2 Best Sights in First Hill, Seattle

In addition to its beloved permanent collection—predominantly 19th- and 20th-century pastoral paintings—the Frye hosts eclectic and often avant-garde exhibits, putting this elegant museum on par with the Henry in the University District. No matter what's going on in the stark, brightly lit back galleries, it always seems to blend well with the permanent collection, which is rotated regularly. Thanks to the legacy of Charles and Emma Frye, the museum is always free, including parking, and its café MariPili at Cafe Frieda serves Galician-inspired sandwiches, salads, and soups.

First Hill's renovated cultural center hosts scores of events in its spacious yet intimate Great Hall. Chief among them are talks and panel discussions with leading politicians, authors, scientists, and academics. Book launches, drag and musical performances, and documentary screenings are among the other events on previous line-ups.