In addition to all the special 50th anniversary events and activities taking place this year, here are two more huge reasons why a visit to Seattle Center should be high on your list for 2012:

• Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs - opening at the Pacific Science Center on May 24, this exhibit concludes it's US travels with over 6 months in Seattle. With many more artifacts than the famous King Tut exhibition of the 1970s, this exhibit features over 100 objects from King Tut's tomb and from ancient Egyptian sites spanning 2,000 years of history.
• Chihuly Garden and Glass - opening adjacent to the Space Needle on May 21, this brand new museum/garden facility includes an exhibition hall, outdoor garden plaza, and a 40-foot-tall glass house, all designed to showcase Dale Chihuly's colorful glass art installations.

Long in development, the expansive Lemay-America's Car Museum will hold it's grand opening on Saturday, June 2. Opening day festivities include a concert and slot car racing as well as a free outdoor car show. Lemay-America's Car Museum (ACM) will focus on the automobile's role in shaping American society. ACM's collection includes cars that are historically-significant as well as motor vehicles that are just plain cool. The four-story museum building can house up to 350 cars, trucks, and motorcycles, including not only those from the famous Lemay collection but special exhibits and restoration projects. Other ACM facilities that visitors can enjoy include an educational center and library, a 3.5-acre show field, a theatre, a café, and a banquet hall and meeting facilities. The 9-acre Lemay-America's Car Museum campus is located next to the Tacoma Dome.

Washington State's city of Vancouver lies across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon. One of the earliest settlements in the Northwest, Vancouver is rich in interesting history. The city is surrounded by gorgeous scenery, from the mighty Columbia River to nearby Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens. Many of Vancouver's best attractions and activities involve history and outdoor activity. My picks for fun things to do in Vancouver include a visit to the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and a walk along a riverfront trail.

Seaside, Oregon, one of the oldest tourist destinations in the Pacific Northwest, is a fun place for families or for the young at heart. There's a huge sandy beach, lots of opportunities for play, and tasty treats of all kinds. While in Seaside you can stroll the Promenade, fly a kite on the beach, feed the seals at the Seaside Aquarium, or learn a bit about Lewis and Clark history. Here are my recommendations for fun things to do in Seaside.