Seattle Weekend Guide

Orig:http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/9ea1fb2aa590fb2957ba3d4a5b367a780f60f6d2/c=221-0-3601-2541&r=x513&c=680x510/local/-/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2014/03/12//1394639002001-005.jpg A Washington State Ferry makes its way across Elliott Bay under the watchful eye of the Space Needle.

A Washington State Ferry makes its way across Elliott Bay under the watchful eye of the Space Needle. Howard Frisk

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Orig: Overlooking Puget Sound, Pike Place Market is one of Seattle’s best known historical landmarks.

Overlooking Puget Sound, Pike Place Market is one of Seattle’s best known historical landmarks. Howard Frisk

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Orig: Gasworks Park is the perfect local spot for kite flying or barbecues while offering a grand view of the Seattle skyline.

Gasworks Park is the perfect local spot for kite flying or barbecues while offering a grand view of the Seattle skyline. Howard Frisk

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Orig: Located on the southern edge of downtown Seattle, Pioneer Square holds a glimpse of Seattle’s history with ornate street lamps and massive totem poles.

Located on the southern edge of downtown Seattle, Pioneer Square holds a glimpse of Seattle’s history with ornate street lamps and massive totem poles. Howard Frisk

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Orig: The Seattle Center monorail exits a tunnel created by the EMP Museum (EMP), thought to be an architectural interpretation of a smashed guitar.

The Seattle Center monorail exits a tunnel created by the EMP Museum (EMP), thought to be an architectural interpretation of a smashed guitar. Howard Frisk

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Orig: The Experience Music Project Museum (EMP) is home to the famous three story guitar tower, a spiraling collage of musical instruments.

The Experience Music Project Museum (EMP) is home to the famous three story guitar tower, a spiraling collage of musical instruments. Howard Frisk

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Orig: The iconic Space Needle reflects off the EMP Museum.

The iconic Space Needle reflects off the EMP Museum. Tim Thompson

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Orig: The 175 foot tall Seattle Great Wheel, Elliott Bay’s popular new attraction, adds more fun to the pier.

The 175 foot tall Seattle Great Wheel, Elliott Bay’s popular new attraction, adds more fun to the pier. Howard Frisk

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Orig: Sunny, summer days can be well spent exploring the many treasures and flowers of Pike Place Market.

Sunny, summer days can be well spent exploring the many treasures and flowers of Pike Place Market. Howard Frisk

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Orig: Fresh seafood overflows from the market stalls at Seattle's historic Pike Place Market.

Fresh seafood overflows from the market stalls at Seattle's historic Pike Place Market. Tim Thompson

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Orig: The unique Seattle skyline can be clearly seen from Kerry Park.

The unique Seattle skyline can be clearly seen from Kerry Park. Howard Frisk

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If all you think of is rain and coffee when you think of Seattle, think again.

The city's annual rainfall measures up to less than Boston's or Atlanta's (Seattle's drizzles just take longer to accumulate), but the Emerald City is definitely awash in divine dining and all manner of music, arts, culture, and sport activities. And the coffee? Yes, there's plenty of that. Cafés and baristas sometimes double as attractions, but the buzz they serve up helps fuel a visit that can stretch from fish-throwing fellows at the downtown Pike Place Market to the awe-inspiring views to be spied from the top of the Space Needle.

EXPLORE: Seattle's Central Public Library

SCENIC: Seattle's Discovery Park

ART AND NATURE: Seattle's SAM Olympic Sculpture Park

TAKE A TOUR: Seattle's Conservatory at Volunteer Park

FLYING FISH: Seattle's Pike Place Market

DIG DEEP: Seattle's Underground Tour

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