If you’re from Seattle, you’re pretty much obligated to celebrate National Coffee Day. Think of everything that coffee has done for you. I have a lot of fond coffee memories from the first taste of Stumptown in Portland, lines out the door at the Starbucks in New Orleans, espresso at the train station in Rome and many hours with my laptop at Urban Coffee Lounge. Seattle has so many incredible local roasters that are changing the way we drink coffee. From Victrola to Zoka , Herkimer and Elm , there's no shortage of places to drink good coffee. Honor your own coffee memories with a celebratory spike, and cheers to getting buzzed with a beverage that’s been there through it all. E Smith Mercantile Tucked away behind an all American mercantile with apothecary items, bulk teas, coffee, and candy, is...

We live in a part of the country where it’s easy to feel like the pine trees, the Sound, and mountain trifecta are just a stationary backdrop of the grueling, monotonous nine to five commute. It might take an out-of-towner’s mid-viaduct exclamation that “this is the most beautiful part of the country” to remember that… This IS the most beautiful part of the country. When was the last time you ventured toward the vibrancy of the local vendors at Pikes Place to taste flavors of the Pacific Northwest? I recently found myself down on Pike for what seemed like the first time – don’t miss the secret perks of your own backyard. Here’s how: 1. Rise and grind Take a journey through the abundance of places cultivating quality, locally roasted, artisan brew. From the pioneers of fair trade; Café Vita...