Note: This guide is not meant for power-leveling purposes. Rather, it is meant to show a player the most efficient way to complete all quests available for a particular zone. If you know of a better order or method to accomplish this, your input is welcome (in fact, greatly desired). For major changes, feel free to edit, but make a note in the talk page as to your reasoning.
Northshire Valley is the starting zone for new humans, and is located in northern part of Elwynn Forest. Other races may choose to quest here, but not all quests are available to them. If you are new to the game, check out the Newbie Guide to get started, or just dive in — the game has in-game hints and the opening quests are very straight-forward, just relax and have fun!
There is a shack on the hill side near (57,48) where you can find Garrick and his friend for Quest:Bounty on Garrick Padfoot.
Changes made by the Cataclysm
This section concerns content exclusive to Cataclysm.
Note: Because of the Cataclysm, these quests will no longer be available, and will be replaced by different quests but with the same kinds of objectives. See the Northshire page for details on the changes made by the cataclysm.
Goldshire is the hub for exploring Elwynn Forest. It is assumed a beginning player already worked to Level 5 in a starting zone before arriving here and making the Inn at Goldshire their home.
The Stonefields and Maclures are two farms just to the south with family issues. There is an easy quest chain requiring you to bounce back and forth a bit, plus fetching a trinket from a kobold infested mine.
Goldtooth is a Kobold in the Fargodeep Mine. Kill him to get Bernice's Necklace. You will also be collecting Candles and Gold dust for other quests.
Eastvale Logging Camp
In the eastern part of Elwynn Forest there is a bridge with Thomas, the quest giving guard. Nearby at the logging camp are a few more quest givers. You can do these quests with only one hike back to Goldshire near the end.
You should be level 10 at this point. It is usually easier to grab another level or two here instead of the starting quests in a Level 10-20 zone. Also, Dwarves and Gnomes on their first visit south will find these quests a good introduction before heading to Westfall.