Not For Tourists Guide to Seattle (2016)

Central Seattle

Map 19

Polar opposite extremes of wealth and health. Families living in mansions on Lake Washington recreate at the Seattle Tennis Club's waterfront courts and privately educate prodigal youth at the elite Bush School. Nearby, at a gritty city intersection, Seattle's Bailey-Bouche provides housing for people living with terminal diseases and public schools get the axe due to budget cuts. Gotta love the commonalities—Seattle Tennis Club, Bush School, and Bailey-Bouche House all have exclusive admission criteria.

✵ Japanese Garden ✵ 1075 Lake Washington Blvd E

206-684-4725

Renowned formal Japanese garden; check out the periodic tea ceremonies.

✵ Seattle Tennis Club ✵ 922 McGilvra Blvd E

206-324-3200

A venerable Madison Park institution. Country clubbish.

✵ Araya's Place ✵ 2808 E Madison St

206-402-6634 ✵ $$

Venerable vegan Thai empire.

✵ Belle Epicurean ✵ 3109 E Madison St

206-466-1320 ✵ $

Inspired French pastries served with approriately snooty attitude.

✵ Café Flora ✵ 2901 E Madison St

206-325-9100 ✵ $$

Eat fancy vegetarian (one of the country's best) in a Zen garden.

✵ Nishino ✵ 3130 E Madison St

206-322-5800 ✵ $$$

One of the premier sushi places in town. Reservations requisite.

✵ Voilà ! Bistrot ✵ 2805 E Madison St

206-322-5460 ✵ $$$

Classic French in a classy setting. Stupid name.

✵ City People’s Garden Store ✵ 2939 E Madison St

206-324-0737

Yes, you too can have flowers blooming and veggies growing year round in Seattle.

✵ Fury Extraordinary Women’s Consignment ✵ 2810 E Madison St

206-329-6829

Got-bucks women consign clothing onto the racks of Fury.

✵ The Lavender Heart ✵ 2812 E Madison St

206-568-4441

Walk into the store, breathe in the creative mind of owner Holly Henderson, exhale.