Art, Aliens and Autoharps: Uncover the Unexpected in Seattle Southside

Take a Guided Journey on the new UFO Mysteries Trail
Adventure seekers, history buffs, and UFO enthusiasts can now experience one of America’s most mysterious events like never before with the new UFO Mysteries Trail from Explore Seattle Southside. This free, family-friendly mobile adventure guides visitors through 11 key locations tied to the infamous 1947 Maury Island Incident—one of the first reported UFO sightings investigated by the U.S. government. From the shores of Des Moines to the secluded beaches of Maury Island and Vashon Island, participants follow the story of Harold Dahl, who reported flying discs, falling debris, and encounters with the “Men in Black.”

Trail highlights include an interactive UFO history installation at Westfield Southcenter, public art inspired by the incident, and a vibrant mural and sculpture honoring Dahl’s dog, Sparky. The experience blends scenic views, eerie tales, and interactive features like augmented reality and an alien communicator. Complete seven trail stops to earn a toy bait cow plushy and enter to win a six-armed alien t-shirt. Start your journey at: seattlesouthside.com/welcome-back-aliens/ufo-mysteries-trail.

Sip, Savor, and Explore: Seattle Southside’s Happy Hour Trail Offers Unexpected Delights
Seattle Southside has launched a tasty new way to explore its quirky charm—one bite and sip at a time. The Happy Hour Trail is a free, mobile-exclusive experience featuring 28 restaurants and bars across SeaTac, Tukwila, and Des Moines. From waterfront views to cozy haunts, trail-goers can discover hidden gems, sample local flavors, and enjoy standout happy hour deals. The trail is perfect for post-meeting wind-downs, casual nights out, or spontaneous microadventures.

Highlights include:

• Anthony’s HomePort with fresh seafood and marina views
• Caribe Latin Cuisine and its flavorful Honduran fare
• Joey Southcenter for sleek vibes and roasted corn guac
• Lucky Liquor, a dive bar classic with live music
• Marina Mercantile’s gourmet cocktails and truffle popcorn
• Sharps Roast House, a local institution with $7.99 martinis

Check in at each stop to earn prizes—like stickers, bottle openers, and wine tumblers—mailed directly to participants. No app needed. Sign up and start sipping: seattlesouthside.com/happyhour

Tee Up a Century of Memories at Foster Golf Links
This Father’s Day, celebrate Dad with a round steeped in history at one of Washington’s most beloved public golf courses. Foster Golf Links in Tukwila is marking its 100th anniversary this year, making it the perfect place to honor the generations who have shared the game—and a great excuse to start a new family tradition.

Founded in 1925 by golf pro George Eddy, Foster is more than just a golf course—it’s a living piece of Pacific Northwest sports history. With picturesque fairways along the Duwamish River, a welcoming atmosphere, and a century of stories behind every hole, it's the kind of place where golf isn’t just played—it’s passed down.

Special centennial events are planned throughout the year, summertime is the ideal time to take a swing through time. Fit for a lifelong golfer or those seeking a good walk and a scenic view, Foster offers a relaxing day on the greens and a meaningful connection to Washington’s golf legacy. Wrap up the outing at Billy Baroo’s, the on-site restaurant, for a toast to tradition and time well spent. Learn more here.

Celebrating Six Family-Run Teams Powering Seattle Southside’s Favorite Flavors
Across Seattle Southside, inspiring mother-child teams are behind some of the area’s most beloved local food spots—each one a testament to family, culture, and entrepreneurial spirit.

At Maeve, the mother-daughter team of Jean and Ellie Thompson bring bold flavors and beauty to every bar. Their rebranding to Maeve reflects a shared journey of creativity and empowerment.
Neighborhood Café
blends family and flavor with owner Max Heigh and his mother Leeann Subelbia. While Max leads the kitchen with Filipino-inspired dishes, Leeann manages operations, keeping the heart of the business strong.
Tandoori Slice is a fusion pizza shop where a mother and daughter team up to serve inventive Indian-style pies—true family-made comfort food.
At Natalie’s Sugarcane & Dessert, , a mother-son-daughter trio serves up sweet treats rooted in love and tradition, from Lam’s in Tukwila to their signature cafés.
Urban Tapri in SeaTac brings vibrant Indian street food to life, thanks to a devoted mother and her sons sharing their culinary roots.
And at Marina Mercantile, Brenda Sutherland and her daughter create small batch baked goods and a cozy community atmosphere in Des Moines.

These family-run businesses highlight the flavor—and heart—behind every dish.

A Curiously Creative Destination: Discover Artists Who Define Seattle Southside
Seattle Southside is more than just a place to visit—it’s a place where creativity thrives in unexpected ways. Tucked between natural beauty and urban energy, this region is home to artists, makers, and craftspeople whose work reflects the spirit of the Pacific Northwest. Whether it’s a glass installation that catches the morning light or a handcrafted autoharp echoing the sounds of American folk tradition, these experiences invite visitors to connect with the local culture on a deeper level. From public art to rare instruments, here are just a few of the creative minds shaping Seattle Southside’s unique artistic identity.

George C. Scott is a celebrated glass artist whose work has become a defining feature of Seattle Southside’s creative landscape. With a studio in downtown Des Moines and multiple public art installations throughout the region, George brings a unique blend of craftsmanship, innovation, and local pride to every piece he creates. Born and raised in Los Angeles, George began his journey in glass art in Laguna Beach in 1976. Since relocating to Seattle in 1991, he has become a vital part of the area's renowned glass art community, working out of the collaborative spaces at Pratt Fine Arts Center. Visitors to Seattle Southside have the chance to experience his work firsthand in both public spaces and galleries. Signature installations like Marinascope and Octavia are must-see pieces that reflect George’s mastery of light, form, and color. His work ranges from sculptural forms to striking art glass lighting and large-scale architectural applications, making each viewing experience dynamic and memorable. Learn more at georgecscottstudios.com.
Seattle Southside is also home to Peter D’Aigle, owner of one of the only brick-and-mortar autoharp shops in the country. A rare gem for musicians and folk enthusiasts alike, Peter crafts and sells custom autoharps—an elegant, niche instrument with roots in the late 19th century. His shop is a haven for acoustic musicians and offers a hands-on connection to traditional American music. Learn more about Peter’s work on his website, through this YouTube interview, or visit his listing on Explore Seattle Southside.

Whether you're inspired by fine art or intrigued by traditional folk music, Seattle Southside invites you to explore its rich creative landscape—one creative character at a time.


About Explore Seattle Southside
Explore Seattle Southside (Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority) has a bold vision to reimagine the way people travel. Established over 25 years ago in 1999, Explore Seattle Southside is the destination marketing organization for the cities of SeaTac, Tukwila, Des Moines and beyond. Also known as the curiously wonderful destination for exploring the Pacific Northwest, Explore Seattle Southside showcases the Seattle Southside region with pride and imagination as an ideal travel destination for leisure and business travelers to explore Western Washington and as an idyllic place for meeting and event planners to hold their events. Explore Seattle Southside is funded by a Tourism Promotion Area (TPA) assessment and was recognized in 2023 and 2024—thanks to a commitment to empowering employees and an ambitious vision for the future—as one of Washington State’s Top 100 Best Workplaces.