Features

NORTHWEST COLLEGE RANKINGS 2008
College is a balancing act. On one hand there’s the whole scholarly pursuit thing. And then there’s the experiential, joie de varsity of college life. Devote yourself to the former, and you’ll miss out on the full experience. Pour yourself into the latter, and your experience won’t last long. So like well-rounded college kids, we attacked the topic of Pacific Northwest colleges from all sides, combining statistics and reports from students and alums to rank the top 39 schools in Washington and Oregon.
by Matthew Halverson
photography by John Keatley

True Brew
As a new breed of craft brewers takes beer beyond malted barley and hops Seattle Met raises a frosty mug to the city’s finest breweries and brewpubs.
by Jessica Voelker
illustration by Jun Park

Divided It Stands
After decades of lobbying, politicking, fundraising, and civil disobedience aimed at creating a black history museum in Seattle, the Northwest African American Museum finally opened its doors last March.
by Juliette Guilbert
illustration by Brian Stauffer

Fall Fashion 2008
The new look of retro announces history in the making.
by Laura Cassidy
photography by Olùgbènrò Ogunsemore

DEPARTMENTS

Mudroom
Oktoberfesters, gubernatorial speech patterns, and a dubious honor for the Seattle nanny state.

Cornershop
The biblio file: a mature reader’s guide to hitting the books.
by Ben Schock

Spree
With tools built to last, your fall fix-ups will, too.
compiled by Alvin Stillwell

Style Counsel
A conversation with John Richards, co-owner of Jack Straw men’s shop.
by Laura Cassidy

Snapshots
Swedish Medical Center Foundation’s SummeRun, Pacific Science Center’s Festival of the Fountains, Hedgebrook writing retreat’s Rise.

Asking Price
Seattle housing makes every list on Forbes.com, plus homes near puppy playlands.
by Matthew Halverson

Rainmakers
Power hitter Edgar Martinez has got a brand-new brand.
by Jeff Meisner

Past Lives
The bloodcurdling past and spirited present of a grand old Georgetown Victorian.
by Nena Peltin

Urban Brawl
Will Tim Eyman’s latest ballot initiative open empty HOV lanes, cure congestion, and fulfill a state audit’s recommendations?
by Manny Frishberg

SeaTown Diary
Please, please don’t tell anybody: I’m addicted to Grey’s.
by Sean Leslie

Weekend Pass
A kayak tour of Yakima Valley wine country.
by Lia Steakley

Dig
Send bulbs below now for a sensational show come spring.
by Marty Wingate

Dish
Hunting porcini in the Washington wild.
by Langdon Cook

Pour
A cider mill faces pressing concerns and mixologists make a science out of cocktails.
by Anna Roth and Jessica Voelker

Last Look
Straight to DVD: 10 Things I Hate about U.

CITY GUIDES

Dining Out
A culinary fling with Spring Hill in West Seattle, plus critic’s picks for 55 dining experiences.
by Kathryn Robinson

On the Town
Met Picks for shows you shouldn’t miss this month, and the Dutchess and the Duke hold court in The Green Room.