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A favorite gathering spot is a hill overlooking Lake Union at GasWorks Park. The wind patterns at this point attract kite flyers of all ages.

Award-winning Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas designed the $196.4 million insulated glass and steel structure to replace Seattle’s vintage-1960 Central Library. The unusual oblique structure and glass flooring have been controversial, but defenders of the building insist that once inside, people will love it.

Completed in 2004, the new downtown library is a work of art. Nearly 8,000 patrons per day benefit from more than 1.45 million books and reference materials, Internet access, spacious areas for children, and over 400 public computers. The art collection alone is worth $1 million.

This place has its own loyal following.

You cannot go wrong ordering off the specials board or the regular menu in this Thai restaurant.

Beeline to this Mexican bistro with tremendous flair, and select from several entrees. The spartan decor is unusual, too – wall art consists of backlit photos of the region where all the flavors originate.

Dine on exquisite Italian classics such as spaghetti with garlic, large prawns, polenta, or pizza with mushrooms and prosciutto.

Markets fine handmade crafts and artifacts from all over the world, including jewelry, ceramic bowls, carved wooden utensils, music, and instruments.

This 1887-era cemetery, on a hilltop just past the northern end of Volunteer Park, is the final resting place for prominent Seattleites, and attracts thousands of visitors each year. Tombstones here identify the pioneers whose names now grace present-day streets or area towns – Denny, Maynard, Boren, Mercer, Yesler, and Renton. Lake View also draws the faithful followers of cinema star and martial arts master, Bruce Lee, and his son Brandon, whose sculpted tombstones lie side by side.