September/October 2023
Missoula’s Moment
The city is full of amazing wilderness and a sense of adventure
The wagon trail leading from Seattle to Missoula, Mont., is well-traveled. When Missoulians crave the city slicker vibe, they pony up and head west. When Seattleites want to slow things down, they head over the pass to Zootown, as Missoula is affectionately known. There is a kinship between Seattleites and Missoulians; we love our communities…
One Family’s Topsy-Turvey Journey
The kids switch schools often. Here’s why.
My husband and I are among the lucky ones. Our careers have afforded us the resources and flexibility to meet our goal of having education options to choose from for our two young children, who are entering seventh and fifth grades this fall. Our story begins with my French husband, Jean Phillipe. From the…
Back Page: Not Making The Grade
Seattle Public Schools Was Under A Harsh Spotlight In 1968
Before the 2023-2024 school season kicked off, Seattle Public Schools had some big decisions to make regarding a $131 million budget deficit. Back in 1968, SPS faced similar challenges, as detailed in Seattle magazine’s cover story from November of that year. Staff writer Ruth Wolf cited a highly critical report that said students were being…
Tools Of The Trade
THE STORY OF LLOYD LOVEGREN AND THE ICONIC MOUNT BAKER TUNNEL
Long-time residents will recall driving westbound on the I-90 floating bridge and seeing those massive concrete portals just before entering the Mount Baker tunnel. The iconic façade welcomes those about to pass through the tunnel with the phrase, “City of Seattle Portal of the North Pacific,” shown prominently in the middle and three relief panels…
Love at First Spark
Redmond pizza joint earns another honor
Italy loves Spark Pizza. The venerable Redmond restaurant has been named one of the Top 50 Pizzerias in the United States for the second consecutive year by Italian publication 50topizza.it. The online guide recognizes the best pizzerias in the world and is updated annually. Spark last year finished No. 48. It finished No. 31 this…
Higher Ed’s Big Test
State’s Top Education Leaders Emphasize Transformation During A Time Of Great Upheaval
University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce and her colleagues are still trying to digest recent Supreme Court rulings that shook the foundation of higher education. In a matter of days, the High Court banned the use of affirmative action during the college admissions process and struck down President Biden’s student-loan forgiveness plan. It represented…
Aging Well Really Is The Best Revenge
We can all learn something from the late Tina Turner
I’m bothered by the term “aging gracefully,” whatever that means. I think a better phrase is “aging dynamically,” being your vital, wisest self, a carefully-curated product of living and learning over many years. I know. I am not trying to be Sally Sunshine here and overlook the harsher aspects of being in the third and…
Healing the mind and body on Lānaʻi
The Spiritual island remains a welcome place of refuge
Lānaʻi has always been a sacred place. Hawaiians believed that the fertile lands of Lānaʻi were blessed by Lono, the god of agriculture. Hawaiian chiefs and their families lived on Lānaʻi, bringing spirituality and rituals to the ancient “heiau” (tall rock temple) and other religious sites. Most important, Lānaʻi was considered a place of refuge,…
Beautiful British Columbia
Loop your way around these natural wonders
In road trips, as in wheels, the circle is the perfect shape. Why retrace your steps when you have the wind in your hair and you’re off in search of new adventures? Mixed tapes are similar — carefully selected songs to be experienced in a certain order, over and over again. Pop in this Canadian…
This is a barrel of fun
What’s believed to be the world’s first international whiskey trail has been created right here in the Northwest. The new Northwest Whiskey Trail features seven distilleries in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. It has two Seattle stops: Copperworks Distilling Co. and Westland Distillery. Visitors pick up a passport at the first distillery they visit and…
Where Innovation Meets Education
Seattle Girls School empowers girls to change the world
An innovative experiment at a small school in Seattle’s Central District may hold the key to the future of education. The Seattle Girls School serves students that identify as female or gender nonconforming. Rather than abiding by a traditional grading system for every assignment, students at the private middle school get letter grades only at…
Leisure & Luxury
Seattle fine-dining destination Canlis named to exclusive culinary travel membership group
Acclaimed fine-dining establishment Canlis is among only a dozen restaurants across the country on a new, exclusive list aimed at high-end travelers who enjoy upscale dining experiences. The Seattle restaurant, led by executive chef Aisha Ibrahim, is part of Taste Club, a first-of-its-kind dining and global luxury travel club. Memberships provide access to dining experiences…