Travel Blog

The documented history of Washington state (and the United States, for that matter) is fairly recent

I have two sons, two years apart. Both are autistic and have special needs; and those needs definitely differ from each other. My youngest loves animals, and even calls the zoo, “Jungle." He ALWAYS wants to go to the jungle. My eldest, on the other hand, would rather play in the park all day, every day, or play video games if he can. So, bringing both to the zoo can be quite a challenge in order to satisfy and tend to both of their needs. 

The sun has made its valiant return to the Pacific Northwest and now is the time to make the most of it! Here at the Seattle Southside RTA, we like to take our local hotel staffers out on regular familiarization (FAM) tours of the area so that they can experience the attractions and restaurants for themselves. A week ago, our friends at Shuttle Express picked us up from the SSRTA headquarters and took us to the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden and California Pizza Kitchen for lunch.

Have you heard the news? There’s a new tour in town and it’s one hell of a good time for the 21+ crowd. Show Me Seattle Tours new Seattle Vice Tour takes you on a journey through Seattle’s modern vices and a fascinating oral history on the depravity of old. So, step aboard the educational party bus and explore the city’s vibrant and sinful underbelly!

On my daily drive to the SeaTac, Tukwila, and Des Moines area of Seattle, Mount Rainier fills my windshield on most sunny mornings. Above the slow crawling I-5 freeway, the sun reflects against the snowcapped peak, giving the mountain a salmon pink color which reminds you that this is the Mother Mountain of early Native American tales. At over 14,000 ft., the mountain has been used for Everest summit training and is the inspiration for REI. I have read many books and viewed numerous movies fantasizing about mountain climbing; this has led to a slow burning interest to climb Mount Rainier myself.

Seattle Southside is quickly becoming the foodie capital of the Northwest. There are so many restaurants that it makes it nearly impossible to narrow down where it is you want to eat, because the answer to that would be everywhere, honestly.

I personally have always found that a restaurant’s Happy Hour is the best way for a customer to sit down and really get a chance to see what a restaurant has to offer. I mean come on, good food and drinks at affordable prices so you can actually afford to order everything on the menu, why wouldn’t you take advantage of happy hour?! For you, we at Seattle Southside gathered a list of the top 10 best restaurants to visit during happy hour. Hopefully this helps you narrow down your restaurant search at the times you’re starving.

Starting to plan a bachelor or bachelorette party, but trying not to break the bank? It’s tough. We hear you. But if you host your party in Seattle Southside, you can really get the most bang for your buck. We’ve got plenty of hotels, tons of group-friendly restaurants, and plenty of variety when it comes to activities.

Angle Lake Park 

From swimming to boating to fishing, Angle Lake Park provides the perfect summer getaway for the entire family. With 10 lake-front acres to explore, the park is ideal for walking, throwing a Frisbee or planning the perfect picnic. And if you’re looking to cool down, Angle Lake Park has a spacious spray park play area with many fun water features. Best of all, it’s free!

It might not seem like it lately, but did you know that although Seattle is known to be the “Rainy City” we actually receive less rain on average than Miami?

But...it's always nice to be prepared. You can still have a great time in Seattle Southside,even if it's pouring outside! Here are some ideas on how to make the most out of a rainy day: