The Industry Expander: Jamila Conley
This former tech executive champions diversity in the wine industry.
In 2023, Jamila Conley attended a winemaker’s dinner in Seattle, and as the night commenced, she was surprised that out of the nine winemakers in attendance, only two were familiar to her. “It was a celebration of Black women and wine,” she recalls. “I’m someone who loves wine and has a strong passion for diversity,…
Tax on Short-Term Rentals like Airbnb Again Under Discussion
In Washington, the legislation would allow cities and counties to tax the rentals to fund affordable housing.
The Washington Legislature is again considering empowering local governments to tax short-term housing rentals, much to the irritation of homeowners who rent out their properties on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. House Bill 2559 would allow cities and counties, starting in April 2027, to impose a tax up to 4% on short-term rentals to raise…
The Boys of Summer: The Mariners
The team that united the city.
Eight outs. That’s what stood between the 2025 Seattle Mariners and the franchise’s first World Series appearance. Eight outs to end a 48-year wait. We all know what happened next, and while that Game 7 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays is going to sting for a while, that’s only because of the way this…
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…
Industry Entrées
Seattle’s newest spots to eat, drink, and gather with friends.
Gao Lhao Bangkok Noodle Shop Green Lake Gao Lhao is bringing Bangkok’s colorful Chinatown scene to Green Lake, channeling the vibrancy of the Yaowarat district via neon-lit murals, street vendor motifs, playful cocktails, and flashy Thai-Chinese fare. The dynamic menu showcases the best of the fusion genre: chewy wok-charred noodles with scrambled egg and shiitakes,…
Seattle Businesses Rally Support for Minneapolis Ahead of National Shutdown
More than 30 local businesses are donating proceeds to help Minneapolis businesses close this Friday in solidarity with a nationwide economic blackout.
If you’re looking for something concrete to do right now, this is it: eat out, grab coffee, or shop local on Thursday, Jan. 29. Across Seattle, dozens of businesses are turning an ordinary day of commerce into a way to support Minneapolis businesses that plan to close on Friday, Jan. 30 as part of a…
After the Line
Two longtime Seattle chefs step away from restaurant kitchens to build Aster Pantry, a free online resource for seasonal home cooking.
After years working nights and weekends inside the constant churn of restaurant kitchens, Mac Tadie and Sten Langsjoen found themselves exhausted and in need of a break. They had spent most of their careers in professional kitchens, where speed, repetition, and service dictated everything, and they were beginning to think more seriously about how cooking…
The Helping Hand: Nikki Gane
The nonprofit leader using her life experiences to help other women.
Nikki Gane wasn’t trying to start a nonprofit that winter day in 2011. She was just trying to buy a pair of shoes. But when she saw a woman standing alone outside the store, she recognized someone in need—and she knew just how to help. Gane went into a drugstore, bought some essentials, and handed…
When the News Feels Like Too Much
A moment to pause and take care of ourselves right now.
The recent news out of Minneapolis has been hard to watch. No matter where you live, it’s heavy and destabilizing. Staying engaged when things start to feel hopeless—and when it feels like there’s nothing you can do—is really difficult. At our staff meeting today, we talked about how many of us are feeling this same…
Serving Holistically
Suzana Sakay leads the Washington Athletic Club into its 95th year.
From answering phones to overseeing more than $1 million in fundraising, there’s no job at the Washington Athletic Club that’s too big—or small—for Suzana Sakay. Fourteen years ago, she began her journey with the organization as a merchandising manager in the spa, and has since moved through the ranks, helping improve membership experience and club…
The Cultural Curator: Marcus Lalario
An entrepreneur building community through music and food.
Marcus Lalario has been shaping Seattle since he was a teen. He launched the Beat Box—an all-ages Capitol Hill club—in 1995 and went on to build a portfolio that includes a music label, record store, hip-hop barbershop, production company, art gallery, cannabis and streetwear brand, and nightclubs including the War Room, HG Lodge, and 95…
The Master Craftsman: Kelsey Fernkopf
The neon artist pushing boundaries to save his industry.
Kelsey Fernkopf remains humble in the limelight; he’d prefer to talk about community, or how letting go is key to staying in the flow. “It isn’t so much that you’re not letting the outside world in,” he muses. “It’s learning to relax. Letting the ideas come and go where they want, instead of trying to…
The Wanderer’s Guide to Portland’s Pearl District
Expect the unexpected in this consistently rewarding urban art oasis.
The first sound we hear at ILY2 gallery is not reverent silence, but astonished, contagious laughter. As we enter the room, a giggling couple bends down to grab a fish from a basket and load it into a giant cannon. The (rubber) salmon rockets through the gallery, thuds loudly against the opposite wall, and drops…
Neighbors helping neighbors: The door-to-door fight against hunger
Photos by United Way of King County Donate: Our neighborhood Fund If you see fresh produce or hot meals being delivered in your neighborhood, don’t be surprised to learn that the order came from a local food bank, not a pizza parlor or supermarket. Nonprofits are changing the way they make food available to people…
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…
Renew Yourself in Bellingham, Washington
Images courtesy of Visit Bellingham Unwind and reset in 2026 with a trip to peaceful Bellingham, Washington. Located between the stunning Cascade Mountains and the tranquil Salish Sea, there’s no better place for a trip packed with quiet moments in nature combined with the amenities of a culturally rich college town. Bellingham is known for…
Restaurant Roundup: Classy Tailgating and a Champagne Cave
Here’s what was served up recently in the Emerald City.
Look, we know the weather lately is a huge bummer for anyone looking to shred the slopes, but it has also been an all-time sunny run for early-in-the-year outdoor dining. We know we don’t need to tell you to enjoy it while you can, but seriously, bundle up and go grab a bite or beer…
We’re in a Pickle
Kings of the court.
Unlike some trends, the popularity of pickleball has only increased with time. Here in Washington, the birthplace of the game, we’ve seen a recent wave of new facilities dedicated to the state’s official sport. Last October, Sideout Tsunami Pickleball Center opened in Mt. Baker with 26 state-of-the-art courts that offer instant video replays sent straight…
The Positive Influence: Michelle Merriweather
A community builder inspired to lead a legacy organization.
Urban league of Metropolitan Seattle (ULMS) CEO Michelle Merriweather traces her commitment to civic work back to her high school history class in suburban Los Angeles. Over 30 years removed from Moorpark High School, she continues to refer to her history teacher by the formal Mr. Jones (first name Larry), in reverence to her mentor…
The Restaurateur: Lily Wu
The food-forward entrepreneur with a heart for community.
There has never been a grand, overarching plan guiding Lily Wu’s life. Indeed, from her childhood in a small village in northeast China to her standing as one of Seattle’s rising-star restaurant owners, everything has unfolded step by step, but whenever a chance came along, she never hesitated to take it. “I come from a…
How Hosting Is Changing in 2026
Seattle event planner Reneille Velez on the end of champagne escort walls and the return of thoughtful hosting.
Reneille Velez spends her days thinking about how people arrive in a room. Not just where they hang their coats or grab a drink, but how those first moments feel—the lighting, the sound, the sense that someone thought carefully about what it would be like to walk through the door. As the founder of GIAN,…
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…
Industry Entrées
Seattle’s newest spots to eat, drink, and gather with friends.
Gao Lhao Bangkok Noodle Shop Green Lake Gao Lhao is bringing Bangkok’s colorful Chinatown scene to Green Lake, channeling the vibrancy of the Yaowarat district via neon-lit murals, street vendor motifs, playful cocktails, and flashy Thai-Chinese fare. The dynamic menu showcases the best of the fusion genre: chewy wok-charred noodles with scrambled egg and shiitakes,…
After the Line
Two longtime Seattle chefs step away from restaurant kitchens to build Aster Pantry, a free online resource for seasonal home cooking.
After years working nights and weekends inside the constant churn of restaurant kitchens, Mac Tadie and Sten Langsjoen found themselves exhausted and in need of a break. They had spent most of their careers in professional kitchens, where speed, repetition, and service dictated everything, and they were beginning to think more seriously about how cooking…
Restaurant Roundup: Classy Tailgating and a Champagne Cave
Here’s what was served up recently in the Emerald City.
Look, we know the weather lately is a huge bummer for anyone looking to shred the slopes, but it has also been an all-time sunny run for early-in-the-year outdoor dining. We know we don’t need to tell you to enjoy it while you can, but seriously, bundle up and go grab a bite or beer…
Restaurant Roundup: Game-Day Brunch and Last Calls
Here’s what was served up recently in the Emerald City.
January is a month of reinvention and fresh starts—and Autumn Seattle in Phinney Ridge is taking that idea and running with it. The restaurant’s last day of service will be tomorrow (Jan. 17), but in the first week of February, it will reopen as GH Pasta & Pizza. Executive chef and restaurateur Brian Clevenger wants…
When the News Feels Like Too Much
A moment to pause and take care of ourselves right now.
The recent news out of Minneapolis has been hard to watch. No matter where you live, it’s heavy and destabilizing. Staying engaged when things start to feel hopeless—and when it feels like there’s nothing you can do—is really difficult. At our staff meeting today, we talked about how many of us are feeling this same…
Serving Holistically
Suzana Sakay leads the Washington Athletic Club into its 95th year.
From answering phones to overseeing more than $1 million in fundraising, there’s no job at the Washington Athletic Club that’s too big—or small—for Suzana Sakay. Fourteen years ago, she began her journey with the organization as a merchandising manager in the spa, and has since moved through the ranks, helping improve membership experience and club…
We’re in a Pickle
Kings of the court.
Unlike some trends, the popularity of pickleball has only increased with time. Here in Washington, the birthplace of the game, we’ve seen a recent wave of new facilities dedicated to the state’s official sport. Last October, Sideout Tsunami Pickleball Center opened in Mt. Baker with 26 state-of-the-art courts that offer instant video replays sent straight…
How Hosting Is Changing in 2026
Seattle event planner Reneille Velez on the end of champagne escort walls and the return of thoughtful hosting.
Reneille Velez spends her days thinking about how people arrive in a room. Not just where they hang their coats or grab a drink, but how those first moments feel—the lighting, the sound, the sense that someone thought carefully about what it would be like to walk through the door. As the founder of GIAN,…
Popular Stories
Resistance Turned to Resilience
The Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority is celebrating 50 years of lifting up a neighborhood besieged by challenges from all sides.
On November 2, 1972—after a steady overnight rain cleared to leave a construction site near the King Street Station thick with mud—about 200 people gathered for the official groundbreaking of the Kingdome. A project that had seen its funding rejected several times by voters, the Kingdome was finally on its way, with the hopes that…
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…
Lessons from the Land
At the Organic Farm School on Whidbey Island, the ground-to-table mindset is rooted in good intentions.
For some, it’s tough to choose between a perfectly sun-ripened summer tomato and a juicy strawberry—but not for my three-year-old. Tomatoes, always tomatoes. Especially one that he has picked directly off the vine, on a working farm filled with fresh produce, chickens, and pigs. As the juice dribbles down his chin, and the sound of…
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…
Restaurant Roundup: Soy Sauce Tastings and Roman Pizza
Here’s what was served up recently in the Emerald City.
“There’s never been more to SEA.” That’s the slogan for Visit Seattle’s new campaign designed to encourage people to get reacquainted with all downtown has to offer. With the Perks Pass (free to download straight to your phone), you can enjoy 40+ special offers not only at bars and restaurants but also at hotels, arts…
The Wanderer’s Guide to Portland’s Pearl District
Expect the unexpected in this consistently rewarding urban art oasis.
The first sound we hear at ILY2 gallery is not reverent silence, but astonished, contagious laughter. As we enter the room, a giggling couple bends down to grab a fish from a basket and load it into a giant cannon. The (rubber) salmon rockets through the gallery, thuds loudly against the opposite wall, and drops…
Bellevue Is Treating Accessibility Like Infrastructure
A partnership with Wheel the World makes it easier to plan travel with verified details.
For a lot of people, the hardest part of travel planning isn’t arranging flights or booking a hotel. It’s figuring out whether a place will actually work for your needs once you get there. Bellevue has partnered with Wheel the World, a travel platform used worldwide, to verify accessibility details for hotels, attractions, restaurants, and…
Cozy Coastal Escapes
Who says the beach is only for summertime fun? These six spots, from British Columbia to California, highlight the beauty of the West Coast, all year round.
It all began with a simple scene: a roaring fire at San Ysidro Ranch, a glass of wine within reach, and a card game unfolding on the table. A quiet evening moment that sparked the notion of a coastal winter journey, where the season’s most alluring escapes share one element: the dancing flame. Whether it’s…
Edge of the Map, Center of the World
Greenland’s future is bright as its citizens lead this once-remote country forward. With a direct flight from New York, visiting is the easiest it’s been in years.
Greenland has always loomed large in the imagination—an oversized white shape has always at the top of the globe, the mythical Thule of ancient legends. But lately, the world has rediscovered just how real—and how vital—this country is. For better or for worse, the island has become a prize in the new Arctic chess match….
Nordic Pop Comes to the Nordic Museum
An afternoon concert brings Seattle singers, strings, and percussion together for a dreamy midwinter dance party.
January in Seattle is a mood. The light is thin all day, and by midafternoon it starts to collapse into night. It’s the time of year when any plan that involves leaving the house has to earn its keep. This is where Nordic Pop comes in. On Sunday afternoon, January 18, Seattle musician and producer…
Photo Essay: The Relief of the Moment
Words and photography by Nick Ward.
Photography tricks my ADHD brain into doing something borderline miraculous: It allows me to focus on exactly one thing at a time. When I press the shutter and hear that lovely little ka-chunk, the inner chatter winks out. I feel oddly connected to the moment by being outside it, observing through the frame instead of…
Back to Gander
Seattle Rep revisits its original world premiere with a new staging that pulls you straight into the heart of the story.
When you walk into the theater, the cast is already onstage in what looks like a Gander high school gym—setting out dishes for a potluck, chatting, and then cleaning up. It feels like you’ve arrived in the middle of a reunion, which is the point. This run marks 10 years since Come From Away first…
Driftwood Dreams
Cascadia Art Museum uncovers the lost Surrealist who spent 40 years painting in Seattle.
One of the most compelling parts of Objects of the Elements: The Art of Elsa Thoresen at Cascadia Art Museum in Edmonds is a display case filled with the actual pieces of driftwood artist Elsa Thoresen used as source material, mostly in the 1930s and ’40s. They’re ordinary enough at first glance—knotted and gnarled by…
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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Renew Yourself in Bellingham, Washington
Images courtesy of Visit Bellingham Unwind and reset in 2026 with a trip to peaceful Bellingham, Washington. Located between the stunning Cascade Mountains and the tranquil Salish Sea, there’s no better place for a trip packed with quiet moments in nature combined with the amenities of a culturally rich college town. Bellingham is known for…
Neighbors helping neighbors: The door-to-door fight against hunger
Photos by United Way of King County Donate: Our neighborhood Fund If you see fresh produce or hot meals being delivered in your neighborhood, don’t be surprised to learn that the order came from a local food bank, not a pizza parlor or supermarket. Nonprofits are changing the way they make food available to people…
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…