The Good Shepherd Center, a historic building built in 1906, is an excellent example of Italian architecture with its Corinthian columns and stone work. Originally serving as a shelter for destitute women, the building was bought over by the City of Seattle in 1975 and was listed in their National Register of Historic Places. The center is the hub of musical activity for the Good Shepherd community, with a number of music studios located on the top floor. The center also has a 150 seater performance area which is complemented by a wooden floor, columns and a stage. NonSequitur, a non-profit music organization performs twelve of their shows per month at this venue.

The Olympic Sculpture Park began as a commitment between the Seattle Art Museum and the Trust for Public Land, and quickly grew into a green mecca of architectural art and beautifully crafted landscapes. The park contains mathematical sculptures, new-wave basket weaving and the artistic greenhouse designed by the likes of artists Tony Smith, Pedro Reyes and Mark Dion. The Olympic Sculpture Park has big plans for restoring Seattle's local environment by introducing new engineered soil to reduce rain runoff and encourage native plants and wildlife nearby. The views include both the Seattle port and the Olympic mountain range. Admission is free all year long.

Out on the southeast edge of Bellevue sits one of the city's largest and most spectacular parks. At about 300 acres, it is home to the largest natural wetland on Lake Washington. This makes it a natural attraction to a variety of species that you probably would not run into otherwise. More than 100 hundred bird species call it home and coyotes, beavers and muskrats sometimes reveal themselves. Guided tours are provided throughout the year.

Though it measures a modest 12 acres, The Little Kirkland Park, located right in the heart of downtown Kirkland, is a marvel. Aside from the playgrounds and tennis courts, the landscaping is wonderful and there are several commissioned sculptures that could easily find a place in any museum. In front of the senior center stands George Lundeen's "The Valentine," a touching bronze sculpture that depicts an older couple sharing a bench. The park also includes the Kirkland Performance Center and Kirkland Public Library, and sits near Kirkland Parkplace Center.

One indication of the foresight of Bellevue's city planners is the breathtaking little Meydenbauer Beach Park. Though located right in the city, nestled against Meydenbauer Bay, it has the feel of a true woodland experience. You will hike from the parking lot through tall trees, and if you choose to keep walking you will end up at the Bay itself, where you can take a swim or just enjoy the light spray from its waves.

A short stroll from booming downtown Kirkland, which has benefited enormously from the cash flow brought in by Microsoft, is this winning little park. Ice cream shops and restaurants are just up the street, while the park itself includes a very nice Lake Washington beach and a picnicking facility. An open-air pavilion, home to concerts and other events, sits next to the lake and public art statues decorate a grassy area.

It may seem unwise to start a new symphony in a city as musically rich as Seattle, but then one can never have enough of a good thing. The inaugural season of this newborn symphony offered many auspicious moments, and the orchestra should only improve with time. The repertoire is a bit limited at present, but look for that to broaden as well. Concerts take place at the Town Hall Seattle and other venues. Check the Web site or call for dates and times.

Once a decaying stretch of soup kitchens, parking lots and warehouses, this northern half of Downtown is now peppered with outposts of chic. Nightclubs like Crocodile Cafe and Sit 'n' Spin rival the noisy glory of Pioneer Square, and restaurants like Shiro's attract crowds of urban 30-somethings. Funky salons and furniture shops fill the old warehouses, and condo developments sprout over deserted lots. Also check out Speakeasy Cafe and 211 Billiard Club.

Technically, the northern half of this park is Elliott Bay Park, but the whole waterfront strip runs so seamlessly together that no one ever refers to it as anything but Myrtle Edwards. The park is a bit obscure but also pleasantly quiet, filled only with joggers and cyclists enjoying just over one mile of winding bike and pedestrian paths that run along Elliott Bay. The views over the bay are spectacular, especially at sunset and the white columns at the northern end lend an eerie industrial feel to the park.

Just look for the crocodile skin-patterned sign in the window and you'll have found this popular hangout. Part eclectic diner, part rock club, it draws people from all over to its location in chic Belltown. Famous rock stars that have Seattle roots have been known to play inexpensive, unannounced shows at this location. There is a full bar and a full menu of burgers like the Cajun Burger is especially popular.