An Insider’s Guide on Getting into College
UPrep’s Director of College Counseling offers his take on the current admission landscape.
During his 20 years directing college counseling at UPrep, a 6–12 private school in Seattle’s Wedgwood neighborhood, Kelly Herrington has supported more than 1,500 students in their college search. UPrep graduates have matriculated to nearly 400 different colleges and universities in 44 states and 10 countries. Below Kelly shares three observations on the current college…
Le Petit Chef Makes a Big Splash in Seattle
The immersive, whimsical dining experience debuts at the Kimpton Palladian Hotel.
At a recent dinner, I sat across from a friend, smiling as a tiny orange-and-black butterfly landed on my empty plate. Just inches away, a small figure in chef whites and red boots strolled out of a greenhouse with a rake perched over his shoulder. He then proceeded to work a patch of dirt, plant…
Seattle Gift Guide: Comfort, Style, and Everyday Essentials
Open them today, enjoy for months—and years—to come.
A few gift ideas for the season, mixing local favorites with smart, useful finds. Easy pieces to wear, sweet things to share, and a couple of upgrades for the home. Nothing fussy, just solid picks that make life a little nicer. Now the birds have a smart home too. The chic, camera-integrated Peep…
Seattle-Based Agency Brings Real Voices to NBC’s New Campaign
DNA&STONE built the project around candid conversations to understand what audiences want from reporting.
“I turned off news altogether. I want to be able to form my own opinions. Just tell the truth.” These lines open NBC News’ new national campaign, a 60-second ad that drifts over forests, farms, neighborhoods, and cityscapes while Americans talk about how worn out they feel by the news. The landscape carries the conversation…
Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel
A new chapter in the Pacific Northwest’s luxury entertainment.
Photography courtesy of Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel Nestled in the heart of the Snoqualmie Valley with sweeping views of the Cascade Mountains, Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel, formerly known as Snoqualmie Casino, has long been known as Seattle’s closest casino—offering premier gaming, dining, and entertainment. Now, with the opening of the highly anticipated hotel, guests can…
How a Local Teen Explained Autotune to the World
High school senior Jason Zhou is among 30 teens recognized for a standout science explainer video.
A two-minute film on the math behind autotune has put 17-year-old Jason Zhou of Redmond in the running to win the Breakthrough Junior Challenge, an international contest where students explain complex scientific ideas with clarity and creativity. The challenge is open to students ages 13 to 18, and each video must come in at two…
Restaurant Roundup: Holiday Cheer at SLU BRU, StarChefs, and Kabul Closing
Here’s what was served up recently in the Emerald City.
Fusion food has an innate ability to bring us together. In the blending of two (or sometimes more) cultures, new perspectives are unlocked and we are all better for it. Esquire is in agreement, as the magazine has selected Lupe’s Situ Tacos, a Mexican-Lebanese taqueria in Ballard, as one of the 33 best new restaurants…
Holiday Hunt in Pioneer Square
A daily ornament drop turns December into a neighborhood-wide scavenger hunt.
The holidays tend to bring out the kid in all of us. And if opening presents and eating too many treats weren’t enough, there’s also a scavenger hunt in Seattle’s oldest neighborhood. Pioneer Square’s Holiday Ornament Scavenger Hunt has returned for its third year. Twenty-five handblown glass ornaments—all made at Glasshouse Studio—are hidden across 25…
5 Things to Eat in December
This month’s assignment: Take the pressure off.
There’s something about the end of the year that adds pressure to everything we do. Despite all the talk of holiday cheer and “merry and bright,” heightened expectations can bring a sense of weariness. We’re fretting over feasts and gatherings while working fervently to tie up loose ends—gifts, work, everything—with a pretty bow. Each month,…
Counter Culture: Sansonina Ristorante Italiano
An Italian escape hiding in Renton.
Tucked just off Rainier Avenue, across from a Safeway, Sansonina Ristorante Italiano—which opened early in 2019—is the kind of place you drive past for years without noticing until you walk through the door. Once inside, the outside world dissolves, the hum of traffic fades, and suddenly you’re not in Renton anymore. You’re in a dimly…
Chit-Chat Kids
Phone a friend.
Twenty years ago, before everyone walked around with a device in their pocket, kids used to call each other on a landline—often tethered to the kitchen in their home. It was a simpler time, when parents didn’t have to worry (nearly as much) about a potential predator contacting their child. Nowadays, things are different, which…
Ahead of the Cut
How a tech-minded home cook turned years of tinkering into a chef’s knife powered by 40,000 vibrations per second.
Scott Heimendinger traces his love for knives back to college, when his dad taught him how to cook over the phone. By his junior year he had saved for his first real knife, a JA Henckels Santoku. Compared with the $9 IKEA knife he had been using, “it felt like a laser… things that used…
Barnes & Noble Is Coming Back to Downtown Seattle
The bookseller will open a new flagship at 520 Pike, marking the largest retail lease in downtown Seattle since 2020.
Barnes & Noble is returning to downtown Seattle for the first time since early 2020. The national bookseller has signed a 10-year lease for a new flagship at 520 Pike Street, a 29-story tower, taking over 17,538 square feet on the corner of Pike and 6th Avenue. The store is expected to open in the…
Learning to Pivot
Liz Galloway, the founder of Brand Sanity Media, spent the past 15 years learning to grow and adapt within her industry’s changing landscape.
In public relations, you have to stay on your toes. This is a lesson that Liz Galloway, founder of Brand Sanity Media, has encountered many times over the years. “I have a lot of admiration for anyone who is consistent and resilient,” says Galloway, who in addition to launching her own PR firm six years…
Hometown Harvest
Canlis finds inspiration—and a new chef—in its own backyard.
For most of its history, Canlis has looked for inspiration both far and wide. The iconic fine-dining restaurant, perched on the edge of Queen Anne with sweeping views of Lake Union, helped define Pacific Northwest cuisine by marrying global influences with a reverence for craft and service. Now, however, as it marks a milestone 75th…
I’ve Completely Slept on Shibuya HiFi
The Japanese-style listening bar is an absolute must-visit for music lovers.
Every once in a while, I stumble upon something in Seattle that I either didn’t know about or knew about but didn’t experience for months (or years), and become completely, can’t-stop-telling-people obsessed with it. Some examples include the Lonely Siren bar, Kraken games, and Lagree Pilates. My latest discovery is Shibuya HiFi, the Japanese-style listening bar…
Rancho La Puerta: A Sanctuary For Holistic Health
Unwind at This Luxurious Wellness Retreat
Rancho La Puerta is known as the original wellness resort in North America. Founded in 1940 by husband-and-wife Edmond and Deborah Szekely, “The Ranch,” as it’s come to be known, was espousing the importance of holistic living decades before its time. The foundational principles of living a well-balanced life that started The Ranch — emphasizing…
You May Have More Options Than You Think
Washington State Charter Schools Association
As families prepare for the new school year, it’s worth remembering that Washington’s public education system offers more than one path. In addition to traditional district schools, families can also consider charter public schools — tuition-free, open to all, and designed to meet a wide range of student needs. Charter public schools are unique public…
A Different Way To Cycle
Motoring madness.
It’s no secret that Pacific Northwesterners love to cycle. You can see them pedaling to and from work, along bike trails, and between neighborhoods almost any time of year. On November 28, Seattle’s Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) is turning a lens on another form of cycling with its latest exhibition, Kickstands Up! 125…
The E-Bike That Saved Our Mornings
A simple shift in the school commute turned into the best part of the day.
Ah, the dreaded school morning, when getting your kids out the door is a Herculean effort. Sometimes it feels like getting them to eat breakfast, brush teeth, and get dressed is harder than moving a rock uphill. But never—not once—since we got an e-bike have our kids not wanted to hop on and zoom off…
Fave Five: Jazzy and Merry
From twinkling lights to Viking bonfires, here’s how to celebrate the season.
For me, it all starts when Lou Rawls sings. One song into Merry Christmas, Baby, and I’m ready to give in to the whirl of it all. Hearing it also means the pace is about to pick up, and sometimes it does feel like too much. But that’s just the holidays—the joy comes tucked inside…
A Plate for Pickleball
The design celebrates the state’s official sport. Additional plates are on the way.
Washington served up a new license plate last week, honoring the state sport of pickleball. In the works for three years, it’s the second of seven specialty plates to hit the market since getting approved by lawmakers earlier this year. “We’re thrilled to see our efforts become reality,” says Kate Van Gent, vice president of…
Gift Guide: Meaningful Gifts, Made Easy
Gifts designed to be worn, loved and remembered, year after year.
Images courtesy of Ben Bridge Jeweler Ikuma Diamond Zodiac Necklace Our Ikuma Zodiac Collection celebrates the celestial beauty of every sign. Each pendant traces its constellation in diamonds and gold, capturing the wonder of the night sky in a piece that’s as personal as it is timeless. Toscano Gold Freeform Earrings Striking in shape…
The Home For The Sleepers Of Seattle For 53 Years
For more than 50 years, our goal has been to improve the lives of our customers by responsibly promoting durable, quality, earth-friendly products for the home. We source, sell, and act with integrity, striving always to provide unmatched service. Designed For Sustainability Bedrooms & More focuses on two-sided flippable mattresses, providing both investment value and…
Restaurant Roundup: Holiday Cheer at SLU BRU, StarChefs, and Kabul Closing
Here’s what was served up recently in the Emerald City.
Fusion food has an innate ability to bring us together. In the blending of two (or sometimes more) cultures, new perspectives are unlocked and we are all better for it. Esquire is in agreement, as the magazine has selected Lupe’s Situ Tacos, a Mexican-Lebanese taqueria in Ballard, as one of the 33 best new restaurants…
Counter Culture: Sansonina Ristorante Italiano
An Italian escape hiding in Renton.
Tucked just off Rainier Avenue, across from a Safeway, Sansonina Ristorante Italiano—which opened early in 2019—is the kind of place you drive past for years without noticing until you walk through the door. Once inside, the outside world dissolves, the hum of traffic fades, and suddenly you’re not in Renton anymore. You’re in a dimly…
5 Things to Eat in December
This month’s assignment: Take the pressure off.
There’s something about the end of the year that adds pressure to everything we do. Despite all the talk of holiday cheer and “merry and bright,” heightened expectations can bring a sense of weariness. We’re fretting over feasts and gatherings while working fervently to tie up loose ends—gifts, work, everything—with a pretty bow. Each month,…
Hometown Harvest
Canlis finds inspiration—and a new chef—in its own backyard.
For most of its history, Canlis has looked for inspiration both far and wide. The iconic fine-dining restaurant, perched on the edge of Queen Anne with sweeping views of Lake Union, helped define Pacific Northwest cuisine by marrying global influences with a reverence for craft and service. Now, however, as it marks a milestone 75th…
Gift Guide: Meaningful Gifts, Made Easy
Gifts designed to be worn, loved and remembered, year after year.
Images courtesy of Ben Bridge Jeweler Ikuma Diamond Zodiac Necklace Our Ikuma Zodiac Collection celebrates the celestial beauty of every sign. Each pendant traces its constellation in diamonds and gold, capturing the wonder of the night sky in a piece that’s as personal as it is timeless. Toscano Gold Freeform Earrings Striking in shape…
I’ve Completely Slept on Shibuya HiFi
The Japanese-style listening bar is an absolute must-visit for music lovers.
Every once in a while, I stumble upon something in Seattle that I either didn’t know about or knew about but didn’t experience for months (or years), and become completely, can’t-stop-telling-people obsessed with it. Some examples include the Lonely Siren bar, Kraken games, and Lagree Pilates. My latest discovery is Shibuya HiFi, the Japanese-style listening bar…
Thanks, Seattle
A note of gratitude to everyone who supports our work.
As we head into the holiday, we’re feeling grateful for everyone who makes Seattle magazine what it is. To our readers and subscribers, thank you for showing up for local stories, sharing them, and reminding us why this city is worth covering with care. To our advertisers, partners, and the many PR teams who help…
A Different Way To Cycle
Motoring madness.
It’s no secret that Pacific Northwesterners love to cycle. You can see them pedaling to and from work, along bike trails, and between neighborhoods almost any time of year. On November 28, Seattle’s Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) is turning a lens on another form of cycling with its latest exhibition, Kickstands Up! 125…
Popular Stories
One Year In, Lenox’s Dreams Are All Coming True
It's just like chef-owner Jhonny Reyes imagined
Jhonny Reyes used to look at the former Marco’s Supper Club and The Innkeeper space in Belltown with envy. “I’ve always had my eye on this place,” Reyes says, while telling the story of how his restaurant, Lenox, polymorphed from popup to food truck to brick-and-mortar. “I helped open The Innkeeper, actually. And then it…
Why I’m Letting a Shuttle Drive Me to the Mountains
Trailhead Direct makes summer hiking easier, greener, and a lot less stressful
I used to think driving to the mountains was just part of the deal. Weekend hikes meant leaving early, hoping to beat the crowds, and then, more often than not, spending half the morning circling a gravel lot because I didn’t leave early enough. And that’s after dealing with narrow mountain roads and the stress…
Ten Top Travel Destinations for 2025
How to prepare for these extraordinary destinations right here in Seattle
How to prepare for these extraordinary destinations right here in Seattle The theme of travel in 2025 is empathy, to remind ourselves that the world is a big place, and that other people face obstacles as well. To quote Robert Louis Stevenson, it’s time “to come down off this featherbed of civilization, and find the…
Seattle Summer Reads
This crop of PNW books offers the perfect page-turner for every occasion, from poolside lounging to backyard breaks
Elita Kirsten Sundberg Lunstrum We wrote about this book when it came out in January, and even though it’s set in the dead middle of a Pacific Northwest winter, the mystery behind this novel makes it hard to put down. Lunstrum’s first novel, Elita (Northwestern University Press/TriQuarterly Books) follows Bernadette Baston — a university lecturer…
Bat Signal Seattle
Bats are out this summer, and so are the community scientists tracking them
By mid-July, most Seattleites have clocked the summer clichés: backyard rosé, panic-buying box fans, and chatting with strangers in the grocery store about how nice it is. But here’s something better: bats. Washington is home to 14 species, 10 of which live in western Washington. They’re tiny, nocturnal insectivores that eat thousands of bugs a…
Bergen: Finding a Home, Abroad
A trip across western Norway reveals strikingly Northwest sensibilities.
A few months ago, we randomly walked into Wallingford’s Fat Cat Records. Greeting us, face-out by the cash register, was not Nirvana, not Soundgarden, but Peer Gynt Suite, by the Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg. Was this a Norse omen, a mischievous prank from Loki? For us, two Seattleites with a trip to Norway on the…
Best Road Trip: Chuckanut Drive
A little less than two hours north of Seattle, depending on traffic, Chuckanut Drive (also known as WA State Highway 11) is 20 miles of postcard-worthy scenery with plenty of places to stop and things to do along the way. It’s a pretty straight shot heading along I-5 North; just take Exit 231 in Burlington…
Yes, It’s OK to Travel to LA
Why a trip to the City of Angels matters now more than ever.
“In Los Angeles, it’s hard to tell if you’re dealing with the real true illusion or the false one.”—Eve Babitz Babitz was one of LA’s great muses, and her line rings especially true in the wake of the wildfires that swept through parts of the region last winter. Los Angeles has always been a city…
Bernardus Lodge & Spa is a Relaxing Base for Exploring the California Coast
Whether you’re ready for adventure, or looking for hours of sun-soaked repose, this picturesque resort has the best of both worlds.
Less than four hours after signing off on Seattle magazine’s November/December issue, I was soaking in a large copper bathtub at the Bernardus Lodge & Spa, a lemongrass-scented bath bomb fizzing away the stress of press week. In a poetic wrapping-up of the issue, I’d sent the email approval of the final page proofs just as the light…
Tuft Stuff
Tuft Ruft turns fiber art into a social, hands-on experience in Pioneer Square.
It all started with a bout of pandemic boredom. Like many, when COVID-19 hit, recent graduate Carrie Xiao found herself stuck at home, with extra time on her hands. One day, while scrolling social media, she discovered tufting: a textile manufacturing technique that creates a garment or rug with a “pile,” or raised surface. After…
Best Gallery: J. Rinehart Gallery
Judith Rinehart has always believed in the power of physical space. Before opening her namesake gallery in 2019, Rinehart worked at the bicoastal Winston Wächter Fine Art and Foster/ White Gallery, two big names in the local art scene. When deciding to open J. Rinehart Gallery, she knew she wanted a place where the community…
Best Museum: Frye Art Museum
Opened in 1952 on first hill, the Frye Art Museum has long been a free institution for the public to enjoy art. Named for Charles and Emma Frye, who lived in Seattle at the turn of the century, the museum was founded to house the couple’s collection of paintings by American and European artists. Styled…
The Art of Home
Three Seattle designers explore what it means to live with art at Foster/White Gallery.
Inside Foster/White Gallery this month, the familiar white walls of Pioneer Square’s longtime contemporary art space look a little different. Furniture has been moved in and wallpaper lines the walls. The show, Make Yourself at Home, transforms the gallery into a living space where art is meant to be experienced, not just seen. The concept…
Bruce Harrell: The Man Behind The Mayor
In this special episode, we sit down with Bruce Harrell, the 57th and current Mayor of Seattle. Beyond the office, who is the man leading our city? Join us as we pull back the curtain to learn more about his story, his motivations, and what truly makes him tick. This is Bruce Harrell: the person, not just the politician. Tune in, get inspired, and discover a new perspective on Seattle’s leader.
Javier Saade: Serial Investor Betting on Seattle
In this episode Jonathan Sposato sits down with Javier Saade; Saade is a recent Seattle transplant and a seasoned leader committed to making a meaningful impact on the city’s economic and entrepreneurial landscape. From founding companies to shaping innovation policy in the Obama administration, Javier has built a career guiding impact-driven ventures while serving on…
The Truth About College Admissions With Adam Miller
Adam Miller, vice president for admissions and financial aid at Whitman College, is pulling back the curtain to give us an exclusive look at how college admissions really work. In this episode, he brings fresh insight and energy to the conversation, sharing how parents can best support their child’s college journey, what makes a standout…
Scott Stulen: Leading Seattle Art Museum into the Future
Scott Stulen is bringing fresh energy to the Seattle Art Museum. In this episode, he shares his vision for making SAM more accessible and community-focused, his journey to the Pacific Northwest, and how pop culture — even Ferris Bueller’s Day Off — shapes his approach to art. Tune in to hear what’s ahead for the…
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Gift Guide: Meaningful Gifts, Made Easy
Gifts designed to be worn, loved and remembered, year after year.
Images courtesy of Ben Bridge Jeweler Ikuma Diamond Zodiac Necklace Our Ikuma Zodiac Collection celebrates the celestial beauty of every sign. Each pendant traces its constellation in diamonds and gold, capturing the wonder of the night sky in a piece that’s as personal as it is timeless. Toscano Gold Freeform Earrings Striking in shape…
Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel
A new chapter in the Pacific Northwest’s luxury entertainment.
Photography courtesy of Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel Nestled in the heart of the Snoqualmie Valley with sweeping views of the Cascade Mountains, Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel, formerly known as Snoqualmie Casino, has long been known as Seattle’s closest casino—offering premier gaming, dining, and entertainment. Now, with the opening of the highly anticipated hotel, guests can…
An Insider’s Guide on Getting into College
UPrep’s Director of College Counseling offers his take on the current admission landscape.
During his 20 years directing college counseling at UPrep, a 6–12 private school in Seattle’s Wedgwood neighborhood, Kelly Herrington has supported more than 1,500 students in their college search. UPrep graduates have matriculated to nearly 400 different colleges and universities in 44 states and 10 countries. Below Kelly shares three observations on the current college…
You May Have More Options Than You Think
Washington State Charter Schools Association
As families prepare for the new school year, it’s worth remembering that Washington’s public education system offers more than one path. In addition to traditional district schools, families can also consider charter public schools — tuition-free, open to all, and designed to meet a wide range of student needs. Charter public schools are unique public…