Think Microsoft, Kurt Cobain, Boeing or Elvis in ‘It Happened at the World’s Fair’ and Seattle probably comes to mind. The city and its Cascadian environs are worth visiting at any time of year. But for many, warm summers between the mountains and beautiful Puget Sound mean this season shows Seattle off best.

Whenever I’ve visited, I’ve stayed with friends out in leafy Northgate. However, if you’re arranging accommodation, Seattle is packed with great places to stay – from ritzy five-star to cosy boutique places such as Hotel Ballard with its furnished roof terrace and mountain views.

Whether you stay at the well-rated Greenlake Guest House, 10 minutes’ drive from downtown, or the waterfront Edgewater Inn made famous by Led Zeppelin in July 1969, TripAdvisor and its peers are your planning-time friends.

Mount Rainier presides impressively

Throughout Seattle, the mighty Cascades are ever-present and the active volcanic cone of Mount Rainier presides impressively. From Lake Union Park to historic Pioneer Square, Seattle rewards exploration on foot, by public transport or by car. Check out Pike Place Market with its famous low-flying fish or view the city from the newly-renovated 184m-high Space Needle – a Pacific-Northwest landmark.

Later, wander Queen Anne’s steep ‘San Franciscoesque’ streets or ferry-hop to Bainbridge Island and beyond. For new perspectives the mountains beckon, as do Washington State’s 900+ world-class wineries. And cult TV fans are sure to enjoy visiting locations from the 1990s series ‘Twin Peaks’ out at Snoqualmie and North Bend.

Aviation enthusiasts will love visiting Tukwila’s Museum of Flight or Everett’s massive Boeing factory – home of classic airliners such as the 747 and 787 Dreamliner. You could even venture north across ‘the line’ to Vancouver, Canada. If you do, I highly recommend the four-hour Amtrak Cascades train journey along scenic Puget Sound – complete with impromptu seal-spotting stops!

Sample Seattleites’ favourite treats

Naturally, you’ll punctuate your exploration with delicious wines, local beers (start with anything from Old Stove or Reuben’s Brews), Seattle’s renowned coffee and the city’s eclectic culinary offerings. Do sample Seattleites’ favourite treats too: fresh-shucked Oysters at Elliotts off Alaskan Way; curry beef hom bow; katsu burger; and anything with teriyaki sauce.

And what could be better before that Mariners (baseball) or Seahawks (American football) home game than a ‘Seattle Dog’ – with cream cheese, of course.

Whether your visit to super liveable Seattle leaves you sleepless with excitement, or perfectly relaxed, look forward to an amazing summer experience!