Seeking: October events, an apothecary, & a pottery studio worth taking a ferry for
+ updates from me!
Hi! Apologies for the unplanned extended break. As I mentioned in my last letter, I had some exciting career developments happen that took me a bit to wrap my brain around, and have taken up the time I previously used to write this newsletter.
The developments:
I’m now managing the Seattle Real Roots alumni community and serving as the community and content editor for
and her newsletter, (highly recommend subscribing, I feel like I’ve become at least 5% smarter by being so immersed in her work the past month). I also still have my day job at Microsoft as a contracted Technical Writer!But I’ve deeply missed writing this newsletter. I love being in the know, and this weekly letter is my personal practice of staying up to date with the cool things in Seattle that I also happen to share with you.
A fun aside:
Last year, I came across this site called 10Q where you answer ten questions over ten days. The next year, they send them to you, and you repeat the process (inspired by the traditional ten days of reflection that occur between the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur).
I just got my answers from last year back in time to celebrate the 1 year anniversary of starting this newsletter:
It feels good to have set an intention to do something and actually have done it! And it’s true, writing this newsletter has enabled me to have a deeper and richer experience here in Seattle. And I hope it’s been able to do that for you too 😊
What’s next
To keep sending this newsletter consistently, I’m changing up the format a bit to lighten my own load and make sure you keep getting the info you need to explore our beloved city. Sections will evolve and change as I figure out what’s easiest for me to put together regularly. You know I love going deep on topics (see below), but it’ll be a little more topline for the foreseeable future while I balance all my projects.
Since I’m getting all caught up on the Seattle scene, please share your recent finds, gems, and discoveries in the comments!
*This post might get cut off, so don’t forget to expand it in your email!
💎 Local gems
In clockwise order of the photos from the top left:
Orcas Island Pottery | Orcas Island | Over 16 artists sell their creations at this beautiful property that also hosts a treehouse. Surprisingly affordable for the quality!
Toyoda Sushi | Lake City | New top sushi spot. Very cozy and feels like you’re actually in Japan. A little pricey and portions are small, but every bite is carefully crafted and SO good.
Can Can Culinary Cabaret + The Dressing Room | Downtown | Saw Dolly, my first Can Can show, and was very impressed by the performers, the space, and the cute attached bar with indoor/outdoor seating that is worth stopping by even if you aren’t seeing a show.
Emerald City Fish & Chips | Rainier Valley | This has long been on my list, and it didn’t disappoint! They even threw a few free pieces of calamari in for us to try with our 5-piece cod basket, which I will definitely be getting next time.
Bumbershoot | Uptown | It didn’t seem super well attended this year, but I had an absolute blast and will definitely be back. Honestly, the arts events and side acts were more compelling to me than the music, but I still discovered a lot of new artists and they put on great shows!
Dingfelder's Delicatessen | Capitol Hill | There’s nothing better than matzo ball soup for the first fall cold. My bf went a little wild and picked up a bialy, bagel + cream cheese, latkes, and a knish as well which were all solid.
👀 On my radar
Halloween Tea at Cafe Flora | 10/21 - 10/31 | $25 | A collab with sister café Flora Bakehouse, the deposit goes toward a full pot of tea plus your choice of spooky pastries and “sandwitches.” I’m eyeing tickets for a weekday lunch spot with my sister.
RealRoots Fall Series | 10/10 - 10/31 | $120 | Speaking of spooky things, I designed this series of fun seasonal events for RealRoots that includes a ghost tour, cidery tour + tastings, an improv murder mystery show, and spooky cocktails at a themed bar. Sign up for the series to attend the events with the same group of people and make new friends, or steal my ideas to have your own seasonal fun 😉
Almost Live Exhibit at MOHAI | now - 2/23/25 | $0-25 | I’ve seen a few clips of this Seattle-based sketch show that aired on KING 5 from 1984 to 1999 (Bill Nye was part of the cast!), but I’d love to learn more about the history behind it. Take advantage of first Thursdays to see it for free.
Mountain Rose Herbs Mercantile | I’ve often seen this apothecary on social media and was excited to find out that they opened a location last month in Belltown which offers hundreds of organic herbs, spices, teas, supplements, body care products, and DIY ingredients.
The Pomegranate Tree at Theatre Off Jackson | 10/25 - 11/9 | I’m obsessed with Greek mythology, so the description of this new show from Dacha Theatre caught my eye: “an immersive, devised show disguised as a party inspired by Greek Mythology with tiered levels of interactivity. Audiences will be invited to witness the union of Hades and Persephone, enjoy libations, dance, and help craft the narrative anew each night.”
Von Sauna | After taking a break for the summer, this floating sauna is back on Lake Washington in Kirkland and open for social saunas. They’re also offering a private sauna membership and will be creating sauna “rituals” influenced from different international bathing cultures. Can’t wait to finally try it out!
📆 Upcoming events
Scarecrowber | 10/3 - 10/30 | Capitol Hill | $15
Movie & Wine Night @ Basecamp | 10/4 | Capitol Hill | $25
OysterFest | 10/4 - 10/6 | Shelton | Free
Leavenworth Oktoberfest | 10/4 - 10/19 | Leavenworth | $15-40
West Seattle Oktoberfest | 10/5 - 10/6 | West Seattle | Free
Halloween Pet Parade | 10/6 | Capitol Hill | Free
Clairo | 10/10 - 10/11 | Downtown | $75.50+
This Is Halloween | 10/17 - 11/2 | Downtown | $49-83
Charli XCX & Troye Sivan Present: Sweat | 10/23 | Uptown | $132+
Maggie Rogers | 10/29 | Uptown | $30+
What’s next:
11/22 - 11/24 | I’ve already marked my calendar for one of my favorite seasonal events: Julefest: A Nordic Holiday Celebration.
11/19 | For fans of The Bear, Matty Matheson will be giving a town hall talk about his new book that “redefines cooking’s iconic trinity: soups, salads, and sandwiches.”
🚨 ICYMI
I didn’t know we even had an SPD horse unit, but it’s being disbanded. The infamous China Harbor is closing. Seattle's new gateway to the waterfront has opened. Fire Tacos & Cantina is taking over the Coastal Kitchen spot. Where to hike to see larches near Seattle.
Glad to see you back!