Since joining Seattle Met in 2011, Allison Williams has overseen the magazine’s travel and outdoor coverage, and has contributed to all sections of the magazine. Allison was raised in Olympia and earned degrees from Duke University 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.

Tricky Treats

The Northwest's Scariest Road Trip Is Perfect for Early Fall

This extreme drive isn't as bad as it looks—and the rewards are beautiful.

09/15/2023 By Allison Williams

Supreme Courts

New Pickleball Courts Debut in Downtown Seattle

Everyone's apparently gone pickles for the sport, including the mayor.

09/14/2023 By Allison Williams

Valley Ho

The Middle Fork Is an Overlooked Hiking Wonder

Just outside North Bend, the region is closer and wilder than you'd think.

09/08/2023 By Allison Williams

Puget Sound Ground

Blake Island Hides in Plain Sight near Seattle

With the long-running Tillicum Village show closed, what will become of Seattle's backyard island?

09/06/2023 By Allison Williams

Map Quest

A Road Trip through Washington’s Forgotten Coast

Beachfront stops for surfing, shellfishing, and the best dining in the southwest corner of the state.

08/31/2023 By Allison Williams

Asked/Answered

Whatever Happened to Capitol Hill's Mystery Coke Machine?

For 75 cents, you could buy a moment of irreverent wonder.

08/28/2023 By Allison Williams

line monitor

The Secret Way to Skip Lines at Sea-Tac Airport

Two years in, the free SEA Spot Saver program has become the best way to beat epic crowds at security.

08/25/2023 By Allison Williams

Outdoor Bound

Has Washington's Hiking Boom Finally Begun to Fade?

The pandemic brought record crowds to local trails, but stats show we may have passed the peak.

08/18/2023 By Allison Williams

Get Out

Washington’s 25 Best Beaches

Sunbathing, swimming, hiking, kite-flying...we found the state's best stretches of sand for all of it.

08/11/2023 By Allison Williams

Art on High

Beat Poets Like Jack Kerouac Once Manned Our Fire Lookouts

Famous writers moonlighted as fire watchers in the state's most remote watchtowers.

08/09/2023 By Allison Williams

Shore Thing

The Lakeside Town That Never Quite Grew Up

That's what we love about Chelan.

08/04/2023 By Allison Williams

Loo Limits

Hurricane Ridge Reopens, But There's a Line for the Bathroom

Rangers at the iconic Olympic National Park destination are limiting visitors based on toilet usage.

08/03/2023 By Allison Williams

DESTINATION GUIDE

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

A small town so close we can almost touch it.

07/28/2023 By Allison Williams

Appreciation

Love Letters: The Hideout Blends the Best Parts of a Neighborhood Bar and an Art Gallery

First Hill's hidden gem is plastered with paintings, ready to make a collector out of anyone.

07/24/2023 By Allison Williams

Due South

Alaska Airlines Goes Tropical

With new routes to Guatemala and the Bahamas, our local airline is sunnier—and more international—than ever. Is that a good thing?

07/21/2023 By Allison Williams

Out There

How to Go Stargazing near Seattle

Stars, comets, and far-off planets: where to explore the dark skies.

07/14/2023 By Allison Williams

The Thrill Is Gone

Why Doesn't Seattle Have More Theme Parks?

It's not (just) the weather.

07/07/2023 By Allison Williams

Coffee Culture

How a Capitol Hill Starbucks Barista Became a Union Organizer

"They actually don’t do anything supporting queer workers, but they say they do. They’ll put up a flag and call it a day."

06/27/2023 By Allison Williams Photography by Mike Kane

Moving too fast

A Waterfall Road Trip Reveals the Hidden Side of Hood Canal

Waterfalls may boast a placid, pretty reputation, but in person they tell a different story.

06/23/2023 By Allison Williams

Everything All at Once

Seattle's Beloved Mt. Bagel Is Back

A city's prayers are answered.

06/20/2023 By Allison Williams