Welcome to Seeking Seattle
Weekly guidance to make the most of your city
Five years ago I started sending a weekly newsletter of all the wellness events happening around Seattle. It was the newsletter I wanted in my inbox at the time, so I decided to create it (it has since evolved into a personal writing project called
)These days, I want a newsletter that:
Is written by a person (not a corporation or sponsored influencer) who explores the nooks and crannies of this city and shares their experiences + curated recommendations
Invites conversation and encourages sharing
Helps us enjoy this place we live just a little bit more deeply
Even with my aspirations, it’s still difficult for me to escape my own bubble. So in addition to sharing local news of note and recommendations, I’ll eventually be featuring profiles of Seattleites where they spill their favorite spots so we can help expand each other’s horizons.
Sound interesting? Let’s give it a go!
*The structure of this newsletter will evolve over time as I learn what interests you + me most. If you have any feedback or content you’d like to see featured - please drop me a note in the comments or at seekingseattle@substack.com
Recent faves
Gan Bei Eatery and Bar | International District
Last weekend we went to one of our favorite, cozy spots in the ID to plan an upcoming trip to Japan. Our server, Sam, had actually lived in Japan for a year, so he ended up sharing a new recommendation every time he brought out a dish. Every single thing we’ve had here has been great (singapore noodle, chili wontons, mongolian beef), but the wonton soup is one of the best bowls in the ID. It’s also very reasonably priced and has a solid HH from 3-6 on weekdays.
Travel Watercolor Class at The Works | Fremont
This was my first time taking a class at The Works, and I can confidently say that it was one of the best workshops I’ve been to in Seattle. The class spanned two days: the first we spent learning watercolor basics, and the second took us to Gasworks Park to practice our skills in the wild. Our instructor Ashley was so kind, and she made a notoriously tricky medium like watercolor into an easy and approachable experience. Highly recommend this class or any others on their calendar! I’m eyeing the Sashiko Mending class next.
Hinoki + Heave Ho | North Lake Union
I visited this buzzy little pop-up at Saint Bread on one of the last days of summer and thought it was cute! In typical Seattle fashion, the food is pricey for what you get – I think we spent around $50+ for 5 small plates, two of which were rice and pickles – but the flavors were excellent and the drinks were reasonable ($10-15 for a cocktail, $12 for “pocket sake”). The menu is always rotating, I’d go for drinks + snacks but plan on eating a full meal elsewhere. Their last day is this Saturday before they pack up for the season!
Margaret’s Way + Debbie’s View | Issaquah
Want an ass-kicking hike that’s only 25 minutes from Seattle? Head to the Issaquah Alps to take on Margaret’s Way + Debbie’s View. I don’t usually hike in Issaquah since it’s mostly wooded trials to nowhere without many view payoffs, but this hike was an exception. It’s roughly 7 miles RT with 1500 ft of elevation gain and a bench at the top that provides a little peek of Rainier on a clear day.
👀 On my radar
Jazz is my preferred writing music, so I’d love to actually check out the Earshot Jazz Festival this year, especially since some of the shows are at the nearby Clockout Lounge | 10/6 - 11/5, price varies
According to my bf this reveals my millennial status, but alt-J is hosting a 10-year anniversary concert series in December at Showbox Sodo. All the dates are sold out (resale available, but $$$) except Sunday - which will likely go soon, so I recommend hopping on it! | 12/1 - 12/3, $75+
Every year I plan on being a theater-goer and never get around to it. But this fall, that could change because there are two shows that look really great: Hadestown (I ❤️️ anything w/ Greek mythology) and Cambodian Rock Band (features music from one of my favorite groups, Dengue Fever) | various dates, $39+
This year I was a patron of the Pacific Northwest Ballet and I’ll be continuing to pledge my support this fall at Petite Mort and Love & Loss. To score more affordable tickets, you can attend the Beer + Ballet event ($29/each), the dress rehearsal ($25/each), or show up 90 minutes early to the Thursday performances for pay-what-you-can tickets ($5 minimum donation) | 9/28 - 10/1 & 11/3 - 11/12
📆 This weekend’s events
Closing Day: Phinney Farmers Market | Friday, 9/29 | Phinney Ridge | Free
Poe Unexpected | Friday, 9/29 | Downtown | $12
U District $4 Food Walk | Saturday, 9/30 | University District | Free
Wa Na Wari's 2023 Walk the Block | Saturday, 9/30 | Central District | $35
Petite Mort at PNB | 9/28 - 10/1 | Uptown | $50-210
Mid-Autumn Festival at Lucky Envelope Brewing | 9/29 - 9/30 | Ballard | Free
Leavenworth Oktoberfest | 9/29 - 9/30 | Leavenworth | $10-25
Your turn!
Got an event, restaurant, or activity you think everyone else should know about? Drop it in the comments ⬇️
🧰️ Seattle Toolkit
A few of my favorite resources to stay tuned in to what’s happening around the city:
What Do - Seattle’s aggregated event list
Everout - Events & things to do
SEAToday - Daily Seattle newsletter
The Nudge Seattle - Text-based event planner
On the docket for next week: we’ll kick off October and focus on how to make the most of spooky szn 👻
Spectrum gallery in madrona is having their opening night tonight!!