If you have ever seen the movie “Sleepless in Seattle”, you’d be familiar with the Space Needle. It is considered as Seattle’s most remarkable and distinguishable landmark. The area surrounding the Space Needle is the hub of activity in this Northwest city. It is considered as a public fair ground and a civic center, which is now known as the Seattle Center.

Seattle is a coastal city. It is found on the western section of the state of Washington. The presence of large forests in the area has earned it is official nickname “Emerald City”. It is also sometimes referred to as the “Gateway to Alaska” and “Rain City”.

The city can be found in the Pacific Ring of Fire. Because of this it is prone to earthquakes. It is also a hilly area. Many hills are found even in the center of the city. These are Capitol Hill, Beacon Hill and First Hill.

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In the past, because of its evergreen forests, Seattle became a timber town. The rise of the lumber industry has started the economic boom of the place in its early years.

Now, Seattle is considered as a center for performing arts. Many performing groups are based here and among them are: the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, Seattle Opera, and Pacific Northwest Ballet. But the city is not only home to these traditional ensembles. It is the birthplace of grunge music. With the rise of artists like Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam, Seattle has attracted some well-known artists like Quincy Jones, and other deceased notables as Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain.