NEW YORK, April 2 (Reuters) - If you are ever in the

Pacific Northwest and catch sight of a seaplane, take a closer

look: It might be T-Mobile president and CEO Mike Sievert at the

controls.

The head of the wireless carrier harbors well-known

obsessions with the sea and the sky, which is why his hometown

of Seattle is his dream location.

For the latest in Reuters 48 Hours series, Sievert pilots us

through a couple of memorable days along America's northwest

coast. (Hint: It's not always rainy!)

The following interview is edited and condensed.

WHAT I LOVE MOST

For me, Seattle is all about snow-capped mountains meeting

the ocean. Being able to spot the most prominent mountain in the

continental U.S., glacier-covered Mt. Rainier, in the same frame

as the Salish Sea and the Space Needle, is something that makes

Seattle truly unique.

Looking west, the Olympic Mountains and the waterfront make

such a beautiful backdrop to downtown.

WHERE I GO FIRST

Dick's Drive-In (multiple locations), the best old-time

burger stand around. They've been serving up burgers, hand-cut

fries and shakes the same way for generations.

Just don't try to customize anything. Take it the way they

offer it and say thank you!

WHERE TO STAY

The Edgewater Hotel (Alaskan Way) is literally perched over

the waterfront. There are pictures in the lobby of the Beatles

fishing out of their hotel window. That's how old and cool and

iconic this place is.

The Four Seasons Seattle (Union St.) is just a block away

from the famous Pike Place Market, and if you are down for a

splurge, it's an excellent place with incredible views.

POWER BREAKFAST SPOT

Top Pot Doughnuts. Go to the original in Denny Triangle (5th

Ave.) That's for the doughnuts.

If you want to see famous people or power breakfast types

coming and going, hang out in the lobby at the Four Seasons or

the historic Fairmont Olympic Hotel (University St.)

FUN LOCALE FOR TEAM OUTINGS

Home to the Seattle Mariners for almost 25 years, T-Mobile

Park (1st Ave. S.) is one of the most iconic ballparks in the

U.S. The best food in baseball.

TOURIST TRAP THAT'S ACTUALLY WORTH IT

Pike Place Market (Pike St.) is the real deal. Still a

working market, showcasing local produce, specialty foods and

crafts the same way, for generations.

Try to go when there isn't a cruise ship in town - weekdays

are best.

IDEAL COFFEE SPOT

You have to at least peek in the original Starbucks ( SBUX ) store at

Pike Place. But an even better experience is the Starbucks

Reserve Roastery in Capitol Hill (Pike St.) A wonderful place to

taste and learn about coffee.

As for smaller local roasters, I like Zoka and Fonté a lot

(multiple locations).

FAVORITE AREA TO SHOP

Seattle is a city of neighborhoods, each with vibrant main

streets to explore. Check out Broadway in Capitol Hill and the

main streets in sections such as Belltown, Queen Anne, Ballard,

Fremont and Wallingford. Each has something unique to offer, and

each places emphasis on locally owned businesses.

SOMETHING ONLY INSIDERS KNOW

It's called Pike Place. Not Pike's Place. Not Pike Street

Market. Thanks!

CANNOT-MISS TREATS

Molly Moon's is pretty famous here for ice cream (original

shop at N. 45th St.)

BEST DINNER SPLURGE

It's not a full splurge, but Spinasse (14th Ave.) makes the

most amazing hand-cut pasta. For the full splurge, try Altura

(Broadway E.), currently the best restaurant in town in my

opinion, and with such a casual, laid-back Seattle vibe, you

might not even know you are about to have one of the best meals

of your life.

BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION

People talk about the 'Seattle Freeze,' a term that means we

aren't welcoming of newcomers. I have found the exact opposite.

My wife Suzanne and I moved here in 2002 and found the community

so welcoming.

FAVORITE SOUVENIR

Bring back some Seattle Chocolate (flagship store on Andover

Park W.) It's a local favorite, woman-owned business and happens

to be very tasty. Or some small-batch smoked, chunky, candied

Sockeye salmon. That's good stuff, and it screams Seattle.

BEST MEMORY

Watching the underdog Seahawks win the NFC championship at

home in the 2013/14 season was a huge highlight, and of course,

two weeks later they took it all at the Super Bowl in New York

City. Fun times for this city in the far corner of the country.

WHAT PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW

Summer here is the golden season. Late June to late

September, it is sunny daily, no humidity, few bugs ... it's

"throw the doors and windows open and celebrate" kind of

weather.

If you plan your visit anytime in the summer, you are going

to see Seattle at its best.

MORE 48 HOURS

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Take a culinary adventure in Athens with chef Jose Andres

Why Wall Street guru Sallie Krawcheck loves Raleigh-Durham

Lakes & loons: Travel tips for Minnesota's Twin Cities

Gensler's design guru salutes London's nooks and crannies

Sunrise to sunset in Mumbai with Suresh Muthuswami of TCS

Tokyo street eats with Shake Shack's ( SHAK ) Randy Garutti

(Editing by Lauren Young and Louise Heavens)