explore:NW Spring 2020 expl_spr2020 | Page 5

S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T Exquisite Seattle Gems Tech-driven Seattle has been making waves with its constantly evolving beer scene and eclectic foodie destinations. While the old touristy standbys of Pike Place Market and the Space Needle still receive well-deserve praise, the rapidly-growing city glows in its pocket neighborhoods. These are the off-the-beaten-path haunts where you’re likely to rub elbows with locals who like to savor the good stuff. the wind blows just right, you’ll be hit with the smell of chocolate from Theo Chocolate. A fair trade, organic bean-to- bar chocolate factory, it is located just a block from the Fremont Cut. Daily tours are available, complete with samples! E Scenic Flight Tour On the opposite side of the lake, you’ll find the thrilling rumble of seaplane en- gines. Daily scenic tours take you over the city’s eclectic houseboat communi- ties and popular sports stadiums. Most tours even give you a needle-eye view, so close you can often see observatory visitors waving as you fly by. MERALD LANDING’S PRIVATE DOCK ON Lake Union gives landing visitors an exclusive, centralized location for exploring. From the fully-gated facility, you can easily discover local breweries, niche book- stores, and some of the best waterside dining in the region. Because coming into port shouldn’t be all about repairs, reprovisoning, resupply. It should also be about you seeing and savoring. Westward While some of Seattle’s waterfront restaurants are all about the views, Westward’s majestic draw goes far beyond the vistas. Here the menu’s intriguing mix of Mediterranean and Northwest dishes are paired with whimsical craft cocktails and an eclectic nautical décor. Gas Works Park West of Westward, tucked along the lake’s shores, rests Gas Works Park. With its 20 acres of idyllic grassy hills and towering evergreens, it is a favorite Open Books for joggers and picnickers alike. You will even find a fun play structure, ideal for the little tots. All Things Fremont Founded as a land development, Seat- tle’s Fremont neighborhood has become a hub for the eccentric. It is home to a life-size troll, which lives under the Fremont Bridge and clutches a real VW Bug. At the Fremont Brewing Company, you will get freshly brewed pours and patio lounging. On the median between Fremont Avenue North and Fremont Place North, residents have long since marked the Center of the Universe with a brightly colored signpost. And if Book worms will love the renovated bungalow in Wallingford. With more than 10,000 new, used, and out-of-print books, delightful all devoted to poetry — this gem is known to many as the city’s poetry sanctuary. Melrose Market As an alternative to Pike Place, Melrose Market on Capitol Hill is just a short Uber away. Housed in two historic automotive buildings constructed in the 1920s, the hip and happening food- ie-destination offers a highly curated collection of locally sourced, indepen- dent, and organic goods. Here you’ll find everything from one of the city’s best butchers and seafood counters to a cheese shops and stunning florist.