Family Adventure
Experience ‘One Ocean’ at a New Waterfront Attraction
Find Inspiration With Local Art Adventures
Discover Manzanita’s Unexpected Charm
Living the Good Slice: Local Pie Shops Deliver
on Hood Canal!
Welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus to the shores of Hood Canal at our favorite NW Tradition - Holidays on Hood Canal. Join us throughout November through December for all the Holiday fun!
Family Adventure Winter 2024/25
Discover ‘One Ocean’ at the New Ocean Pavilion 7
Housed in a stunning waterfront building, Seattle Aquarium’s newest exhibit shines
In Living Color 13
Inspiring city adventures that let kids of any age enjoy and experience art
Magical Manzanita Vacation 21
Skip Cannon Beach and visit this often overlooked gem on the Oregon coast instead
Living the Good Slice 27 Pie never goes out of season at these local bake shops
Fortunately, local art institutions put a lot of thought into making sure that families feel welcome.
Photo by Jonathan Vanderweit
Photo by Meredith Charaba
Photo by Camille Gullickson
Seattle Aquarium’s Ocean Pavilion Opens on Seattle’s Waterfront
The new space connects visitors to ‘one ocean’
The wait is now over: Seattle Aquarium’s Ocean Pavilion opened on Thursday, Aug. 29. This incredible expansion of the waterfront aquarium has been in the works for a decade, and I couldn’t wait to take my young daughter for a visit.
While the existing Seattle Aquarium exhibits found on piers 59 and 60 focus on the local creatures you can find in Puget Sound waters — from the giant Pacific octopus to northern sea otters — the Ocean Pavilion brings the Indo-Pacific and Coral Triangle to the Pacific Northwest. Through them, it carries the message that all waters are connected, and Earth’s one ocean needs protecting.
The Ocean Pavilion welcomes all With a huge wall of windows and cedar paneling, the Ocean Pavilion looks sleek and modern.
The oculus, a circular window above the plaza, looks into the new reef ecosystem. We spotted fish peeking between the rocks, while an eagle ray swam overhead. We would have stood there for quite a while, but we knew there was more to see inside.
Seattle Aquarium’s Ocean Pavilion exhibits
The Ocean Pavilion features three main exhibits: The Reef, The Archipelago and At Home in the Ocean. At the center of
the pavilion is One Ocean Hall, which features interactive displays of marine ecosystems from around the planet.
As we made our way toward One Ocean Hall, my daughter marveled at the glass fish hanging from the ceiling, each handblown by Lummi artist Daniel Friday. Indigenous art is highlighted throughout the pavilion, honoring the Coast Salish people.
The Reef
We were drawn to The Reef, a 500,000gallon tank with tropical species from the Coral Triangle. The huge window looking into the reef ecosystem is concave, curved like a contact lens, so I felt as if I was truly stepping inside the ocean.
Story and photos by Meredith Charaba
leopard shark swimming along
Pacific leopard sharks in this its-kind project begun by the aquarium and other members of the international coalition ReShark, which is working to breed and release young sharks to restore wild populations. A display next to the reef invites families to learn more about all sharks and rays.
Stepping out of The Reef and into One Ocean Hall, we were immediately transported to a digital version of a mangrove forest. Footage shot in Indonesia by a Seattle Aquarium crew was projected onto the floor and walls, giving us an underwater view of a world we have only dreamed of visiting.
This footage can change, and the Seattle Aquarium has an archive that includes different environments, such as kelp forests and coral reefs as well as bioluminescent marine life. There are also narrated videos on a variety of topics. The aquarium’s Visitor Engagement team is in charge of the videos, and may play different footage based on guest questions and other variables.
My daughter loved seeing the images under her feet as she walked across the floor. This also proves the perfect spot for taking a rest, with benches along the wall offering a place to sit and take it all in. Alas, my daughter was not especially keen on resting. There was too much to see and do, especially once she spotted the next exhibit.
Up next: a dark hallway with a series of smaller habitats, leading up to the kid-friendly Coral Reef Encounter. Given the chance, my daughter would have spent all day (or all week) here. This tunnel was designed with kids’ diminutive size in mind, giving little ones the chance to pretend they live in a coral reef. A touch screen outside the tunnel allows users to select the theme within, changing the lights and displays. At the end of the tunnel, an oversize cushioned anemone with soft tentacles invited my
daughter in. (I’m now worried that her birthday wish list will include an anemone-shaped couch.)
In the habitats outside the Coral Reef Encounter tunnel, we spotted small clownfish weaving between anemones, unique coral species springing from rock formations and more. Many of the windows into the habitats are at kid’s eye level, allowing my toddler daughter to look directly inside.
Interactive screens next to the habitats helped us identify species. My daughter was excited to check out every screen in the pavilion, once she discovered she could easily reach them to tap on the different images. We had to read the names of different species to her, but
she loved seeing the images pop up on the screen.
The Archipelago and upstairs exhibits
Once we had thoroughly explored the downstairs exhibits (okay, full disclosure: we ended up returning downstairs to spend another good chunk of time on the cushy anemone), we headed upstairs to see the second-floor exhibits.
What’s incredible about the Ocean Pavilion is the interconnectedness of its exhibits.
Although we could peek at the coral of The Archipelago from downstairs and spot the mangrove trees and rock formations when we were in One Ocean Hall, we didn’t want to miss the chance
to go upstairs for a closer look. While we spotted sea stars and coral during this visit, the mangrove lagoon will soon have small rays and fish, and this evolution will continue over time. The mangrove trees are already growing — one day they could be as tall as the rock formation in the center of the grove.
From the second floor, we got another view of The Reef, spotting our eagle
continued from page 9
ray friends for a second time and meeting a new friend, a large moray eel. The four second-story Reef windows give different perspectives into the habitat. And there are spots in the reef where fish, eels and rays can hide and take a break from being observed. The exhibits were thoughtfully designed, first and foremost, to maintain the well-being of the marine creatures that live in them.
As we walked along the Port Soundwalk to the different viewing windows for The Reef, we heard underwater sounds on the speakers, including a parent-child dolphin duo communicating.
In addition to the new exhibits, the Ocean Pavilion has an Animal Care Center. It allows aquarium staff to treat the creatures that live in the Ocean Pavilion exhibits without transporting them, and visitors can get a peek behind the scenes at what it takes to keep the marine life healthy. While aquarium visitors will not be able to interact with the staff in the Animal Care Center, they can watch them hard at work. Next to the Animal Care Center, the Discovery Lab will have different hands-on activities and learning opportunities.
Also connected to the Animal Care Center is the aquarium’s Jelly Nursery. In the blue water, visitors can see live jellyfish at all different stages of development and hear more about them from aquarium volunteers. ■
Meredith Charaba is ParentMap’s family fun editor.
FABULOUS FUN!
Candy Connections
MON, NOV 4, 2024–SUN, JAN 5, 2025 9:30am–5pm
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FRI, NOV 29, 2024: 1–3pm & 5–7pm SAT, NOV 30, 2024: 10am–Noon & 2–4pm
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Art at Any Age
Inspiring Seattle-area experiences for families to enjoy any time of year
By Gemma Alexander
Unfortunately, even the term “fine art” contributes to the belief that the arts are not for everyone, and art is often the first thing cut when school budgets are tight (which is always). Fortunately, our local art institutions put a lot of thought and effort into making sure that families feel welcome. With a little planning, you can even visit most of our art museums for free.
And that’s because art is for everyone.
Seattle Art Museum, with three locations, is an obvious starting point for families, whether you’re local or visiting. The downtown Seattle Art Museum (SAM) building is just a block away from Pike Place Market, and it most closely resembles what you’re probably thinking of when you hear the words “art museum.”
The Seattle Asian Art Museum (SAAM), located in Volunteer Park, is home to the museum’s extensive collection of both historical and contemporary Asian art. Instead of being arranged chronologically or by country of origin, SAAM’s galleries are creatively organized by themes that make for a much more interesting viewing experience. SAAM also has a social narrative to help prepare families for their visit. For both locations, there are several ways to save on admission.
“Fantasy: Worlds of Myth and Magic” at MoPOP. Photo courtesy of mopop.org
SAM’s third location, the Olympic Sculpture Park (OSP), is for everyone who wants to enjoy large-scale art outdoors. It fills 9 acres at the north end of Seattle’s waterfront and is open and free every single day of the year.
Family Saturdays, for kids ages 2–12 on the first Saturday of the month, rotate among the three locations (free at SAM and OSP, and free with admission at SAAM). Community Celebrations are free, all-ages events with activities and performances centered on cultural holidays.
The Seattle Art Museum is the biggest art museum in the area, but it’s far from the only one. And there’s something for families to enjoy at all of them. Consider checking out these other museums with your kids anytime you need a bit of inspiration.
Frye Museum
Admission is always free at the Frye! Based on an original collection of traditional European art, the rest of the museum is dedicated to a cutting-edge collection of contemporary art exploring the big issues of our time. To make this dual collection more accessible to families, the museum offers Small Frye Storytelling and Art and Family Field Trips programs. Sign up for the Frye newsletter to be the first to hear about family programming.
Henry Art Gallery
Located on the University of Washington (UW) campus, the Henry is dedicated to contemporary art — which is often
Small Frye Storytelling + Art at the Frye Museum
Photo by Jonathan Vanderweit
ART AT ANY AGE
continued from page 13 less challenging for children than for their parents. Exhibitions are often multimedia in nature, with elements that encourage viewers to move around (still no touching, though!) to experience the pieces fully. Admission is always free for children. Online, Henry for Families presents art activities to do at home and a “How It Works” video series. During the UW’s annual Family Weekend (Nov. 1–2 in 2024), the Henry offers all-ages programming that includes workshops and a scavenger hunt.
Tacoma Art Museum
Tacoma Art Museum (TAM) offers a social story that parents can review with kids as a way to help set expectations before their visit. TAM’s online Tips page offers ideas for helping your children engage with what
they see in the galleries. Once you arrive, TAM Studio is full of activities, art supplies and books related to the exhibitions. The museum partners with Tacoma Public Library for a monthly second-Saturday Studio and Storytime for kids ages 2–8. Subscribe online to TAM’s Education and Family Programming newsletter for updates.
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
If you’re taking a family day trip to Bainbridge Island, don’t just breeze past the art museum when you get off the ferry. This small museum with free admission and free parking won’t test the attention spans of even younger children. Its local focus means that families may recognize artists whose works they’ve seen around town, and a healthy sculpture collection (although this is also handsoff) makes the space more engaging for kids. The Artists’ Book Collection room will inspire kids to make their own
Photo courtesy of tacomaartmuseum.org
• European Eats & Treats • Festive Live Music •
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Prior to colonization, the area now known as Washington State had multiple language groups uniquely spoken by various separate tribes and bands. This exhibit will explore six of those language groups that surround the Salish Sea: Klallam, Twana, Nooksack, Northern Straits, Northern Lushootseed, and Southern Lushootseed.
Through narration and interactive displays, you will learn the history of traditional local languages as well as the complex story of the revitalization tribal nations are undergoing to this day.
books by hand. (For a closer look, join one of the regular tours or watch some of the videos online that examine the books in detail.)
Chihuly Garden and Glass
A glass museum might seem like the last place you’d want to take kids, and it’s true that there’s not much here in the way of family programming. But kids seem to be naturally drawn to the Seussian quality of Chihuly’s glass sculptures. If you’re nervous about the temptation to touch, a stop at Seattle Center’s Artists at Play playground can help kids get the wiggles out before visiting the museum.
MoPOP
Even though Andy Warhol and friends blew up the idea of fine art in the 1960s, we still sometimes forget that art means more than oil paintings. Fortunately, Seattle is home to one of the world’s foremost pop culture museums. From music to science fiction and temporary exhibitions covering all kinds of art, there is something to tickle every fancy at MoPOP. (On Oct. 11, an exhibit of Keith Haring’s work, “Keith Haring: A Radiant Legacy,” opens. Kids will love Haring’s stick figures, but his mature themes and imagery might not be right for every family.) Add in the Sound Lab, where kids can make their own music and interactive multimedia exhibits (including video games), and you’ve got yourself a family-friendly museum.
Cultural museums
When your family isn’t quite up for visiting an entire art museum, there are art exhibits within a different type of museum that can offer bite-size exposures to art. The National Nordic Museum hosts an ongoing rotation of exhibitions from Nordic artists; starting on Nov. 8, it will present “Fischersund,” an immersive multimedia exhibition about plants, created by Jónsi of the renowned Icelandic band Sigur Rós. The Northwest African American Museum is exhibiting art by one of the premier painters of the 20th century, Jacob Lawrence, who lived in Seattle for many years. Another exhibit, called “Freedom of Expression,” showcases the creative range of an evolving roster of local Black artists. Both museums host regular story times. Wing Luke Museum is presenting the work of three Japanese artists who painted scenes of Seattle before WWII. You can even find the arts at the Museum of History & Industry;
example, the recent “100 Years of Junior League of Seattle: Explore the Northwest Art Project” exhibit.
Murals and public art
Not all art is enclosed in a museum. Turn those rare sunny winter days into a citywide scavenger hunt looking for Henry’s quirky murals, or follow the Trollmap to see Thomas Danbo’s larger-than-life wooden trolls. (To round out the troll theme, you may also want to visit the old troll under the Fremont Bridge.) Use the Do206 public art guide, or see how many of downtown’s more than 50 new murals you can find. Most of them were painted as part of the Hope Corps Downtown Mural Project. The City of Seattle provides apps and maps organized by neighborhood to help you find public art wherever you want to explore. Other cities, including Bellevue, Tacoma and Shoreline, also maintain online guides to their public art, as does King County. If you want someone else to do the planning, you can take a Street Hues urban art tour of Seattle, or a tour focused just on Henry’s murals.
Whatever your family’s tastes and interests, you don’t have to look far to find art that’s engaging and fun. Because art is for everyone. ■
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.
• Wreath Making with Natural Materials
• Hand-Crafted Gift Making
• Tinkering in the MakeSpace
• Noon Year’s Eve Party & Countdown, Dec. 31
“We have been to a *lot* of children’s museums. So don’t take it lightly when I say that @handsonchildrensmuseum in Olympia, WA is our favorite . . . With so many interactive exhibits, we always want to stay and play for hours!”
– Instagram post from Portland, Oregon
Henry of Henry’s Murals. Photo courtesy of henry.art
An Unexpectedly Charming Getaway
Think you know the Oregon coast? If you haven’t visited Manzanita, there’s more to discover
By Camille Gullickson
Cannon Beach has been one of our favorite family travel destinations on the Oregon coast for years, but somehow, we overlooked the quaint little beach town just a short drive farther down the coast: Manzanita.
Manzanita is a picturesque seaside village along Oregon’s north coast between the Pacific Ocean, Nehalem Bay and landmark Neahkahnie Mountain. The perfect thing about Manzanita is that it is far less crowded than popular Cannon Beach, but all the Cannon Beach attractions are just a short drive away.
A few fun ideas for things to do in Manzanita include:
Search for sand dollars along beautiful Manzanita Beach.
Our rental was near Nehalem Bay State Park and just a few blocks from this beautiful 7-mile white-sand beach, and we enjoyed wandering the stretch between the park and the little town of Manzanita. This stunning beach has hard-packed sand that makes it easy to explore, and we found it less crowded than Cannon Beach. (There are no sea stacks here, but if that is important to you, iconic Haystack Rock is just a 24-minute drive away.) Locals appreciate the unique microclimate that often means plenty of sunny days, and we were lucky to soak in the fair
weather during our beach explorations. Venturing farther north, near the base of Neahkanie Mountain, you will find a nice little area for exploring tide pools.
Stroll, dine and shop along Manzanita’s Laneda Avenue.
The first thing my daughter said when we arrived in the town of Manzanita was “This reminds me of Langley!” I couldn’t agree more; this perfect little beach town features many of the things we like about Langley (on Washington’s Whidbey Island) from the artistic vibe
to the cafes. Grab a coffee or goodie (breakfast and lunch are served, too) at the friendly Manzanita Coffee Co., conveniently located near the beach, and stroll up the petite main street, Laneda Avenue. Another required stop for the kids was Manzanita Sweets (310 Laneda Ave.), a classic coastal candy shop offering everything from saltwater taffy to nostalgic old-timey sweets. For wine-loving parents, The Winery at Manzanita is a dog- and family-friendly tasting room located just a few blocks from the beach. It features a view deck,
Photo by Camille Gullickson
ddetf.wa.gov
DISCOVER MANZANITA
continued from page 21 fire pits, and plenty of snacks and libations (including craft beer and cider).
Hike to breathtaking panoramic views on the Neahkahnie Mountain Trail.
The stunning South Neahkahnie Mountain Trail, within Oswald West State Park, ticks all the boxes for an Oregon Coast Range hike: moderate (3.4 miles and a bit steep, with 1,066-foot elevation and switchbacks); easy to access (less than a 10-minute drive from Manzanita or 20 minutes from Cannon Beach); dog- and (older) kid-friendly; plenty of mossy trees; and a spectacular panoramic views of Nehalem Bay and the Pacific Ocean at the top.
“Neah-kah-nie” is a native Tillamook place name that translates to “the place of the creator.” Kids will love learning about the Native American story, dating to the 1600s and passed down through generations, that tells of Spanish sailors who buried treasure somewhere within the mountain.
Local tip: While this hike is described as kid-friendly, I felt it best for older children because it is steep, and there are fallen logs and some scrambling over rocks getting to the top. I did see parents of small children braving it with their little ones in a pack, but the trail is not stroller-friendly. We also left our dog behind, and although I spotted a friendly golden retriever at the top, it must have been an effort getting him up there.
Explore Oswald West State Park’s trails, tide pools and a secluded sandy beach.
Oswald West State Park, located just minutes from Manzanita, has been a favorite stop of ours during past trips to Cannon Beach. Here, you’ll find the wonderful, family-friendly Short Sand Beach Trail (known as “Shorty’s” by locals), which meanders a short way (1.2 miles out and back) through lush coastal rainforest. At the end of the trail is a wonderful sheltered cove and sandy beach that is perfect for learning to surf or just to explore. This is just one of miles of trails within the park’s 2,484 acres, which also includes Neahkahnie Mountain. Leashed pets are welcome.
Take a short drive to the iconic “Pronto Pup” corn dog stand in Rockaway Beach.
On our drive down to Tillamook, we stumbled across the oh-so-Instagrammable Pronto Pup corn dog stand in
Rockaway Beach and were interested to learn more about its unique history. More than 80 years ago, the owners were scrambling to feed their customers after rain ruined their hot dog buns, and they came up with the legendary “Pronto Pup” corn dog batter. (Their recipe is comparable to pancake batter.) Kids might enjoy the giant corn dog ride, and I appreciated the affordable prices and that they offer plenty of vegetarian options.
Enjoy a scenic drive along Tillamook’s mustn’t-miss Three Capes Scenic Loop.
I knew that this breathtaking area, while not in Manzanita, was within a reasonable (one-hour) drive, so I added a day trip to the Three Capes Scenic Loop to our itinerary. This beautiful drive connects three scenic capes: Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint, Cape Lookout State Park and Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area. Our first stop was Cape Meares, where we enjoyed exploring the lighthouse and taking the short interpretive trail to visit the ancient Sitka spruce called the “Octopus Tree.” This area is also known for its many nesting seabirds, and if your timing is right, you might even spot a migrating gray whale. Cape Lookout has a popular campground and is known for miles of good hiking trails (including in the forest above the ocean) and a nice short nature trail for little kids. Cape Kiwanda, north of Pacific City, is appreciated for having one of the best views of the ocean on the coast as well as good conditions for flying kites.
where evergreen fun meets waves of possibilities. green. go stay salty.
Photo by Camille Gullickson
Razor clam season is here.
Fun for the whole family!
Get outdoors and enjoy the coast with your family. Razor clamming is a fun activity for all ages and requires little gear. All you need is a license (for those over 14), a clam shovel or clam gun, and a bucket.
Learn more about upcoming razor clam dig dates, how and where to harvest, and more!
wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/ shellfishing-regulations/razor-clams
DISCOVER MANZANITA
continued from page 23
If you go … When to go: Temperatures are usually mild and cool on the Oregon coast year-round. We’ve visited at different times of the year and find that the weather can be variable no matter what time of year it is. (Think parkas in summer and sunglasses in winter — you never know!) Generally, June through October are considered the best months overall, with October through April being the rainiest. (I love being in the rainforest when the trees are lush and green, and that means during the rainy season!)
Getting there: Manzanita is perfectly drivable from several Pacific Northwest cities: just over four hours by car from Seattle; three hours and 20 minutes from Eugene; and one hour and 45 minutes from Portland.
Where to stay: Part of the appeal is that there are no big chain hotels here; rather, you’ll find vacation rentals, boutique stays, bed-and-breakfasts and a nice campground at the state park (presently under construction).
Where to eat: We enjoyed picking up pizzas (hand-tossed and made to order) and salad from takeout-only Marzano’s Pizza Pie, near the beach, and enjoying our dinner at our rental. For seafood, steak, burgers and more, try Big Wave Cafe, which uses locally sourced ingredients when possible and is a partner of Seafood Watch. If you’re heading to Cannon Beach for the day, Ecola Seafoods restaurant and market is one of our favorites, offering fresh seafood and kid’s meals. ■
Camille Gullickson was raised on Whidbey Island and has lived in Oregon since 2007. She is currently focused on freelance writing and contracted projects while exploring the Pacific Northwest and beyond with her family.
Nehalem Bay. Photo courtesy of visittheoregoncoast.com
Photo by Elizabeth Westwong.
A Slice for All Seasons
Fill your family’s plates with sweet or savory pies during the holidays or any time of year
By Sharon Mead
Flaky, buttery crust filled with ripe baked fruit, luscious cream or savory meats and veggies: There’s nothing quite as nice as pie. A slice for all seasons, pie never goes out of style, but it’s an especially important part of the winter holidays for many families. If you’re looking for that
quintessential dessert for your holiday table, we’ve done the homework (and it was delicious!) to bring you plenty of tasty options.
Baked from the Hart
Owner Bill Hart has been baking pies for more than 50 years, truly making them with love from the heart. He bakes in his cozy Mount Baker shop, which serves a limited selection of favorites, as well as his own unique pie flavors. Hart’s Sweet Bean Supreme specialty is made with sweetened navy beans — but the kids will
never know if you don’t tell them they’re in there. He also makes chess pie (four options to choose from!) with a rich Southern-style custard.
Holiday pick: At Thanksgiving, Hart offers all of his full-size pies in every flavor. Call in your order before they’re all gone.
Location: 2801 S. Hanford St., Seattle
Simply Soulful Cafe
A loving dedication to Mary Elizabeth Hammond graces the entrance to Simply Soulful Cafe. “Mama” Mary’s homestyle Southern recipes are reproduced daily by her daughter and granddaughter in the Simply Soulful kitchen. The cafe located at 23rd Avenue and Jackson Street, serves Deep South entrée favorites, such as pork chops, catfish and cornbread, and generous helpings of peach cobbler. Pre-order whole pies, such as the homey apple crumble or nutty pecan for pickup or delivery. Holiday pick: The sweet potato pie, which tastes like autumn sunshine, is an easy choice to serve family from near and far during the holiday season.
Location: 2321 S. Jackson St., Seattle
Pie Bird Bakeshop
Pie Bird Bakeshop was founded in 2018 by Seattle-born and -raised resident Hannah Jacobsen, whose origin story begins with the wild-picked-blackberry pies she baked with her grandfather every summer while growing up.
By the time I reached her booth at the Ballard Farmers Market one Sunday, many of her pies had already sold out. I recommend not waiting to try her creations. If you get there with time to spare, I highly recommend Jacobsen’s raspberry tart — it was amazing! Pie Bird offers fruit, custard, cream and savory pies at local farmers markets. Can’t wait for the next farmers market opportunity? Join the Pie Club, which
Photo courtesy of piebirdbakeshop.com
A SLICE FOR ALL SEASONS
continued from page 27 delivers pies to your doorstep monthly.
Holiday pick: Start a new holiday tradition when you serve the chocolate tahini pie for dessert.
Location: Available at the University District, Ballard and Bellevue farmers markets.
Dahlia Bakery
Dahlia is the home of Seattle restaurant guru Tom Douglas’ “world famous triple coconut cream pie.” It’s been on the menu at the Dahlia Lounge since 1989 and is included in “The Dahlia Bakery Cookbook.” It’s the decadent marrying of a buttery crust, coconut pastry cream, piles of whipped cream, shaved white chocolate curls, and a toasted coconut topping that makes this dessert so divine.
Holiday pick: Order the triple coconut cream pie online in advance for an option that will give your holiday season a tropical flair.
Location: 2001 Fourth Ave., Seattle
Pie Dive Bar Mosey along historic First Street in downtown Snohomish, and you’ll come to Pie Dive Bar. Sure, it’s a bar, but savory and sweet pies are the big draw. Along with its comfortable lodge-like aesthetic the establishment offers plenty of seating for families. As Pie Dive’s baker reminds customers, it never skimps on ingredients. Its Humble Crumble is mouthwatering (it was an award winner on Food Network’s “Bake You Rich”) and is probably the best bite of pie I’ve ever tasted. The pie is a luscious combination of Granny Smith apples, marionberries, raspberries, strawberries and streusel, and each sweet slice is served with a side of rich vanilla ice cream. Whole pies can be conveniently ordered online. Holiday pick: The most popular holiday pies are autumn pumpkin and the chocolate cream with candy cane crumbles.
Location: 921 First St., Snohomish
Pie Dive Bar. Photo by Sharon Mead
Pie Wine Bar
Pie Wine Bar’s grand reopening in 2024 introduced Chef Brad, the shop’s new pastry chef. Brad hails from New England, where his grandfather owned and ran a bakery, and gave Brad his first pie lessons. Pie Wine Bar’s rotating menu includes savory pies, such as steak and ale, and vegetable curry with flaky phyllo-like crust. Try the triple berry crumble for a bite of jammy goodness. The restaurant seating is family-friendly, and the bar offers flights and tastings from Wilridge Winery, Washington’s only certified organic and biodynamic winery and distillery.
Holiday pick: To elevate his traditional desserts for the holidays, Chef Brad is incorporating brandies into traditional pies such as harvest pumpkin and pecan. Find pre-ordering instructions online.
Location: 19255 Woodinville-Snohomish Rd., No. 2, Woodinville
Dr. Terry’s Pies
Dr. Terry has been baking and selling pies locally for nearly 25 years. For the past 14 years, Dr. Terry has given demonstrations on how to make the perfect pie crust at the Washington State Fair in its culinary kitchen. His made-to-order pies include unique flavors such as pear browned butter crunch, Lemon Luscious, tayberry, and Rainier and bing cherry layered pies. Call or text Dr. Terry at 253-439-9646 to order your two-pie minimum order in advance for pickup in Puyallup. Pies can also be shipped anywhere in the U.S. via UPS.
Holiday pick: You can preorder some of the freezer-friendly pies for the holidays.
Location: Puyallup ■
Sharon Mead is a Seattle native and an enthusiast when it comes to coffee, cooking, words, reading and the Mariners.
Pie Wine Bar
Photo by Tama Fulton
