The views are breathtaking from Seattle's most recognized landmark, The Space Needle.
Maryann Jordan is senior deputy director of the Seattle Art Museum and a transplanted Seattle-ite by way of the Guggenheim Museum in New York City. She shares some of her favorite spots for mixing business with pleasure in her adopted (and now beloved) home.
Best Place to Entertain Visiting Maharajahs: The Hunt Club at The Sorrento Hotel
After a day of meetings, the mahogany paneled Fireside Room will transport you and visiting VIPs to a more glamorous place and time. Relax by the grand fireplace, sip champagne and soak up the West Coast lumber baron-meets-traditional East Coast vibe.
900 Madison St., Seattle
For donors, patrons and art lovers alike, few things can beat a late afternoon stroll through the spectacular Olympic Sculpture Park, followed by a stroll down Western Avenue and dinner at the Boat Street Cafe, where Provence meets industrial loft.
2901 Western Ave., Seattle
Best Place for Lunch: Space Needle
I still get a big thrill out of taking people to the Space Needle for lunch. Built for the World’s Fair in 1962, the revolving restaurant offers 360º views and a memorable midcentury-style experience, especially when you order the Lunar Orbiter, a dessert surrounded by dry ice.
400 Broad St., Seattle
Best Art Gallery: Ambach & Rice
Formerly known as the OKOK Gallery, this newly renovated gallery owned by the charming Charlie and Amanda Kitchens is one of my favorite places in the funky Ballard neighborhood.
5107 Ballard Ave. NW, Seattle
Best Shop: Souvenir
There’s no sign outside, but inside this narrow space is a store that I’d love to find anywhere in the world. Souvenir owner Curtis Steiner offers an amazing conglomeration of things that he and other artists have created. Whenever I stop in, I always feel so inspired.
5325 Ballard Ave. NW, Seattle
Best Neighborhood to Discover: Georgetown
Right at the foot of Boeing Field in the south part of Seattle is gritty and fascinating Georgetown. As with many great neighborhood renaissances, artists are setting up studios and intriguing restaurants are popping up across the industrial landscape. Discover amazing crepes at
The Hangar Cafe and incredible sandwiches at
Smarty Pants, a motorcycle bar.
The Hanger Cafe, 6261 13th Ave. S., Seattle; Smarty Pants, 6061 Airport Way S., Seattle.