Rob Smith
Back Page: Missile Misstep
Bainbridge Island residents fight missile base
Bainbridge Island residents most definitely did not want a missile base built in their community. Back in March 1969, Seattle magazine chronicled their fight, even praising them for raising awareness of national and international issues that “far transcend their private missile feud.” “If the Army goes ahead with its present plans to build a long-range…
Why All The Negativity About Downtown Seattle?
The numbers show that downtown is coming back
My buddy in Kirkland rarely ventures into Seattle. Ask him about downtown Seattle and he gets downright snarky. “It’s a cesspool,” he says. “Why would anyone want to go down there?” I hear comments like this all the time. And I don’t get it. Sure, downtown Seattle — like many other downtowns on the West…
Trendy Darts Bar Set To Open in South Lake Union
Flight Club seeks to recreate a classic, 19th-century British pub with a modern twist
A trendy and lively darts bar that combines a classic pub atmosphere with a modern, upscale twist will open early next year in Seattle’ South Lake Union neighborhood. Flight Club Seattle will feature 11 private and semi-private darts playing areas knowns as “oches.” The bar offers various games and challenges to suit all skill levels,…
Editor’s Note: A Very Interesting Year In More Ways Than One
1975 saw the birth of two Seattle institutions amid trying times
Fred Hutch Cancer Center turns 50 this year. So does Microsoft. Each has shaped Seattle in distinct yet complementary ways, reinforcing the city’s reputation as one of innovation and impact. The birth of those two Seattle institutions notwithstanding, 1975 is a year one many longtime Seattleites probably prefer to forget. It was a turbulent 12…
Gratuities Have Reached a Tipping Point
Washington residents are among the least generous in the country
How much do you tip? How much should you tip? Maybe you don’t tip at all? The average tip in Washington state is 17.51% of the check, about 1.3% below the national average. Only California residents tip less, 17.4%. TradingPedia surveyed more than 2,000 adults exploring tipping behaviors across the United States in late February,…
The Tesla Backlash
My neighbors own Teslas. I try not to judge.
I have two neighbors who own Teslas. One is self-conscious about it. The other is not. One is anti-Trump, anti-Musk. The other is apathetic. Neither are concerned about violence, even in the wake of escalating “takedown” nationwide protests against Elon Musk, and Sunday night’s Seattle fire, which destroyed four Tesla Cybertrucks in a lot near…
Seattle Aquarium Names New CEO
Peggy Sloan will replace the retiring Bob Davidson
The Seattle Aquarium has a new CEO. Peggy Sloan, the chief animal conservation officer at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, will begin her new job in May. She replaces Bob Davidson, who will retire after 23 years as CEO. Davidson, one of Seattle magazine’s Most Influential people of 2025, is credited with reinventing the aquarium (it…
Popular Black Diamond Equipment Opens in Fremont
Outdoor gear retailer says the store is its largest and most immersive
A popular and highly regarded outdoor gear purveyor has set up shop in rival REI’s backyard. Black Diamond Equipment, a Salt Lake City-based outdoor gear retailer that sells, among other items, climbing gear, ski equipment, and apparel, just opened its largest and most immersive store yet in the heart of the Fremont neighborhood. It’s the…
Seattle Waterfront Sets Attendance Record
Last year was the busiest in history
People are flocking to Seattle’s new waterfront. Almost 7.5 million people visited last year, 13% more than in 2023 and an all-time high. “It shows that the vision we defined in 2009 to bury Seattle’s traffic in a tunnel and open a new 20-acre park on the waterfront is working,” says Bob Donegan, president of…
The Timeless Trek in Seattle to Hit 150 Years
Could Seattle become the first city with a supercentenarian?
Want to live a long time? You’re in the right place. Seniorliving.org says the average life expectancy in Washington state is 80.2 years, well above the national average. What if you want to live longer, say to 150? You’re still in the right place. Seattle is among the places where the first person to reach…
Seattle Among ‘Most Inspiring’ Cities Across The Globe
Creativity, innovation propel city to lofty ranking
You already know all about Seattle’s stunning natural beauty and urban charm. Mountains, water and lush forests offer breathtaking views at every turn. Now, the city has been named to a list recognizing the Top 20 most inspiring cities in the world. Creative consultancy Superside analyzed 200 cities for creative inspiration (think museums, quality of…
Seafair Shakeup Includes New Parade Route, New Performances
Festival kicks off its 76th year with a kickoff celebration June 20
Expect some noticeable changes at Seattle summer staple Seafair this year. For starters, the Alaska Airlines Seafair Torchlight parade on July 26 is returning to its original nighttime schedule. The parade will also run along the newly transformed Seattle Waterfront instead of its traditional route on Fourth Avenue through downtown Seattle. The kickoff celebration on…
Buying a Home With Cash? Not in Seattle.
Buyers here have the lowest rate of all-cash transactions in the U.S.
Maybe it’s because of escalating prices, but homebuyers in Seattle use all-cash purchases less than any other major city in the U.S. Seattle-based Redfin reports that only 18.8% of Seattle homebuyers made all-cash transactions in December. Nationally, 31% of buyers purchase homes using all cash. The median down payment in Seattle, however, is 20%, or…
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