Once you’ve had your fill of the Farmer’s Market, pick up a coffee or a bowl of suro to-go, and walk north 10 minutes to the Olympic Sculpture Garden.

This free, outdoor venue is relatively new– and offers a 30-45 minute opportunity to enjoy both art and fresh air. There are plenty of places to sit and take in the view.

Even if you don’t make it to the Olympic Sculpture Garden, look around as you walk the blocks close to the hotel– art abounds in public spaces on each and every block (even the base on some of the cross walk signs is ornate…).

Most people think Nordstrom started in San Francisco. Not so.

At 6th and Pike you’ll the Nordie’s Flagship store– and, of course, you’ll also find service that is second to none.

Even if you’re not buying, walking the store and watching the way staff interact with guests will remind you of the great impact that good service can have on customer perceptions of a brand.

Seattle and coffee go hand in hand. In this land of “a Starbuck’s on every corner”, we asked some locals where the very BEST Seattle coffee could be found. Hands down, they said it’s at Cafe Vivace.

Located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of downtown Seattle, Cafe Vivace is reputed to have some of the best espresso in the world (yes, that includes Italy–!).

Cafe Vivace is about a 15 minute walk from the Sheraton (ask the concierge for a walking map and directions). They are open into the evening so head there tonight (it’s near this evening’s group dinner location), or try this cafe tomorrow morning to jump start your day. The link below provides more information on this special place.

http://www.espressovivace.com/

Take Pine St. toward the water. You’ll know you’re going the right way if the numbered streets you cross (the Sheraton is at 6th) are getting smaller (5th, 4th, etc.).

Pine St. is a less touristy option than Pike  St. for walking down to the waterfront– and it appears to have fewer panhandlers.

Wear comfortable shoes (the walk back to the hotel is just 5 minutes– but it’s uphill).

While at the market, look for “pluots”– a unique fruit that is a plum/apricot hybrid. Ask the fruit vendors to choose one for you (they’ll even wash it so you can eat it while you shop).

The bargain of the day is the $5 bouquet (this price includes sales tax). It includes lillies and comes in different, bold color schemes. Why not have some fresh flowers in your hotel room this week?

–And, of course, you have to check out the famous fish throwers that founded the FISH! management approach. One of the four tenets of this management philosophy is to “have fun” as you work– a great approach to experiencing the NADP conference.

Just in case you weren’t up for braving Seattle’s cool AM temperatures (and hilly terrain) for this morning’s “Dental Dash”, you have another unique networking opportunity.

Just opposite the registration tables are several “flip charts” on easles. Check them out– this is where you can sign up for tonight’s “Dine Around” event. Several NADP volunteers have selected unique local restaurants and made reservations for a limited number of seats.

Not sure where to eat? Don’t know anyone else at the conference? Looking to make some new friends? This is the event for you. Select one of the options by simply putting your name on the list. Each sign up sheet also lists the time you should meet your group to depart together for dinner. All groups will leave from the main lobby.

Be sure to bring plenty of business cards!