Capitol Hill Library
Location: 425 Harvard Avenue East
Seattle WA, US 98102
Phone: 206.684.4715
This relatively-new brick and glass library in the city center is a welcoming place on a rainy day to read a book or people-watch through the windows. The building's construction includes stainless steel lattices supporting trellised vines and plants, making it seem an oasis of green in an urban area. Artwork by Iole Alessandrini highlights indoor lighting effects. The result is 11,215 square feet of reading pleasure with computer workstations, children and teen areas, and tons of tomes on everything under the sun or rain.

REI
Location: 222 Yale Avenue North
Seattle WA, US 98109
Phone: 206.223.1944
Since 1944, REI has been outfitting campers and outdoor enthusiasts. Housed in a building that looks like a giant lumber mill, it's not just a store but an adventure, as practically everything inside is hands-on. This includes The Pinnacle, a 65-foot indoor climbing wall. Take to the mountain bike test-trail, or get lost in aisle after aisle of gadgets and gear designed to outwit Mother Nature. From GPS machines to simple pitch-and-fold tents, and from freeze-dried foods to crampon boots, it's easy to leave this store with things that you might not need on your next outdoor adventure, but they'll sure make it a lot more fun.

Please note: Advance reservations for the climbing wall are recommended.

Rhododendron Species Foundation and Botanical Garden
Location: 2525 South 336th Street
Federal Way WA, US 98003
Phone: 253.838.4646
Set between the cities of Seattle and Tacoma, these gardens represent one of the world's largest collections of rhododendrons dedicated to preserving and cultivating the species. The rhododendron is an incredibly diverse plant, with flowers in all sizes and colors. Some varieties look like trees, others look like shrubs with a textured bark that's beautiful in and of itself.

During spring, over 10,000 of these plants burst into bloom (imagine that!), and there are enough complementary plant species to keep visitors coming year round. In 22 acres of woodland setting, paths meander past ferns, primroses, maples, and other rare or unusual plants. There's a small pond with frogs and lily pads, birds fly overhead, and an alpine area creates the illusion of a mountain slope.

Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame
Location: 325 Fifth Avenue
Seattle WA, US 98108
Phone: 210.651.6101
Located in the same building as the Seattle Experience Music Project, this is the place of dreams for space enthusiasts, trekkies, and anyone who's ever been intrigued by the notions of science fiction. The Hall of Fame honors 36 major contributors to the genre, including Robert Heinlein (Stranger in a Strange Land), Arthur C. Clarke (2001: A Space Odyssey), Isaac Asimov (the Foundation series), and H.G. Wells (The Time Machine).

With a stellar advisory board, which includes the likes of Ray Bradbury and George Lucas, the museum is filled with icons and memorabilia. See space ships and science fiction characters come to life. Contemplate new travel technologies and amazing places that can only exist in some parallel universe. In the exhibits, you'll see future cityscapes, experimental societies, and apocalyptic visions. You'll also see monsters and aliens, and you'll wonder, what does their creation say about ourselves?

The Crocodile Cafe
Location: 2200 Second Avenue
Seattle WA, US 98121
Phone: 206.441.5611
Of course, you can get coffee here, but if you're going to depart from the beanie beverage, you should do so with a Crocodile Mary ("a bloody mary with a bite"). This cafe is a great place to go for giant hangover-curing breakfasts. It's also known for its lunch and dinner, too. The cafe itself is open to all ages, but after 9pm, it welcomes an over-21 crowd screaming for some of Seattle's best local music. From indie to alternative, and from grunge to good-ol' rock and roll, live music brings down the house stage, with new bands often debuting on Tuesday nights. Tribute nights to bands ranging from U2 to Van Halen are also known to pop up on the calendar.
 

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