With its cool shops and trendy restaurants, there's good reason why Seattle attracts some of the most creative types around.

In Seattle, WA, grit meets hip – and the combination is irresistible. With the coolest shops, trendiest restaurants and most unique sites, there’s good reason why the city attracts some of the most creative types around.

Photography courtesy of edgewaterhotel.com

Where to stay: The Edgewater Hotel
This 223-room waterfront hotel sits on Pier 67 and offers views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. True to its Pacific Northwest locale, its rooms have cozy interiors with fireplaces and pine walls. The hotel has hosted sleepovers for musical greats like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones. 2411 Alaskan Way, edgewaterhotel.com.

Photography courtesy of Getty Images

Where to eat and drink

Canon: Whiskey and Bitters Emporium
For a sip before your big night out, consider Canon: Whiskey and Bitters Emporium. Tin ceilings, industrial-chic bar seating and bottles displayed on floor-to-ceiling shelves make for a warm and welcoming vibe. And its bragging rights to one of the biggest drink selections in the world are well earned. 928 12th Ave., canonseattle.com.

Sitka & Spruce
This cool spot may sport a haute austere look, but don’t be fooled: The food is anything but spare. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, it’s a great place to enjoy a meal while visiting the vibrant Pike-Pine Corridor area. 1531 Melrose Ave. E., sitkaandspruce.com.

Photography courtesy of Nia Takes Photos

Where to shop: Butter Home
Artisan-made home goods and vintage items are everywhere in this trendy shop inside Capitol Hill’s Melrose Market. We love the driftwood-and-porcelain utensils created by California artist Linda Fahey, and we had to smile at the toast-shaped wooden cutting board with matching hand-carved spreaders. 1531 Melrose Ave. E., butterhomeseattle.com.

Photography courtesy of Corbis Images

What to do: Seattle sites and food markets
Check out Alexander Calder’s abstract Eagle as well as views of the waterfront on a walking tour of Olympic Sculpture Park. Another must-see is The Center for Wooden Boats. Rent a sailboat or rowboat while you’re there. Nothing says Seattle, though, like its food markets, including the famous Pike Place Market), Capitol Hill’s Melrose Market and the University District Farmers Market.