Snow Fun! The 2020—2021 Winter Sports Report 10 Storm-Watching Spots in Washington and Oregon Cabin Fever! Cozy Cabin Getaways for Fall and Winter No Passport Required: Global Dining Experiences for Families
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C ONTENTS
Family Adventure
Winter 2020/2021
10 Family-Friendly 6 Storm-Watching Spots Where to observe Mother Nature’s handiwork on the Washington and Oregon coasts The Winter Sports Report What snow-seeking families can expect for the 2020–2021 season
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We’ve Got Cabin Fever! 16 8 cozy cabin getaways for Seattle-area families this fall and winter 6 Global Cuisine Destinations for Dining-Chair Travelers 20 Best local undiscovered gems for amazing cultural dining experiences
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20 Transport your family with a night out at an exotic destination — no passport required!
EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR Patty Lindley OUT + ABOUT EDITOR Nancy Chaney FAMILY ADVENTURE WINTER 2020/2021
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Squall it a day! Bundle up and head for the coast — Mother Nature will give you a good show.
CONTRIBUTORS Gemma Alexander, Heather Larson, Kate Missine
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10 Family-Friendly Storm-Watching Spots
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By Heather Larson
Where to observe Mother Nature’s handiwork on the Washington and Oregon coasts Westport
Kick off the winter storm season with a getaway designed to place you in eyeshot of waves that can roll in at a speed of 25 mph. The best time to see these natural spectacles begins in November and ends in March. Ready, set, go!
if you beat the news media to the tower. If you don’t, explore the Lighthouse Trail — which starts at the tower — for a good vista. Westhaven State Park makes for a good outlook point if you remain on the hill. (You’ll need a Discover Pass to park here; discoverpass.wa.gov.)
Note: Be prepared! Familiarize yourself with the safety precautions you must take. See the accompanying sidebar, “How to Stay Safe When Storm Watching.”
Tip: If a squall isn’t looming, look for hidden glass floats. Shaw says his museum colleagues expect to conceal 800 floats between November and April for the annual Wild Floats event.
Washington Coast Storm-Watching Destinations
Rialto Beach, Forks • forkswa.com About a 20-minute drive from Forks, Rialto Beach lures storm watchers and beachcombers alike. Thrashing waves can hurtle as far inland as the parking lot, so beware! At low tide, when no wave outburst is expected, climbing through the Hole in the Wall arch to explore tide pools and rocks makes a good alternative activity. You’ll find this arch, which was sculpted by the sea, approximately 1.5 miles north of Rialto Beach. ►
Westport • experiencewestport.com Westport is a very safe place to watch storms, says John Shaw, executive director of the Westport Maritime Museum (wsbhs.org). Stake out a place early in the viewing tower at the intersection of Westhaven and Neddie Rose drives in Westport; there is a generous expanse of rail area here, especially
Waikiki Beach, Ilwaco Photo by Richard Dawson
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Tip: Always carry a tide chart, available from local visitor centers and coastal ranger stations, so you don’t get trapped by a rising tide. Kalaloch beaches • nps.gov You’ll have a great vantage point either indoors or outdoors at Kalaloch Lodge (thekalalochlodge.com). Rooms at the Seacrest House include private balconies or patios facing the Pacific Ocean. Tip: If you prefer, hike the 1.4-mile loop trail at Ruby Beach or the 0.8mile Kalaloch Beach Trail 4, both off U.S. Highway 101, to their accessible viewpoints.
Cape Disappointment, Ilwaco • visitlongbeachpeninsula.com The best spot on the Long Beach Peninsula (and maybe the best in the state, if you don’t mind being out in a storm) is the North Jetty at Cape Disappointment State Park, says Carol Zahorsky, who is a public relations consultant for the area. Signature images often depict waves crashing against the cape’s headland with Waikiki Beach in the foreground. Keep all of the safety precautions in mind, because this area can get quite thrilling when the tides and winds are at their most extreme during a winter
storm, says Zahorsky. Note: You’ll need a Discover Pass to park. Long Beach • visitlongbeachpeninsula.com The Long Beach boardwalk provides a safe platform for watching the ocean in turmoil. Other places with epic panoramas include the Pickled Fish (pickledfishrestaurant.com), with its wall of windows facing the beach, and the west-facing rooms at the Inn at Discovery Coast (innatdiscoverycoast.com). Both of these businesses are just a few steps away from the boardwalk.
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Oregon Coast Storm-Watching Destinations Cannon Beach • cannonbeach.org With its high-end restaurants and art galleries, Cannon Beach gives off an adult vibe, but when it comes to storm watching, there’s no age limit. Spy waves as they smash, churn and bounce off 235-foot-high Haystack Rock, a sure way to bank some indelible vacation memories. The beach stretches for 2 miles from Ecola Creek to Tolovana Park. Or book a room from a number of oceanfront lodgings to enjoy storm watching in comfort.
a crowd, redirect yourself to Nehalem Bay State Park, which is a 9-minute drive to the south. Situated on a 4-mile-long sandspit, the park offers a panoramic view of Manzanita Bay and provides habitat for deer, elk and coyotes.
Cannon Beach
Manzanita • exploremanzanita.com With Manzanita’s land area measuring less than 1 square mile, you’re never far from the 7-mile-long shoreline. Much of the available lodging is located adjacent to the shore. Many a traveler has discovered the coziness of this town, so if you encounter
Rockaway Beach • visitrockawaybeach.org For your protection, stay away from the actual beach. The Wayside beach access point, located between U.S. Highway 101 and South First Avenue (look for the red caboose), provides parking, benches and picnic tables to safely observe Mother Nature at her moody work. Another way to watch the
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relentless assaults staged by the wind and waves is to get a window table at the Sand Dollar Restaurant & Lounge (sanddollarrestaurant.com).
their spouting horn — a blowhole created by nature-carved cracks in the rocks — and when waves crash through those cracks, they generate a picture-worthy high-flying plume of spray with an audible hiss. For safety’s sake, avoid the channel bridge during a tempest.
Tip: Pack your binoculars for potential gray whale sightings in December and January. Cape Kiwanda, Pacific City • yourlittlebeachtown.com While watching the Pacific churn and crash from the outer edge of the beach, you’re certain to get wet. For safety’s sake, stay off the beach and the jetties. If you prefer to remain dry, rent a room at the Inn at Cape Kiwanda (innatcapekiwanda.com), across the street, or get your adrenaline rush from a table with a view inside the Pelican
Tip: When you’re sure the storm has passed and the tide is low, search the tide pools for newly deposited sea stars, anemones and crabs.
A little to the north, Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint affords spectacular views. Don’t venture down to the small cove in a storm. Instead, stay behind the fence at the headland. Don’t worry: You’ll still get kissed by the mist.
Depoe Bay • visittheoregoncoast.com Located on the central Oregon coast, Depoe Bay’s rocky cliffs face the ocean’s force head-on. The cliffs are famous for
Heather Larson, a writer in Tacoma, enjoys visiting kid-friendly places in Washington with her grandchildren and writing about their adventures.
Brewing Company (pelicanbrewing.com).
How to Stay Safe When Storm-Watching Do you know why you should “never turn your back on the ocean”? “There can be an interval considerably longer than an hour without any especially high waves,” cautions Nicholas Bond, the state climatologist for Washington. “But there is always the chance that higher waves with much greater run-ups can seemingly occur out of nowhere.” Bond also warns storm watchers to watch for a rise in sea level with the flood tide, so they don’t get trapped on the wrong side of a headland. Be very careful in places where there are cliffs on the shore side that limit your ability to escape rising water and/ or the development of higher waves. Other precautions include obeying all warning signs and barricades; don’t stand on rocks, logs or driftwood; and
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have an escape route in mind and stay close to it. Besides taking all of these safeguards to heart, pack clothing to keep everyone warm, dry and happy. “Wear synthetic material like nylon, polyester, polyester blend, [or] wool or merino,” says Michael Fagin, operational meteorologist at West Coast Weather. “If these materials get wet, they’ll still keep you warm.” Dress in layers, advises Fagin, with nylon pants on the bottom. Your outer layer should be a windproof and waterproof jacket. Don’t forget rainproof shoes or boots for outside storm watching. Fagin also suggests carrying a small pack to hold those shed layers of clothing, should the sun come out and warm you up, as well as a water bottle and snack. (Consult our winter weather guide for more great clothing and gear ideas to keep you warm and dry in foul weather, at parentmap.com/raingear.)
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The Winter Sports Report
What families can expect for the 2020–2021 season By Gemma Alexander
Few activities seem as pandemicproof as winter sports. Activities like skiing and snowboarding are individual sports performed outdoors in places where people can really spread out. There are no crowded locker rooms, and many winter sports enthusiasts already wear masks to keep their faces warm. But even these relatively safe activities require some modifications to reduce risk from crowded parking lots and restaurants, and long lines to use bathrooms and ride lifts. From an
infection-risk standpoint, where you go might make more of a difference than what kind of activity you do, and any snowy terrain can support more than one type of activity. So, we’ve organized this article by location rather than by sport. We’ve found the latest information (and where to get updates in the future) about what steps the operators of our favorite winter sports spots are taking to keep snow play safe. It goes without saying that you should also do your part to keep these
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activities low-risk. Stay home if you or anyone in your family is experiencing symptoms of illness. When you do go out, follow posted guidelines for physical distancing and other safety measures, and wash your hands frequently.
The details of its operational changes are still being worked out, but a dedicated web page has been set up and kept up to date with current policies and protocols (summitatsnoqualmie.com/covid-19).
WHICH SPORT? Many people are likely to take up a new winter sport this year as a low-risk way to get out of the house for exercise. If you’re trying to decide which kind of winter sport to try, check out our pre-pandemic guide to skiing and snowboarding as a family (parentmap.com/snowsports) and our roundup of the best tubing and sledding options (parentmap.com/tubing). Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing might be even more pandemic-proof than downhill skiing, since there are no lift lines and, depending on where you go, there may not even be a ticket window. If you are new to these activities, check out our cross-country skiing (parentmap.com/make-tracks) and snowshoeing (parentmap.com/ snowshoeing) guides for how-tos and trail suggestions. The Summit at Snoqualmie • summitatsnoqualmie.com Called “Seattle’s home mountain” for its proximity to the city, The Summit at Snoqualmie is the most convenient location for most locals to have an epic snow day. It has three alpine areas for downhill skiing and snowboarding; a Nordic center for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing; and a tubing park. The Summit plans to open its alpine areas as soon as there’s enough snow.
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What is already known is that ticket sales will be limited, and passholders will get priority access to the mountain. Day tickets should be purchased online in advance. Capacity will also be limited in indoor spaces. Masks or face coverings will be required indoors, in lift lines and on the lifts. Lessons will be available by reservation only, and full-season rather than daily rentals are encouraged to minimize indoor crowding. At press time, The Summit at Snoqualmie had not officially announced whether the Nordic Center and the Tubing Park will be open this year. However, it seems likely that they will be open and operating under the same restrictions and precautions as the alpine areas.
Crystal Mountain • crystalmountainresort.com Crystal Mountain is the largest ski resort in Washington, so there’s plenty of room for downhill skiers and snowboarders to spread out. COVID19-related operational changes include limiting daily capacity, with priority access for passholders. The gondola and lifts will be loaded at reduced rates to minimize contact between groups. New trails have been developed, allowing recreationists to ski back to their car and avoid the use of shuttles between ski areas and the parking lot. Dining areas have been reconfigured to maximize physical distancing (with the addition of outdoor purchasing and seating), and self-serve dining options have been eliminated. All guests are required to wear masks and are asked not to tailgate in the parking lot. Crystal Mountain will offer lessons this season, but details have not been released. Stevens Pass • stevenspass.com Stevens Pass has an alpine area for downhill skiing and snowboarding, and a Nordic center for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Stevens plans to open its alpine areas to passholders on Dec. 4. Planned operational changes are spelled out in extensive detail online. Most significantly, Stevens Pass will limit capacity this year, and access will be by reservation only, with priority given to passholders. Face coverings will be required in all areas of the resort (including during lessons). Class sizes at the ski school will be limited, but classes will be treated as a group on lifts. Outside of lessons, lift chairs will not be filled except by families riding together.
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For cross-country skiers and snowshoers, no details were available at press time on plans for the Stevens Pass Nordic Center, but it will operate this winter. Operational changes are likely to be consistent with those in the alpine area of the resort. Sno-Parks • parks.state.wa.us Cross-country skiers, snowshoers, sledders and tubers can get even farther from the madding (infectious) crowd thanks to the Sno-Parks. Sno-Parks are simply parking lots in state and national parks that are kept clear of snow throughout the winter. There are more than 120 Sno-Parks in Washington that provide access to trails for motorized and nonmotorized activities, as well as play areas for sledding and tubing. Most of the Sno-Parks will be open this winter, but check online to make sure your destination is open before you go. Sno-Park lots may not be cleared to full capacity in order to limit crowding on the trails. You will need both a Sno-Park permit and a Discover Pass (discoverpass.wa.gov). Trail maps are provided with the required parking permit, which can be purchased online starting in November (epermits.parks.wa.gov).
LET IT SNOW The entire nation was caught flat-footed when the pandemic hit last spring, but the resorts and parks have had the better part of the year to plan for a pandemic-proof snow season. Between new policies to minimize physical contact among guests and employees and the inherently solitary and spacious nature of winter sports, playing in the snow might be the safest way to stay healthy through the pandemic winter ahead.
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The must-have adventure guide for Puget Sound families!
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52 Seattle Adventures
With Kids
A fourseason guide
Edited by
ELISA MURRAY
Seattle-based freelance writer Gemma Alexander focuses on the intersection of parenting and the arts. When she’s not writing for ParentMap, she blogs at gemmadeealexander.com and tweets @gemmadeetweet.
Get your copy! ParentMap.com/52adventures FA M I LY A D V E N T U R E / 1 5
Cabins-on-the-Point
Cabin Fever! 8 cozy cabin getaways for Seattlearea families this fall and winter By Kate Missine Fall in Washington is the best time to wander the brilliantly colored forests, frolic on mist-shrouded beaches and toast s’mores around the bonfire on crisp autumn nights; and the winter ahead will bring snow-play opportunities galore. Just what would make the perfect warm and comfy base from which to explore all that the cooler days have to offer? The answer: local wilderness cabins, complete with fireplaces, hot tubs and more to keep those toes toasty! Enjoy unfettered access to some of the state’s most 1 6 / PA R E N T M A P. C O M
scenic treasures — or simply a change of scenery from the at-home routine — with these 8 local cabin and cottage destinations. Iron Springs Resort, Copalis Beach • ironspringsresort.com The lowdown: Perched at the edge of the water just north of Ocean Shores in Copalis Beach (named after the Copalis Native Americans who once occupied the area), Iron Springs Resort is your base camp for coastal adventure. The stay: Here you’ll find recently renovated cabins that hit the sweet spot between rustic and modern: Flat-screen satellite TVs, Wi-Fi and Bose sound systems meet woodburning stoves, decks and well-stocked kitchens. Guests have private beach access, along with a common firepit
and clam-cleaning area. The general store at the resort has you covered for anything you need. The fun: Copalis Beach is one of the
Iron Springs
state’s most popular clam-digging destinations, known for its delicious razor clams. During low tides in fall and winter, heading out to dig at night with lanterns is a one-of-a-kind experience. There are also sea stars, anemones and other tide pool critters to spot, along with fishing, hikes through the resort’s trails, bird watching and the 364-acre Griffiths-Priday State Park to explore. Robin Hood Village Resort, Union
kayaks and canoes for fun on the water, as well as bikes for wheeling around the island. Dreaming of whale watching? Snug Harbor is a major supporter of the area’s whale research efforts, hosting three of its own whale research boats, two whale-watching operations and a kayak touring company at its marina.
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robinhoodvillageresort.com The lowdown: Set in a forested nook along Hood Canal on the eastern edge of the Olympic Peninsula, historic Robin Hood Village Resort was built by Don Beckman, the Hollywood set designer for the original Robin Hood movie. The resort has been providing a laid-back nearby getaway for people in the region since 1934. The stay: Book one of 16 unique cottages that sleep between two and eight guests. Each cottage features a quirky, old-school vibe. All are equipped with kitchens; many have private hot tubs and firepits. Guests have access to covered gazebos on the waterfront property, as well as several outdoor barbecues. Three eateries are within walking distance, including the dining room at nearby Alderbrook Resort. The fun: Hood Canal offers a trove of seafood for harvesting; there’s crabbing, clamming, oyster picking and fishing. Kayaks are free for Robin Hood guests to borrow. Paddle the canal, where you’re very likely to spy a playful splashing seal or a soaring bald eagle overhead; orcas are occasional visitors, too!
Snug Harbor Resort
Snug Harbor Resort, San Juan Island • snugresort.com The lowdown: Serene and stunning Mitchell Bay on the west side of San Juan Island is home to Snug Harbor Resort. This hidden gem, operating since the early 1960s, is beloved by those in the know for its wealth of outdoor activities and peaceful setting. The stay: Choose from one- and two-bedroom cabins and suites with a variety of sleeping arrangements. Vaulted ceilings, private decks, gas fireplaces and fully equipped kitchens are included in all. The resort offers free parking and Wi-Fi, an exercise room (COVID-dependent), and beachside firepits stocked with wood, a barbecue and complimentary crab cookers. The resort’s coffee shop offers beverages and light meals, and a private marina is available for guests arriving by boat. The fun: Mitchell Bay is a boater’s paradise, affording scenic vistas along with fishing and crabbing opportunities aplenty. Guests are offered complimentary use of paddleboards,
Rainier Cottages, Ashford • rainiercottages.com The lowdown: Less than a two-hour drive from Seattle, these adorable cottages at the Nisqually entrance to Mount Rainier National Park make for an easy weekend getaway. Plus, they’re the ideal spot for taking in the spectacular sights and sounds of Seattle’s favorite mountain. The stay: Rainier Cottages is composed of 10 private cabins, each set on its own secluded, forested lot, and each equipped with a private patio hot tub (aaah!). One-, two- and three-bedroom cottages are available to fit every family’s needs, from the cozy Juniper Cabin to the sizable Little Tahoma Lodge, which sleeps as many as nine and features two decks, a game room and an infrared sauna for the grownups. Some of the cabins are petfriendly, and all come furnished with full kitchens, smart TVs and free Wi-Fi. The fun: There’s no shortage of coolweather awesomeness in the Ashford area, from Mount Rainier’s gorgeous fall hikes and mountain biking to snowshoeing and skiing at nearby Crystal Mountain. (Even if you don’t ski, take a ride on Crystal’s gondola for the breathtaking views!) Stroll around the kid-friendly Naches Loop Trail, or trek
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over to nearby Northwest Trek Wildlife Park for a full day of wild family fun!
Cama Beach Historical State Park, Camano Island • parks.state.wa.us
The lowdown: Cama Beach Historical State Park, a former 1930s fishing resort on Camano Island, takes visitors back in time. Rows of cozy waterfront cedar cabins and bungalows, campfire rings, walking trails and a café create a friendly community atmosphere reminiscent of summer camp.
Cabins-on-the-Point, Orcas Island • cabinsonthepoint.com The lowdown: Four tidy Cape Cod–style cabins, built in the early 1900s, sit tucked away along 3 acres of private beach at Deer Harbor on the western side of Orcas Island. The stay: This small resort has only four properties: two cabins, a beach cottage and a house. Each has a unique character, and all come packed with comfy furnishings, plush bedding, a full kitchen and pretty much anything you may need for your stay. A two-person hot tub is available to guests of the two cabins.
Rolling Huts
The fun: Moran State Park is perfect for family forest hikes along the mountain trails or around its picture-pretty lakes — watch for soaring bald eagles, rabbits and more than 250 species of birds. Try a guided ride on horseback; or take a drive up to the Mount Constitution observation tower, the San Juan Islands’ highest point, for a head-spinning view. Deer Harbor is also a hub for water excursions of any kind, from kayaking to whale-watching tours and sunset sailing charters.
The stay: Six ultramodern huts come equipped with basic kitchen appliances and dishes, a fireplace and Wi-Fi. Each cabin sleeps four, with two modular sleeping platforms (read: giant buildingblock fun) and memory-foam mats; linens and towels are provided, but sleeping bags and blankets are not, so bring your own. Note that there’s no stove top, but grills are available at the common-use picnic shelter. A private portable toilet and faucet are located outside each hut, with shared full bathrooms and showers in a nearby barn (keep the chilly trek in mind if going in wintertime).
Rolling Huts, Methow Valley • rollinghuts.com The lowdown: Posing like an alien wildlife herd in a meadow at the foothills of the Cascades, these sleek futuristic Methow Valley huts are a cool alternative to cold-weather camping. The huts were designed by Seattle’s Olson Kundig Architects and are a far cry from your grandpa’s log cabin.
The fun: A winter stay in the Methow lets you take advantage of the area’s abundant snowy fun, from one of the world’s longest cross-country skiing trail networks to sledding, snowshoeing and fat-biking. Fall and spring bring hiking, mountain biking, river rafting and sightseeing. And definitely take a stroll around the touristy town of Winthrop, decked out in full Wild West style.
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The stay: The park has two rows of rustic cabins, accommodating from four to six people each. Standard cabins have electricity, heat, fridges and sinks, but no bathrooms. A few cabins and bungalows have bathrooms. Linens and kitchenware are not provided, so bring your own. A modern shared bathhouse with restrooms and showers sits behind the cabins; and an on-site café serves breakfast and lunch on the weekends. Select cabins allow pets. Reservations open from 9 to 18 months in advance, depending on the size of your group, and fill quickly, so plan ahead! The fun: Cama Beach Historical State Park sprawls across 486 acres along the Saratoga Passage. Spot wildlife, hike along the bluff, take the mile-long trail to the connecting Camano Island State Park or watch the weather. The Center for Wooden Boats offers boat rentals and programs in summer. Fort Worden Historical State Park, Port Townsend • fortworden.org The lowdown: Designed originally as a military base, Fort Worden has evolved into a state park and learning center, featuring 73 historic buildings, museums, creative spaces, education programs
and more. The on-site accommodations are not actual cabins, but former officer quarters, ranging in style from grand historic castles to contemporary suites, and from one to six bedrooms in capacity. Fun fact: Fort Worden was used as the filming location for the movie “An Officer and a Gentleman.” The stay: There are several accommodation options to choose from. The Cottage and Loft Collection and Courtside Collection offer a variety of cottages, lofts and even a tiny standalone castle, perfect for a kid-free getaway. Officers Row housing is made up of elegant four- and six-bedroom Victorian homes that are ideal for larger groups and family reunions.
Welcome back! We’re reopening Wednesday, October 7 to limited hours and capacity. For full details on safety procedures and planning a visit: wingluke.org/welcome-back
Just 20 miles north of Seattle & Bellevue in Mukilteo
Fun for the Whole Family!
Fort Worden Historical State Park
The fun: Fort Worden Historical State Park encompasses miles of forest trails and walkable saltwater beaches. It also features a marine science center and aquarium, where kids can interact with many species of Salish Sea marine life. For fun, families can cycle or kayak, or play tennis, bocce, croquet or horseshoes; the kids will love playing hide-and-seek in the former military base’s turn-of-the-century bunkers. Weather not cooperating? Let your creative juices flow at the on-site art school, which offers classes and activities in every medium (ptschoolofthearts.org); or check out the mindful movement studio, which offers yoga and other classes for ages 12 and older (madronamindbody.com).
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Kate Missine is a lifestyle writer, food lover and girly girl raising two little boys in beautiful Sammamish.
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NO PASSPORT REQUIRED: prepare for takeoff to these six local destinations for global eats. Visit the Philippines with Musang
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musangseattle.squarespace.com With more than 7,500 islands in Southeast Asia, the Philippines present a trove of history, nature, hospitality and, of course, food! Filipino cuisine has been shaped by several different cultures, including Spanish and Mexican influences, yielding lots of hearty dishes featuring meat, rice, vegetables and abundant tropical fruits.
6 Global Cuisine Destinations for Dining-Chair-Traveling Families Best local undiscovered gems for international takeout and cultural dining experiences By Kate Missine Your long-haul travel plans may be shelved for the foreseeable future, but that doesn’t mean you can’t transport your family with a night out at an exotic destination — via a delicious meal, of course! A sampling of global cuisines is a fun and easily accessible gateway
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Musang
to learning about unfamiliar countries, and we in the Puget Sound region are fortunate to be surrounded by an astounding diversity of cultures and ethnicities that have made their imprint on our colorful food scene. Local eateries are rebounding, with safer dining rooms and creative options for takeout and delivery. (And let’s face it, those options are appreciated by those of us still in the food-throwing stages of child-rearing, pandemic or not.) Others are offering cool at-home experiences, from meal kits to online cooking lessons — the perfect hands-on supplement to all that remote schooling. So, buckle your seatbelts and
A Filipino food presence has been growing in Seattle, with spots like Musang on Beacon Hill at the forefront. Sourcing freshly grown produce from local Filipino-run farms, chef-owner Melissa Miranda, along with her team of ambitious Filipino chefs, set out to re-create the flavors of her childhood with dishes such as lumpiang Shanghai, a Filipino take on the spring roll, and a whole grilled pompano fish. For a real crowd-pleaser, try the chicken adobo in a caramel-like sweet and tangy sauce. Takeout (or lutong bahay, Tagalog for “home-cooked”) is available, as is patio seating; and Musang’s own community kitchen is serving free meals to those in need for the duration of the pandemic. Culture side dish: Musang partners with local organizations to host virtual events, such as Filipino Storytime. In September, the featured storybook, “Cora Cooks,” could be ordered together with a local farm’s CSA box containing ingredients to re-create the story’s recipe for a Filipino noodle dish! Check Musang’s website for upcoming events.
Get a taste of Georgia at Skalka • skalkaseattle.com Your kiddos may be familiar with Georgia, the state, but what about Georgia, the country? Nestled between Western Asia and Eastern Europe, this nation (a former Soviet republic) is known for its sunny climate, warm hospitality and unique foods. Its cuisine is a bright fusion of Mediterranean and Central Asian flavors, using lots of herbs, nuts and sun-dried fruits. Skalka (Russian for “rolling pin”) is a recent and very welcome addition to Seattle’s downtown waterfront, and the first eatery to bring Georgian cuisine to the area. Chef Khatuna Kopaliani serves favorites from her hometown of Batumi: khinkali, juicy Skalka dumplings with savory fillings; and khachapuri, which are kid-pleasing “boats” of buttery dough filled with gooey melted cheese and topped with egg. Owner and pastry chef Mariia Tarasova, a local mom of two toddlers, whips up freshly baked treats every day. Pickup and delivery options are available. Bonus: Tired parents can get a break from cooking with the newly launched Skalka Kids service (skalkaseattle.com/kids), through which several days’ worth of healthy, kid-friendly meals are delivered to your door! Culture side dish: Check out one of the Eastern European markets in the area, such as Marvel Food and Deli (marvelfoodanddeli.com) or Arbat Natural Foods, to discover fun, novel treats (try the cheesecake-like Dadu bars!) and traditional items, such as matryoshka nesting dolls, to take home. Stock up on U.K. staples at The British Pantry • thebritishpantryltd.com Since 1978, this unassuming facade in a Redmond strip mall has opened to reveal a jewel box filled with
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C UI S I NE DEST INAT IONS F O R DIN IN G - CHA IR- TRAVEL I N G FAM I L I ES
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delicious treasures and treats. A family business with three generations of baking traditions behind it, this is your one-stop shop for all things British. Here you’ll find a full-service restaurant, café and market stocked with one-of-a-kind finds, from squash (not the gourd, but the fruity soft drink) and rows upon rows of imported “biscuits” (Britishspeak for cookies) to pretty porcelain cups worthy of tea with the queen. The baked goods definitely are a musttry: think pasties (a meaty pocket pie),
The British Pantry
crumbly scones piled with jam and clotted cream, sausage rolls and rich butter tarts. The dining room serves homestyle English favorites, such as steak-and-kidney pie (that one may be a tough sell to the littles) and (of course) fish and chips, that never-fail kid option. Culture side dish: The essential accessory to a British-themed dinner? Why, Harry Potter, of course! Pair a read-aloud story time or family movie night with a meal straight out of Hogwarts. For the younger crowd,
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cuddly Paddington makes for a sweet reading and dining companion. Make your way to Morocco with Marrakesh • marrakeshseattle.com This popular Belltown spot does offer its lovely meals for takeout, but if your family is up for an utterly unique in-person dining experience, this is the place to venture out to for a visual and culinary feast. The inconspicuous storefront leads into an opulent dining room straight out of an “Arabian Nights” tale, swathed in Oriental rugs, ornate tapestries and elaborately embroidered floor poufs. Prepare to spend at least a couple of hours enjoying the multicourse menu of soup, salad, sweet and savory b’stilla pie and dessert, with traditional mint tea served on a silver tray at each meal. Entrées include signature items such as tangines (spiced stews named after the conical cooking vessels in which they are traditionally cooked) or couscous layered with meat or vegetables — all meant to be shared family-style. Plus, the belly dancing show is back, performed on Friday and Saturday nights (reservations are required)! Culture side dish: Staying in for dinner? Bring the mystique of Morocco home. Surround a low table with pillows, drape scarves and twinkly lights around the area, and put on some Middle Eastern tunes. You can even give belly dancing a shot! Explore Eritrea and Ethiopia at Amy’s Merkato • amyscafeseattle.com Seattle has a vibrant East African community and a robust share of
Amy’s Merkato
excellent eateries showcasing the food of neighboring countries Ethiopia and Eritrea, which share a similar cuisine. The flavors are hearty and generously spiced. Traditional dishes include thick stews (wots); tibs, a meaty stir fry; and, of course, spongy injera bread, used to scoop up the food in lieu of utensils — a custom your messy eaters will surely embrace. All these items and much more can be found at Amy’s Merkato in Hillman City. The restaurant got its start 20 years ago as Seattle’s first East African market. Today, it is run by a husband-and-wife team and serves a full breakfast, lunch and dinner; it also offers café and deli service. Vegetarian families will love the extensive veg menu, while Mom and Dad will appreciate the fragrant Ethiopian coffee. Don’t miss the market, where you can stock up on a dazzling variety of spices to try to re-create your fav dishes at home! Culture side dish: Make and play your own game of tegre, an Ethiopian version of mancala, with the easy tutorial found on Kid World Citizen (kidworldcitizen.org).
Journey to Guatemala at Antigua Guatemala Restaurant • antiguaguatemalarestaurant.com Your kiddos have probably had Mexican food (or at least the Americanized version thereof), but there’s so much more to the fascinating world of Latin American cuisine than salsa and tacos! The beautiful Central American country of Guatemala has shaped its local food profile from its ancient Mayan roots, a culture that featured foods such as corn, chilis, beans and the country’s native avocados, and later incorporated Spanish influences. Fun fact: Guatemala is also the birthplace of chocolate!
tortillas topped with spiced meat; and chuchitos, a Guatemalan take on the tamale. Kiddos will love the elotes locos, literally “crazy” sauce-drenched ears of corn; and shuco, a version of the hot dog that’s loaded with no fewer than 13 funky toppings.
Ready to sample? Head to Antigua Guatemala Restaurant in Kent, named in honor of the nation’s historic capital city. This homey, no-frills joint dishes out generous portions of authentic eats, such as garnachas, deep-fried
Culture side dish: Try a simple and colorful tissue paper craft to make a brightly colored quetzal, Guatemala’s national bird, and a symbol of liberty. growingupbilingual.com
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Kate Missine is a lifestyle writer, food lover and girly girl raising two little boys in beautiful Sammamish.
Enjoy the safe and fun, family-friendly Yuletide Express at the Northwest Railway Museum! Each weekend beginning after Thanksgiving. This 25 minute experience features a round trip heritage rail excursion to Snoqualmie Falls, and includes cookies for all and a gift for children.
Tickets are $24 for everyone 2 years and older; the experience is socially distanced and face masks are required.
Reserve your tickets now at TrainMuseum.org FAW20_nw_railway_museum_1-2h.indd 1
FA M I LY A D10/6/20 V E N T U R2:03 E / PM 23
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