Best Local Outdoors Eateries During the Spring SeasoN

BY Chloe Kimiko Gushiken

Best Local Outdoor Eateries During the Spring Season

Here in Washington, spring is when the temperature increases and there is less rain. There may be a few showers and maybe some snow but, there are always beautiful spots around Washington that can provide an incredible scenery and a wonderful place to eat a delicious meal. If you want to find a place to eat here are a few of the best local outdoor eateries for you and your family.

Marination Ma Kai $$$$

Marination Ma Kai is a classic Seattle food truck. One mobile food operation gave birth to a slew of delicious restaurants. You can visit Marination Ma Kai on Alki Beach in West Seattle for Hawaiian-Korean Fusion Fare. Along with stunning views of the city of Seattle across the water.

Agua Verde Cafe $$$$

Located on the southern edge of the University of Washington campus, Agua Verde Cafe is a humble waterside operation specializing in Baja-style Mexican food such as burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, etcetera. They provide a whole vegetarian/vegan menu for non-meat eaters along with, a sprawling patio that looks over the marina.

Monsoon $$$$

Located in Capitol Hill, Monsoon is a Vietnamese restaurant that provides dishes such as Pork Spare Ribs, Fried Oysters, and Drunken Chicken. Along with, Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Free options. Recently, Monsoon added a rooftop patio to its already excellent setup to allow customers to view the neighborhood or 15th Avenue.

Eden Hill $$$$

Eden Hill Restaurant has been a staple of the Queen Anne neighborhood since 2015, serving up New American food with a twist. Since COVID, they’ve transformed their facade to include some streetside outdoor tables, for a DIY sidewalk patio that’s functional, festive, and the perfect backdrop for a springtime date.

Ristorante Picolinos $$$$

If you want the most authentic Italian experience, you can find a restaurant in the city of Seattle called Ristorante Picolinos. There you’ll be seated in their garden courtyard, and treated to the kind of food that is the epitome of indulgence. Such as Homemade Ravioli, Chicken Marsala, and Grilled New York Steak. If you want a full night’s worth of activities, you can grab pre-dinner drinks at Baker’s (conveniently right across the street), then walk on over to Picolinos for the main event.

National Walking Month

Hey T-Wolves, as all of you surely know, May is National Walking Month! Walking is an easy but healthy way to maintain or improve your overall health. Walking just 30 minutes daily can increase cardiovascular health, strengthen bones, and reduce body fat. On top of walking’s physical benefits, it can boost your cognition, mood, and self-esteem as well. If you’re looking to participate in National Walking Month, here are three trails around our area to get fit in some relaxing exercise.

North Creek Board Walk

The North Creek Board Walk is a stunning floating trail that goes through a swampy area of land that serves as a gigantic anti-flooding reservoir that protects the surrounding area. It is composed of more than 150 sections and is about 3/4 mile long. Walking through here is a great opportunity to be exposed to its wetland environment as well as a large diversity of wildlife.

Meadowdale Beach Park

The Meadowdale Beach Park Trail is a mile long, and it takes you through incredible green forestry before you emerge to an expansive beach with multiple rivers and streams that cut through it. Walkers will travel alongside a stream that is home to various wildlife such as freshwater fish, migrating salmon, and diverse species of birds.

Lord Hill Park

Lord Hill Park is 1,463 acres of vast evergreen forests and unique wilderness. The park contains over six miles of designated trails that take you to see panoramic views of the Snohomish River, the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, and beavers building dams. This park is known for its calming atmosphere and walkers enjoy Lord Hill Park’s open fields, serene lakes, and gentle running streams.

To conclude, walking is much more than just the action itself. It’s about the breezy crisp air, the calming nature around you, and the serene time to simply think. The benefits of taking a quick stroll through nature cannot be emulated through any elliptical or treadmill. I suggest that you to try out one of these trails for yourself and to take a small time out of your May to experience these hidden beauties that are in our town.