Francine Seders Gallery has nurtured and showcased talented local painters, printmakers, photographers and sculptors for more than three decades. The shows in her quiet gallery, which is off the beaten track in Greenwood but worth the hike, alternate between up-and-coming artists like painter Alfonse Borysewicz and well-established artists like local celebrity Jacob Lawrence.

At Washington State's busiest golf course, foursomes go off every six minutes, and there's always an audience for a nervous golfer's first drive of the day. The fairways and greens show a little wear under the heavy traffic. The course is par 71, 6482 yards. There's also a short 9-hole course. Make reservations up to one week in advance, especially recommended for weekends. Singles can usually walk on. Check for junior, senior, twilight, early morning and winter discounts.

This artificial lake is home to a variety of geese, ducks and other wildlife. It is also popular with swimmers, runners, crew teams and cyclists. One lap around the lake is a mere 2.8 miles, and you can rent in-line skates or beach cruisers at nearby Gregg's Greenlake Cycle. Rowboats and paddle-boats can also be rented during the spring and summer months. Dogs are most welcome, as long as owners clean up after them. The park is conveniently located in one of North Seattle's quiet neighborhoods with great restaurants, cafes and supermarkets nearby.

Not to be confused with Lynndale Park, this park provides a glimpse into the the past of Lynnwood. It comprises historic edifices like the 1920s Alderwood Manor, Wickers Building. The first Mercantile and Post Office, the Superintendent's Cottage and Water Tower from the 1917 Demonstration Farm. Also on site are other heritage buildings, such as the Snohomish County Visitor Information Center, Transportation Museum, Genealogy Research Library and Community Heritage Resource Center. The future sees plans of many community heritage programs.

One of the aspects of Seattle's community personality in which its residents take the most pride is its concern for environmental matters. That certainly plays out at this garden, which is a workshop for kids who want to learn how to grow and care for their own gardens. Run by the Seattle Tilth Demonstration Gardens, the garden offers workshops with fun names like "Zoom, Zoom Zucchini" and "Bugs & Blooms." Classes vary in length and price.

Sign up for a tour with Tours Northwest, and let the knowledgeable guides offer you deep insights about the city. The Seattle City Tour will give you a glimpse into the neighborhoods and important attractions in just three hours. You will visit the Space Needle, Fisherman's Terminal, Fremont Troll, historical Pike Place Market and Pioneer Square. For a more comprehensive visit, choose the six hour Seattle City Grand Tour. Those visiting Seattle as a group, irrespective of the size, can choose from their group tour packages, or get a trip customized especially for you and your friends. Locals living in the city can also sign up for a tour that will get you acquainted with the neighborhood you have been living in. Check the website for packages, prices and tour schedules.

Come learn about the indigenous people - the Duwamish Tribe - that occupied Seattle thousands of years ago. Admission is free, so it is a great opportunity to educate yourself about those that came before. A small but beautiful museum, Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center has educational videos and interesting artifacts for visitors to examine. You may leave the experience with a heavy heart, but you will feel thankful for the experience. 

Linda Hodges Gallery displays surreal and hyper-real figurative works. Her artists combine painting with sculpture (although painting usually is the focus). See the beauty of still life paintings by Jim Phalen. You will also find a combination of junk items and paintings placed beside each other. Depending on your tolerance for this kind of thing, it's either delightful or irritating. Environmental issues are a prevailing theme, and each artist portrays his or her point of view differently. Call ahead for visiting hours.

Leotards, glitter, feathers, costumes, exaggerated makeup, knee-length socks and death-defying acts! All of this is at Emerald City Trapeze where the people of Seattle come to fly. This center imparts professional training to all those who wish to learn the art of trapeze. No former skills are required except a basic level of fitness; in fact there are no age restrictions for beginners too. Besides classes, a number of circus acts and dare-devilry are held frequently so check website for more details on those.

To be housed inside the historic INS building, INSCAPE is touted to be the next biggest thing literally in Seattle's effervescent arts scene. Spread over 77,000 sq. ft of space, the entire building will be rented out by small art enterprises and non-profit companies who'll work together with other artists. Expect a thrilling passel of events spanning across photography, painting, design, architecture, drama, recitals, musicals, digital media, sculpture and more. Check website for details!