YOU'VE SIPPED its coffee, listened to its music, flown in its planes and used its software. You may think you know Seattle from its exports—but these days what makes the Emerald City shine is all the talent and creativity that has been turned inward to make it the cultural capital of the Pacific Northwest.  Seattle got its start as a rough-and-tumble frontier town, and you can still feel that past in the stone streets of Pioneer Square, the timeless bustle of Pike Place Market and the rusted hulls of ships that crawl through local waterways. But most of what's going on here is about the present—the brick warehouses, dive bars and century-old storefronts that have been repurposed to suit a Seattle of bold chef-owned restaurants, handcrafted-cocktail bars, art galleries, rock venues and coffee shops where you can easily lose an afternoon.  Throughout the city, quiet blocks have come to life with new eateries, drinkeries and upscale shops. The south side of the Capitol Hill neighborhood—in parts an urban no-mans land a decade ago—is now a stomping ground for artsy Seattleites of every age. Hipster haven Cha Cha Lounge is just steps from the indie Elliott Bay Book Company (in a new industrial-chic location), Paris-inspired Café Presse and eclectic, nuovo-Italian eatery Spinasse.  The Ballard neighborhood, once known for its sleepy pace and boat locks, now draws urbanites with its nightspots, boutique shopping and farmers' market. Even downtown has matured, with its several-years-young Rem Koolhaas library, world-renowned Benaroya Symphony Hall and condominiums climbing the skies (and keeping professionals from skipping out to the suburbs).  There's a buzz about that has nothing to do with caffeine—Seattle's left its slacker rep behind and has truly hit its stride. And there's no better time to visit than summer; revel in the seafood, and leave the raincoat at home.  Founder, chairman, president and CEO of Starbucks Corp. SBUX -1.39 % ; co-author of "Onward"  Pacific-Style Pizza // Serious Pie. The clam pizza is killer, trust me. And the overall experience—watching artisans handcraft your order, sitting at communal tables—is pure theatre. 316 Virginia St., tomdouglas.com  Catch of the Day // Jack's Fish Spot. Amazing fresh fish in Pike Place Market. I've known Jack Mathers more than 20 years. He's a Seattle institution. Insiders know about the stand-up seafood bar tucked in the back. 1514 Pike Place, jacksfishspot.com  Culinary Romance // Canlis. This family-owned restaurant has drop-dead views, only surpassed by the quality of the food and service. 2576 Aurora Ave. N.,canlis.com  Weekend Stroll // Ballard. A few times a year my wife and I spend a Sunday morning meandering the streets of this historic district. The sense of community and Nordic heritage here is palpable.  Seattle Style // Kuhlman. The proprietors do a great job of curating an eclectic mix of men's and women's clothing, from retro ties to T-shirts you can't find anywhere else. 2419 First Ave., kuhlmanseattle.com  Healthy Fare // Healeo. Justin Brotman's new health food store and café is doing a fantastic job helping customers navigate nutritional foods and supplements. 1520 15th Ave.,healeo.com  Singer-songwriter whose new album was recorded live at Benaroya Hall  f-Shell Delights // The Brooklyn. The best old-school place for northwest oysters, the thing I bring home and completely binge on. The best new-school place is The Walrus and the Carpenter. 1212 Second Ave., thebrooklyn.com; 4743 Ballard Ave. N.W., thewalrusbar.com  Soul of Seattle // Pike Place Market. I busked here before I was old enough to play in bars. The seafood's really good, there's a lot of local artists, a lot of beautiful jewelry. The most encompassing Seattle way to spend an afternoon. Pike Street at 1st Ave., pikeplacemarket.org  Water's Call // Vashon ferry. When I need to feel creative it's usually the Northwestern landscape that takes my walls down. The Vashon ferry is really, really beautiful. Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal, 4829 S.W. Barton, wsdot.com  Chord Source // Dusty Strings. Where I bought my first guitar after we got our record deal. I had always gone there and looked at guitars and hammer dulcimers and banjos. 3406 Freemont Ave. N., dustystrings.com  Stage Clothes // Ian. Right across from the Moore Theatre is my favorite clothing store in the country. Their buyer must be fascinated by the concept of very tailored clothes, because it seems like everything's custom fit to you when you walk out of there. 1919 Second Ave., ianshop.com  Glass sculptor and co-founder of Pilchuck Glass School  Skyline Jewel // The Space Needle. Built for the 1962 World's Fair, it has become an icon. I don't know many people who come here and don't make plans to visit and either ride up to the observation level to enjoy the fabulous view or eat at SkyCity restaurant. 400 Broad St., spaceneedle.com  Fine Cures // Salumi. My friend Armandino Batali runs Salumi, which has some of the most delicious salami in the Northwest. I bought salami one day and our dog Coby ended up getting a hold of it in the car. It must have been the best treat she's ever had. 309 Third Ave. S., salumicuredmeats.com  Old-Country Cucina // Il Terrazzo Carmine. One of my favorite restaurants, located in the historic Pioneer Square District. You're always greeted by the charismatic owner, Carmine. Some of my top dishes are the rigatoni bolognese and the spaghetti alla vongole. 411 First Ave. S., illterrazzocarmine.com  Big-Screen Scene // Big Picture. The theater is small, intimate and comfortable. My wife Leslie and I have hosted several film parties here with family and friends. 2505 First Ave., thebigpicture.net  Puget Sounds // Benaroya Hall. In 1998 I installed two grand chandeliers at opposing sides of the entrance to the hall. My wife Leslie is chair of the Seattle Symphony, and I enjoy attending concerts with her. The acoustics are amazing. 200 University St., seattlesymphony.org  Seattle-based chef, restaurant consultant and cookbook author  Asian Inspiration // Revel. I love the open, hip design of this space and the urban Korean-inspired menu. My must-have is the crispy shrimp edamame mint pancake made from mung beans and smeared with the house-made savory chili bean paste. 403 N. 36th St., revelseattle.com  Secret Sipping // Needle & Thread (upstairs at Tavern Law). When you enter, head towards the bank vault door, pick up the old-fashioned wall phone and ask for a seat. If lucky, head upstairs to this sexy speakeasy, where the bartender will craft you a custom cocktail. Just name your spirit and how you like it. 1406 12th Ave., tavernlaw.com  Fish & Ships // The Fishermens' Terminal and Little Chinook's. Wander the docks and breathe in the fresh sea smell, admire the boats, chat up some fishermen and drink in the view. Then grab some great fish and chips from Little Chinook's—wild salmon or Alaska halibut or cod. They work with fishermen to source the freshest local fish. 3 919 18th Ave. W., portseattle.org; 1900 W. Nickerson St., anthonys.com  Local Craving // Local 360. This Belltown restaurant features ingredients found within a 360-mile radius, from pig ears to whiskey. I crave the oh-so-naughty but so-nice molten peanut butter bon bons. Brioche-crumb-enrobed peanut butter balls are fried, placed atop homemade blackberry preserves and served with a shot of raw milk. 2234 First Ave., local360.org
Restaurant, hotel, shopping and activity recommendations from Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, artist Dale Chihuly, foodie Kathy Casey and singer Brandi Carlile.