If you're ever in my hometown...

[PeppyGPhiB]

Well, there's a ton of stuff to do in Seattle, but if you're ever in the Emerald City, you MUST go to Pike Place Market. Everyone will tell you that, but it's true...it's the best place to experience Seattle's soul. This city has changed a lot in the past 10-20 years, but Pike Place Market stays the same. Buy teas and spices, fresh produce you've never heard of, the biggest salmon you've ever seen, incredible hot mini donuts, gorgeous wild flower bouquets, handmade soap and jewelry, just-roasted nuts, piroshkys, cheese curds, fresh bread and more. Stop by the first Starbucks, which looks nothing like the others, and have lunch at Lowell's or the Crumpet Shop.

When you're done at the market, stroll a couple blocks away to the Flagship Nordstrom. Then walk down to the waterfront and go on a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island, just 25 minutes away.

Before you leave, you must have dinner at a fab seafood restaurant. Waterfront Seafood Grill is my favorite, but Elliot's, Etta's, Anthony's/Chinook's are good stand-bys. And Ivar's is the place to go for clam chowder.

If you're here in December, you should Google the Christmas Ship festival and seek out one of the beaches with a bonfire. Sing Christmas caroles and drink hot chocolate by candle/firelight as you watch the lit-up Christmas Ship and trailing boats pull up to the beach and serenade you.

Can you tell I love my city?