Don’t let thoughts of rain keep you away: August is Seattle’s driest month. The West Coast city is a cultural epicenter whose residents pride themselves on environmental consciousness (lots of bikes). Make sure to visit the iconic Space Needle-built for the 1962 World’s Fair-and stop by bustling Pike Place Market, which includes the world’s first Starbucks. Don’t forget to relax: Escape to calmer surroundings at Volunteer Park and Gas Works Park, which both offer sweeping views of the city. For more information click here.

Consider a jaunt up to our Northern neighbor, especially to visit Vancouver, named one of the world’s most livable cities. Water surrounds Vancouver on three sides and mountains on one, and ethnic food options abound within the city. Consider staying over in the Corkscrew Inn, which houses a wine museum and the world’s largest collection of corkscrews. Take a trip out to Granville Island where glass and pottery artists keep studios. For more information click here.

The Midwest City can claim top architecture, world-renowned dining and perhaps soon Olympics host to its name. A visit to the metropolis is incomplete without a walk in Millennium Park and pictures with the reflective sculpture people affectionately refer to as "the bean." (Really "Cloud Gate.") Take in the impressive buildings and learn about their history on an architectural boat tour that cruises down the city’s rivers and check out the beaches that border Lake Michigan. For more information click here.