It just so happens that one of America’s fastest growing cities is also one of my favorite places to visit.

We just spent a week there on our way to Alaska and here are some special spots we think you’ll like.

Hotels: we like them small and well-located.

Inn at the Market is one block away from Pike’s Market, the must-see market where you’ll see flying fish, huge bouquets of flowers, produce that will make you wish you lived in Washington State and every variety of souvenir. This hotel is intimate, luxurious and has great service. If you can’t get an ocean-view room, be sure to check out the roof-top deck.

Our other favorite spot is the Alexis Hotel, located about five blocks from Pike’s Market (offers a bit more of a quiet scene). We’ve stayed here numerous times and love the staff who make you feel like home. Their suites are great if you have more than two people. Our niece Kelly had her own private living room area where we added a roll-away bed. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed. No two rooms are the same décor and the hotel features local artists, evening wine and appetizers and a cute restaurant /bar for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

If neither of these are available, check out Kimpton hotels. They own several properties in Seattle (besides the Alexis) and they are all first-rate (Hotel Vintage Seattle, Palladia and Hotel Monaco). They even allow dogs! And if you sign up for their loyalty program, you get free wi-fi and a $10 credit on food/beverage/mini-bar.

Restaurants: oh, the seafood

Seattle is know for its seafood and every tourist in town visits Ivar’s the famous seafood eatery – which now has locations all over the area.

On our recent visit, we found Rockcreek Seafood. It was so outstanding, we ate there twice – even after a huge lunch and a 4 pm reservation were all we could get. If you like spicey, try the calamari. This is probably not a place that kids will love, but any foodie will be glad to find it.

For a number of years we have eaten at Etta’s, a small casual café a block away from Pike’s Market. Its perfect location is a real draw, but the food is top-notch, too. Owned by Tom Douglas, the world renown chef and restauranteur.

If you’re in the mood for sophisticated Asian, try Wild Ginger. Located downtown, it is a hip place with great food.

Four favorite things to do in Seattle

Underground tour of Seattle. If you love history and want to learn how Seattle is built above the old city, climb down steps to the “basement” of Seattle and get some good laughs, this is a tour for you. One of our all-time favorite touristy things to do anywhere!

Boeing’s Museum of Flight. Since we’re both pilots, we love this place. But you will, too. Great for kids. Schedule a full morning or afternoon. You’ll need it.

Dale Chihuly garden and glass exhibit at Space Needle park. No one should come to Seattle without seeing some of the fabulous glass created here by some of the world’s best artists. Dale Chihuly is the master and the new park at the Space Needle will blow (pun intended) your mind! A marvel of glass, creativity and color. Wow.

Day trip on Ferries. Ya gotta ride the ferry! Go anywhere, but enjoy the beauty of the area on a ferry. Can’t be beat.