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…
From the Archives: Talk it Out
In 1967, Pacific Northwest Bell ran full-page ads in the back of Seattle magazine announcing a marvel of modern living: the “Trimline Wall Model” telephone. Some of the copy was breathless—“A phone so compact it fits your life!”—and the photography was a dream in avocado green and sun-washed gold. Part of the Trimline’s magic is…
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…
Surfing the Strait
Winter surfing on Washington’s northern edge means fleeting waves, icy water, and pure joy.
There are people so crazy and determined to surf, they’ll go to great lengths to do it. No matter the time of year or how cold it gets, surfers can be found anywhere there’s a wave. From surfing on rivers to tidal bore waves, wave pools, and even behind wakes created by tanker ships, surfers…
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…
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…
Innovative Energy
Pioneer Square’s neglected metropole building gets a second life—and a sustainable upgrade—as a nonprofit hub.
After more than a decade lying vacant and in ruins, the Metropole, as its name implies, is once again a vibrant center of culture, industry, and influence. Located in the historic Pioneer Square neighborhood, the Metropole building was constructed in 1892 as the first major commercial project of Henry Yesler, the city’s wealthiest resident during…
Skip the Sales
Spend Black Friday doing something that feels good and keeps you grounded.
Black Friday deals seem to arrive earlier and earlier. This year, I spotted pre-Black Friday sales creeping into my inbox as early as October. While I don’t mind a good deal on something I need, excess sales promote over-consumerism that leaves me feeling empty. Skip the Black Friday frenzy altogether and embrace a season of…
Queen City Continues its Legacy in Belltown
After five years sitting vacant at the corner of 1st and Blanchard, the neighborhood mainstay returns under the direction of industry veteran Jessica Gifford.
Jessica Gifford got her first taste of Belltown in her late teens, hanging out at classic spots like Queen City Grill, Belltown Billiards, and the Frontier Room. “I started going to Queen City when I was 19 or 20 years old,” she recalls. “I was in awe of everything happening in the neighborhood; I thought…
Where to Eat (or Order) This Thanksgiving
Hotel dining rooms, Chinese restaurants, and more local spots keep the ovens warm for the holiday.
During dinner service at Charlotte Restaurant & Lounge on the 16th floor of the Lotte Hotel Seattle, wine specialist Gene Dexter can often be heard expressing thanks in single words. “Gratitude,” he’ll say modestly after a diner compliments his wine pairing. “Blessings,” he’ll whisper with a sheepish smile like a blushing teenager after another guest…
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…
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…
Seattle’s Best of the Best
Everyone loves a winner. And this issue is full of them.
The new issue of Seattle magazine is out—our Best of the Best edition, celebrating the city’s favorite places, spaces, and bites. Each year, Seattle magazine takes it to the people, inviting our readers to vote on their preferred picks. This time around, we did things a little differently, turning to our staff to determine, via…
The Little Whiskey Brand with Big Ambitions
Embracing experimental blending, the team behind Doc Swinson’s believes that everyone—not just aficionados—should enjoy whiskey.
Last week, I found myself doing something I hadn’t done in a very long time: taking a pickleback shot with a group of strangers in Ballard. For the uninitiated—or those who didn’t frequent the bars in the 2010s—a pickleback shot is pretty much what it sounds like; a shot of whiskey followed by a shot…
Fresh Catch
With more than 30 years of marine-protection advocacy under her belt, Seattle Aquarium’s new CEO wants to spark a greater interest in conservation.
Peggy Sloan has long felt a draw to the Pacific Northwest. In the early ’90s, while working as a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fisheries observer (a specialist who spends time on commercial fishing vessels to collect data), Sloan counted Seattle as her home base. So, when the opportunity arose more than 30 years later…
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…
5 Dishes to Try in November
Seattle’s halal dining scene is evolving and each plate tells part of the story.
Seattle has many foodie groups on social media, but I have a soft spot for Seattle Halal Foodies, started by Mehrab Shahriar in 2019. When Shahriar moved to Seattle nine years ago, the halal food scene was small compared to other U.S. cities. Perhaps because of its underdog nature, I found this group to be…
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…
A Citywide Toast to Sockeye
40 Seattle-area restaurants are teaming up for the fourth annual Bristol Bay Salmon Week.
Seattle’s fishing culture is something to be proud of. Drive over the Ballard Bridge on any given day and you’ll see the fleet docked below. The weathered, working boats stacked with gear, waiting for their next trip north, are striking, aren’t they? It’s hard, dangerous work, and there’s something so compelling and fierce about the…
Malala Yousafzai Returns to Herself
The youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner reflects on college, identity, and what it means to reclaim her story in her new memoir.
Malala Yousafzai’s life was upended at the age of 15 in Pakistan when she was shot on a school bus by the Taliban for speaking out about girls’ education. She was treated for life-threatening injuries and recovered in the United Kingdom, where her family permanently relocated. Catapulted into the public spotlight at a tender age,…
Honoring Native Heritage Across Washington
From Port Townsend’s storytelling trail to Tulalip’s cultural center, these sites invite reflection and honor Indigenous history and living traditions.
Washington State is the Indigenous land of 29 federally recognized Native American tribes, including the Makah, Muckleshoot, and Lummi Nations. In Seattle, we are privileged guests living on the Native land of the Duwamish Tribe. From trails through state parks and landmarks within the city to well-known sites like Snoqualmie Falls (sacred to the Snoqualmie…
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: 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…
Queen City Continues its Legacy in Belltown
After five years sitting vacant at the corner of 1st and Blanchard, the neighborhood mainstay returns under the direction of industry veteran Jessica Gifford.
Jessica Gifford got her first taste of Belltown in her late teens, hanging out at classic spots like Queen City Grill, Belltown Billiards, and the Frontier Room. “I started going to Queen City when I was 19 or 20 years old,” she recalls. “I was in awe of everything happening in the neighborhood; I thought…
Where to Eat (or Order) This Thanksgiving
Hotel dining rooms, Chinese restaurants, and more local spots keep the ovens warm for the holiday.
During dinner service at Charlotte Restaurant & Lounge on the 16th floor of the Lotte Hotel Seattle, wine specialist Gene Dexter can often be heard expressing thanks in single words. “Gratitude,” he’ll say modestly after a diner compliments his wine pairing. “Blessings,” he’ll whisper with a sheepish smile like a blushing teenager after another guest…
Best New Restaurant: La Loba
An exercise in global fusion, La Loba successfully brings together Spanish technique and Northwest ingredients, with a hint of Japanese flair. Located in the recently opened 1 Hotel Seattle and helmed by James Beard-nominated chef Oscar Amador, La Loba offers à la carte options (tableside butcher’s beef tartare, patatas bravas, a selection of meats, pastas,…
Best Boutique: Woodland Mod
There is no shortage of independent shops along Ballard Avenue, but Woodland Mod is a must stop for, well, everything. Gorgeously stocked with home wares, cards, books, jewelry, skincare, fragrances, and more, this bright and airy shop focuses on handcrafted products from small-scale vendors in design-forward countries, including Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Japan, and the United…
Best Sporting Goods/Outdoor Gear Outfitter: Evo
A venture started in the Wallingford garage of former professional skier Bryce Phillips, Evo has grown to be one of the biggest and most successful online snow sports retailers in the world. Coming up on its 25th year, the brand is known locally for its modern flagship store on Stone Way. A retail shop with…
Best Spa: Yuan Spa
Known for its east-meets-west approach to wellness, Yuan Spa blends ancient Asian healing philosophies with modern spa technology, creating a unique relaxation experience tailored to each client’s needs. With two locations, one in Bellevue and one in Kirkland, Yuan offers services ranging from traditional hydrotherapy (clients complete circuits through heated and cooled environments, including pools,…
Best Hotel: Populus Seattle
Pioneer Square has undergone a post-pandemic renaissance, and Populus Seattle, the neighborhood’s freshest new hotel, is leading the way with its rooftop bar and art-forward programming. Part of the Railspur micro-district, the 120-room adaptive reuse project converts the century-old Westland building into an inviting hospitality space that welcomes out-of-town guests and the surrounding community. Populus…
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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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…
What Is The Heroes’ Journey — And Why Does It Still Matter?
Upcoming TedxTalk is more than a conference. It’s a movement
Images courtesy of Meraki Creative Before there were hashtags or TEDx Talks, there were stories. That’s where “Our Heroes’ Journey” comes in. In a world that often feels fractured, TEDxBelltown Women returns Nov. 8, with a full-day event designed to ignite connection, courage, and change. This year’s theme, “Our Heroes’ Journey,” serves not just as…