• Though light-rail construction has cordoned off large portions of Cal Anderson Park, 1635 11th Ave., it’s still a major gathering place for residents and visitors to take in the fountain, the texture and reflecting pools, paths, a children’s play area, a wading pool, the Bobby Morris Playfield and a number of oversize chess boards.

• Spend the day in the 45-acre Volunteer Park — The reservoir in front of the Seattle Asian Art Museum — with Isamu Naguchi’s sculpture “Black Sun” framing the Space Needle — is a favorite gathering spot. The park is also home to the Volunteer Park Conservatory and the famous water tower.

Adjacent to the park is the Lake View Cemetery, the final resting place for many of Seattle first settlers and a few famous celebrities.

• While in the park, visit the Seattle Asian Art Museum (www.seattleartmuseum.org),site of the original Seattle Art Museum, which opened in 1933. It’s modestly sized and usually un-crowded.

• Take in the visual arts and musical performances at nearly 40 businesses throughout the neighborhood during the Blitz: Capitol Hill Art Walk (www.blitzcapitolhill.com),on the second Thursday of every month, from 5 to at least 8 p. m.

• Check out the happenings at Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave. (www.hugohouse.org).This community-based writing center is always in motion, with classes, readings, open mic and writing programs for all levels.

• See a movie at the Harvard Exit Theatre, 807 E. Roy St., a classic, 1925 brick building with a 1920s-like lobby. Movie info: (206) 781-5755.

• Browse The Elliott Bay Book Co., 1521 10th Ave. (www.elliottbaybook.com),Seattle’s leading independent bookstore.

• Drop in after midnight at Dick’s Drive-In, 115 Broadway E., to experience the Hill in all of its manifestations.

• Visit the Broadway Farmers Market on the corner of Broadway Avenue East and East Pine Street, in front of Seattle Central Community College, on Sundays, from 11 a. m. to 3 p. m. through Dec. 23.

• Spend time in the East Pike-Pine corridor and the alleys in between, for a mix of shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, clubs and people.