Looking for a few fun things to do in and around the city this summer? Here are some of our staff’s favorite places to spend their free time.

Looking for a bite?

Steve Phelps likes to head over to East Capitol Hill to check out small, local restaurants. Some of his favorites are Rione XIII, Ethan Stowell’s exploration of Roman cuisine; Monsoon, a top spot for Vietnamese food; and the vibrant neighborhood cafe, Tallulah’s.

If you’re closer to Elliot Bay, AQUA by El Gaucho gets high marks from Victoria Best. Near U-District, check out Mitch Steiner’s pick, Arepa Venezuelan Kitchen, and try a Pabellon Arepa which Seattle Magazine called, “a flavorful, swoon-worthy sandwich with Venezuelan flair.” In West Seattle, Julie Parisio Roy recommends La Rustica on Alki.   

The great outdoors

Our busy bunch likes to spend time taking in the majestic scenery this amazing area has to offer. Cal Spranger likes to go mountain biking at Tiger Mountain near Preston, 20 miles of a mostly single-track ride with a 1,600-foot elevation gain. Head a little further east to one of Eileen Olson’s favorite spots for some sweeping, panoramic views from atop Rattlesnake Ledge near North Bend.

Jeff Walters enjoys day trips to Lake Chelan, Leavenworth or the San Juan Islands, while Curtis Pepin likes to load a pack and hike the Summerland Trail at Mt. Rainier – snow free between July and September. Or enjoy some summertime activities like gondola rides, horseback riding or disc golf at Kevin Callaghan’s favorite, Crystal Mountain ski resort.

In the neighborhood

Mike Schultz recommends spending time with friends before Mariners, Sounders or Seahawks games in Pioneer Square – meeting at Shawn O'Donnell's at the base of the Smith Tower is a favorite. Michael Gerke likes hunting for gourmet finds at Central Grocery, and Kathy Dahm loves the vibe at one of Seattle’s most notable locales, Pike Place Market. In Ravenna, check out the Crepe Café, a Mitzi Carletti favorite; downtown, don’t miss the Seattle Art Museum, where you might bump into Tim Thomas checking out the new Infinity Mirrors exhibit.

To just sit back and relax with a book, many others around the office highly recommend Carkeek Park, 216 acres in the Broadview neighborhood. With play and picnic areas, hiking trails and extraordinary views, this park might just be the best of the list.