The two questions I get more than any other is "What are some non touristy things I can do with out of town guests?" or "What should I do when I come to visit Seattle?" Today, I will set out to answer those two questions and give you a variety of ideas of things you can do both near and far.

Interests: Seattle in a nutshell

There is no greater way to get a feel for Seattle then from the water. Might I suggest an afternoon sail with Let's Go Sailing, taking a trip on a Washington State ferry to anywhere, a full day of exploring the city on foot from South Lake Union to Gasworks Park, a date night of kayaking and dinner at Agua Verde or kayak through the Ballard Locks.

Seattle has no shortage of green spaces and beautiful parks; Lincoln Park, Washington Park Arboretum and Volunteer Park Conservatory are some of our very favorites.

For you aviation enthusiasts, a trip to the Future of Flight is a must see!

Interests: outdoors, nature

If you want to stretch your legs or work off all the delicious food you have been consuming might I suggest a hike up Rattlesnake Ridge, Mt. Si, Granite Mountain, Bandera Mountain, Melawka Lake, spend an afternoon at Ebey's Landing or check out this list of hikes both near and far. If visiting animals is more your speed pay a visit to Kelsey Creek Farm.

If you are in the city we like to take the water taxi either to/from West Seattle and have lunch at either Marination Ma Kai or Elliott's depending on which side you are on. Often we like to be a tourist in our own town and take the Argosy Locks Tour and visit the Seattle Aquarium.

For a combination of small town charm and beautiful scenery might I suggest a day trip to Vashon, a scenic drive to Coupeville, an afternoon in Hoodsport, a day trip to Union, a trip up north to Bow-Edison, a quiet morning in Marrowstone or even head up to the San Juan Islands for a day of kayaking.

Interests: food

If you would like to see where Penn Cove mussels come from while also squeezing in a scenic drive hop a ferry and make a day of it. Snoqualmie Ice Cream is a locally made ice cream whose scoop shop and farm you can visit in Malby, WA. If brunch is more you thing, check out The Commons, experience honey from heaven at Salish Lodge or Oddfellows. For a quintessential Seattle vibe head to Pioneer Square and have lunch at London Plane or head over to General Porpoise for the most amazing donuts. If you can make it happen with your schedule take a cooking class at The Pantry.

For those of you locals who would like to see Pike Place Market from a different perspective or learn something new about a place you have visited a million times, take a food tour at Pike Place Market. Dinner at Matt's in the Market or Ray's boathouse is always a good idea. Happy Hour at Anthony's or Salty's is always a fun treat during the week.

Interests: Day trips or weekend getaways

The perfect place to visit to wow your out of towns guests is either the San Juan Islands or the North Cascades. And it is even more fun as a romantic getaway or for your first glamping experience.

There are so many diverse and unique places to stay in Washington. Spend a weekend in a Glass House , a rolling hut, head to Long Beach, WA, stay in a cabin on Silver Lake or head east of the mountains to Potholes State Park and camp in a tent or stay at Sleeping Lady Lodge.