Seattle Archives - Only In Your State ®

10 Of The Best Beaches In Seattle To Visit This Summer

Jennifer Young — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 23:03:35 +0000

There’s no denying that one of the best things about summer is frequent visits to Seattle’s best beaches. If you’re looking for a way to beat the heat and cool off this summer, check out these 10 beaches in Seattle:

1. Seward Park Audubon Center - 5902 Lake Washington Blvd S, Seattle, WA 98118

yelp/Wes M.

The Seward Park Audubon Center is a great place to spend an afternoon with the entire family. This gorgeous park is a 2.6-mile loop trail, and because of its popularity, the beach area tends to get crowded on hot summer days. For the best spot, be sure to arrive early. This is a wonderful beach near Seattle.

2. Discovery Park - 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199

yelp/Chris D.

Discovery Park, located in Magnolia on the peninsula, is Seattle's largest park. It has many great beaches that are hardly ever crowded. Discovery Park's beach areas also offer incredible views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. One of the more beautiful beaches in Washington.

3. Pritchard Island Beach - 8400 55th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118

yelp/Sherill Y.

Located within the Rainier Beach area, Pritchard Island Beach is a small, quiet beach that's perfect for relaxing. It also offers incredible scenic views.

4. Green Lake Park - 7201 E Green Lake Dr N, Seattle, WA 98103

yelp/Monica B.

Green Lake Park is a natural preserve that offers two beaches: East Green Lake Beach and West Green Lake Beach. There's also a 2.8-mile paved path around the lake that's perfect for bicycling. Some of the best beaches in Washington!

5. Warren G. Magnuson Park - 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115

yelp/Talia E.

At 350 acres, Warren G. Magnuson Park is Seattle's second-largest park. It's located on Sand Point at Pontiac Bay and is well known for its off-leash dog beach area. One of our favorite beaches in Seattle.

6. Madison Park Beach - E Madison St & E Howe St, Seattle, WA 98112

yelp/Yordan M.

Madison Park Beach is located along Lake Washington and offers great views. Instead of sand, the beach area is grassy. Madison Park Beach does get crowded during the summer, so be sure to arrive early. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months, and there's also a nice dock for visitors to enjoy. This is one of the best beaches in Seattle!

7. Matthews Beach Park - 4999 NE 93rd St, Seattle, WA 98115

foursquare/Yumi W.

Matthews Beach Park is a 22-acre park that features a popular swimming beach. During the summer, two lifeguards are on duty and a nice diving platform is anchored out in the water.

8. Mount Baker Park Beach - 2521 Lake Park Dr S, Seattle, WA 98144

yelp/Alanna M.

With roped-off shallow and deep ends, Mount Baker Park Beach is a great place for children to spend their summer days. This beautiful beach has many grassy areas to lie on, and it also offers a sandy area that runs along the shoreline. Such a family-friendly beach in Seattle.

9. Alki Beach Park - 1702 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98127

yelp/Michael C.

Alki Beach offers stunning views of the Seattle skyline and the city's famous Space Needle. This is another beach that gets crowded during summertime, so arrive early to grab your spot. The most popular of the beaches in Seattle!

10. Golden Gardens Park - 8498 Seaview Pl NW, Seattle, WA 98117

yelp/Moe C.

Golden Gardens Park is one of the best places in Seattle to watch a sunset. Its beach area does get crowded during the summer. However, because Golden Gardens Park is spread out, it's not difficult to find a spot. Bonfire parties, volleyball, and flying kites are just a few of the many activities enjoyed by beach visitors. One of our favorite beaches near Seattle.

Which of these beaches in Seattle is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

Looking for some great places to stay in Seattle? We love the W Hotel in Seattle!

The post 10 Of The Best Beaches In Seattle To Visit This Summer appeared first on Only In Your State ®.

These 10 Places In Seattle Are AMAZING – And The Best Part? They Don’t Cost Anything

Dpaulson — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 19:46:35 +0000

Seattle is a great city to explore, but admittedly, it can get pretty pricey. Don’t let your wallet stop you from getting outside and going on an adventure or two, because there are plenty of free things to do in Seattle that won’t cost you a penny. Whether you’re off on a solo journey or you’ve got some friends in town and you want to show off how beautiful Seattle is, these free attractions are the perfect places to visit when you want to get out of the house without breaking the bank.

1. Visit the Seattle Library

Flickr/Ming-yen Hsu

Flickr/Thomas Hawk

Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Rem Koolhaas, the downtown Seattle library is more than just a place to check out books. They offer all kinds of free classes, an interesting guided tour, and, of course, plenty of free books, movies, and music to check out.

2. Go to the Olympic Sculpture Park

Flickr/Diana K

The Olympic Sculpture Park is open free to the public every day of the year. If you're looking for things to do in Seattle this weekend, and the weather is in your favor, this beautiful park is a home run. It’s a great opportunity to get outside and take in Seattle’s beauty while looking at all of the amazing sculptures.

3. Stroll through Pike Place Market

Flickr/Aaron Hockley

Pike Place Market is so packed with interesting sights and sounds, from abundant fresh flowers and produce, to seafood to local artisan crafts, you’ll forget you’re too broke to buy anything. Plus, you can get tons of free samples, so a trip through the market will allow you to taste the local flavors without spending a dime.

4. Visit the Frye Art Museum

Flickr/Curtis Cronn

If the weather isn't cooperating, this is one of the best free things to do in Seattle. The Frye Art Museum is always free, with free parking to boot. Their collection of 19th and 20th century American, German, and French paintings features many well-known artists, like Winslow Homer, Andy Warhol, and many more.

5. Go for a boat ride at the Center for Wooden Boats

Flickr/Sean O’Neill

One of the most unique things to do in Seattle, here you can get a taste of Seattle’s mariner life with a boat ride at the Center for Wooden Boats. They offer a few different free programs, so check the website for more information. Just make sure to get there early to sign up, because it’s a popular activity.

6. Go fly a kite at Gas Works Park

Flickr/Michael Martin

Gas Works Park is a huge park next to Lake Union where you can hang out, check out the sundial, revel in the view of downtown Seattle and fly kites from a large hill. Yes, that's right... when's the last time you flew a kite?

7. Hear the Seattle Symphony

Flickr/stephen velasco

The Symphony often plays free concerts for the community, all you need to do is check their calendar to find the next upcoming event.

8. Go to the Fremont Sunday Market

Flickr/ChrisPentax

The Fremont Sunday Market is an amazing flea market where you can also buy fresh flowers, produce, crafts, and more. Taking in the charm of Fremont while taking a leisurely stroll and checking out the wares is one of the best free things to do in Seattle, and who knows... you might just find something you can't live without!

9. Go to the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture

Flickr/Alyx Dellamonica

Sometimes, you need to do a little planning to seek out all of the free things to do in Seattle. The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture is free on the first Thursday of every month, with extended hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The museum is a treasure trove of cultural and natural history artifacts that will fascinate any history lover.

10. Go for a wine tasting at Chateau Ste. Michelle

Flickr/David Herrera

The Chateau Ste. Michelle is located about 15 miles outside of Seattle, but it still deserves a spot on this list. Washington's oldest winery is one of the most unique things you can do in the Seattle area, and they're always hosting different free events, so be sure to check their calendar for a full lineup.

For more frugal entertainment options in Washington state, check out these 12 Awesome Things To Do in Washington For Free.

The post These 10 Places In Seattle Are AMAZING – And The Best Part? They Don’t Cost Anything appeared first on Only In Your State ®.

These 10 Unique Day Trips In Seattle Are An Absolute Must-Do

Dpaulson — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 19:48:34 +0000

Washington State’s lush natural beauty and proximity to the mountains and the ocean make it an amazing place for adventuring — as you’ll see with the following list of best day trips near Seattle. While this list features 10 of the best, it’s by no means *the* definitive list, and we recommend following Only In Seattle to stay up-to-date on all the amazing adventures open to us in our corner of the PNW!

1. Take the ferry to the San Juan Islands

Flickr/Jacob McGinnis

Get on the ferry and take in the gorgeous scenery as you visit the islands. Then, take advantage of all of the shops and restaurants as you meander through the charming towns on the islands, like Friday Harbor.

2. Go to Victoria, B.C.

Flickr/jeiline

Just a ferry ride away on the Victoria Clipper, Victoria B.C. is home to the amazing Butchart Gardens, and the beauty and architecture of the town does not disappoint. After touring the gardens, head into town for some shopping in Trounce Alley and a meal at one of their many amazing restaurants.

3. Visit Leavenworth

Flickr/Jon Vonica

Soak in the local charm at Leavenworth, a replica of a Bavarian village that offers great shopping and fantastic schnitzel. You can also visit the Nutcracker Museum which features a display of 5,000 nutcrackers.

4. Go for a hike or wade into the ocean at the Olympic Peninsula

Flickr/LDELD

The only rainforest in the continental United States, the Olympic Peninsula is a lush, gorgeous natural wonderland. Whether you want to go for a hike, visit the beach, or wander through a lavender farm, you’re covered.

5. Hike down to the bottom of Snoqualmie Falls

Flickr/ehpien

The waterfall in the opening shot of the T.V. series, Twin Peaks, Snoqualmie Falls is a stunning 270-foot fall. To get a view from the bottom, hike down the steep but fairly short trail to the bottom. Then, relax and have a meal at the adjacent Salish Lodge.

6. Go skiing at Mount Rainier

Flickr/ Doug Zwick

This spectacular mountain offers perfect snow for skiing and other snow sports. Crystal Mountain Ski Resort is on the northeast side of the mountain.

7. Go for a whale watching cruise

Mike Charest/Flickr

Imagine seeing one of these impressive and majestic creatures up close. There are many whale-watching cruises available close to Seattle, like Puget Sound Express, San Juan Safaris, and many, many more.

8. Go berry picking at Remlinger Farms in Carnation

Flickr/Lara604

Since Washington is full of amazing U-pick farms, why not take advantage of the delicious abundance and get into nature at the same time? Depending on the time of year, you can pick different kinds of produce, from berries to pumpkins, and there’s an amusement park for the kids to enjoy after you’ve gathered your harvest.

9. Visit the Tacoma Museum of Glass

Flickr/Michael Martin

This beautiful and unique museum in Washington houses 75,000 square feet of glass art exhibits as well as a glass blowing studio. Cross the Chihuly Bridge of Glass that's attached to the building.

10. Tour the Washington State Capitol in Olympia

Flickr/Rachel Samanyi

Visit Washington State’s capital in lovely Olympia. You can take a free guided tour of the State Legislative Buildings and check out the murals and public art installations in Waterfront Park.

Looking for more suggestions for exploring your state? Check out our ultimate and definitive bucket list for everyone in Washington.

The post These 10 Unique Day Trips In Seattle Are An Absolute Must-Do appeared first on Only In Your State ®.

These 5 Unique Restaurants In Seattle, Washington Will Give You An Unforgettable Dining Experience

Jessica Wick — Sat, 15 Jan 2022 15:14:32 +0000

Known to be a city filled with foodies, there are some really unique restaurants in Seattle. Whether it’s for the restaurant’s atmosphere or for the menu, there are a ton of Seattle restaurants to celebrate a special evening or just any evening, really. Take a look at these five amazing spots:

1. SkyCity at the Needle-- THIS RESTAURANT IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED

Gregory P. / Yelp

Adam T. / Yelp

The Space Needle's rotating restaurant might be primarily a tourist attraction, but even the locals admit it's pretty spectacular.

1. Teatro ZinZanni

Management/Trip Advisor

Dinner and a show? You've got it. One of the most unique restaurants in Seattle is a dinner theater that hosts performances featuring trapeze artists and cabaret performers. Check out the website for Teatro ZinZanni to learn more about visiting.

2. The Pink Door

The Pink Door

Inside this little Seattle restaurant in Pike Place Market's Post Alley, you'll find big entertainment. Trapeze artists fly through the main dining room while burlesque performers shimmy through the lounge on Saturday nights, making for a truly unique dining experience in Seattle. Learn more about dining at the Pink Door.

3. Waterways Cruises

Shabbir B/Trip Advisor

One of the best restaurants in WA is on the water! Treat yourself to a dinner or brunch cruise and enjoy your meal with some epic water views. Get more information on Waterways Cruises.

4. Canlis

KatieKSR83/Trip Advisor

Canlis is THE special occasion restaurant in Seattle, serving course after course of delicious food with unparalleled views of Lake Union. Be sure to check out this cool restaurant in Seattle if you ever have the chance. Read more on what you can expect from Canlis.

5. Art of the Table

Thurman M/Trip Advisor

MAP12/Trip Advisor

The food presentation steals the show at Art of the Table. This Seattle restaurant features locally sourced food and perfect wine pairings. Take a peek at the menu and get the most up-to-date information on Art of the Table from its website.

7. Poppy - THIS RESTAURANT IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED

Rob R. / Yelp

Lauren M. / Yelp

The food at Poppy is served Thalis-style, meaning you get a platter full of several delicious dishes. Many of their ingredients are grown in the onsite garden.

Are there any other cool restaurants in Seattle that we missed? What do you think are the best restaurants in WA? Tell us in the comments!

Looking for more than just a unique dining experience in Seattle? Check out these awesome date ideas in Seattle.

The post These 5 Unique Restaurants In Seattle, Washington Will Give You An Unforgettable Dining Experience appeared first on Only In Your State ®.

You And Your Partner Will Love These 9 Unique Date Ideas In Seattle

Jessica Wick — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 14:44:25 +0000

There’s no shortage of amazing restaurants, bars and movie theaters for those that want a traditional date night in Seattle. And for those who want to step out of their comfort zones and dare to be a little different, the Emerald City also offers plenty of unique options. Whether you’re getting to know someone new or enjoying an outing with your long-term love, give one of these 9 ideas a try.

1. An adventure with Seattle Seaplanes

Deena Z. / Yelp

B G / Yelp

The 20 minute Seattle Scenic Tour is amazing―but for a truly unforgettable date night, book a romantic dinner flight through Seattle Seaplanes. You and your date will fly from their Lake Union terminal, fly to your destination of choice, and enjoy dinner there while your pilot waits on standby to fly you home. Popular destinations include Poulsbo, Port Townsend and Whidbey Island.

2. Drunk History of Seattle

Damien Pollet / Flickr

This two hour guided walking tour is exactly what it sounds like. You’ll drink your way through four local pubs, enjoying historical re-enactments and trivia contests with your libations.

3. Savor Seattle Food Tours’ Seattle Dinner Soiree

Savor Seattle Food Tours Facebook

For the couple that can never choose where to go for dinner, this is a dream date. This roving group dinner party visits four of Seattle’s top restaurants, where you’ll enjoy a course at each stop. The tour starts at 5:30, so you’ll have time to enjoy a show or a movie afterwards.

4. Couples’ Massage Classes at The Love Institute

Lakota M. / Yelp

Talk about the gift that keeps on giving! The Love Institute offers two hour classes for couples who want to learn great massage techniques. You can choose to learn about back, scalp and feet or arms, legs and hands massage.

5. Emerald City Trapeze Arts’ Date Night class

Emerald City Trazpeze / Yelp

Talk about a trust-building exercise! Emerald City Trapeze offers several Date Night classes every month, where you and your better half will learn to fly through the air with (hopefully) the greatest of ease. Then you’ll be directed to either acrobalance, which is basically Twister for adults, or Trampoline.

6. Laugh at an Unexpected Productions show

Unexpected Productions / Yelp

Are you a couple who loves stand-up comedy? Unexpected Productions’ Market Theater is located at Pike Place Market, and their weekly Improv Happy Hour and Seattle Secrets shows are always a blast.

7. Catch a Burlesque show

Can Can Kitchen & Cabaret

Speaking of Pike Place Market, the Can Can Kitchen & Cabaret offers you and your sweetie a chance to go back in time to Paris at the turn of the century. This old school venue serves absinthe cocktails and hosts sexy, funny and dramatic performances perfect for date night.

8. Go for a climb in the city

Debbie C. / Yelp

With locations in Ballard and Bellevue, Stone Gardens’ climbers’ gym offers daily rates for anyone who wants to come in and try their hands (and feet) at rock climbing. This is a fun way for you and your mate to boost your adrenaline, burn calories and work up an appetite.

9. Check out the Central Cinema

Central Cinema Facebook

The Central Cinema isn’t your typical movie theater. Instead of the latest Hollywood releases, this venue shows the classics—and sometimes they’ll be in "Hecklevision," meaning you’ll be encouraged to text in witty one-liners to display across the screen like subtitles. They also have sing-alongs, trivia night and a cartoon happy hour that would be amazing to see without the kids.

Seattle is an amazing place to date. And if you’re looking for a little getaway, Washington is full of romantic gems.

The post You And Your Partner Will Love These 9 Unique Date Ideas In Seattle appeared first on Only In Your State ®.

10 Things You May Not Expect When Moving To Seattle

Jessica Wick — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 14:33:07 +0000

Seattle is a city unlike any other―and that’s a good thing. Nestled between the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges on the shores of the Puget Sound and Lake Washington, it’s both visually stunning and impressive to all who visit. Moving to Seattle is amazing, but there are a few things you should know before you decide to call the Emerald City home.

1. It doesn’t actually rain as much as some people think…

Charles Spurr / Flickr

Yes, there are all those statistics that will tell you we only have 71 rain-free days a year. But Seattle actually does have a lot of beautiful days, and more often than not, the rain doesn’t last for 24 straight hours. If you can deal with a few drizzly hours in your day, you’ll do well here.

2. … but the winters are long, and they are very gloomy.

David Nitzsche / Flickr

Seattle winters are tame by most people’s standards―temperatures rarely dip below freezing, and you (usually) won’t see piles of snow. But they are gloomy, dark, dreary, and yes, often rainy.

3. The rent isn’t as bad as they say it is. It’s worse.

Matthew Klein / Flickr

The unfortunate reality is that rent prices are skyrocketing due to the higher than average wages in Seattle (and a lot of other factors). The City Council has been trying to figure out a rent control situation, but in the meantime, your best bet is either finding an older building or renting a house directly from the owners. You can still find better-than-average deals, but it takes time and patience. Plan and budget accordingly.

4. You might see whales. Seriously.

Malcolm Surgenor / Flickr

Whales are often spotted in the Puget Sound, especially near West Seattle. And when it happens, it’s amazing.

5. The Seattle Freeze is a myth… sort of.

Angie Hu / Flickr

The "Seattle freeze" is thought to come from the Scandinavian factor. Once upon a time, Seattle had a heavy Scandinavian population, and they were known to be polite but also guarded. That’s how many Seattleites are perceived today—polite but guarded, and frequently flaking on plans. The reality is that most of us are incredibly busy with our jobs and all the fun things to do. If you want to make plans, suggest a date and time and get something on the calendar. You can make some wonderful friends in Seattle, it just takes time.

6. There are a lot of festivals and conferences, and they’re amazing.

Vic DeLeon / Flickr

Bumbershoot. Emerald City Comic Con. Sakura-Con. Vegfest. There’s something for everyone here. Sometimes you’ll walk by the Convention Center downtown and see a comic book character come to life.

7. Stick around all summer. It’s so worth it.

Darwin Bell / Flickr

For most people, summertime means travel time. But from late June until mid-September, Seattle turns into a magical warm, sunny place where people are always smiling. Our higher Vitamin D levels are practically palpable. The outdoor activities, free public concerts and Mariners games are so fun, it’s tough to tear yourself away from the city. Stick around and enjoy the summer months. You can save your vacation time for winter.

8. Your niche is out there. Find it.

Buster Benson / Flickr

There’s a club, social group, volunteer organization or niche market for everything in Seattle. Are you into feminist Sci Fi novels? There’s a book club for that. Want to socialize your dog? Meetup.com will have a group for it. Seattle is a melting pot of the best kind of weirdos who are eager to talk about their quirks with others.

9. You’ll spot chickens in people’s backyards.

Big Dubya / Flickr

Seattle might be an urban oasis, but there are a lot of free range people who raise their own chickens. Building backyard chicken coops is an actual profession here.

10. You’ll want to allow extra time for your commute, even if it’s not “rush hour.”

Oran Viriyincy / Flickr

Rush hour in Seattle is always happening, at least on I-5. Traffic is pretty abysmal, but fortunately the public transportation is improving every year. If you live on Capitol Hill and you have dinner plans in Ballard, for example, give yourself 30 minutes longer than you think to get there. If you’re early, you can always order a drink…. Seattle bars serve incredible local beers and the best cocktails ever.

Moving to a new city always brings unexpected challenges and struggles. Seattle isn’t for everyone, but for those who can deal with its imperfections, it’s an amazing place to live.

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12 Places In Seattle You Must See Before You Die

Jessica Wick — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 14:51:34 +0000

Whether you’re playing tourist or you’ve called the city home for decades, there’s always something new to explore in Seattle—and there are always classic spots to revisit or discover for the first time. It’s impossible to narrow the places to see in Seattle down to a reasonable amount, but if you’re able to see these twelve, you’re off to a wonderful start.

You’ll notice a few popular tourist spots like the Space Needle missing from this list. It’s nothing personal, and we hope you do visit them. We just happen to believe these attractions are even better.

1. The Ballard Locks

Tony Kent / Flickr

From the swimming salmon to the fishing boats, kayaks and docks, the Ballard Locks represent the essence of the Pacific Northwest. The locks carry boats up and down, allowing them to travel between the Puget Sound and Seattle’s fresh waterways. You can also stroll through the ornamental gardens surrounding the locks and catch a free summer concert on weekends until Labor Day.

2. The Fremont Troll

Megan / Flickr

You’ll find this handsome fellow in Seattle’s eclectic Fremont neighborhood, which is referred to as the Center of the Universe. Trolls are part of Scandinavian folklore, and the Fremont/Ballard area has a large Scandinavian population. The troll has been hanging out under the Aurora bridge since 1989, and taking a photo with him is a quintessential Seattle experience.

3. Pike Place Market

Michael Noirot / Flickr

This is one tourist spot where you’re practically guaranteed to see locals (on a weekday, and rarely during summer). Most visitors to the market notice the fish-throwing and the seasonal produce stands, but there are a lot of hidden gems (restaurants, bakeries, bars and speciality shops) just waiting to be discovered.

4. Alki Beach

Sawyer Pangborn / Flickr

Alki Beach is the site of the landing of the first white settlers in Seattle, which happened on a cold day in November in 1851. Alki is an Indian word that means "Bye and Bye," and everyone in Seattle should visit and walk the two mile scenic stretch of sidewalk at some point.

5. Discovery Park

Iris / Flickr

Located in Magnolia, Discovery Park is a 534 acre natural wonder. You’ll find sandy beaches, lush, green walking trails and plenty of wide open spaces.

6. Chihuly Garden and Glass

Chris Connelly / Flickr

Famed local artist Dale Chihuly is a leader in the art of blown glass, and his glass museum is incredibly impressive. It’s well worth the price of admission.

7. Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour

Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour

Learn the history of Seattle’s underground remains and how life used to be on this impressive and informative historical tour.

8. Volunteer Park

Lonnon Foster / Flickr

Volunteer Park offers a peaceful respite from the chaos of the vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood. It was briefly designated as a cemetery in 1885, and you’ll find a small section of gravesites with a couple of famous names (like Bruce Lee). Walk through the conservatory and catch one of the best views of the city from the reservoir area.

9. Seattle Art Museum

Seattle Art Museum

With its ever-changing exhibits, classic collections, onsite restaurant and continuous local events like SAM Remix, there’s a lot to see and do at SAM. They also host a variety of free events throughout the year, making them a true Seattle treasure.

10. Green Lake Park

Hammerin Man / Flickr

There’s just something about this relaxing 2.4 mile walking path around the lake that makes you feel like a true Seattleite. And from the first signs of spring to the late fall foliage, it’s a beautiful stroll in any season.

11. Washington Park Arboretum

Seattle Parks / Flickr

Located on the shores of Lake Washington, Seattle’s arboretum is an underrated treasure. You could easily spend a day hiking or biking its tree-lined paths or exploring the UW Botanic Gardens and forget that you’re still within the city limits.

12. Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room

Trinh T. / Yelp

Whether you love or hate Starbucks (and the local opinions are split), if you enjoy coffee at all, you’ll want to see the company’s latest creative venture. The idea to create a one-of-a-kind coffee shrine turned out beautifully, and you can sip creative espresso drinks while watching the beans roast. The roastery serves food, but there’s also an irresistible local favorite pizza spot, Serious Pie, onsite.

Seattle is such a beautiful place. Explore it as much and as often as you can.

The post 12 Places In Seattle You Must See Before You Die appeared first on Only In Your State ®.

Here Are 9 BBQ Joints in Seattle, Washington That Will Leave Your Mouth Watering Uncontrollably

Jessica Wick — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 19:07:48 +0000

Good BBQ outside of the deep south can be hard to find. But with Seattle being such a foodie mecca, we’re lucky enough to have a few spots to satisfy a craving for grilled meat smothered in sauce. The next time you’ve got barbecued food on the brain, give one of these nine restaurants a try.

1. Kickin’ Boot Whiskey Kitchen

Brad R. / Yelp

Jennifer S. / Yelp

This Ballard BBQ joint is known for their smoked brisket and authentic southern side dishes (the cornbread is awesome). They’re also known for their delicious whiskey cocktails to wash those dinners down.

2. Pecos Pit

Tres B. / Yelp

Rohit K. / Yelp

After watching their patrons endure long lunch lines at their SoDo locations, Pecos Pit has opened a second restaurant in West Seattle. The meat is delicious, but definitely save room for some sides.

3. Bitterroot BBQ

Daniel B. / Yelp

Grant T. / Yelp

This is one of Ballard’s best known BBQ joints. It’s owned by a couple from Montana who met in college, so there’s a nice Northwest spin on the entrees served there. Side note: Bitterroot is thought by many Seattleites to serve the best bloody mary in the city.

4. Drunky’s Two Shoe BBQ

Anthony F. / Yelp

Frank B. / Yelp

Located in between Ballard and Fremont, Drunky’s definitely wins the award for best-named restaurant on this list. Some favorite dishes include the hot links and brined-for-days half chicken… and if you’re feeling bold, do yourself the favor of trying some smoked bone marrow. It’s called "God’s butter" on the menu for a reason.

5. The Boar’s Nest

Alfredo S. / Yelp

ClArk T. / Yelp

It’s the sauces at this Ballard haunt that make the Texas-inspired menu so amazing. But that doesn’t mean the sauces mask the flavor of the freshly smoked meat—they only enhance it.

6. Jack’s BBQ

Ken L. / Yelp

Tony L. / Yelp

Located in south Seattle on Airport Way, Jack’s was voted Best BBQ in Seattle in 2015 and 2016 by Seattle Weekly. Try their buttermilk hush puppies and their brisket and see if you agree.

7. Bourbon & Bones

Jacque C. / Yelp

Ellie E / Yelp

Yum! This Fremont-based BBQ joint was founded by a North Carolina native who brought his personal fried chicken recipe with him when he moved to the Pacific Northwest. Try the slow-smoked pork shoulder and house-made andouille sausage, and don’t forget to wash it down with some whiskey.

8. Cask & Trotter

Cask & Trotter

Michelle U. / Yelp

Cask & Trotter’s delicious BBQ is served in a cozy but somewhat upscale setting at their South Lake Union location. They serve a whopping 11 different kinds of sliders and an amazing selection of smoked meats.

9. Brileys BBQ & Grill

Jabba T. / Yelp

Marie B. / Yelp

Did we save the best for last? Maybe. You’ll have to head north to Lake Forest Park to enjoy this casual roadside eatery, but rest assured, it will be worth it. The menu offers Louisiana BBQ with a mouthwatering selection of sides, like gumbo and hushpuppies.

Seattle’s BBQ scene is surprisingly delicious, given its northern location. One other thing our city gets right is definitely pizza.

The post Here Are 9 BBQ Joints in Seattle, Washington That Will Leave Your Mouth Watering Uncontrollably appeared first on Only In Your State ®.

These 10 Pizza Places In Seattle, Washington Are So Good That Your Mouth May Explode

Jessica Wick — Mon, 08 Aug 2016 16:31:23 +0000

You don’t have to travel to New York or Chicago to get good pizza. In fact, Seattle has so many great places to have a slice or three, you could live here for years and not enjoy them all. But if you’re bound and determined to try, start with these 10. They’re the tip of the delicious, mouthwatering pizza iceberg in the Emerald City.

1. Bar Cotto

Facebook/Bar Cotto

Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood is brimming with excellent dining options, pizza being no exception. But Ethan Stowell's little pizza bar is definitely among the best. The crust is thin, the flavors are strong and the wine list is exceptional.

2. Pizzeria Credo

Florian H. / Yelp

Between the mouthwatering wood fired pizza with crust made from imported Italian flour, the charming owner who thanks every guest for stopping by and the quirky quotes on the wall ("credo" stems from the Latin word cred which means "belief"), you'll always leave West Seattle's Pizzeria Credo smiling. This place is definitely worth crossing the bridge for.

3. Pagliacci Pizza

Pagliacci Pizza / Yelp

Known for their friendly service and prompt delivery, Pagliacci has one more thing going for them: truly great pizza. The Agog Primo (mushrooms, roasted garlic, Kalamata olives, goat cheese, fontina, mozzarella and parsley over olive oil, finished with tomatoes) is the stuff dreams are made of, and their spicy pepperoni uses meat from Seattle's best artisan cured meat shop, Salumi.

4. Serious Pie

Facebook/Serious Pie

This local Tom Douglas chain has mastered the art of pizza crust with slightly charred edges that are just the right amount of sweet.

5. Hot Mama’s

Ryan C. / Yelp

If you stop by this classic Capitol Hill pizza-by-the-slice spot, don't be put off by the green pizza. It's the pesto, and it's amazing. The rest of the menu is also delicious.

6. A Pizza Mart, West Seattle

Yelp/Justin P.

Justin P. / Yelp

A Pizza Mart is a local chain with several locations in the Seattle area... but if you're going to try their pizza, go straight to the one at the corner of 35th Avenue and SW Roxbury Street in West Seattle. The owners, who are genuinely lovely people, make their sauce from scratch and make new batches of dough daily. Their extra effort really pays off. This is a takeout place, so bring your pizza to the nearby Lincoln Park and enjoy it with a water view.

7. Delancey

Yelp/Mike C.

Ryan O. / Yelp

This Ballard pizzeria is known for its savory pies, but it's also home of the Jersey Salad, which is equally as popular. So many people love Delancey's that the owner had to build a bar next door to appease the people in line.

8. Windy City Pie

Sara B. / Yelp

Windy City Pie has no physical storefront, just a commercial kitchen and a car. It works like this: 1. Fill out an order form at windycitypie.com.
2. Choose your date (you order in advance) and choose pickup or delivery.
3. Enjoy the absolute best Chicago-style pizza outside of Chicago.

9. Bar Del Corso

Facebook/Bar Del Corso

Bar Del Corso

Located in the Beacon Hill neighborhood, Bar Del Corso serves Italian food that happens to include some of the best wood fired pizza in the city.

10. Mioposto

Tiger G. / Yelp

Mioposto means "my place" in Italian. Since this amazing restaurant has three Seattle locations—Mount Baker, Bryant and the Admiral District of West Seattle—you'll be able to find your place here. Mioposto uses only domestically sourced olive oils and tomatoes, hand-stretched dough, and Applewood from Eastern Washington.

Seattle definitely has some of the best pizza in the Pacific Northwest. But if you’re traveling around the state, check out this list for some other delicious pizza options.

The post These 10 Pizza Places In Seattle, Washington Are So Good That Your Mouth May Explode appeared first on Only In Your State ®.

These 10 Haunted Places In Seattle Will Send Chills Down Your Spine

Dpaulson — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 19:47:50 +0000

Seattle is a city of striking natural and architectural beauty, and yet, there’s something about the winter drizzle that evokes a darker, more chilling underbelly lurking just below the surface. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, learning about these haunted places in Seattle will surely get you thinking.

1. Pike Place Market

Flickr/James Joel

Pike Place Market is not just a popular Seattle destination, it’s also highly haunted. It was built in 1907 and has a highly rich and interesting history. One of the market’s most famous spirits is Princess Angeline, the eldest daughter of Chief Seattle. She died in 1896, but has been spotted frequently over the years by onlookers who mistake her to be a real person only to have her vanish before their eyes. Another spirit is Arthur Goodwin, the nephew of the original Pike Place Market developer. His silhouette is often seen looking down from the window in Goodwin library or swinging a golf club in his old office. The "Fat Lady Barber" spirit was once a woman who sang lullabies to put her customers to sleep to steal their money. She died in the market when the floor gave way and maintenance workers have reported to this day that they can hear her softly singing lullabies while they’re cleaning at night.

2. University Heights

Flickr/Seattle Municipal Archives

This school that was turned into a community center is believed to be haunted by a young boy who was once a student at the school. There have also been reports of children laughing when there were no children present.

3. Butterworth Building (now Kell’s Irish Pub)

Flickr/Seattle Municipal Archives

The Butterworth Building used to be a mortuary, so you can see where this is going. While the building is now a bar, there have been claims that the building is haunted by several ghosts, and the building was even featured on an episode of Ghost Adventures.

4. Richard Hugo House

Flickr/Brent Ozar

Named for the Seattle-born poet, the house is now a literary arts center, but it was once a mortuary and funeral home. There have been reports from ghost hunters of having all of their equipment inexplicably drained of power, EVP (electronic voice phenomenon) recordings and even an infant’s coffin in the basement.

5. Spooked In Seattle Tours and Museum in Pioneer Square

Flickr/javacolleen

Now the home of the Spooked In Seattle tours, the building was once a restaurant, where the staff reported seeing the ghost of a little girl talking and laughing in the staircase.

6. Comet Lodge Cemetery

Flickr/birdy206

It was said that the cemetery was uncared for and the city decided to move it. Many believe that while they moved the tombstones, the bodies never got moved along with them. Now, houses that are built where the cemetery used to be have reported ghostly activity, such as toys spread around rooms with no explanation of how they got there.

7. Seattle Underground Tunnels

Flickr/Ed Schipul

The Seattle Underground Tunnels are allegedly haunted, and if you’re brave, you can go on a tour through them. Two spots where people have reported paranormal activity are at a former prostitute hangout and a bank vault, where some have reported that they can hear disembodied voices.

8. Sorrento Hotel

Flickr/tibbygirl

Guests at this hotel have reported seeing a ghostly woman on the fourth floor near room 408. People have also reported hearing disembodied footsteps and glasses moving mysteriously on their own at the hotel bar.

9. The Baltic Room

Facebook/The Baltic Room

Legend has it that that the ghosts of a young couple who lived in the 1930s still haunt the spot. People have seen an apparition of the woman looking down from the balcony, and a man in a fedora walking around.

10. Central Saloon

Facebook/rioncm

This place was formerly the Watson Brothers Famous Restaurant. When it became the Central Saloon, it was a popular hangout for gold miners, and later, famous musicians like Jimi Hendrix, Alice in Chains, Nirvana and Soundgarden. Patrons and employees both have seen and reported apparitions and disembodied voices.

To learn more about the chilling and spooky hauntings in Washington state, check out These 13 Haunted Places in Washington Will Keep You Up At Night.

The post These 10 Haunted Places In Seattle Will Send Chills Down Your Spine appeared first on Only In Your State ®.