If you're visiting, check out these spots:

• Gas Works Park is a great place to observe Seattle, especially at sunset when the western light shoots along the Lake Washington Ship Canal and washes over the north end of Lake Union. Charles Greening's inlaid sundial at the top of the park's famous knoll is as beautiful as it is functional. Enter the park off Northlake Way or by the Burke Gilman Trail.

• Tilth Organic Harvest Fair is a daylong celebration of seasonal bounty, complete with a tomato taste-off, farmers market, live music and dancing, silent auction, organic lunch and children's garden fair. The 10th annual fair is Sept. 13 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Good Shepherd Center, 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N. Information: 206-633-0451.

• Good Shepherd Center houses a wealth of non-profit community organizations, including the Holistic Childbirth Education and Yoga Center, Alliance Francaise and Pacific Northwest Needle Arts Guild. Built in 1890, the building at 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N. housed "wayward" girls for 65 years in a beautiful 11-acre setting.

• Roadrunner Coffeehouse, 2123 N. 40th St., is a homey restaurant and coffee hangout known for its lineup of folk musicians as well as good food and storytelling. The Seattle Storytelling Guild performs at 1 p.m. the third Sunday of the month. Information or dinner reservations: 206-547-4559.

• Wallingford Wurst Festival, an annual celebration of sausage, has expanded to include other ethnic food, a carnival, an auction, music and craft booths. It runs Sept. 19-21 at St. Benedict School grounds, 4811 Wallingford Ave. N. Hours are Friday 5-10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Beer garden goes until midnight Friday and Saturday. Proceeds benefit school programs. Information: 206-633-3375 or 206-632-0843.