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Seattle Southside Stories
Exploring a new place is richer when you know the story behind it. Seattle Southside Stories is a video series that dives deeper into the people, places, and moments that shape our destination, from local chefs and artists to public art and untold history. Press play to discover what makes our region so curiously wonderful.
Hampton Isom, Owner and Chef at Creole Soul in Des Moines, Washington
Before opening his famous food truck, Hampton Isom was a pro basketball player, a cargo handler, and a flight attendant. But he always dreamed of cooking - specifically, the kind of good, Southern comfort food he grew up with in Louisiana. The food truck was so successful that he launched a bar and restaurant of the same name, tucked away in downtown Des Moines. In addition to serving Southern favorites like fried gator and rich gumbo, the bar has become a local go-to for live music and Sunday brunch. Amidst all this, Isom has also found time to launch a non-profit, Dat Creole Soul Lagniappe, to provide meals to unhoused individuals. (“Lagniappe,” a term that refers to the spirit of hospitality, roughly translates to “a little extra”).
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People
Behind every storefront, restaurant, and cafe is the story of someone who dreamed of providing something unique and special and succeeded. Some have been here their entire lives; many have come from far-flung places, bringing their culture and traditions. We went behind the counter to get to know some of Seattle Southside's innovative business owners and craftspeople.
A Lifetime of Craftsmanship
At d’Aigle Autoharps and Folk Instruments, skilled craftspeople build custom, handcrafted autoharps for musicians who travel from all over the world to visit the storied shop. We went behind the scenes with owner Pete d’Aigle to learn about his journey from humble musician to founder of one of the most respected autoharp shops in the world.
Hit the play button above to watch the video and learn more.
Boba, Sugarcane, and Family
Inside Natalie’s Sugarcane & Desserts in Tukwila, you'll find fresh-pressed sugarcane juice, vibrant Vietnamese street food, and handcrafted boba drinks in one sweet experience. Founded by Natalie Vinh and run alongside her son, Vinny Le, and daughter-in-law, Ellie Parker, Natalie’s brings the flavors of Vietnam to Seattle Southside.
Watch the video to discover the story behind this local gem.
Learn more about each of these locations below.
History
Seattle Southside has a colorful past. The videos below delve into lesser-known stories, such as the "Good Bootlegger," who famously ran a "clean" operation (with no criminal activity other than selling booze) until he was caught at the Des Moines Marina; the dog park that was once a Nike missile site during the Cold War; a century-old greenhouse; and a restored river that's provided sustenance to the Coast Salish people for thousands of years.
From Native Shores to Salmon Refuge
From the Coast Salish communities who fished the river, to early pioneers growing cabbages, beets, and potatoes that helped sustain Seattle’s founders, the Duwamish River has always been a source of life and connection. Today, Duwamish Gardens in Tukwila is a three-acre public park that provides vital habitat for young salmon and welcomes wildlife back to the river.
Watch the video to learn about the site's historical significance.
A Century in Bloom at Zenith Holland Nursery
Step into more than a century of gardening heritage at Zenith Holland Nursery, a hidden oasis that has been blooming since 1907. What started as a single greenhouse growing snapdragons for Pike Place Market has flourished into the oldest continually operating business in Des Moines.
Watch the video to uncover this slice of local history.
Cold War Relic Turned Dog Park with a View
It's a favorite gathering place for dogs and their humans, but this peaceful 37-acre dog park actually sits atop a dramatic piece of Cold War history. What’s now a beloved spot for walks, fetch, and forest paths was once Nike Missile Launch Site S-43, part of a Puget Sound ring of defense aimed at intercepting Soviet bombers during the tense 1950s and '60s.
Watch the video to learn more.
The Good Bootlegger of Des Moines Marina
Step back into the hidden history of prohibition in Seattle Southside, explore the infamous bootlegging runs at Des Moines Marina, and meet Roy Olmstead, known as “The Good Bootlegger.” This isn’t your typical gangster tale: Olmstead’s rise from Seattle policeman to rum-running legend reshaped how alcohol was smuggled in the Pacific Northwest.
Watch the video to uncover this tale of a criminal with a heart.
Learn more about each of these locations below.
Art
An R-rated fish statue. A shimmering pink "cloud" that flutters overhead at a Link Light Rail stop. A massive piece of art that's carved into the earth itself. And a mural that tells the story of a brush with alien life. Watch the videos below to meet the artists behind these thought-provoking pieces of public art.
The Cloud at Angle Lake Station
Travelers are treated to a delightful sight when they get off at Link Light Rail's Angle Lake Station. The Cloud, a unique piece of public art made up of thousands of colorful acrylic disks suspended above the platform, transforms an ordinary transit stop into a magical experience.
Watch the video to learn about the artist and the vision behind the piece.
The Story of the Maury Island Incident Mural
In June of 1947, weeks before Roswell captured the world’s imagination, Fred Crisman and Harold Dahl claimed they saw mysterious airborne objects over Puget Sound that dropped debris onto their boat, an event that reportedly injured Dahl’s son and tragically killed the family dog. The Maury Island Incident Mural, commissioned by John White and created by artists Nancy and Zach Pahl, captures this bizarre chapter of Pacific Northwest lore, inviting visitors to ponder the mystery for themselves.
Watch the video to learn more about this fascinating piece of art.
Transforming a Gravel Pit Into Art
An abandoned gravel pit in SeaTac became one of the most significant works of land art in the Pacific Northwest. Created in 1979 by artist Robert Morris, the Robert Morris Earthwork transformed a 3.7-acre industrial site into a series of sweeping, concentric terraces planted with rye grass, reshaping the landscape into a place for reflection, movement, and observation.
Watch the video to learn more about this massive piece of living art.
A Mythical Big Catch
Created by sculptor Richard Beyer, the Big Catch Statue in Des Moines captures a fisherman in an intimate, surreal embrace with a massive salmon. It's sparked curiosity, confusion, and controversy since the statue was unveiled in the 1990s. In response, an accompanying fairy-tale explanation emerged, telling the story of a fisherman and a maiden transformed into a fish.
Watch the video to learn more about this local legend.
Learn more about each of these locations below.
More to Explore
Food & Drink
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Seattle Southside Trails & Passes
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