For years one stop on my Seattle itinerary was always the store where it all started. If you don’t know REI – it’s one of the largest (and best) retailers of outdoor equipment anywhere. The old store spanned across several buildings. The new one is a slick center for all things outdoors – complete with a three story indoor climbing wall, dirt mountain bike test track and even a booth where you can test out the rain gear in a simulated rainstorm. It’s a fun place to stop and pick up outdoor supplies.