Monday, July 9, 2007 - Page updated at 03:19 p.m.

Downtime in downtown

We give you time-honored locations prowled in a bit of a new way. We're off to the bowels of the Pike Place Market, a questionable stroll under the Alaskan Way Viaduct and a visit to some of the gems of the Chinatown International District.

Kitsap Peninsula towns

Discover our region's roots at Chief Sealth's hometown of Suquamish; enjoy Scandinavian-flavored tourism in waterfront Poulsbo; and discover the new charms of an old mill town in quaint Port Gamble.

The softer sides of Tacoma

Take a rail ride to downtown's fine museums, historical buildings and Antique Row; a tour of Old Town's shops, eateries and waterfront wonders; and a pleasant look around famous Point Defiance Park, celebrating its 100th year this summer.

Around the Bend

Enjoy a bike ride between North Bend and Snoqualmie, visit the Cedar River Watershed Education Center and Rattlesnake Ledge and ride the valley in old-fashioned style -- on a vintage train.

Beautiful Skagit County

Hike at Padilla Bay and visit the quaint burgs of Edison and Bow (our budget outing); museum hop in La Conner; and take a look at the salty past of Anacortes.

North by Northeast

Visit a brewery and winery in Woodinville; take a bike ride on the Sammamish River Trail from Bothell (our budget trip); or shop for the garden at Molbak's and Flower World nurseries.

Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company