretum is someplace you won't want to miss. It is jointly owned by the University of Washington Botanic Gardens and the City of Seattle and covers 230 acres. It has a vast variety of plants, some of which can't be found anywhere else in the Northwest, and is a part of the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences. Explore the Arboretum through self-guided tours, arranged tours, or through the many classes and activities that are offered. There are classes for both adults and children, in the form of summer camps and family programs to help make sure that you don't have to just observe nature, but you can be a part of it. The Washington Park Arboretum is free and open to the public from dawn until dusk, with the exception of the Japanese Garden, for which there is a small fee. No matter which botanical garden you choose to visit, it is sure to be full of beautiful vegetation that you can't find in the city, and surprises around every corner. Photo by Jason | Licensed by CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Everyone deserves an occasional weekend getaway, and if you're a Washington resident, there is no better place to visit for a short trip than Vashon Island. Commonly referred to as the "Heart of the Sound,'' this small island provides big fun for visitors. After a short ferry ride, you can explore nature, grab a delicious meal, or interact with the friendly locals. Here is some information about this delightful island, which will help you to have the best time possible when you visit it. Start With Whale Watching If you want to spend some time on Vashon Island, you'll need to take a ferry ride across the Puget Sound. While you're enjoying this short ride, be sure to keep your eyes on the water, because you might just spot a whale. During the winter season it's common to see orca whales swimming through the sound, so make sure that you do not miss them! more Grab a Meal Once you arrive at Vashon Island, you'll need to refuel before you explore this interesting locale. Fortunately, in the downtown district, you'll find a variety of excellent restaurants where you can eat a tasty meal and energize for the day ahead. If you want to eat like a local, then your best bet is heading over to the Sportsman's Inn, which is more commonly referred to as Sporty's. While this may not be the grandest restaurant on the island, you'll be able to get a hearty meal, especially if you love gigantic stacks of pancakes. Take a Trip to the Beach After you've finished your breakfast, there are several ways you could start exploring Vashon Island, including taking a trip to KVI Beach. Although Vashon Island offers 50 miles of beaches, KVI is the only sand beach, making it the best spot on the island for sunbathing or a picnic. If you visit KVI Beach at low tide, you can take a stroll along the waterside trail. If you have your kids with you, build a sandcastle before continuing with your island adventure. Drive Around the Island Another way of exploring the island is by car. While the drive around Vashon Island is only 25 miles, it can easily take you all day as you'll find multiple places where you'll want to stop and explore. On your drive, you'll be able to enjoy a wide range of scenery, as you'll pass through the town, ride along a water stretch, and even see the countryside. Keep an eye out for some of the island's most popular spots while you're on your drive, including the Misty Isle Farms and the man-made pond in the shape of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Make sure you leave some time to visit Point Robinson Lighthouse, which is one of the most popular sightseeing spots on the island. Spend a day exploring Vashon Island if you're looking for a quick getaway that you'll never forget. Photo by Kevin Clemans | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

If you live in Washington and are planning your next weekend getaway, there are several excellent destinations that you can choose from. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, however, Mount Rainier National Park is a great option. Perhaps the most beautiful spot in the state, Mount Rainier National Park offers a lot to see and do. Here is some more information about this National Park, such as available accommodation and the different activities that you can opt for, which might persuade you to visit it on your next weekend off! Start at a Visitor's Center When you first arrive at Mount Rainier National Park, you should hit one of the visitor centers in order to gain some basic information about the park. Two of the visitor's centers, the Longmire Museum and the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center, are open throughout the year, whereas the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center and the Sunrise Visitor Center are open only during the summer. You will need to pay a fee to enter the park. By paying $15, you can bring your vehicle into the park for seven days. If you are entering the park on a bike, motorcycle, or foot, the cost is only $5. Camping facilities are available at Mount Rainier National Park at a cost ranging between $12 and $15, depending on the time of year and the camping spot you have chosen. Lodging and Meals If you're planning to visit Mount Rainier National Park for more than a day, you'll need to find a place to sleep, as well as spots where you can grab a meal. Fortunately, there are great restaurants and lodging on offer in and around the park. There are two inns located inside the Mount Rainier National Park. of which the National Park Inn is the most popular. This inn is open year-round and features amenities such as a general store and dining room. You could also book a room at the Paradise Inn, which is open from May to October. If you're interested in camping at the park, there are four different campgrounds to your disposal: Cougar Rock, Ohanapecosh, White River, and Mowich Lake. What to Do in the Park The best reason to visit Mount Rainier National Park is that you'll have access to a wide range of exciting activities. For example, the park features a variety of hiking trails that you'll love if you've been wanting to stretch your limbs in nature. If you're interested in hiking the popular Wonderland Trail, you'll need to obtain a wilderness permit beforehand. Mount Rainier National Park also offers several challenging climbing spots, as well as wildflower viewing for those looking for a more relaxing outing. You could also participate in one of the fun and informative ranger-led programs, which are typically offered during the late summer months. Keep the information in this guide in mind and you should be able to plan a memorable visit to Mount Rainier National Park. Photo by Sachin | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

Seattle, Washington, is an active hub of culture and talent that draws people in from all over the world. Whether you live in Seattle, or you are planning to visit, here are three upcoming festivals that you won't want to miss. Seattle International Dance Festival The Seattle International Dance Festival began in 2006 when creator Cyrus Khambatta realized a need to connect audiences with dance through a festival-type environment. Whatever your cultural background or your personal preferences, you are sure to find something that appeals to you throughout the 17-day festival. The festival has featured a variety of artists from 25 countries since it began. You can choose to attend just one or two events, or purchase a festival pass and see it all.  Check out Art on the Fly, a free, all-ages celebration of art, dance, and food, all located outdoors in the middle of Seattle. You may even learn a thing or two at the free dance classes. From there you can attend the International Series that occurs over the next few days, or maybe the James Ray Residency Project. The festival runs from June 7 through June 23, but if you miss it this time around, there is a Winter Mini Fest on November 29. Seattle International Beerfest You don't have to travel to Germany to experience world-class beer. On July 6-8, come to the Fisher Pavilion & Lawn at Seattle Center, located between the Space Needle and International Fountain, to experience over 200 world-class beers at the Seattle International Beerfest. You'll be able to sample everything from classic styles to exotic hybrids while listening to live music. more They do have some rules you'll want to abide by. No sharing is allowed, so make sure to purchase a wristband so you can stay and enjoy the event. Outside drinks are not permitted, but you can bring your own food, although there will be plenty of food vendors available at the event. As you can imagine, this isn't a child-friendly event, but it is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your dog along. This aligns with the Beerfest's contributions to pet-friendly charities, such as the Community Cat Coalition. Since 2002, Pet Cross and the Seattle International Beerfest have contributed donations to local animal welfare groups, which means that when you attend this event and drink beer, you are actually making a difference in your community. Ballard Seafood Fest Looking for a free festival that celebrates all things seafood? Ballard Seafood Fest began in 1971 when Ballard's industrial and fishing community joined with the Ballard Elks to raise money for their Chamber of Commerce. At the time, it was a two-hour barbecue. It gradually evolved over the last few decades, and now it is a three-day event that attracts over 75,000 people who come for the traditional salmon barbecue, free music and family entertainment, and a skateboarding event.  Come for this year's event July 13-15 for seafood, music, beer, and a whole lot of fun. No matter your tastes, whether it be dance, beer, or seafood, you will find a festival that's just right for you here in Seattle. Photo by Paul David Gibson | Licensed by CC BY-NC 2.0

Seattle is home to some of the most famous music legends, including Nirvana and Pearl Jam. It's no surprise that there are plenty of venues for live music all around the city. When you're in the mood for live music, make sure to check out these venues. The Showbox at The Market Located downtown right across from Pike Place Market, this venue is a legend around the city. It first opened its doors in 1939, and everyone from Pearl Jam to Muddy Waters has played in this theater. With a capacity of only 1,100, it's hard to imagine all these famous bands playing in a small venue when they now sell out huge arenas. You can find live music most nights of the week, and they have national and international bands play on their stages. Some of the most popular nights are when the local bands play, however. more There are two bars in the venue which are at different levels, so you'll always be able to have a view of the stage. Concert-goers of all ages will enjoy the main floor, where mosh pits can be found for rock shows. Columbia City Theater This is the oldest vaudeville theater in Washington state, as it was built in 1917. Many famous jazz musicians played here in the 1940s, including Ella Fitzergald and Duke Ellington. In the 1980s it became the home of the punk movement, and in the 1990s it turned into an underground rave house and art commune. After closing and getting renovated, it opened back up in 2010 and had the honor of being named the finest-sounding room in Seattle by Spin magazine. The Columbia City Theater now has an elegant look to it with exposed brick walls, soaring ceilings, and red velvet curtains. You can now find many local musicians playing there, with the genre being everything from hip-hop to acoustic Americana to burlesque revue. The Highline If you like vegan food and metal music, you'll love The Highline. It has a divey and dark ambiance and is in the middle of the busy Capitol Hill neighborhood. Even if you're a carnivore, you'll be impressed with how tasty the options are that they offer, such as Buffalo wings and country fried tofu. They also have 25 beers on tap to choose from as well as a booze infusion they make themselves. You can find live music from Wednesdays to Sundays, and it's normally very loud. If you want to give singing a shot, stop by on Tuesdays for "cakearoke" to test your skills. When you want to see a live show in Seattle, you'll have no shortage of venues to go to. Check out the local bands to see what's up and coming in the area, as you never know who will be the next big thing. You'll also be treated to an assortment of popular bands coming through the area and playing on the same stages where some of the greatest musicians in history have set foot. Photo by Heather | Licensed by CC BY 2.0