November/December 2023
Flying Cars, Driving in The Ocean
Bruce Wanta’s imagination influences his love of cars
Bruce Wanta developed a knack for the mechanical from his family’s bike shop. He fell in love with cars because his father also presided over a driving school. At a very young age, Wanta had a list of distinctive vehicles he wanted to own. At the top was the Maserati Bora, a magnificent creation designed
Direct, Connect, Reflect
It’s easier than ever to reach these sun-splashed sensations from Seattle
Need to escape Seattle this winter? Need some inspiration to pack a carry-on and cash in those miles? Here are four nonstop flights for nonstop escape. In June, Alaska Airlines announced new nonstop service to Nassau, Bahamas, beginning Dec. 15. Board one of these flights at 9 a.m. and land just six hours later. Even…
Taking Shots From a Screen
Social media has become a hotbed of misinformation. It doesn’t have to be this way.
Porismata Borah, a social media expert at Washington State University, delves into media psychology. In a conversation with Seattle magazine, Borah, along with Mike Caulfield and Joseph Barnes, prominent Seattle social media experts, discusses the challenges in modern communication and the potential for meaningful conversations on online platforms.
Gender-Bending in the Wilderness
Intense outdoor trip defied conventions
I had confidence in the team, even though this river had rapids that were rated as Class III and IV (translation: a little hair-raising and you get really wet), but I had taken a similar journey with the same company more than 15 years ago, so I knew there was going to be an emphasis on
Winter Escapes
These cold destinations are pretty hot this time of year
Winter in Seattle is a magical time for holiday lights, cool walks with hot beverages, and the occasional dusting of snowfall on our beautiful parks. Winter is also, paradoxically, the ideal time to get out of town. As the skies darken and the days get shorter, the lure of adventure tempts. Here are some ideas
The Sound of Giving
Three nonprofit music organizations worthy of support
In the March/April issue of this magazine, I wrote an article about the problems with Seattle’s music scene and how we can fix them. There’s a lot to be desired in Seattle’s music scene — like more regular, paying gigs for musicians at local establishments and a more reasonable volume level at venues across the…
A Taste of Europe Comes to Seattle for Christmas
Monthlong celebration begins the day after Thanksgiving
A scene reminiscent of old Europe will be on full display at Seattle Center this holiday season when the city’s first-ever Seattle Christmas Market opens for a monthlong celebration. Inspired by historic German Christmas markets, the Seattle Christmas Market opened Nov. 24 and runs through Christmas Eve at Fisher Pavilion and South Fountain lawn at…
Papa and His Pronouns
A parent works to adjust to his young daughter’s preferences
I love my daughter. Although I’m not sure she’s my daughter. I now call her my child. My little monkey. Sparky. Love of my life. My kiddo. But never, ever, my little girl, even though she attends Seattle Girls School. Because when Valen turned 11 last year, she told her mother and I that she…
Running in a Wetsuit, Swimming in Shoes
Swimrun has become a popular endurance sport
Four friends are sitting around a bar in Sweden, sharing a few drinks and catching up. One turns to another and says, “Do you think we can swim and run 75 kilometers up the coastline of Stockholm?” After a few more drinks and perhaps a little chest puffing, a plan was set in motion. The…
A Light-Filled Oasis
Mercer Island residence embraces natural beauty by drawing it inside
When Kent and Lisa Sacia decided to put a bow on their latest remodeling triumph, they turned to a trusted collaborator, Sander Groves Landscaping President Dan Groves. He was more than happy to take on the project, a reimagining of a 1972 Northwest contemporary by a noted Mercer Island architect. “I am in a position to…
Editor’s Note: An Experience That Lives Forever
The world isn't always as it seems
It was Friday night after a long week. I had just arrived home. The red light was flashing on my answering machine (remember those?). I was ready for the weekend. The call crushed me. My first love, my high school sweetheart, my partner in mischief, had passed away due to complications from Multiple Sclerosis. Gwen…
The Gift of Experience
Think activities, not things
I’m reminded at this time of year to slow down and reflect on my life with gratitude. But the official Thursday of thanks ends abruptly, overshadowed by the frenzied Friday that starts the holiday shopping marathon. This is a dizzying prospect that you may also dread, so I offer an alternative: Consider the idea of…