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.

Short Stops

This Vancouver Spa Brings the Hammam Experience to the West Coast

Hot steam, a brisk treatment, and the softest skin you can get in 30 minutes.

06/16/2023 By Allison Williams

Electric slide

Love Letters: I’m Obsessed with Seattle’s Shareable Scooters but Hope They Don’t Kill Me

I didn't want to love these ugly hunks of metal, but they're just so dang convenient.

06/13/2023 By Allison Williams

Crackle and Pop

The Rise of the Portable Campfire

Less smoke, more safety. About time someone hacked the tired concept of burning wood for fun.

06/09/2023 By Allison Williams

Northern Brights

Vancouver’s Dining Scene Makes a Case for World-Class Status

A new Michelin Guide picks out the best cuisine in Vancouver—and those plates say a lot about our neighbor.

06/06/2023 By Allison Williams

Sunburn

This Perfect Seattle Weather Is Getting Oppressive

Tell me I'm not the only local who side-eyes the sunshine.

06/06/2023 By Allison Williams

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.

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.

05/18/2023 By Allison Williams

Water Ways

Should We Be Scared of Washington's Toxic Lakes?

Harmful 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 for the day. Plus: What's up with hydrofoils?

05/11/2023 By Allison Williams

Water Ways

Seattle's Open Water Swim Brigade

With the right outlook, the whole Pacific Northwest 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

The Cable Line Trail in Issaquah is basically a Stairmaster that smells like the forest.

05/02/2023 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

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

Seattle Dining Guide

Brunch Is Back: Here Are 30 Seattle Favorites

A straight-up spree of waffles, bloody marys, french toast, and chilaquiles.

03/29/2023 By Allecia Vermillion With Allison Williams