If Bird has a regret, it's that her busy schedule allows her to take only so much advantage of what the city has to offer. She speaks warmly of the days when she's able to take her lunch to Kerry Park and enjoy one of the city's most panoramic views. And though she claims that Amazon is more her speed, Bird is awed by the Seattle Public Library. "In terms of architecture, it's just ridiculous. It does not look like a library. It looks like something out of Total Recall," she enthuses.

We Said... Where we (w)hoop it up in Seattle  LODGING 4721, www.acehotel.com. The Ace is either a very chic hostel (some rooms have shared baths) or a pared-down boutique property. However you label it, it makes for a simple yet stylish stay in Seattle. The Edgewater Hotel, very expensive, (206) 728-7000, www.edgewaterhotel.com. A big part of Seattle's appeal is the waterfront, but unbelievably, there's only one hotel in town where you can take advantage of it. In addition to its million-dollar view, the Edgewater offers plenty of other amenities; the well-stocked bathrooms even come with a rubber ducky. DINING .bethscafe.com. Beth's serves burgers, salads, and more, but for more than 50 years, it's really been all about the breakfasts here, particularly the plate-