The epicenter of Washington's high tech economy, Redmond became a modern day boomtown with the arrival of Microsoft, and continues to flourish thanks to prominent companies such as Nintendo, Eddie Bauer, and AT&T Communications. But this former logging town is anything but an "all work and no play" kind of place. In fact, there's plenty to do outside the fabled corridors of its notorious businesses.

Located at the north end of Lake Sammamish, Redmond has many beautiful recreational areas. Marymoor Park, a local favorite, includes the Sammamish River Trail, a climbing wall, a field for radio-controlled airplanes, and - underscoring Redmond's reputation as the Northwest bicycle capital - a velodrome for organized bicycle races. The location of the 1998 PGA Championship, Redmond is also home to several scenic and challenging golf courses.

For those who prefer their entertainment indoors, Redmond has a bountiful restaurant scene, great cinemas, and a live theater that hosts first-rate productions from around the nation.