Sea t t l eThe scene in

“I want to g ive the aud ience a h in t o f a scene . No more than

tha t . Give them too much and they won’ t cont r ibute anyth ing

themse lves . ” Orson Wel l e s

Scene [seen]

Noun

1. The place where some action or event

occurs: They travelled to Seattle, home to

the world’s most influential music scene.

2. A view or picture.

3. An incident or situation in real life.

Browse our newspaper to discover the best of the Pacific Northwest, to really get under the skin of Seattle and Washington

State. From the gourmet hot spots, to an insatiable coffee culture, its rich musical heritage and endless opportunities for

outdoor adventure, this is a corner of the globe that never fails to get us excited.

/2

The Scene / Vi s i t Sea t t l e

V i s i tSea t t l e

Overv iewNorth Sea t t l e

Green lake

Greenwood

Ba l l a rd

Fremont

King County

Airpor t

Madi son

Park

Pike P laceMarke t

Discovery Park

Seward Park

Sea t t l e Center

P ioneerSquare

Inte rna t iona l Dis t r i c t

Wes t Sea t t l e

Gol f course

Jackson Park

Gol f course

Wes t Sea t t l e

Univer s i tyDis t r i c t

LakeUnion

El io t t Bay

Puge t Sound

LakeWashington

Sea t t l e

Mt.Ra in ie r

Mt .Baker

Oregon

VancouverI s l and

Wash ington

Canada

Mt .S t He lens

OlympicNat iona l Park

San Juan I s l ands

/3 Blacktomato . com

Ed i tor ’ s note

Contents

Four fantas t i c seasonsin Sea t t l e . . .p .4 to p .7 .

A l l about a r t s and cu l ture p .8 and 9 .

Our favour i t e food ief inds are on p .12 and 13 .

Where to re s t yourhead : hote l s and spasp .22 and 23 .

Sh immer ing water sa re ca l l ing . . .p .24 and 25 .

We in t e r v i ewed some o f S ea t t l e ’ s l o c a l t a s t emake r s onp . 16 t o p . 21 .

And i f you ’ re f ee l ing th i r s ty , check outp .14 and 15 .

The bes t o f the re s tp .26 to p .29

But i f mus ic i s yourmuse go to p .10 .

Ins ide Sea t t l e

Beyond Sea t t l e

Food & Dr inks

Loca l Perspec t i ve

‘With over 200 art galleries and

museums, it’s abundantly clear that

Seattleites take their cultural pursuits

seriously’.

‘I love the natural beauty of the

area: the clean air and water, the

mountains, the Sound, and outdoor

recreation of many flavours’.

A plethora of adventures are awaiting

on Lake Union and its surroundings.

For Seattleites, creativity is a prerequisite; and I have often wondered whether this

is cause or effect of the city’s undeniably magnetic atmosphere. Each time I visit this

remarkable corner of the Pacific Northwest my mind reels at the talent it has nurtured.

Casting aside the stereotypical hallmarks of Seattle’s story (Nirvana, Starbucks, Boeing),

this city has been the birthplace of many great artists – and you start to see why

when you look at the sharp city lines against the creases of cerulean waterways;

the modernity of steel and glass off-set by majestic mountains painted across the

backdrop; the metropolis peacocking in front of Washington wilderness.

This fusion of urban and rural seeps into every breath of the city’s impossibly fresh air.

Curious contrasts fuel the truly unique rhythms that are found here; and from these

come the endless flow of exciting new restaurants, exhibitions, music, adventures…

Seattle is effervescent, and I can only urge you to experience it for yourself.

It will nourish your soul, nurture your creative mind and open your eyes to

the triumphant diversity of the West Coast.

Tom Marchant, Co-founder of Black Tomato

From Joule to Theo Chocolate Factory,

and Pike Place Market...

/4

March may still be rainy in Seattle, but excitement

permeates the air at the onset of spring and

the glorious summer months to follow. Festivals

and celebrations abound. Check out the famous

Pike Place Market on the first day of spring when

staff and volunteers occupy the street corners

to hand out over 10,000 locally grown daffodils

on Daffodil Day; a tradition that’s sure to put a

smile on your face. March is Washington Wine

Month and you’re invited to join the fun on the

last weekend of the month at Taste Washington,

the nation’s largest single-region wine and food

event. Sip and savour to your heart’s content

as you converse with the state’s award-winning

winemakers and chefs, and you can attend

seminars led by top American wine personalities

and sommeliers.

Winter hibernation is well and truly over when

April comes around. It may still be chilly, but the

air will be fresh and the sky blue (well, most of the

time, this is Seattle after all). Enjoy the celebration

of spring in all its vibrant glory at the Skagit Valley

Tulip Festival, an hour’s drive north of Seattle, as

millions of tulips burst into bloom. The colours

of row upon row of flowers scattered throughout

the Skagit Valley are spectacular. Enjoy the

exciting events and performances that occur in

recognition of the tulips throughout the month of

April. It’s little wonder this is one of Seattle’s most

anticipated events.

You can almost touch summer at this point in the

year, so spending time outside is an ideal way to

make the most of the city and its surrounds. Drive

out to Mt. Rainier, an area where the seasons have

transformed from snow covered peaks to hills of

lush greenery and wild flowers. Spend the day

hiking to various lookout points. On a clear day

you’ll delight in vistas of the Seattle skyline. Or,

take the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad on a historic

track for a two-hour excursion through the verdant

forests and foothills of the mountain. Rather stay

in the city? Get onboard at the Maritime Festival

the second weekend in May with events all

along the waterfront. Watch the world’s largest

tugboat race with over 20 boat entries and a

fireboat display. Discover the best chowder from

top Downtown Seattle restaurants as part of the

Chowder Cook-off. Take a free harbour tour of

Seattle’s working waterfront then try your hand

with wooden boat building contests.

March Apr i l May

Spr ing & Summerin Sea t t l e

Seattle is a Mecca of urban splendour and never more so than in the spring

when new life is blossoming around every corner. It’s hard to stay inside with

outdoor adventures beckoning for discovery. Join the locals who celebrate

this season with gusto, and enjoy a wide array of events that will keep you

entertained and delighted. From March through May, here’s what you can expect

from a visit to this special part of Washington State.

The Scene / Ins ide Sea t t l e

/5

Warm, c l ea r days o f summer grace Sea t t l e and o f f e r some o f

the year ’ s mos t exc i t ing event s , g iv ing you even more reasons

to v i s i t . I t ’ s a l so the per fec t t ime to ge t out o f the c i ty and

en joy the beauty o f the countrys ide beyond . Think boa t t r ips ,

winery tours , h ik ing , kayak ing and much more .

It’s June in Seattle, which can only mean one

thing: the Fremont Fair is close at hand. A

flamboyant affair, this celebration takes place

during summer solstice and transforms the

streets of the Fremont neighbourhood into a sea

of live music, stages, and food and crafts stalls.

The solstice parade is the highlight, though you

might want to avert your eyes as the famous nude

cyclists pass you by. When those jagged snow-

capped mountain peaks to the west inspire you

with thoughts of adventure, take a trip to Olympic

National Park and discover a million acres of

stellar beauty in this unique natural playground.

Here you’ll find 73 miles of pristine wild Pacific

Ocean beaches, moss-draped rainforest valleys

and wild-flower carpeted alpine meadows.

A day or two dedicated to exploring the park

will provide a lifetime memory.

As the summer heat starts firing up, July is an

ideal time to get out on the water in Seattle. Lake

Union will be warmer and thus perfect for a spot

of kayaking or stand up paddleboarding. There

are plenty of rental shops on the waterfront, so

it’s easy for you to get equipped and gain a view

of Seattle from an entirely different perspective.

This is a month that also plays host to a variety

of events. Our favourite has to be the Fourth of

July celebrations in authentic American style. With

colourful fireworks displays, food vendors, street

fairs and parades, you’ll be feeling like a true

patriot in no time. If one city knows how to put

on a good celebration, it’s Seattle.

Relish the long, languid sunny days of summer

in Seattle. The clear, warm weather is often at

its best in August. It’s nearly impossible not to

head outside, so revel in the spectacular views

from the iconic Space Needle or take a ferry ride

to Bainbridge Island and explore the shops and

restaurants in the charming town of Winslow. The

Seafair Festival comes to life the first weekend

in August, with ship tours, air shows, hydroplane

races, parades, and street performances on

the shores of Puget Sound. Community events,

parades, competitions and boat races team up to

create a vibrant and addictive atmosphere. Whilst

this is a popular time of year to visit, you can

easily escape the city crowds by driving out into

the countryside to see what else Washington State

has to offer.

June Ju ly Augus t

Blacktomato . com

/6

This is our favourite time of year to visit Seattle.

Balmy temperatures linger whilst the summer

tourists depart and the autumn events ramp up.

Treat yourself to this ideal climate by spending

as much time as you can at outdoor markets and

festivals. Pike Place, Seattle’s original farmers

market, is a ‘must see’ and around this time

of year will be serving up a variety of seasonal

fare. Wave goodbye to summer on Labor Day

Weekend at Bumbershoot, the nation’s largest

arts festival, where you’ll enjoy music, film and

comedy in a variety of venues across the city.

Towards the end of September Oktoberfest

begins, giving you a perfect excuse to venture

out to the Fremont neighbourhood. With over

100 different kinds of beer to try and live bands

providing entertainment, Oktoberfest is one of

the region’s most popular autumnal offerings.

October boasts a stunning display of brilliant

colours, as autumn leaves put on their annual

show. Our favourite place to delve into the beauty

of nature at this time of year is Kubota Garden.

Covering 20 acres, the gardens are hidden at the

heart of the Rainier Beach neighbourhood. Home to

an incredible fusion of Japanese plants and Native

American flora and fauna, visit in October and you’ll

be surrounded by a vibrant autumn palette. It’s also

a fun time of year if you’re travelling with little ones.

As the popular night of Halloween draws closer,

farms all around Seattle and its surrounds open

their gates and welcome the public to choose a

pumpkin from their patches, offering hay rides and

maze explorations. Since Washington is the nation’s

second largest wine-making state, you won’t want

to miss the annual crush that occurs throughout the

fall season. Plan to take some time to visit the wine

country and watch the vintners at work.

With winter just around the corner, book tickets

early for the sell-out Oyster New Year Bash,

where you can try up to 30 different types of

oysters as well as a seafood buffet and live music

at Elliott’s Oyster House on Pier 66. The shorter

days and dark skies of the season quickly draw

you in, giving you a perfect excuse to retreat to

the warmth of Seattle’s various museums and

art galleries. The Frye Museum is a particular

favourite of ours, exhibiting both emerging

artists and paintings by established masters from

the 18th and 19th centuries. Or if you love sports,

duck into one of the pubs or bars to watch the

city’s local heroes, the Seattle Seahawks (think

American football), when they play. Join the

fans as they crowd around TVs, roaring their

enthusiastic support, and sporting their favourite

team’s navy blue and bright green.

September October November

Autumn & Winterin Sea t t l e

As leaves start to turn and Seattle moves towards winter in a riot of colour,

excitement builds for upcoming autumnal events and unique experiences

that are best enjoyed at this special time of year. The city doesn’t slow down

just because cooler weather sets in. Far from it. Everything you’d expect

from a quintessential US fall season, Seattle provides. From pumpkin farms

to farmers markets to Japanese gardens bursting in shades that flash in a blaze of

red, orange and gold against fast greying skies, this gateway to Washington State

is up there as one of the most exciting destinations on the West Coast.

The Scene / Ins ide Sea t t l e

/7

Autumn & Winterin Sea t t l e

Dive head first into the Christmas spirit and check

out the Reindeer Festival at Cougar Mountain

Zoo. Transformed to resemble the North Pole,

kids can visit Santa and his team of live reindeer.

If you’ve made the trip without youngsters

in tow, however, the Winter Beer Festival at

Magnuson Park or a night at one of Seattle’s

many spectacular theatres might be more your

thing. Staying over Christmas and the New Year?

Don’t miss the brilliant fireworks at Seattle’s

Space Needle at the stroke of midnight on the

31st of December.

Start the New Year as you mean to go on—full

of unique travel experiences. January in Seattle

is perfect for venturing up to the mountains to

hone your skills and hit the slopes. The Summit

at Snoqualmie is an hour’s drive from downtown

Seattle and with runs to suit all abilities, it serves

as the ideal day trip out of the city. Not a big fan

of the snow? The endless number of galleries,

bars, restaurants and museums will keep you

happily occupied. Grab a coffee at the original

Starbucks at Pike Place Market before moving on

to an exhibition at the beautiful Glasshouse Studio

to get a glimpse of how glass is hand-crafted.

February is another fantastic month for skiing

and snowboarding, and if you’re feeling more

adventurous, an excursion to Crystal Mountain

is well worth the two hour drive with over 2,600

acres for winter play. Perched at a higher elevation

than The Summit, powder-hounds will relish the

longer runs and the chance to drop between trees

and rocky chutes. Take the high-speed gondola

to the top then head downhill for an exhilarating

ride. Back in the city, enjoy the Seattle Wine

and Food Experience—a premier showcase

of Northwest wine, beer, spirits and all things

culinary. Let’s not forget the famous Art Walks

from Pioneer Square which introduce visitors to

the new exhibitions at Seattle’s art galleries.

December January February

Blacktomato . com

If you’re into winter sports , but looking

for an al ternat ive exper ience to the

Alps of Europe, then Seatt le serves as

the ideal place from where you can

head to the s lopes of The Summit at

Snoqualmie . The weather might not

be the best for outdoor s ightseeing,

but the c i ty cont inues to buzz with

exci t ing fest iva ls and events , providing

you with an intr iguing base to return

to af ter a day on those skis .

© Ed LaCasse, Property of M

OH

AI

© Photo credit: Skip Howar

d

/8

A l l about a r t sand cu l ture

Frye Ar tMuseumCentrally located between busy downtown Seattle,

the arts district of Capitol Hill, and the galleries of

Pioneer Square, the Frye Art Museum has a large

collection of paintings belonging to the early 20th

century art collectors Charles and Emma Frye. The

museum has a permanent display of European art in

its beautiful, light-filled rooms, as well as exhibitions

of contemporary paintings and local artists. The

Frye is small and intimate, which allows you the

luxury of getting a good look at each piece.

The Museumof His tory and Indus t ryDid you know that Starbucks, Microsoft and

Amazon all originated in Seattle? Well, you do now,

and at the Museum of History and Industry you

can delve into the city’s past to learn even more.

The museum emphasises how the exploration and

preservation of the past is important for making

decisions for the future, so it gets that mind

working. What’s more, as it’s located on the edge

of Lake Union, you can look out over beautiful

views and watch the sea planes land. If you are

only going to visit one museum on your trip,

the MOHAI should be it.

Seattle has always been driven by arts and culture. A quirky city that’s home to over

200 art galleries and museums, it’s abundantly clear that Seattleites take their cultural

pursuits seriously. If you’re taking a trip with us to this West Coast jewel, then these

are places you just can’t miss.

The Scene / Ins ide Sea t t l e

© Richard Brown photograph

y

© Photo credit: Jonathan Vanderwei

t

/9

A l l about a r t sand cu l ture

Blacktomato . com

Henry Ar tGa l l e ry“The Henry” is a must visit for contemporary art

lovers. Make sure you set aside enough time to

wander around and take it all in, as there is much

to see. Located on the campus of the University

of Washington, it is the only museum dedicated

solely to contemporary art, as well as being the

oldest public art museum in the region. The Henry

is internationally recognised for its ground-breaking

exhibitions, and even if you know nothing about

art, it’s hard to leave without feeling inspired.

Be sure to check out the Skyspace feature by

James Turrell; an extraordinary open air piece

that transforms with the differing light of day (we

recommend visiting at dusk for a breathtaking

experience).

Burke Museumof Natura l His toryand Cul tureThe Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture

is one of the oldest museums in the region.

Located on the campus of the University of

Washington, the museum is dedicated to the

analysis of the natural and cultural history of the

Pacific Northwest. Despite the museum’s small

size, it still manages to house thousands of fossils

and artefacts, so you really get a good feel for

the history of the area. If you don’t have time to

contemplate the exhibits, then the museum cafe

is a great spot to stop for a bite to eat.

Sea t t l e Ar t Museum (SAM)SAM, as the locals fondly call it, is located

downtown, but the organisation also maintains

two other facilities—the Seattle Asian Art

Museum in Volunteer Park on Capitol Hill and

the Olympic Sculpture Park along the Seattle

waterfront. SAM is home to two libraries with

over 40,000 books, a museum store and café.

The museum collects and exhibits objects from

across many cultures with around 25,000 items in

their collection. Exhibitions change several times

through the year.

/10

Emerging in a furore of drum beats in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, Seattle has

stood its ground as a pilgrimage for music lovers across the globe. But while

the city has become synonymous with this famed era of Grunge, Nirvana, Kurt

Cobain, look a little further back through time and you’ll find a rich musical

history; fertile ground for the famous blend of punk, metal and rock that ensued.

I f mus ic i syour muse

The Scene / Ins ide Sea t t l e

/11

The la te 20 th Centuryto today

Fast forward another few years and you get to the

much-lauded Grunge era. Exploring the streets of

Seattle, you will be stomping the same ground as

Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains, to name

just a few of the hedonistic rockers this place has

launched to fame. But the musical Mecca didn’t

end with the death of Kurt Cobain. Seattle has

continued to churn out some of the best talent

around, so as you listen to the indie folk of Fleet

Foxes or rap lyrics of Macklemore, know that you

are tuning into the sound of Seattle.

In the early 20th century, Seattle was firmly on

the beaten track for touring Vaudeville groups,

where music, dance and light comedy provided

frilly entertainment for the locals. A home-grown

talent of the time was Gypsy Rose Lee, who learnt

the art of Burlesque in Seattle before courteously

strip-teasing her way around the rest of the States.

Then came the Second World War where the likes

of Miss Lee were magnetic centrepieces in an

underground scene of boozing, gambling, music

and dance. Great hall-like venues housed these

after-hours performances and here some of the

greatest jazz musicians first performed. Both Ray

Charles and Quincy Jones belong to Seattle’s

starry alumni.

The ear ly 20 th century

The 1950 ’ s

Get under the sk in o f Sea t t l e ’ s mus ica l pas t and

present by v i s i t ing Exper i ence Mus ic Pro jec t , a non-

pro f i t museum at the cent re o f the c i ty . The bu i ld ing

a lone i s a spec tac l e (a fu tur i s t i c cons t ruc t ion o f

over 21 ,000 meta l sh ing le s and 280 s tee l r ibs ) , but

i t a l so o f f e r s un ique exper i ences , such as j amming

to a c rowd o f sc reaming v i r tua l f ans or compos ing

mus ic in your own sound lab . (empmuseum.org)

The 1950’s saw the beat of the city quieting down

with stricter licensing laws. Only a decade on and

the volume was turned up again as Seattle’s music

box burst open with the city quickly becoming a

hot spot for recording ‘60s pop music. At about

this time rock began to seed its sound around the

Pacific Northwest and from this blossomed one of

Seattle’s most prominent exports, Jimi Hendrix (he

actually shot to fame in England, but being born

and bred in Seattle, we’ll let them claim him).

Blacktomato . com

The Scene / Food & Dr ink

/12

Our top p ick o f p laces to savour in Sea t t l e

Seattle’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean makes it a prime spot for a bounty of

seafood. At every turn there is a nod to the cool grey waters of Puget Sound

that surround the city, with fresh oysters, mussels, salmon, and halibut in

abundance. Safe in the knowledge that the seafood puts them on a natural

pedestal, local chefs not only have the best ingredients to work with, but a

certain freedom to push their culinary boundaries. You’ll find the traditional, the

experimental, the old, the new, the chic, the easy-going, the big, and the small.

Seattle is a creative place and the food on offer gives you a good taste of this

artistic flair. The list is endless, so here are just a few of our picks.

Favour i t e food ie f inds

/13

Ser ious P ie and Bi scu i t

TheWalrus and the Carpenter

Jou le

Theo Choco la te Fac tory

CaféBesa lu

P ikeP laceMarke t

401 Westlake

Avenue North

4743 Ballard

Ave NW

3506 Stone

Way North

3400 Phinney

Avenue North

5909 24th

Ave NW

85 Pike Street

Located in the trendy neighbourhood of South

Lake Union, Serious Pie and Biscuit boasts

delectable pizzas fired in apple wood ovens and

buttery biscuits. It also has an oh-so-serious bar

with 22 rotating taps devoted to craft beer and

cider, as well as an additional 60 bottles and cans.

Their biscuits are topped with everything from

fried chicken to jam, and their pizzas will make

your mouth water with toppings of house-made

charcuterie, foraged mushrooms and imported

cheeses. These chefs take deliciousness very seriously!

With award-winning Chef Renee Erickson at the

helm (a purveyor of good food across Seattle),

the Walrus and the Carpenter was destined for

fame from the start. This hip Ballard establishment

is kooky in its simplicity. It relies on very little to

achieve its status on the city’s food scene, with

stripped back décor (think French bar meets

fisherman’s pub) and a menu that stays fairly faithful

to oysters. That said, if you’re not an oyster-lover,

they offer other local fare, such as clams, mussels

and speciality meats, alongside craft beer, cocktails

and wines from Washington State and beyond.

Light, bright, airy and home to some of the most

moorish food you’ll find, the Walrus and the

Carpenter is a go-to eatery and somewhere we

can easily while away a few hours. Be warned: this

place abides by hipster restaurant rules, so they

don’t take reservations.

Up in the Bohemian streets of Fremont, Theo

Chocolate Factory is the perfect place for a

sugar boost. It is the first and only organic Fair

Trade chocolate factory in the country; guilt-free

indulgence doesn’t get much better than this.

The factory offers tours and tastings every day

of the week, so you can immerse yourself in a

world of chocolate for a few sweet hours, tracing

the journey of the cacao fruit from bean to bar,

with plenty of tastings along the way. We’d like

to say this is one for the kids, but let’s be honest;

it’s a treat for anyone and everyone.

Pike Place Market is an illustrious farmers market

that has been running since 1907. It is the beating

heart of downtown Seattle and definitely worth

a visit. It often lures visitors with its claim as the

location for the first-ever Starbucks – but Pike Place

has a lot more to offer than a moment in caffeine

history. You can get all sorts of foodie delights

here. From incredible local seafood (try the smoked

salmon from Pure Food Fish Market) and Britt’s

wholesome, homemade pickles, to sugar-dusted

doughnuts served up by a Robot called Mark II, and

Café Champagne’s mini lamb burgers, served with

French wine or Can Can’s punchy cocktails. Pike

Place Market is a slice of Seattle through time and

the plethora of different snacks here say it all.

Oh yes, and don’t miss the flying fish!

Set on the decidedly cool Wallingford/Fremont

border, Joule is a relative newbie to the culinary

scene in Seattle, but definitely packs a punch.

The restaurant emits energy; the passion of the

husband and wife duo behind it, the buzz of the

hungry crowds that gather, the friendly, banquette-

style dining tables, and the bold flavours of its

modern Korean cuisine. With this recommendation,

we’re moving away from the traditional dining

hot spots to show you the city’s credentials as an

unsung hero when it comes to cosmopolitan dining.

This low-key, family owned cafe is a source of

delicious homemade baked goods, from breads,

to pastries and quiches. It’s an unassuming little

lunch spot (although always comfortingly full of

locals) set in Ballard, a quaint neighbourhood that

shows off the city’s Scandinavian roots. This is not a

place you’ll find littered across the guidebooks, so

you can smugly step off the tourist trail when you

divert here to refuel. This is a wholesome local gem

that we love.

Blacktomato . com

© Aaron Leitz

/14

Boas t ing a dr inks scene to r iva l mos t c i t i e s in the wor ld , Sea t t l e i s

awash wi th ar t i san co f f ee shops and qu i rky bars . Yes , th i s was the

b i r thp lace o f S ta rbucks , and the cha in ’ s succes s i s representa t i ve

o f how ser ious ly Sea t t l e i t e s take the i r co f f ee cu l ture , but i t ’ s the

independent co f f ee shops , award-winning cockta i l bar s and h idden

speakeas i e s tha t a re now s tea l ing the l ime l ight . Here are our top

p icks o f co f f ee and cockta i l e s tab l i shments .

The Scene / Food & Dr ink

© Intellectual

adve

ntur

es

/15

Th ink dr ink

Victro la Cof fee

L ighthouse Roas te r s

TavernLaw

Canon Whiskey and Bi t t e r s Empor ium

There’s something special about

knowing exactly where the beans

that have made your coffee are

from, and at Victrola, you’ll know

every time. Advocates of Fair

Trade and good farming practices,

members of the organisation will

often fly out to meet the producers

and check on the conditions. Even

if they can’t, Victrola will always

share all of its information with

you, so you know your beans are

completely traceable. They’ve got

a few roasters and cafes spread

throughout Seattle, but our

favourite is located on 15th Avenue.

As well as serving incredible coffee,

this place often exhibits local art,

so you can contemplate Seattle’s

artistic flair as you enjoy a freshly

roasted cup of java.

The concept of Lighthouse Roasters

is simple: roast and serve in the

same place. What this upper

Fremont café doesn’t have in the

way of fancy décor, it makes up for

with its open sacks of beans and

the fragrance emanating from its

roasting machine that’s in constant

action. Having cut out the middle

man, this café takes you closer

to the source of your coffee, and

you’ll appreciate the work that

has gone into it with every sip.

Lighthouse Roasters is a respected

entity in Seattle’s coffee world, and

considering how important coffee

is to this creative city, that’s really

saying something.

Moving on to something stronger,

this place is named after legislation

that allowed inns and saloons

to serve alcohol; Tavern Law is

an ode to the days of artistic

bartending before prohibition

almost eradicated it. Located on

12th Avenue, this award-winning

bar serves a good selection of

beers and wines, but it’s the

cocktails that people flock here

for. The bar staff are passionate

about the concoctions they create,

and watching the mixologists at

work is fascinating. Surrounded

by wood panelled walls and aged

bookshelves, you’ll feel as though

you’ve stepped back in time as you

sip on a gin-infused work of art.

Perhaps the most famous offering

on this list, Canon Whiskey and

Bitters Emporium has been named

numerous times as one of the

best bars in the US. Yet another

speakeasy-inspired institution,

Canon boasts the largest collection

of American whiskey in the world

and creates some truly incredible

cocktails. Located in the Central

District of Seattle, Canon is a

purveyor of alcoholic artistry. Think

antique glasses, cocktails that

have been aged in barrels and a

100-drink-long menu. With dark

wood furnishings and a laid-back

vibe, it’s easy to forget the modern

world that lies beyond the door.

Blacktomato . com

The Scene / Loca l per spec t i ve

/16

S ea t t l e ’ s t a s t emakers

When we want to get to the heart of a place (and by this we mean the inner workings, the beat that makes it move,the nuances that keep it real), we talk to the people who know it best;

the locals. Here is Seattle through the eyes of people who not only understand the very essence of this vibrant city,

but who are part of creating it , too.

/17

Aimee Peck —owner o f Monora i l Espres soAimee is the owner of Monorail Espresso in Seattle, the city’s first coffee cart. Having grown up in the region, Aimee has always been exposed to the prominent coffee culture in the city, and always worked as a barista. 2015 marks her 17th year making espresso; we’ll drink to that.

BT: Tell us a bit about what you do .

AP: Monorail Espresso was actually founded in 1980 and began as Seattle’s

first coffee cart. Originally, it was positioned underneath the Monorail, hence

the name, but over 20 years ago we moved indoors and became the sidewalk

espresso bar we are today. I took over the business from the founder, Chuck

Beek, a few years ago when he retired; it was a smooth transition as I had

been running the shop for him prior to buying the business. It is my goal to

keep the history and tradition of Monorail alive, maintaining the quality and

continuing to set the standard in the coffee world.

BT: What keeps you here in Seattle?AP: I am a Seattle native and the thing I love most is the fact we are

surrounded by nature. We have water, mountains, and greenery in all

directions. You can be in the heart of the city and look in any direction and see

nature.

BT: How does Seattle inspire you?AP: On a professional level, I’m inspired by all the delicious, specialty coffee

roasters here. We are truly spoiled with good coffee. Stay away from the

corporate chains and look for the smaller local cafes if you want to have a real

coffee experience in Seattle.

BT: What is your favouri te thing to do on Saturday?AP: A typical Saturday for me in the spring, summer and fall starts with a good

morning run along the waterfront, followed by brunch at a number of good

spots, like Portage Bay Café. Then I would spend the afternoon sailing on

Lake Union, where you can rent sailboats at the Center for Wooden Boats.

BT: Any insider tips on new openings that you can give us?AP: A lot of new restaurants have opened in Capitol Hill in the Pike/Pine

corridor. A couple of my current favorites are Stateside, a new Vietnamese

place, and Manmoon, a popular Middle Eastern restaurant.

BT: How would you spend your per fec t evening in Seattle?AP: I would go to Sitka and Spruce in the Melrose Market for a Pacific

Northwest farm to table dinner. While I wait for a table, I would go to the chic

little wine bar next door called Bar Ferdinand for a glass of wine. Afterwards,

I would catch a show at my favorite music venue, Showbox Market.

BT: Where i s your favour i t e loca l hangout?AP: The Hideout is a great neighbourhood bar known for its craft cocktails and

abstract art on the walls; it’s small, dark, and intimate, making it a great place

to have a drink with friends.

BT: What ’ s your favour i t e t ime o f year here and why?AP: Summer, specifically July, August, and September. There is no better

place to be in the world than Seattle in the summer. The days are long and

bright. The air is fresh and clean. The lakes warm up for endless swimming and

everyone starts to hike, cycle, camp, boat and enjoy all the outdoor activities

Seattle has to offer. In summer, the weather is perfect; not too hot and not

too cold. And the rain we get the rest of the year provides lush greenery and

vibrant colours that pop when the sun is out.

BT: I f we only had t ime to see one thing in Seatt le , what should i t be? AP: You have to go to the market! Pike Place Market is a sensory overload with

all things Seattle.

‘The th ing I love about Sea t t l e i s the fac t we are sur rounded by

na ture . We have water , mounta ins and greenery in a l l d i rec t ions ’ .

Black tomato . com

The Scene / Loca l per spec t i ve

/18

Marc Pu ja l e t — se l f -proc la imedoutdoor enthus ia s tAfter many years in the travel and hospitality industry, Marc is now enjoying an active retirement and spends as much time outdoors as he possibly can. Seattle is certainly the place to do it . Back in the day he was a snowboarding and basketball enthusiast, but now favours biking, hiking, kayaking and fishing.

BT: Why can we find you here in Seattle? MP: We have lived in Seattle since 1989; it is the natural beauty of the Pacific

Northwest that I love the most. I was drawn to the city because the natural

scenery is augmented by a robust and thriving business community, and an

eclectic and quality array of excellent bars/restaurants.

BT: What image of the city inspires you the most?MP: The late December sun coming up and lighting the majestic snow-

shrouded Olympic Mountains over a vivid blue Puget Sound dotted with

bright white ferries. Nearly every day the views from any corner of Seattle

inspire me to take a break from the madness of the world and just be in the

moment to appreciate life, while enjoying the true beauty of the Northwest.

BT: What’s your best time of year and why?MP: That’s a tough call. But the summers in Seattle feature the most beautiful

weather I have experienced (and I was raised in Hawaii, spent a decade in San

Francisco and have travelled the globe during my career). The warmth and long

daylight hours (5am until 10pm) make it easy to have an adventure-filled day.

Then again, winter days are quieter and refreshing, albeit shorter in duration.

BT: Do you have a favour i t e a rea?MP: Yes...West Seattle. It is the largest and oldest neighbourhood in Seattle

and the panoramas of Puget Sound and the islands are breath-taking.

In recent years it has attracted more energetic residents and, thus, more

interesting drinking and dining establishments.

BT: I f you had one day to show us the bes t o f Sea t t l e , where would you take us?MP: We would spend the day in West Seattle. We’d bike to Café Ladro

for Seattle’s best coffee, then cruise through West Seattle’s main streets to

Buddha Ruksa for lunch (on weekdays only) which serves outstanding Thai

cuisine. Then continue to Alki Beach to embrace an evening of clean air, beach

volleyball and sunshine. We would finish the day with a pleasant dinner at

La Rustica – one of Seattle’s best Italian Restaurants.

BT: What would your perfect evening in Seattle entail?MP: In the summer, it would have to be on our waterfront deck grilling fresh

seafood (paired with a lighter red wine) with our closest friends. In the winter,

it would also be on the deck grilling a great steak (paired with a robust red

wine) with these same friends. Boring, I know, but the truth. The nice thing

is that this experience can be replicated at any of two dozen waterfront

restaurants in the area.

BT: And f ina l l y , your idea l weekend in Sea t t l e ?MP: I catch up on the news in front of a warm fire and with an excellent coffee.

Then I’d kayak along the Puget Sound coastline to enjoy the clean, salt air.

Next, I’d go on an afternoon bike ride in the nearby Cascade Mountains – and

then cap the evening with a casual meal at a West Seattle eatery. If it were a

summer week day (ahh, the benefits of retirement!), my ideal day would be

taking a short ride to the Yakima River to fly fish for trout all day, heading home

after the sun sets, which is at 10pm in the summer. I love those long days!

‘Near ly every day the v iews f rom

any corner o f Sea t t l e insp i re me

to take a break f rom the madness

o f the wor ld and jus t be in the

moment to apprec ia te l i f e , whi l e

en joy ing the t rue beauty o f the

Nor thwes t ’ .

/19

Wi l l Dickerson — a compl iance ana lys t

Will l ives in Seattle with his wife and two young children. He works as a Trade Compliance Analyst at REI(Recreational Equipment Inc.), ensuring that international shipments are delivered on-time and pay correct import taxes with U.S. Customs.

BT: What do you love the most about Seattle?WD: I love the natural beauty of the area: the clean air and water, the

mountains, the Sound, and outdoor recreation of many flavours. I was born

and raised in Seattle, and other than a few years in the Washington DC area,

I’ve spent most of my 32 years here.

BT: How does the city inspire you?WD: I find active outdoor adventures with friends and family, such as hiking up

Mt Si or Mailbox, mountain biking at Duthie Hill or surfing at Westport, a very

inspiring part of life here. You don’t need to go far to find something fun and

outdoorsy to do.

BT: Do you have a Saturday routine?WD: On a nice day, I get coffee from our local place, go for a stroll on

Alki Beach, visit Gasworks or just take a ferry somewhere.

BT: What’s your favourite neighbourhood or area?WD: Broadway on Capitol Hill. Great nightlife, food and people-watching.

BT: I f we asked for a whi s t l e - s top tour o f the c i ty ,where would you take us?WD: I would start in the historic district and take you to see underground

Seattle. We’d walk through Pike Place Market, then see the city from the

Space Needle. Take a ferry to Bainbridge Island and enjoy the views on the

way. Get dinner and drinks on Capitol Hill, then head to Magnolia or Alki

Beach to see the sunset.

BT: Can you give us any insider tips on good hangout places? WD: Jazz Alley in Belltown has great live music.

The Ave in the U-District has many great bubble tea spots to hangout.

BT: Bes t t ime o f year?WD: Hands-down, I love the summer, roughly from June-September.

Everyone is outside pursuing their favourite active adventures. The weather is

mild and comfortable, daylight lasts forever, sunsets are beautiful, and people

are out everywhere. We have to make up for the winter months of rain,

of course.

BT: How would you spend your per fec t even ing in Sea t t l e ? WD: I’d take my wife on a dinner date in Downtown Seattle, see a Broadway

show at the Paramount or do a little salsa dancing at Century Ballroom, then

head to Kerry Park for epic views of the city.

‘ I love the na tura l beauty o f the

area : the c l ean a i r and water , the

mounta ins , the Sound, and outdoor

rec rea t ion o f many f l avours ’ .

B lack tomato . com

The Scene / Loca l per spec t i ve

/20

Pe te Wi l son — mus ic i an

Absorbing the city’s musical prowess, Pete is a Seattleite who spends his spare time making records and playing the bass guitar for the band Ivan & Alyosha. He is married with two children and lives just north of the city, in Washington state.

BT: How long have you been in Seattle and what keeps you in the city?PW: I’ve lived in Seattle all my life. I really do count myself blessed having

grown up here. The snowy mountains are just a half hour away, the islands are

a short ferry ride away, the city is big enough to be exciting, but small enough

to be accessible. It rains a bit, but that keeps everything fresh and alive. It’s

hard to pin down what I love most. I’ll take a little bit of everything.

BT: What do you find most inspiring?PW: I think the music community here is very inspiring. Whether you’re in a

huge band, or just play open mics. For the most part, everyone is rooting for

each other.

BT: Is there a particular neighbourhood you liketo hang out in?PW: Ballard is really great. It has small venues, great food and amazing

coffee shops.

BT: Where should we grab a drink?PW: There’s a bar down the street from where I live called Daphne’s. It only

seats about 10 people, and the bartender is always dressed to the nines,

having everyone in stitches with his incredibly inappropriate jokes. On our

first visit there, an older couple befriended my wife and I. After a lot of great

conversation, they ended up buying all of our drinks. We stepped out for

some fresh air at one point, and they drank what was left in our glasses. As we

came back in, we saw that some drinks were spilled, their faces were a bright

shade of red, and they were being asked to leave the bar. We’ve been back

many times since.

BT: What i s your favour i t e th ing to do on a Sa turday?PW: Honestly, I’m pretty boring. My ideal Saturday would be to barbeque every

meal, watch college football, make a huge fire pit in my front yard, and drink

beer with my friends. If we had time, maybe hop on a ferry to Bainbridge Island.

BT: You’re our guide for the day, where are you going to take us?PW: I’d take you down to Pike Place Market and watch them throw some fish

around. We’d buy some fancy bread and olive oil, then head over to White

Horse for a couple glasses of beer.

BT: How would you spend your perfect evening in Seatt le?PW: I’d take my wife on The Great Wheel (The London Eyes’ little brother)

and eat dinner at The Alibi Room.

BT: What ’ s your favour i t e t ime o f year here and why?PW: All of it.

‘The snowy mounta ins a re jus t a

ha l f hour away , the i s l ands are a

shor t f e r ry r ide away , and the c i ty

i s b ig enough to be exc i t ing , but

smal l enough to be acces s ib l e . ’

/21

‘ I t ’ s so n ice to be in a c i ty and

wi th in ha l f an hour , you can f ind

wi ld p laces ’ .

J ames Mi l l e r —owner o f Café Besa luJames is a baker in Seattle who owns one of the tastiest little cafes we’ve been to in the city; Café Besalu in Ballard.

BT: How long have you lived here and why do you love it? JM: I’ve lived in the Seattle area off and on since 1986. I love the easy access to

nature and the water. It’s so nice to be in a city and within half an hour, you can

find wild places. It’s also a good place to be a baker – the climate and coastal air

are both great for baking. It just feels like home.

BT: Is there particular area you like most?JM: I love the international district and Ballard.

BT: What do you like to do on Saturdays in Seattle?JM: I work on Saturdays. It’s one of the busiest days of the week for us. Actually,

I work six days a week, so I don’t have a lot of free time.

BT: I f you on ly had t ime to show us one p lace in Sea t t l e , where would i t be?JM: I would take you to Golden Gardens because it’s such a gorgeous place

with views of the Olympic Mountains. It’s a little escape in the middle of a busy

city.

BT: How would you spend your per fec t even ing in Sea t t l e ?JM: With my two-year old, just an evening summer stroll is nice. I like to go

somewhere with a view so I can watch the sunset over the water.

BT: Do you have a favour i t e loca l hangout? JM: I enjoy our lakes. Each one is a little different and beautiful in its own way.

BT: What t ime o f year shou ld we v i s i t ?JM: Spring and fall because they’re so beautiful. I love the sunny fall weather and

colourful shades of Autumn.

Blacktomato . com

/22

Our se l ec t ion o f s ty l i sh re t rea t s

A touchof luxe

The Scene / Ins ide Sea t t l e

/23

GrandHyat t

TheAlex i sHote l

FourSeasonsSea t t l e

The Grand Hyatt hotel is perfectly located (just

moments away from the Pike Place Market and the

Space Needle) and is a great starting point from

which to explore the eclectic scenery and culture of

the city. Rooms begin on the tenth floor and offer

sweeping views of Seattle; a tranquil observatory

where you will feel a world away from the busy

streets below. After a day on your feet, the in-

house Elaia Spa is the perfect place for a bit of

post-exploration relaxation

In the heart of downtown Seattle, this boutique

hotel is the epitome of urban cool. Part historic

and part chic modern boutique in structure, the

Alexis is filled with works of some of the city’s best

artists and has all the amenities you crave. It’s hard

to resist soaking up the innovative atmosphere of

Seattle from the comfort of your own individually

designed room, with elegant décor that combines

all the comforts of home with chic living. The

hotel also lends guests bicycles free of charge,

encouraging you to go out and explore your

surroundings on two wheels.

Just south of Pike Place Market, and steps from

the Seattle Art Museum, the Four Seasons is in

a great spot. It blends urban chic with scenic

adventure, providing stellar views out over Elliott

Bay, the soaring Space Needle, evergreen forests

and snow-capped peaks. Polished and elegant,

yet unpretentious, rooms are decorated with

inspiring pieces by local artists. After a busy day

of exploring, head to the stunning rooftop infinity

pool and relax as you continue to enjoy the city.

You will know you are in for a treat the moment you

walk through the door.

SpaNoir

AnanyaSpa

Ummel ina

Go and pamper yourself for the day at the casually

intimate Spa Noir, located in the beautiful Belltown

District, not far from the city’s downtown core.

Luxurious massages range from deep tissue to

Swedish to Hot Stone, and you can also enjoy body

wraps, facials and other skin rejuvenating services.

The staff are extremely welcoming and want you to

experience the energy of this unique spa. We would

suggest you treat yourself to a ‘Star Session’ which

focuses on your extremities, with a combination of

massage, pressure points, and steamed towels to

relieve tension and stress. Pure bliss.

For a seriously sophisticated bit of pampering,

spend a morning or afternoon in the Ananya Spa,

an elegant space that is one of the best places to

go in Seattle for massages, waxing and facials.

The spa has exceptional products and cutting-edge

technology. Plus, highly trained and professional

therapists will customise experiences to your exact

needs, so definitely let them know which areas you

would like them to focus on.

Take your mind back to 1986 and you will find

yourself in the year that Seattle’s very first day

spa was opened. Championing the beginning of

a trend that was going to be seen across the city,

Ummelina in Downtown Seattle was a trailblazer

for accessible wellness and indulgence. And since

its inception, this popular spa has continued to stay

ahead of the game, featuring treatments inspired

from across the globe. If you have plenty of time at

your disposal, we recommend the Lunar Journeys

Full Moon (full day) or Half Moon (half day) package

– otherwise, the African Foot Bath is a brilliant quick

fix for soothing tired legs after exploring the city.

Blacktomato . com

/24

Sh immer ing water sa re ca l l ing

watch in the wild, the city’s lakes, waterfronts, nearby rivers and Puget Sound

offer a plethora of adventures. Here are just a handful of our favourites.

Surrounded by expansive bodies of water that are home to a diverse array

of wildlife, Seattle provides locals and visitors with exciting, unique marine

experiences. Whether you’re keen to kayak or have always wanted to whale

The Scene / Ins ide Sea t t l e

/25

Whalewatch ing

Kayak ing

The Seattle area is one of the

best places in the world to spot

a variety of whale species. From

the magnificent killer whales,

also known as orcas, to minkes,

humpbacks and gray whales,

these awe-inspiring creatures are

a breathtaking sight to behold

in the wild and tend to not shy

away. We can arrange a private

tour for you, so all you need

to do is kick back as you cruise

through beautiful Deception Pass,

circumnavigate Whidbey Island and

tour through the San Juan Islands.

With knowledgeable guides, you’ll

learn a mass of information about

this remarkable ecosystem and

the wildlife it supports. You’re also

likely to see some more of the local

residents, such as sea lions, bald

eagles, osprey and dolphins.

When the skies brighten up in

Seattle, the waters come to life with

kayakers and sailors who are keen

to make the most of sunny days.

Whilst there are number of different

places to rent kayaks in the city,

we’ll arrange for you to set off from

one of our favourite spots at Agua

Verde Paddle Club, which is located

on Portage Bay, between Lake

Union and Lake Washington. From

here you have several options to

kayak some stunning routes leading

to Duck Bay, Marsh Island, Union

Bay and Foster Island. If you head

east from the dock you can kayak

around the beautiful Washington

Park Arboretum and through the

Montlake Cut. Head west and you’ll

kayak around Lake Union, where

you can enjoy the Seattle skyline as

you paddle past house boats and

the unusual Gas Works Park.

Sunse tpadd leboard ing

Whi te waterra f t ing

Born from the sport of surfing,

paddleboarding has skyrocketed

in popularity over the past few

years. We believe one of the most

enjoyable ways to see the city

is from a paddleboard, so let us

organise a guided tour for you to

take in the sights from the water.

If you’ve not tried paddleboarding

before then an expert guide

will take you to a quiet spot to

introduce you to the basics of

the sport — or, if you have some

experience, they can simply help

you to refine your technique and

provide knowledge about the local

waters. Go when the early evening

sun lingers over the horizon casting

slanted golden hues reflecting

the glittering city skyline before

dropping out of sight behind the

Olympic Mountains. It’s one of the

most beautiful moments ever.

Washington State is brimming with

wondrous and wild rivers carved

through lush forests thick with

evergreens and rock-faced canyons,

so if you’re adventurous, try white

water rafting. Trips are available

from March through October

and you’ll be able to choose a

specific level and river to suit your

needs, from ‘easy wave riding’ to

‘advanced white water action’.

You will be provided with an

experienced guide that will ensure

you can appreciate the incredible

scenery as well as the excellent

white water rapids.

Blacktomato . com

/26

The Scene / Beyond the c i ty

/27

Beyond Sea t t l eThe bes t o f the re s t

So, what’s up in the rest of Washington State? Rather a lot really. Seattle

may be a vibrant, inviting metropolis stuffed full of things to see and

do, but dramatic mountains in the not-so-distant landscape serve as a

constant reminder of rural life beyond the city. Washington State has

the credentials of a mini continent, with temperate rainforests, active

volcanoes and archipelagos – so whether you head north, east, south

or west, Seattle is the perfect gateway to a truly magical land. Here are

some suggestions for experiencing the best of the rest.

Blacktomato . com

/28

Back to na turein Olympic Nat iona l Park

See the snow-dusted peaks dotting the horizon

to the west of Seattle? Those would be the

Olympic Mountains, lofty compatriots to the rich,

green forests of Olympic National Park. The park

is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has 922,651

acres of preserved wilderness that make it an ideal

natural playground for anyone craving outdoor

activity. Less than a three-hour drive from the

urbanity of Seattle, you can immerse yourself in an

ancient, mystical landscape that was, and continues

to be, home to Native American tribes. This sense

of history aside, the incredibly diverse ecosystem

is more than enough to keep you on your toes with

austere glaciers, blossoming alpine meadows, fresh

water lakes, rugged coastline, dramatic waterfalls,

inviting hot springs and one of the country’s longest

fjords—the Hood Canal. There is much to see, so

allow at least a couple of days to explore the rural

wonders of the Olympic Peninsula.

Put f i r e in your sou la t Mount S t .He lens

A few hours south of Seattle as you head on

Interstate 5 to Portland, you will be able to get

a first-hand view of one of the most well-known

volcanoes of our time. The great 1980 eruption

of Mount St. Helens demolished much of the

surrounding forest and left a huge amphitheatre-

style crater on the north side. Fast-forward to

today and it’s fascinating to see life returning to

the once-barren ground. Considered a ‘young’

volcano (it was formed in the last 40,000 years, a

mere baby) you will be wowed by how it impacts

the landscape, jutting up into the sky from miles

around. Spend a day here learning about the

history and the habits of Mount St. Helens,

gazing in wonder or hiking up along some of

the 200 miles of trails around the crater.

Escap i sm in theSan Juan I s l ands

We don’t think a trip to Seattle would be complete

without an excursion to the San Juan Islands, a

paradisiacal archipelago to the north. The spirit

of adventure is experienced right from the start,

as you catch a seaplane to these breathtakingly

beautiful and remote islands near the Canadian

border. Look down as Puget Sound joins the Pacific

Ocean, and the world below turns a deep, grey-

blue colour. If you can only spend a day or two

here, take your pick from San Juan, Orcas and

Lopez, all beautiful islands and all worthy of your

time. You are surrounded by the waters of Puget

Sound, which are perfect for whale watching,

sailing, and exploring beaches and coves. You

will find the air here impossibly pure and fresh,

invigorating for your adventures during the day

and deeply soporific at night. This is a corner of

the world to refuel and nourish your spirit.

The Scene / Beyond the c i ty

Scan here for our 6 n ight i t inerary

/29

Tas t ing loca l t ipp le s a round Wash ington S ta te

Did you know there are over 800 wineries across

Washington State – as well as an exciting collection

of over 130 microbreweries, distilleries and

cideries? It’s time to quench your thirst with some

of the finest local offerings. A stone’s throw from

Seattle is Woodinville wine country, perfect for a

day trip. Drive around the wineries and vineyards

at your leisure, but we recommend stopping off

at Chateau St. Michelle for tasting an excellent

representation of Washington’s varietals. On your

way back, stop in at one of the many breweries,

such as Mac & Jack’s. Just remember to limit

yourself if you’re driving. Wine aficionado’s may

want to venture further to Washington’s main

stretch of wine country, a few hours drive or a short

flight to the southeast. Tri-cities, Walla Walla and

Yakima are all set in a sun-kissed, fecund area of

sprawling countryside that offers a host of different

wines. The producers tend to be boutique and

family-run, so drinks aside, this is a lovely region

to visit. And when you’ve had your fill, make your

merry way on to the next part of your journey –

flying any wine purchases back to Seattle free

of charge. Wine-not?

Embrace the grea t outdoors a t Snoqua lmie Fa l l s

Tucked between picturesque forests, rivers and

mountains, embrace your inner outdoorsy self

at Snoqualmie. The trip can be paired with your

visit to Woodinville wine country if you’re tight for

time. Snoqualmie Falls is the showpiece here—

a thundering stream of cascading water crashing

270 feet into the rocky pool below. If you have

the time to spare, we suggest you stick around

for a bit. Try hunting with a guide for classic

American biggame like deer and elk and all

manner of smaller game and water fowl, or head

to Snoqualmie’s pristine waters for fly-fishing or

catching trout, lingcod, salmon, albacore tuna

and halibut, as well as delicious shellfish and

spiky rockfish. Hike the four miles to the summit

of Mount Si, the most climbed peak in the US,

and catch your breath with the splendour of the

astounding views over Puget Sound and the

Olympic Mountains.

This i s a corner o f the w o r l d t o r e f u e l a n d n o u r i s h y o u r s p i r i t .

Black tomato . com

/30

There & BackA little pre-trip research is never a bad idea, so we’ve taken it upon ourselves to do it for you.

All you’ve got to do is read and remember (or take this newspaper with you). It doesn’t take long

to be in the know before you go, which is, of course, the best way to be.

The Scene / Trave l t ips

Bes t T ime o f Yearto Go

While almost all of Seattle’s most popular activities

are available all year round, June through September

have the best weather to enjoy them.

November through April have the highest rainfall,

but Seattle’s urban attractions still offer great

enjoyment at this time, and you will also avoid the

crowds. Our favourite time to visit is August and

September, with warm weather often extending

into an Indian summer.

/31

Get t ing There

Flying from the UK you will arrive in Seattle in just

under ten hours, depending on who you choose

to fly with. Delta Airlines has daily non-stop flights

between London and Seattle. British Airways flies

directly to Seattle ten times a week, with two flights

on a Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. During

daytime flights views are stunning. You will fly over

amazing mountains and ocean scenes, including

Lake Washington, with the volcanic Mount Rainer

beyond, as well as Puget Sound and the Cascade

and Olympic Mountains.

Get t ing Around

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is only 13km

south of the city centre. Whatever hotel you choose

to stay in, we can arrange an easy and comfortable

transfer, or there is a fast and efficient rail service.

We can also provide a driver or hire a car for you,

which can be one of the best ways to get around

the city, with most places offering easy parking.

However, when visiting such an environmentally-

friendly city, public transport is often the easiest

and most rewarding way of touring. City buses,

many of which are electric, travel to all corners

of the city and are easily accessible.

There is also a water taxi service across Seattle’s

Elliott Bay, between Pier 50 and Seacrest Dock in

West Seattle, which takes only ten minutes. The

Seattle Centre Monorail is particularly impressive,

zipping passengers between downtown Seattle

and the Seattle Centre in just a few minutes.

A few fun fac t s

1/While Seattle is often known as a rainy city, the

annual precipitation (37 inches) is actually less than

Houston, Chicago and New York.

2/ Starbucks was founded in Seattle. Microsoft

started doing business here in the 1980s, and

Expedia, Nordstrom, Nintendo and Amazon are

among many well-known businesses that have

their headquarters here.

3/ Seattle is home to the world’s first revolving

restaurant, SkyCity at the Needle.

4/More people cycle to work than in any other city

in the US. It was also the first city to put policemen

on bikes.

5/ Seattle is the most literate city in the US.

It has the most bookstores and libraries per capita,

and the most library cardholders.

6/ Seattle is actually a city built on top of another

city. After the Great Fire of 1889, citizens raised the

street level and started again. You can tour old parts

of Seattle with the City’s Underground Tour.

7/ Seattle has the second most glass-blowing

studios in the world, after Murano, Italy.

Blacktomato . com

“To some ex tent , Sea t t l e remains a f ront i e r met ropo l i s ,

a p lace where peop le can exper iment wi th the i r l i ve s ,

change and grow and make th ings happen .”

Tom Robbins