Why Seattle stands out

Amy Bould visited Washington State and discovered much to do in Seattle and its hinterland – including some fantastic wine and food.

Coffee anyone? More like, coffee everyone. Walking along the streets of Seattle, it seems like every passerby is holding a steaming cup of the good stuff.

The home of the Starbucks chain, this north west US city is also known as the birthplace of grunge, the base for Bill Gates and the setting for the two hit US television series, Frazier and Grey's Anatomy.

And rain.

But actually Seattle doesn't have anymore rain than New York, and late autumn is the perfect time to visit with warm sunshine and only the occasional shower!

A surprisingly walkable city, Seattle offers much to the city break traveller – although an 11 hour flight could put you off the short stay option. But combine it with a tour over the other side of the Cascade mountains in Washington State and you've the best of both worlds.

Pike Place Market is known as the bread basket of Seattle and it's not hard to see why. First opened in 1907, it's one of the oldest continually operated public farmers' markets in the United States.

From the freshest fruit and veg, with the most suggestive names, to the famous 'flinging' fish stall where sellers literally lob you your langoustines, it's alive with locals and tourists from dawn to dusk.

Don't miss a stop off at the original Starbucks for a quick caffeine top up and pick up a Russian savoury from the famous bakery Piroshky-Piroshky.

For the full experience, take a guided tour with Michael Rogers at www.tastepikeplace.com.

After all the food, a walk must be in order and its not too far to the Puget Sound where a boat ride can give you a great overview of the city. Of course, by far the best way (and a bird's eye view of Microsoft founder Bill Gates palatial mansion) is on a sea plane flight with a audio commentary and a flypast of the famous Space Needle.

The iconic Needle was built in 1961, in preparation for the World Fair. Now a visitor attraction and a restaurant, it offers the best panoramic view of the city from a viewing platform 520ft above the ground.

But beware, the lifts to take you to the top could give you motion sickness. Hold on as they travel at around 10 mph, or 800 feet per minute. Actual travel time from the ground level to the top-house is 43 second.

There are also the obligatory open bus tours which travel around the city, great for hopping on and off for shopping, with the city home to all the major stores, including Seattle-based department store Nordstrom.

And like Meg Ryan, you could be Sleepless in Seattle.

If the caffeine doesn't keep you awake, there are bars and live music clubs around and when its time to rest your head, try the Hotel Vintage Park or the Monaco, right in the heart of downtown Seattle.

Travel Facts

• KLM and partner airline, Delta, fly from London Heathrow to Seattle via Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and fares start from as little as £449 return.

• KLM offers passengers a regional network of 15 UK departure points including Aberdeen, Bristol, Leeds-Bradford, Manchester, Norwich and, new for 2009, Liverpool.

• KLM's seamless travel offering and quick and easy internet check in facility means that passengers can check in online between 24 hours and up to one hour before departure. For more information on internet check in or to book flights visit www.klm.com For telephone bookings call 0871 222 7474.

• For a free visitors information guide to Seattle and Washington State contact Seattle and Washington State Tourism on 020 7978 5233 or visit the websites at: www.visitseattle.org or www.experiencewa.com