Seattle The scene in “I want to give the audience a hint of a scene. No more than that. Give them too much and they won’t contribute anything themselves.” Orson Welles 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.
Our dedicated newspaper guide to Seattle, one of the most creative and awe-inspiring cities you will find.
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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
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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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