Since joining Seattle Met in 2011, Allison Williams has overseen the magazine’s travel and outdoor coverage, including deep dives into Olympic National Park, the Columbia River, and a Burger King drive-thru in Canada. She edits the travel-focused blog Tripster and contributes service, news, interview, and narrative pieces to the magazine, including long-form features about mountain mysteries and puppies in prison. She’s earned awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and been nominated for a City and Regional Magazine award. 

Allison was raised here in Olympia and studied writing at Duke University, Oxford University, Columbia Journalism School, and University of Alaska. She began her career in New York City in the newsrooms of Metro newspaper and Time Out New York, then hightailed it back to her native habitat so she could write guidebooks and climb mountains.

Road Rage

The Worst Drives in Washington State

Bad traffic, disappointing scenery, and dangerous highways: Our picks for the least attractive road trips in the state.

05/26/2023 By Allison Williams

Playtime

The Best Parks in Seattle

From ball fields to swimming pools, beaches to botanic gardens: These are the city's 14 best outdoor spaces.

05/19/2023 By Allison Williams and Lawrence Cheek

Water Ways

Seattle Divers Are Planning a New Underwater Park

Inspired by other Puget Sound preserves, volunteers look to protect the wildlife—and weird structures—far below the surface in Mukilteo.

05/18/2023 By Allison Williams

Water Ways

Should We Be Scared of Washington's Toxic Lakes?

Harmful algae growths in Northwest waters can lead to tragedy for dog owners—but experts are on the case.

05/15/2023 By Allison Williams

Water Ways

The Best Places to Rent a Kayak or Standup Paddleboard in Seattle

No boat? No problem. Check out a seafaring vessel. Plus: What's up with hydrofoils?

05/11/2023 By Allison Williams

Water Ways

Seattle's Open Water Swim Brigade

With the right outlook, Puget Sound and Lake Washington can be your swimming pool.

05/05/2023 By Allison Williams

Water Ways

Where to Launch a Kayak or Standup Paddleboard in Seattle

Time to captain your own armada. Plus: Where to go for a post-paddle snack.

05/04/2023 By Allison Williams

Exhaust Yourself

Love Letters: Seattle's Gnarliest Hiking Trail Is Punishing and Beautiful

An ode to the Cable Line Trail in Issaquah, which is basically a Stairmaster that smells like the forest.

05/02/2023 By Allison Williams

Planner

What to Do in Washington State in May

Spring festivals head outside for bird-watching, maypole dancing, and a donut eating contest. Plus, Vanilla Ice.

05/01/2023 By Allison Williams

Destination Guide

Whidbey Island: Where to Eat, What to Do, and Where to Stay

A charmingly rural escape sits tantalizingly close to Seattle.

04/28/2023 By Allison Williams Photography by Amber Fouts

Petal Powered

The Best Wildflower Hikes Close to Seattle

We like big blooms and we cannot lie.

04/21/2023 By Allison Williams

An Apple a Day

The Best Cidery Road Trips from Seattle

These seven Washington cideries make long drives worth the trip.

04/14/2023 By Allison Williams

Once in a lifetime

Tahiti's Brando Resort Wants to Be an Ethical Private Island

Sure, it's where presidents and Hollywood stars go on vacation. But Marlon Brando's island has more than mere luxury up its sleeve.

04/12/2023 By Allison Williams

Islands in the Sun

Tahiti Might Be the Hawai'i Alternative Seattle Needs

South of the equator, a dream-like archipelago weaves global influences with Polynesian culture—and it's much closer than Americans realize.

04/07/2023 By Allison Williams

Quote Unquote

Kellen Mendez Is Ready to Represent His Country

The Longview runner will be part of Team USA this summer at the Special Olympics in Berlin.

04/05/2023 By Allison Williams

Mountain Menu

Leavenworth's Dining Scene Finally Transcends Kitsch

Forget the giant pretzel: The Bavarian town's food landscape levels up in unexpected ways.

04/03/2023 By Allison Williams

Short Stops

In Working Class Central Oregon, a Hotel Devoted to Mindfulness

The city of Redmond is quietly distinguishing itself from neighboring Bend.

04/03/2023 By Allison Williams

Planner

What to Do in Washington State in April

Apples and tulips hold down classic festivals, while the Washington State Fair makes a comeback. Plus: Racing crabs.

03/31/2023 By Allison Williams

Seattle Dining Guide

Brunch Is Back: Here Are 30 Seattle Favorites

Waffles, bloody marys, french toast, and chilaquiles: 30 favorite restaurants for Saturday and Sunday morning.

03/29/2023 By Allecia Vermillion With Allison Williams

And on your left

The Top Guided Tours of Seattle

Walking tours, boat cruises, and food circuits through Pike Place Market. You don’t have to be a newbie to appreciate a shrewd insider look at the city.

03/28/2023 By Allison Williams and Allecia Vermillion Illustrations by Ryan Snook