SEATTLE

Seattle is nestled between the Cascade Mountains to the east and the Olympic Mountains to the west. The geography is hilly and ridged, carved out by glacial activity from nearby Mount Rainier during the last ice age. Just beyond the Olympics lies the Pacific Ocean. The beautiful international city of Vancouver, B.C. to the north or Portland, Oregon to the south beckon easy day or extended weekend trips.

Performing arts in Seattle abound and provide year-round entertainment ranging from opera and stage productions to rock concerts. Major venues include the century-old Seattle Symphony Orchestra, located at the near by Seattle Center park and complex; downtown Seattle houses the Seattle Symphony Orchestra; also at the Seattle Center one can attend the Pacific Northwest Ballet. In addition, there are several principal theatres, such as the Broadway-style 5th Avenue Theatre, the Seattle Theatre Group producing and hosting other major events at the restored Paramount theatre, and several playhouses including the A.C.T., the Intiman, and the Seattle Repertory Theatre. Overall, there are around 100 theatrical production companies to choose from.

Besides performing arts, Seattle boasts a number of professional sports franchises. Football – Seattle Seahawks – rates high among sports aficionados. You can watch the Mariners play baseball in their unique outdoor stadium with a retractable roof. Both of these stadiums are just south of the downtown core and, while watching the game, you can also take in views of the city from your seat. Other professional sports include the Seattle Thunderbirds – ice hockey, The Seattle Sounders FC – soccer, and the Seattle Storm – WNBA basketball. You can also attend other sporting events, such as professional horse racing at Emerald Downs.

If you are an outdoor person, Seattle is definitely a first rate location! Boating and fishing, mountain biking and hiking, skiing and snowboarding, or just taking a ride on one of the many ferry routes among and to the numerous islands found within Puget Sound and the Straight of Juan de Fuca. Even within the city, it's easy to go beachcombing or take neighborhood walks on the numerous pedestrian friendly streets while perusing boutiques, gardens, and architecture. Seattle also has the Seattle Art Museum's Outdoor Sculpture Park and several miles of waterfront parks and pathways where you can walk along bluffs, beaches, and forested areas. Further out, a two hour drive will take you to the Pacific Ocean beaches on the Olympic Peninsula.

Everyone knows it rains in Seattle. But did you know that the climate is comfortably temperate with only about 35–40 inches of rain a year and over 200 days per year with no precipitation at all? Because Seattle adjoins Puget Sound, marine air keeps the summer temperature in the 70–80 degree range most of the time. Winter can be chilly, but normally not below freezing. Some of the most beautiful days you can experience are in late summer with clear blue skies, bright sunshine, and perfectly warm days and evenings.

Seattle's dynamic combination of its world class cosmopolitan environment, stunning natural setting, engaging arts community, and vital economic strength and diversity make it one of the most desirable places to live in the United States.