Although its high-tech hype makes headlines, Seattle's low-tech charms make it a great leisure destination. The real Seattle comes from being defined by water and -- it's been noted -- that you can't get a true sense of the city until you row a vintage rowboat around Lake Union or watch a salmon fight its way up the fish ladder at the Chittenden Locks. From its commuter ferries (made well-known from film/TV a la Sleepless in Seattle and Grey's Anatomy) to the name of its Mariners baseball team, Seattle has retained its core of authenticity that other west coast city ports have lost. While San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf has largely been reduced to souvenir shops, Seattle's Fisherman's Terminal is still a working seaport, filled with more than 700 fishing boats.

It's true that Seattle's pace has quickened since Microsoft's-led charge pushed it into the 21st century, but long-time locals resist the more ostentatious trappings of the ongoing economic boom while welcoming the cultural and culinary choices the city now offers. According to travel guides, the most rewarding itinerary for a Seattle visit highlights the city's pioneer port heritage. Therefore, among the attractions not to be missed is the Center for Wooden Boats, where you'll discover a world of Whitebear skiffs, Beetle cats, and other small craft of the pre-fiberglass age. Much of the museum's fleet is in the water ready for action as the Center has only one glass case that displays a navigational instrument. Period rowboats and sailboats rent by the hour if you can prove your nautical skills. However, if you can't, lessons and a free crewed sail are scheduled on Sundays.

And then there's Seattle's homage to music. Just up the road from the Center for Wooden Boats, located at the base of the Space Needle, you'll find architect Frank Gehry's first Northwest commission -- the new Experience Music Project. With 3,000 items on view, this state-of-the-art museum of rock and roll -- made of multicolored stainless steel and aluminum paneling -- is worth a visit along with a guess as to the genesis of its asymmetrical form. In fact I.M. Pei's glass triangular-shaped Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland is conservative compared to local theories that view the Music Project as being the smashed guitar of Seattle-native Jimi Hendrix to an inner ear or even more eyebrow-raising suggestions.

Next it's on to Pioneer Park, where you can hop a Waterfront trolley to Pier 66 and Odyssey -- The Maritime Discovery Center -- for an imaginative tour of what happens offshore in Puget Sound. Through a series of hands-on exhibits on ocean trade and the fishing industry, you can simulate the piloting of a container ship through Elliott Bay or follow a typical day aboard a trawler in the Pacific Ocean. How great for the entire family, which you can bring later, but what a fun and unique personal experience.

Then stroll along Capitol Hill with its tree-lined streets, 19th-century homes and the Frye Art Museum that represents an older variety of pioneering patronage --that of a former butcher who made his fortune in the meatpacking business and poured his fortune into acquiring German artwork. Since a vibrant and active youth culture has established itself in this area of the city, it's not surprising that a stylish renovation of the Frye, complete with rotunda and reflecting pool, has brought a new and welcome spirit into the free museum. Also part of the Capitol Hill neighborhood is Volunteer Park, the wildlife sanctuary designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.

Onward to Seattle's 535-acre Discovery Park with nine miles of walking paths, two miles of beach trail, migratory bird watching and clifftop views. Finally, though, to relax a bit there's Belltown -- yet another neighborhood that's been transformed into one of the trendiest places in town for shopping, dining at any one of the first-class restaurants or just people-watching on First Avenue.

There's more of course (there's always MORE), but it's about time for those virtual tours to begin.

click here to view VRSeattle.com

With more than 900 panoramas available, it might be helpful to get your bearings by clicking on -- in the upper right-hand corner of the page -- Quick Links to Popular VR Categories including The Seattle Center and Space Needle Pike Place Market, Discovery Park, Experience Music Project, etc. After that you can venture into the Virtual Tour of Seattle & Vicinity and explore by neighborhoods. You'll note that not all the 360-degree views are Fullscreen but those described as "small" are much more "medium," covering about 1/3 of your monitor screen and allowing you to see everything. In addition the panoramas provide descriptive text.

Seattle is a spectacular city and this is a beautiful tour that one wishes could be divided and carried over to next Friday. So relax, take your time, travel back to it if need be and -- most important of all -- enjoy!

Ms Larramie, a sociologist/researcher/writer and counselor wanted to create something different, entertaining and not about her, so she created her Blog Seize a Daisy.

Bradford Bohonus, The creator of VRSeattle has been Guest Artist in VRMag, to Discover more about himself, VRSeattle and his work please click here: An Interview with Bradford Bohonus.