As the owner of Seattle... Seattle is a metro hub of diverse neighbourhoods, lush green surroundings and nightlife; hence its reputation as the Emerald City. Seattle offers a plethora of restaurants and a vibrant music scene and is regarded as the regional centre for performing arts offering something for everyone from music and museums to broadway shows, ballet and more. There is always something to do in the Seattle area. Festivals are offered year-round in the Seattle area. Some have been around for decades and others are new additions. Seattle area cuisine offers an array of flavours from cheap eats to decadent desserts, to wine bars, pubs, and high-end fare. Many Seattle attractions focus on nature, whether it's whitewater rafting on the Skykomish River or climbing nearby Mount Rainier. Those who want to get close to animals can tour Woodland Park Zoo, which is more than 100 years old, or check out Seattle Aquarium's coral reef and six gill shark exhibits. If that's not near enough, adventurous types can scuba dive in Puget Sound with eight-foot octopi.