Book excerpt: You'll never fall into the tourist traps when you travel with Frommer's. It's like having a friend show you around, taking you to the places locals like best. Our expert authors have already gone everywhere you might go -- they've done the legwork for you, and they're not afraid to tell it like it is, saving you time and money. No other series offers candid reviews of so many hotels and restaurants in all price ranges. Every Frommer's Travel Guide is up-to-date, with exact prices for everything, dozens of color maps, and exciting coverage of sports, shopping, and nightlife. You'd be lost without us! Completely updated every year (unlike most of the competition), Frommer's Seattle is meticulously researched by a local resident, who shares his favorite finds in this crown jewel of the Northwest. You'll discover the best places to buy regional arts and crafts; the top restaurants, from fabulous seafood joints to trendy brewpubs; the hippest coffee bars; and the best hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing in the glorious landscapes nearby. All the top city sights are here, plus side trips to the San Juan Islands; the restored Victorian town of Port Townsend; Olympic National Park; majestic Mount Rainier; Snoqualmie Falls and the Snoqualmie Valley; the Woodinville wine country; and more. Inside you'll find accommodations to suit every taste and budget, plus nightlife, a complete shopper's guide, and a host of detailed, accurate maps. You'll even get a color fold-out map, and an online directory that makes trip-planning a snap! Other helpful guides for your trip include Frommer's Washington State, Frommer's Oregon, and Frommer's Irreverent Guide to Seattle. If you're venturing further north, check out Frommer's Vancouver & Victoria.