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Axios
13-02-2025
- Axios
The most romantic walks and low-key date spots in Seattle
You don't have to spend a fortune on romance in the Emerald City. Why it matters: Love can bloom on winding park paths, under the glow of streetlamps that shimmer on wet pavement, and plenty of other places in Seattle that don't require fancy shoes or advance reservations. With that in mind, we've compiled a list of some of our favorite romantic walks in the city, along with a few places where we like to stop to admire art and pretty views. Olympic Sculpture Park/Myrtle Edwards Park For a greener and less crowded waterfront walk than the area by the aquarium, you can wander through Myrtle Edwards Park abutting Elliott Bay. Stop for a picnic amid the public art at Olympic Sculpture Park, which sits just high enough to offer majestic views of the bay and the Olympic Mountains. The sculpture park closes a half hour after sunset, but the Myrtle Edwards trails are open 24 hours a day. Volunteer Park Catch the panoramic view by the Black Sun sculpture. You can also duck into the Volunteer Park Conservatory — or sit on a bench and get lost in conversation, preferably while enjoying coffee or food from the nearby Volunteer Park Cafe. Discovery Park Bundle up and head toward the West Park lighthouse at Discovery Park for one of the most peaceful beachfront walks in the city. You can take the paved path or wander the beach, holding your partner's hand for balance as you step over rocks and logs. Kubota Garden There are no restrictions on picnicking at the Japanese-style garden in Rainier Beach, where you'll find bridges and waterfalls tucked amid colorful arrays of trees and plants. Fremont Canal Strolling the portion of the Burke-Gilman Trail between the Aurora Bridge and Phinney Avenue yields views of houseboats, Lake Union, the Fremont Bridge and Mount Rainier. Mount Baker Ridge Viewpoint Another stellar spot for looking out over the city, complete with cozy benches. Post Alley Parts of picturesque Post Alley can still feel secluded and undiscovered by tourists, despite the Pike Place Market crowds. After enjoying the quaint street, you can stroll down to the new Overlook Walk for sweeping views of Elliott Bay. Smith Tower Observatory For $10, you can ride an ornate, old-school elevator up to the observatory on the 35th floor. After taking in the 360-degree views of the city, sit and continue to admire the scenery from inside the speakeasy-inspired bar, which boasts big windows and creative cocktails. Chihuly Garden and Glass It's not cheap, with a single ticket costing close to $40, but wandering through Dale Chihuly's glittering glass creations is worth doing at least once with a partner. Occidental Square Day or night, Pioneer Square — the oldest neighborhood in Seattle — is serving up looks. Enjoy the pedestrian plazas and Occidental Square while sipping a coffee at Caffe Umbria or getting a bite to eat at Darkalino's. You may also want to stop at Dead Line, one of the city's best cocktail bars, while you're exploring.
Axios
11-02-2025
- Business
- Axios
The push to allow neighborhood stores and cafes across Washington
Washington legislators are weighing a proposal that would allow corner stores and cafes in all residential neighborhoods. Why it matters: Supporters say having markets and cafes tucked into neighborhoods makes cities more friendly and walkable. But local zoning rules often ban such businesses in residential zones. What's inside: House Bill 1175 would force cities and towns to allow neighborhood stores and neighborhood cafes in any area zoned for housing. Cafes that serve alcohol would also have to serve food under the bill. Cities would be able to enact rules around parking, hours of operation, and maximum square footage but would have to allow the businesses to remain open for at least 12 hours per day. What they're saying: "This bill creates community and it brings people together," state Rep. Mark Klicker (R-Walla Walla), the bill's lead sponsor, said during a committee hearing last month. He added that in Europe, these types of businesses are "everywhere." Zoom in: Right now, Seattle doesn't allow neighborhood stores and cafes in most areas zoned for housing. While Mayor Bruce Harrell has proposed a zoning plan that would allow such shops in more areas of the city, his proposal has yet to win the approval of the Seattle City Council. Caveat: A few neighborhood businesses in Seattle — including Volunteer Park Cafe in Capitol Hill, Irwin's Neighborhood Bakery and Cafe in Wallingford, and Seven Coffee Roasters in Ravenna — predate the city's zoning laws, per the Seattle Times. But the city's current rules prevent new businesses from popping up in those types of locations. Between the lines: City officials often don't like when state lawmakers override local decision-making, "so there's going to be a little grumbling" over the legislation, Carl Schroeder, a lobbyist for the Association of Washington Cities, said during last month's hearing. The organization isn't opposing the measure, however. What's next: HB 1175 was voted out of the House Local Government Committee late last month and is now before the House Appropriations Committee. It still must pass the full House and Senate before it can become law.
