Clockwise: Velouria, Ace Hotel, Seattle by Dave Hogan, Seattle Ferry, The Sexton, Allen Stone, Matador, EMP by Dave Hogan

Kathleen AKA Makeup Madeleine, shares with us the new alternative side to Seattle.

Shop at: Alexandria's designer consignment boutique, so cute, great high end designers, and right downtown. The city is full of independent boutiques, some of my favorites include Sway&Cake, and for original items go to Velouria. If you go up to First Hill, it is is full of unique shops and boutiques. Don't forget that the city also hosts the Nordstrom's flagship store. Seattle fashion forward designer Emeka Alams, founder of Gold Coast Trading Co. makes clothes fusing African inspirations, truly eclectic.

Eat at: The city is full of seafood eateries, like Beecher's for gluten free Mac & Cheese, Pink Door, and for oysters visit the The Walrus and the Carpenter. For a lunch, stop by Purple Cafe and order a glass of wine from Washington State with your food. For your sweet tooth, go to Hot Cakes. Skillet on Capitol Hill has an amazing kale salad with salmon, grilled brie sandwiches, and on and on. I wanted to order the whole menu!

Stay at: Ace Hotel, very simple, modern, and right next to cyclops cafe with cool art. Hotel Max is coming up as is the Hotel Ändra.If you plan on staying in the U-District, then Hotel Deca is a good option. Mayflower Park Hotel offers a luxury boutique hotel experience. Inn at the Market is centrally located, near Pike Place Market. In Queen Anne, near the Seattle Center is   Marqueen Hotel.

Clockwise: The Walrus and the Carpenter, Gold Coast Trading Co.,  The Pink Door, Easy Street Records, Makeup Madeline, Molten Hot Cakes, Century Ballroom, Perfume Genius, Purple Cafe; Center: Seattle Library by Dave Hogan

Drink at: For coffee, Bauhaus Books & Coffee offers the Seattle experience. Linda's Tavern, Matador, Cyclops Bar, The Sexton, or happy hour at the Western themed Montana on Olive Way.

Party at: Century Ballroom on Capitol Hill for salsa or swing dancing. The Baltic Room and Nuemo's have good music nights. What you need to do is check out what's happening at the moment by picking up the Stranger. At the moment, I am excited for Capitol Hill's Block Party! While in Capitol Hill check out what party is going on at Neighbours.

Listen to: Pearl Jam, Perfume Genius, Allen Stone, Macklemore or anything you get at Easy Street Records Store, just picked up Delta Rae.

Hidden Treasure:  Seattle is all about hidden gems, the new up and coming areas include the South Lake Union area, Ballard, and my area in West Seattle.  To get a feel for West Seattle, take the West Seattle ferry, it goes from Alki beach to the market downtown. For architectural gems visit the public library designed by Rem Koolhaas and Experience Music Project by Frank Gehry. If you are around in late May, early June, make sure to catch the Seattle International Film Festival. Additionally, keep your eyes open, for Seattle native Dale Chihuly's glass sculptures that are found in buildings throughout the city.

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