SeaTac
No wonder SeaTac calls itself "The Hospitality City." Home to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, it's full of shuttle parking lots, hotels and rental cars.
Unfortunately, with hospitality comes the constant buzz of airplanes overhead.
Originally a logging settlement, SeaTac is a community that grew up around its airport.
In the 1930s, aviators Dean Spencer and George Wolff opened an airstrip so they could fly their aircraft and teach flying. They named it Bow Lake Airport.
During World War II, the Port of Seattle bought the airport as a supplement for Boeing Field. The port opened the airport's passenger terminal in July 1949.
Before the city was incorporated in 1990, it was known around the country as a prime hunting ground for the so-called Green River killer, who killed nearly 50 women between 1982 and 1984. Most of the victims were prostitutes known to frequent the area near the airport.
Today, SeaTac prides itself on cultural activities. Its annual midyear International Festival entertains visitors with wacky shows, cultural performances and ethnic foods. Its Theatre in the Park and Music in the Park events, Tree Lighting Ceremony and Halloween Carnival are also big seasonal draws.