When the air gets colder and the days get darker up here in the Pacific Northwest, I say goodbye to seltzer and start reaching for a beverage that says both “Seattle” and “seasonal comfort” to me like nothing else: coffee. I sat down in Capitol Hill with local coffee tourism professional Lucas Petrin, who grew…
This guest post was written by Terumi Pong from “An Emerald City Life.” Follow her on Instagram. I don’t know about you, but I often find myself retracing my favorite steps in Seattle over and over again. Like every time I visit Pike Place Market at breakfast time, I eat at Lowell’s, I wave a hello to…
Our 10 things to do if you are a broke college student in Seattle or Tacoma. Going to school in Washington is an honor. Not only do we have the most beautiful scenery surrounding us, but we have some awesome historic fixtures too. But those of us who have the privilege to attend such institutions…
Wallace Falls State Park is one of those places almost everyone in Washington has a story about. A first hike. A rainy weekend escape. A “let’s just go to the Middle Falls and see how we feel” kind of afternoon. It’s familiar, it’s reliable, and it’s always busy. But the version of Wallace Falls most…
he best art often comes from the people who don’t quite fit in. The ones who color outside the lines, play offbeat notes, and follow curiosity instead of convention. Those are the artists As Many Weirdos As Possible celebrates — the ones who make the Northwest’s music scene feel alive, unpredictable, and proudly original. In…
Some outdoor moments stay with you. Morning light filtering through evergreens. The steady rhythm of boots on dirt as a trail wakes up for the day. A quiet pocket of forest after rain. These experiences often return to us long after a hike ends. For decades, Mountaineers Books has helped capture moments like these and…
Limited Pilot Opportunity: Only 15 Businesses | Maximum 3 Per ZIP Code ABOUT EXPLORE WASHINGTON STATE Explore Washington State helps travelers discover the best destinations, activities, and local businesses across Washington. Our readers are actively planning trips and looking for authentic local experiences. Our Reach Our Audience Our Content FOUNDING SPONSOR PILOT PROGRAM We’re launching…
Nolte State Park: William Nolte’s 1913 Dance Hall Became a Day-Use Swimming Sanctuary on Deep Lake Nolte State Park delivers accessible day-use recreation on Deep Lake near Enumclaw, where William Nolte’s 1913 resort with a dance hall extending over the water transformed into the forest sanctuary his sister Minnie left for Washington families in 1971….
Toutle River Rest Area Northbound: Coffee, Trees, and Your I-5 Midpoint Break The Toutle River Rest Area Northbound sits at mile marker 54 on I-5, about 5 miles north of Castle Rock in Lewis County. This tree-covered facility makes a natural halfway stop between Vancouver and Centralia, with friendly volunteers serving free coffee and homemade…
Selah Creek Rest Area I-82 Westbound: Twin Mountain Views When Weather Cooperates Selah Creek Rest Area on westbound I-82 at mile marker 22 delivers something most Washington rest stops can’t clear views of both Mount Rainier and Mount Adams on the same horizon. Located 25 miles east of Ellensburg, this spot works well for travelers…
Maytown Rest Area I-5 Southbound: Popular Mid-Sized Stop South of Olympia The Maytown Rest Area sits at mile marker 93 on southbound I-5, about 11.6 miles south of Olympia. You’ll find this positioned well for travelers heading to the Oregon coast or continuing south – it’s become a reliable stop that families have used for…
Smokey Point Rest Area I-5 Southbound: Well-Equipped Stop Before Seattle Traffic The Smokey Point Rest Area sits at mile marker 207 on southbound I-5, about 19.5 miles south of Mount Vernon. You’ll find this positioned perfectly before hitting heavy Seattle metro traffic – making it a smart final break for commuters and travelers alike. It’s…
