FAVE GETAWAY
Ana Mari Cauce (University of Washington President)
“Take the Victoria Clipper to Friday Harbor and you can take in the full beauty of our special corner of the world, including a ride through Deception Pass, with (optional) whale watching and a short visit to San Juan Island.”

FOODIE TIP
Edouardo Jordan (Chef-Owner Salare and JuneBaby)
“Sod House Bakery (sodhousebakery.com) is a couple-owned coffee shop in Ravenna. They bake their pastries daily and they make their own fun syrups to flavor your coffee with.”

FAVE HANGOUT
Kim Selling (Editor Gramma Poetry)
“The Athenian (athenianseattle.com), one of the first restaurants in Seattle to receive a liquor license, cranks out extremely cheap specials every afternoon and evening; grab a seat in the back by the bar, you’ll get a full view of Elliott Bay and snacks and well drinks for under five bones apiece.”

SEATTLE FAVES
Melinda Gates (Philanthropist and Businesswoman)
“I’m always excited to see a fantastic restaurant like Stateside come onto the scene—the whole place feels lively and fresh. For a classic Seattle dining experience, try Aqua by El Gaucho (elgaucho.com). It’s right on the pier, so your seafood comes with a breathtaking view of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains.” 

Image by Tom Vogl
Tom Vogl, CEO of The Mountaineers

FAVE OUTDOOR SPOTS
Tom Vogl (Chief Executive Officer, The Mountaineers)
“I love the lush forests and rushing waters of the Twin Falls trail near North Bend. It’s gorgeous and an easy introduction to mountain hiking. The 33-mile hike from Harts Pass to Rainy Pass is one of my favorite stretches of the Pacific Crest Trail. Don’t forget your ice axe and rain gear, and be prepared to be amazed.” (mountaineers.org), search “Twin Falls” and “Harts Pass to Rainy Pass”)

KARAOKE FAVE
Emily Nokes (Musician, Tacocat)
“Rock Box (rockboxseattle.com) on Capitol Hill is a more modern/comparatively upscale take on Japanese-style private-room karaoke, with a full-service bar and snack menu plus a well-stocked book of songs. Bush Garden (bushgarden.net) in the International District is an old favorite—strong drinks, legit dive atmosphere—but I also love the no-frills rooms you can rent at Seattle’s Best Karaoke (sbkaraoke.com), hidden down on Minor Avenue.” 

FESTIVAL FAVE
Moorea Seal (Shop Owner and Designer)
“The parade at the Fremont Solstice Festival is forever one of my favorite things about Seattle. People of all ages come out to celebrate the beginning of summer with music, floats, great food and drinks, performers and more. Nothing is better than summer in Seattle.”

FAVORITE FIND
Sierra Stinson (Activist and Curator of Vignettes Gallery)
“Greeting cards (by local Lynda Sherman’s letterpress company, Bremelo Press) at the Elliott Bay Book Company (elliottbaybook.com) and Sugar Pill (sugarpillseattle.com).”

KATE WALLICH
Kate Wallich (Dancer-Choreographer)
“Strictly Seattle (July 28–29; velocitydancecenter.org) is one of the highlights of my summer. Witness extremely technical and virtuosic dancing next to raw, untrained courageous dancers who have never even stepped on the stage before. It’s pure magic. Stop by Dino’s Tomato Pie (dinostomatopie.com) for post-show slices and Negronis on tap! My favorite spot.”