…the best literary, outdoorsy, artsy, techy, coffee-loving, dog-friendly, mountain-viewing, whale watching, ferry-riding, Sasquatch-sighting, beer-drinking, farmers market-strolling, rainy/misting/drizzling (but wow the summers and the green!), reading city in the world!
My favorite thing to do when I arrive in a new city is to find the closest local bookstore. Not only are they great spaces for relaxing or meeting people, but they often lead to the discovery of local authors and events and provide a sense of the histories, nuances, and people of the city.
Whether you’re new to Seattle, just passing through, or a local looking for new adventures, the University of Washington Press has an expansive array of books to help you discover our city. They cover everything from Seattle’s intertwined urban and Native histories, the evolution of Seattle’s gay communities, growing up Japanese American during World War II, local activism and civil rights, the plight and reclamation of our river, the history of music in Seattle, of animals, topography, food, art and architecture, and weather! We hope you’ll consider stopping by your indie bookstore and checking for our W logo in the stacks of books.
And once you’re ready, here are some fun places to read while exploring your new city!
Read: The Deepest Roots
Where: On the ferry heading over for a day trip to Bainbridge Island.
Read: Too High and Too Steep
Where: What used to be Denny Hill in South Lake Union.
Read: Classical Seattle
Where: At Benaroya or McCaw Hall during intermission.
Read: Once and Future River
Where: Before or after a kayak trip on the Duwamish.
Read: The Landscape Architecture of Richard Haag
Where: Beneath the shadow of the industrial landmark at Gas Works Park.
Read: Shaping Seattle Architecture
Where: On a bench in historic Pioneer Square.
Read: Walking Washington’s History
Where: On the water taxi on route to an Alki walk.
Read: Birds of the Pacific Northwest
Where: Discovery Park, the largest city park in Seattle.
Read: Northwest Coast Indian Art
Where: wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ – Intellectual House on the University of Washington campus.
University of Washington Press Blog 