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Straddling Interstate 5 in a miraculous feat of engineering, the Washington State Convention Center is located within easy walking distance of the city’s best shops, hotels, and restaurants. Marvel at the center’s 90-ft (27-m) wide glass canopy bridge that frames views to Elliott Bay and to the historic Pike-Pine neighborhood. Adjoining is Freeway Park, where blossoms delight visitors in spring and waterfalls mask the sounds of traffic flowing on all sides.

Essentially a hotel catering to students and their parents, Watertown boasts non-smoking premises, complimentary breakfasts, loaner bicycles, and a free shuttle to select attractions.

From downtown, the fastest way to anywhere in West Seattle is via this highway, built in 1984. The bridge takes traffic from I-5 and other feeder streets over man-made Harbor Island and the mouth of the Duwamish River, and through to all the major streets in West Seattle. It’s visible from many vantage points in town.

Since 1981, the store has traded, bought, and sold antiques, rare coins, and figurines at great rates to a devoted clientele.

Find beautifully appointed rooms in this small hotel built in the 1920s by lumber mag-nate Joseph Vance.

Located in two round towers, the Westin has an indoor pool, 24-hour room service, in-room movies, valet/laundry, two restaurants, a business center, and non-smoking rooms.

The indoor pool is an all-weather plus.

The center has a four-tiered glass-enclosed atrium stacked with small regionally based shops, several chain stores, and a large food court. Made in Washington, April Cornell, Fossil, The Children’s Place, Mont Blanc, and Talbots are well worth visiting. Outside, Westlake Plaza attracts workers on break and also features seasonal concerts and public events.

As the longest island in the western contiguous United States, Whidbey Island’s ample waterfront real estate makes it vacation-home central. The island’s five state parks, historic forts, and tiny seaside villages attract weekend crowds. It is also the perfect location for the area’s largest US Navy air base. Their sign reads, “Pardon our noise, it’s the sound of freedom”.