Kirsten Gallery, now in its 34th year in the University District, features world-class marine art and meditation art, plus sculpture and glass ware. Featured artists include Mark Myers, Terry Bailey, Steve Mayo, Merwin Pearson, Richard Kirsten-Daiensai, Bryon Birdsall, Nathan Arnold, Marjett Schille and many others. A visit to the gallery is not complete without a walk through the adjoining Zen Garden, free and open during regular gallery hours.

Once University of Washington student housing, this airy house is now a thriving Mexican restaurant and kayaking center. The chalkboard menu features baja-style tacos with smoked salmon, portabella mushrooms and grilled halibut. In warm weather, vie for a patio table and enjoy the view of Portage Bay. Expect a wait, as reservations are not accepted and this place is no secret. It's also a great place to take the kids.

One of the largest academic law libraries in the West, this library has court briefs, United States government publications, an East Asian collection and a general collection. It also provides access to legal databases, including LegalTrac, LEXIS-NEXIS and WESTLAW, the World News Collection and Congressional Universe. Those not affiliated with the University of Washington should sign in at the second floor entrance. To check out materials, visitors must register at the Circulation Desk (photo identification and proof of Washington residency required).

The neighborhood immediately to the west of the University of Washington attracts students and locals for shopping, snacking and strolling. The main thoroughfare, University Way (formerly 14th Avenue) is usually referred to by its nickname, "the Ave." Neptune, Varsity and Grand Illusion cinemas are located here, as are numerous coffeehouses: Cafe Allegro and Perkengruven among them. Shops sell futons, trendy shoes and cheap clothing. The large University Bookstore anchors the neighborhood.

University Unitarian Church is large and airy with a sanctuary made of natural wood. The chapel seats over 500 and has a balcony for the choir, a grand piano and an organ. Several sections have been added to the church, including a playground, Sunday school, library and offices. The sermons generally feature readings from great speakers of the world, and have a humanitarian bent. After sermons, there is coffee, tea and talk in a large adjoining hall. This church has been popular since it was established in 1918.

University Temple United Methodist Church was built in 1927, although the congregation was founded in 1901. The famous stained-glass windows along the sides of the sanctuary portray the life of Jesus Christ from birth to death to resurrection. World-renowned organists have held concerts here and Temple organists have performed in Paris, Budapest and other major cities. The choir is also well-known. The church hosts activities all week for children, teens and adults.

Seattle's community center, Town Hall, is an important venue for cultural events. Many of the events and performances scheduled here are held at the Great Hall, which can seat a maximum of 832 people. This sub-venue of Town Hall has proved an excellent setting for concerts, seminars and meetings, what with its magnificent acoustics and visual appeal courtesy the stained-glass windows. The Great Hall can be accessed through the entrance at 8th Avenue. Rental of this hall is inclusive of the Lobby as well.

The African American community has a pronounced presence in the US. Their history and culture is documented and preserved at the Northwest African American Museum (NAAM). Situated in the heart of Seattle, this museum opened its doors to the public in 2008, and has generated wide interest among history & culture researchers and enthusiasts all alike. The museum is sprawled across 17,000 square feet and exhibits the works of eminent African American artists. A five-panel series chronicles the life and times of George Washington Bush, the first African American in the city. Besides its exciting museum pieces, NAAM also houses a beautiful gift shop filled with collectibles. Refresh yourself at the on-site cafe, after taking a round of the museum. NAAM is worth a visit!

A multi-purpose venue, Oddfellows Building comprises of a Century Ballroom, OddFellows Cafe, Molly Moon's Ice Cream Parlour, an interior designing office and a Oddfellows Hall. Situated on 915 East Pine Street, this hall is mainly used for holding live events and has now become a hub of great entertainment. Established in 1908, the building offers several big and small spaces for newer tenants to settle, but is mainly reputed for the live concerts it hosts.

Nothing says "Pacific Northwest" like a rocky beach leading up to an old-fashioned white lighthouse. That's exactly what you'll find at Mukilteo Lighthouse Park. The lighthouse itself, which turned 100 years old in 2008, is open for tours on weekends during the spring and summer months. The park has about a mile of gravelly beach, a large grass meadow for kite-flying, and plenty of picnic tables, grills, and fire pits. It's everything you'd need for a day of fun at the beach, Northwest-style. That being said, the water in Puget Sound is never really warm enough for swimming, so you'll only need to pack your bathing suit if you plan on working on your tan.