Northwest Paragliding
https://www.nwparagliding.school
When I was offered the chance to participate in a tandem paragliding flight, my only familiarity with human flight was the scene in “Rio” when the main characters crash a hang glider. Thankfully, my experience with Northwest Paragliding was vastly different.
It began with a forest drive past Issaquah, toward the Tiger Mountain State Forest. As we drove on, I could see several paragliders dotting the sky and began to realize just how high up I’d be. Friendly staff greeted us and offered drinks from a cooler; then, I was shuttled to the launch site with several other beginners and a few pilots.
The takeoff is simple. You walk a few steps and then, when the paraglider rises — you run off a mountain.
This was the moment I’d been so nervous about, but the only shock was my composure as the ground gave out. As someone who’s panicked on a zipline halfway up a tree, I want to stress that a fear of heights shouldn’t hold you back. There’s nothing to fall off of. And while Washington isn’t home to Rio’s blue macaws, the pilot flying with me, Austin, said bald eagles often fly with the paragliders — at a safe distance.
Overall, I highly recommend Northwest Paragliding for anyone looking to face their fears. The experienced staff and beautiful landscape make the pricey excursion worth it.
Wild Waves Theme and Water Park
We had so much fun at Wild Waves. Two of the park’s premier attractions were closed (Timberhawk Ride of Prey and Lumberjack Falls), but we still laughed and splashed the day away.
The slides are the stars here, particularly Konga Slides. We also enjoyed Riptide, which contains a unique dish portion, and Zooma Falls, a rafting adventure. The Raging River Ride was a surprise delight since lifeguards push tubes down the river. The land rides were less notable, but we still enjoyed The Wild Thing and Brain Drain.
If you are looking for thrills and don’t mind a chaotic environment, we highly recommend checking out the park.
Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour
https://www.ticketmaster.com/katy-perry-tickets/artist/1265325
In the Lifetimes tour, pop artist Katy Perry goes through all of her classics with plenty of theatrics. Whether flying around the stadium or interviewing a young child, she knows how to put on a show.
The Lifetimes tour has received some criticism online (which she comments on in the show) as it is a bit over the top, but that’s on brand for Perry. The issue here is the futuristic theming. The video content appears to be generated by artificial intelligence and the gaming storyline does not feel in sync with the content of Perry’s music.
Nevertheless, the performance was incredibly fun to attend and we would heartily recommend it to Perry fans and anyone interested in attending a flashy pop concert.
Puzzle Break’s “Escape from Seattle – The World’s Fair Affair”
https://www.puzzlebreak.us/seattle/en/escape-rooms
Escape from Seattle – The World’s Fair Affair is the best escape room I have experienced. The space is beautifully designed, the puzzles are clever and the staff is incredibly friendly.
The room has a strong narrative that makes the experience an adventure rather than a series of puzzles. The theming is immersive yet self-aware, a delicate balance.
The puzzles are challenging and playful, with lots of tangible elements. Puzzle Break staff members Mason and Andi helped us complete the room without interfering too much.
If you are looking for an escape room in the Seattle area, there is truly no better option.
4 Dreams Escape Game
4 Dreams is a unique escape experience featuring four distinct rooms. Players move through the rooms linearly. These spaces are not all dreamlike, but the theming is strong throughout the experience.
Although 4 Dreams integrates unique technology, there are no screens. The tangible puzzles make the experience a breath of fresh air from our world of cellphones and Apple Watches.
Our team only completed two of the rooms in time, but we experienced all four rooms since each room has its own time constraint. We were intrigued by the idea of four rooms in one experience and it made for a great pace, but the lack of reused props made the game mechanics less satisfying than a typical escape room.
4 Dreams is another solid choice for anyone looking for a well themed escape room with clever puzzles in the Seattle area.
Woodland Park Zoo
Woodland Park Zoo is a wonderful home for animal lovers in the Seattle area.
The zoo is pretty large, with themed areas representing various wildlife environments. We struggled to find many of the animals in the afternoon, so we would recommend going in the morning. We still saw a diverse range of animals; highlights included the bears and the gorillas.
We found it funny that the zoo recently opened an animatronic dinosaur exhibit for children. It felt like much of the theming was geared towards younger visitors, but the zoo also has lots of information for those interested in learning more about the animals.
If you’re looking for a nice place to walk around and see some unique creatures, Woodland Park Zoo is your kind of place.
Bubble Planet
https://bubble-planet.com/seattle/
I was confused by the premise of an immersive bubble installation, but Bubble Planet delivers. I was admittedly a bit disappointed by the virtual reality portion of the exhibit, but I was pleased to see all the different forms of bubble experiences that the installation contains.
There is a strange surplus of writing on the walls, with more celebrity quotes about bubbles than I knew existed. Bubble Planet is not only interested in offering a unique bubble experience; the installation examines the science and philosophy of the idea of a bubble. Whatever that means.
That’s all to say that Bubble Planet is not necessarily the best choice for a hangout with the bros, but it’s a great spot for younger siblings or ironic dates.
Majestic Bay Theatres
Ballard’s family-owned Majestic Bay Theatres is a home for Seattleites who enjoy the cinema experience.
You won’t find AMC’s reclining seats here, but signed movie posters line the walls and the theaters are incredibly charming. This focus on community is also reflected in the content Majestic Bay features. The numerous screening rooms display popular fare as well as retro classics.
Majestic Bay is the kind of movie theater that reminds me of why we go to films in the first place: to experience stories in community.
Savor Seattle Food Tours’ Original Food and Culture Tour of Pike Place Market
https://www.savorseattletours.com/foodtours/the-signature-food-and-culture-tour/
Pike Place Market is one of the most well known spots in Seattle. However, with over 500 businesses (according to our friendly and informed tour guide Casey), most Seattle residents have not tried all of the unique local foods that Pike Place has to offer.
Savor Seattle Food Tours brings guests into the Pike Place Market community with their Original Food and Culture Tour. All of the vendors are incredibly friendly and happy to answer questions about their products. Highlights from the tour include greek gelato from Hellenika Cultured Creamery and lentil soup from Turkish Delight.
If you have family or friends in town, we recommend taking tourists to this tour. As a Seattle native, you probably know much of the lore, but we promise it is still a fun (and delicious!) experience.
Underground Donut Tour
https://www.undergrounddonuttour.com/
The Underground Donut Tour is a fun experience for donut lovers of all ages. The tour includes four shops at various donut shops, including Seattle favorites like Top Pot and less well-known spots.
Most of our fellow donut eaters were retired couples looking for a fun morning out. Although it was difficult at times to break this generational barrier, it was fun to engage with a demographic I am not used to interacting with.
Although above ground, I feel as if my biggest issue with the Underground Donut Tour was that it delivered what it promised: many, many donuts. In fact, it was pretty overwhelming! But if you want to explore Seattle’s donut scene, the UDT is the way to do it.
Orion River Rafting
https://www.orionexp.com/washingtonrafting
Looking for a day trip? Head to Leavenworth for an Orion River Rafting expedition. River rafting in the Wenatchee River is a great way to get outdoors and have a bit of a workout while getting some solid splashes in.
The Orion guides are incredibly friendly and make the experience enjoyable for guests of all ages and experience levels. Our boat included adults, teenagers and small children, and we all had a blast.
The water level was low since I went late in the rafting season. It was harder to navigate rocks and the rapids were less exciting according to our guide. While the experience has been a highlight of my summer, I recommend going next year to experience all the river has to offer.
Witness Immersive’s The Double
https://www.witnessimmersive.com/
Witness’ new immersive theater experience “The Double” is chilling. Unlike most theater experiences, this contemporary adaptation of Dostoevsky’s thriller invites audience members to walk around the space as they watch the story unfold around them.
Written by MIHS graduate Michael Bontatibus, the script weaves together moments of tension and playfulness. All dialogue is recorded, and the play relies a bit too much on audio storytelling. However, there are some wonderful moments in which the audio is paired with striking visual language.
Although the pacing is somewhat uneven and I prefer immersive experiences that encourage more discovery, “The Double” is worthy of your attention.
Leavenworth Adventure Park’s Tumwater Twister Alpine Coaster
https://www.leavenworthadventurepark.com/
While you’re in Leavenworth, check out Leavenworth Adventure Park. The park’s signature attraction, the Tumwater Twister Alpine Coaster, offers a unique experience for anyone interested in experiencing amusement park thrills in a natural setting.
The fast-paced attraction puts guests in sleds with your choice of speed. While the track is not as exciting as a traditional roller coaster, the unique nature of the ride provides its own thrills; it often feels like you are about to fall off of the mountain!
Although the alpine coaster is a short experience, it’s a great way to see panoramic views of Washington’s natural beauty while getting your fill of adrenaline. Take a day trip to Leavenworth and check it out for yourself!
The Pantry’s Summer in France
I had a blast at The Pantry in Ballard. Although the kitchen is tucked in the middle of the city, it feels like a food sanctuary. It is the most beautiful cooking class venue I have ever seen.
We collaboratively cooked the meal rather than working at individual stations, which made the class feel even more communal. Our instructor was very thoughtful and engaging, talking about his time in the restaurant business and introducing us to unique ingredients.
The only disappointment was the meal itself. It frankly wasn’t as incredible as I thought it would be, especially after cooking it for three-plus hours. Still, I would absolutely go back and recommend the experience to anyone looking for a gift for a Seattle foodie.
Hot Stove Society’s Cook the Books: The Eucalyptus Cookbook
https://www.hotstovesociety.com/store/events/
From the moment I arrived at the Hot Stove Society, I felt transported into a Food Network soundstage. The kitchen is small enough to interact with the instructor, but televisions help guests see each step up close.
The class consists of demonstrations as well as hands-on cooking experience. While most classes I’ve taken seamlessly weave together demonstration and participation, Hot Stove breaks these parts into segments.
I took Bridget Charters’ Cook the Books: The Eucalyptus Cookbook class, which served as a great introduction to middle eastern cooking. The dishes were hit and miss, but the class was entertaining and there was a fair amount of personal support.
If someone in your life loves to cook, a class at Hot Stove is the ultimate gift.
Ginger & Scallion
https://gingerscallion.square.site/
If you are willing to venture to North Seattle, Ginger & Scallion is worth a stop. Recently transformed into a khao soi specialty restaurant, the unassuming establishment offers an excellent rendition of the Northern Thai classic with a variety of meats.
We tried the beef tenderloin, duck breast and snow aged wagyu khao sois. Each meat was more tender than the last.
The varied flavors and textures of each dish are remarkable. Meats are paired with crispy noodles and a wonderful curry broth. I prefer slightly richer broths, but it was still one of the best khao sois I have tasted.
If you have not tried khao soi, Ginger & Scallion provides a great introduction to the dish. And if you are already a fan, Ginger & Scallion delivers.
Yalla
Owned and operated by a Seattle couple, Yalla offers delicious grab-and-go Arab cuisine. I was not familiar with Arab food before Yalla, but if you are also a fan of breads and spreads, this is your place.
After trying quite a few of the saj dishes, I can safely say that nothing beats the zaatar wrap. Few meals have transported me like this cucumber, mint, and olive wrap in warm, fresh flatbread.
However, don’t skip over the mezze; the muhammara is outstanding, and I’m sure the other spreads are also worth a taste.
If you’re looking to try new flavors in Cap Hill, consider stopping by Yalla!
Kati Vegan Thai
https://www.kativeganthai.com/
With locations in Seattle and Kirkland, Kati Vegan Thai offers some of the best vegan twists on traditional Thai dishes.
The highlights were our appetizers and the exceptional mango with sticky rice dessert. Don’t miss the unique garlic jackfruit on sticky rice, nor the delicious angel wings (fried oyster mushrooms, crunchy with a soft interior). The spring rolls are also great, although I recommend swapping the tamarind sauce for Kati’s rich house-made peanut sauce.
Kati’s pad thai is tangier than most and the hot basil fried rice is less flavorful than expected. However, the pumpkin curry packs a punch, especially when paired with purple rice.
Whether or not you’re vegan, Kati offers lots of wonderful options for a Thai feast.
Taurus Ox
Taurus Ox claims to be the first of its kind in Seattle and delivers. I am disappointed that it has taken so long for the uniquely earthy cuisine to arrive in the region!
The atmosphere is wonderful, with a spacious dining room containing intimate booths.
I was not familiar with Lao food before eating at Taurus Ox and it definitely takes a moment to get used to, but the flavors are incredible. Even the iced sweet tea has a strong flavor without too much sweetness.
I recommend the crunchy nam khao (lettuce wraps) and the thom khem for something more hearty. The phad lao is mild but complements the other dishes well. If you plan to just get one dish, the lao burger probably offers the most breadth of Lao flavors, but I would try other dishes instead if you plan on splitting multiple items.
Taurus Ox’s sides are also excellent: the soop pak is bitter yet cleansing and the spring rolls are light and crispy. Unfortunately, I found that the spice overpowers the sausage.
As with Kati Vegan Thai, the highlight of the meal was the mango with sticky rice. The dish comes with sticky rice drenched in coconut milk as well as crispy puffed wild rice, which makes for one of the most dynamic desserts in Seattle.
If you enjoy trying new Asian flavors, take a trip to Taurus Ox!
Yezi Coconut
Looking for a new sweet treat in Bellevue? Yezi Coconut serves a wide range of coconut drinks and desserts.
We particularly enjoyed the desserts we tried. After tasting the Mango Mochi Coconut, Black Sesame Coconut and Ube Taro Coconut, we recommend ordering all three with minimal sweetness since they can be quite overwhelming.
If you want to try a yummy alternative to one of the many nearby ice cream and boba stores, Yezi Coconut is worth a try.
The Pastry Project’s Soft Serve Summer
Looking for soft serve in Pioneer Square? The Pastry Project has you covered. Don’t let the simple flavors (chocolate, vanilla, swirl) fool you – this is high quality stuff. The toppings are diverse and the servings are plentiful. It is a perfect treat for a hot summer day.
Please note that we received press passes from the organizations featured in our summer guide. We will continue to update the guide with reviews of experiences throughout July and August.
