Seattle

In 1851, a group of Europeans settled in the area next to Puget Sound, calling their town 'New York'. The name was changed to 'Duwamp's, then finally Seattle. The town steadily grew in size to become a city. A notable early event was the Great Seattle Fire in 1889, which destroyed a large part of the city. However the general bouyancy of the area, and the Klondike Gold Rush led to rapid rebuilding and expansion. Now Seattle is one of America's best arts destinations, and the Coffee capital of the continent.

Where better to start your tour than at the Pike Place market, one of the few farmer's city markets to remain in the US. Find time to sip a coffee at the first-ever Starbucks.

Also recommended is a visit to the iconic Space Needle, a great place to get an feel for the unique location of the city. There are 74 acres of landscaped grounds with some super entertainment.

For historical enthusiasts, take a trip to Pioneer square, the city's oldest and most famous district. The area is full of splendid architecture, interesting shops, bookstores and art galleries.