The Nature of The City

“Dark, glassy green water. Sharp mountains whose prominent, powdered peaks scrape the sky. Islands that stretch into the endless horizon. It’s no question the blood of Seattleites runs thick with a deep respect for the rugged beauty we have the pleasure to call home. That respect makes its way out in everything from the care we take in the marine life we forage, to the community businesses that tread lightly wherever they go, giving back twice what they take, to the lifestyle that is the epitome of the Pacific Northwest. Rock climbing, skiing, trail running, cycling, sailing, paddle boarding, crabbing, mountaineering- all a great way to spend your day anywhere, but do so in Washington and you’ll be grabbed hold of by the untamable beauty and pulled into the epic backcountry.”

The city itself pulses with the energy of a place thick with local values and community. Tattooed, mustachioed baristas whip up finely-tuned espresso for thick-chested (and even thicker-bearded) fishermen sporting their signature orange bibs while the two exchange news of the local banter. Both are blood and bone representations of Seattle and both can be found at one of the citi’s many fine restaurants.

Seattle is a port city. Towering cranes resembling giant orange dinosaurs, shipping containers en route to Asia, ferries that make their way back and forth to the many islands, and Fishermen’s Terminal, the working dock of Seattle’s commercial fishing fleet. Proud, bearded old salts swinging nets and rigging ropes are scattered in this moving, living organism that is the Seattle fishing industry. Restaurants and shops serving seafood pulled right off the boats are available to visitors looking for respite from the freezing air, but the heart of the operation lies in the many docks open to the public. Brave the blustering winds and you’ll be rewarded with visions of shiny metal vessels, calloused and weathered by the storms they’ve tallied, repping names equal to their voyages, (Yankee Maid, Husky, the Emancipator.) Expect to be chatted up by the fishermen and women whistling while they work, poking fun and testing little ones about their sea knowledge.

“……Nothing says Seattle more than tying off your boat and stepping into the nautical-themed restaurant of Westward (named #5 best restaurant in America by Bon Appétit Magazine in 2014). Travel by bike, car or boat (a dock sits out front), and step into the outdoor seating area. Slink into an Adirondack chair around a crackling bonfire and wrap yourself in one of the lush, wool blankets offered. Tantalizing Mediterranean fare including octopus bolognese, wood-fired oven baked gigante beans and local oysters are available in both indoor and outdoor seating areas.”

“……..Here we take whatever we can and move it outside. Framed against the backdrop of an alpine slope or a cool, blue ocean, the experience is elevated. Opportunities for outdoor recreation are endless. Situated between two mountain ranges, the Puget Sound and numerous ocean and alpine lakes, you can rest assured you'll find something waiting for you whenever you turn.”