A few times a year I head up to Seattle to see my parents and younger sister, and I'm headed there later this week.

I've done Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, the EMP, the Ballard Locks and a bunch of the other usual stuff you do when you visit Seattle.

Any suggestions? I like things that are one-of-a-kind or off the beaten path. A bit of my tourist time will be spent with the parents but I also will have some time with my younger sister where I could do something that appeals strongly to 30-somethings and not to 60-somethings.

- Rae

Well, here I am answering my own question.

My dad and I went on the Underground Tour of Seattle. It's not very long, takes a little over an hour. It's located down in Pioneer Square, where some of the oldest buildings in Seattle still stand. Historical and educational in nature, you get to see how they regraded and rebuilt most of the downtown waterfront.

- Rae

I haven't been to Seattle, but have passed through a few times and would love to spend some time there. What would you recommend a first-time visitor see? Is the view from the Space Needle as great as they say?

I have to confess, I haven't been up the Space Needle. However, the City Center all around it is great, especiallly over Labor Day Weekend when they host a four day festival called Bumbershoot.

Pike Place Market is good and fun for tourists and locals alike. The Seattle Art Museum is good.

If you have music fans in the group, go online and get advance tickets for the Experience Music Project. If you have a rental care, you can also visit Jimi Hendrix's grave in Renton, WA just south of Seattle.

Remember this is the home of Starbucks. Also, SoDo MoJo stands for South Dome Mojo and is a reference to the Seattle Mariner's baseball team.

If you have time to take the ferry to Bainbridge Island, that is a great day trip.

- Rae