With a deep green that imbues nearly every living thing, Seattle is a wonderful amalgamation of city and nature. Every month, there is seemingly something else in bloom. Live is lived outdoors, regardless of the weather.

Capitol Hill is the de facto gayborhood, with one of the highest concentrations of LGBT residents per capita in the US. The most unusual part is that the Hill also the home to families, hipsters and a whole slew of other demographics. This people potpourri leads to absolutely packed sidewalks at the weekend, and a lively atmosphere every evening.

Nightlife is centered on the Pike/Pine corridor, with the oldest gay club in Seattle, Neighbors, anchoring one end and the naughty Cuff complex at the other. In between, you will find the contemporary Lobby Bar, the dark Pony, upscale Purr, and the ladies’ spot Wild Rose. A newcomer to the scene, Grim’s, is not gay per se but the DIY aesthetic has made it a popular stop on the Capitol Hill bar crawl.

From the hill, you can see out past the Space Needle to the mountain ranges that ring the city. Take a ferry, and get out to Twilight country, or explore the Olympic National Park. Seattle is known for a great quality of life, and those mountains will show you why.