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.

And on your left

The Top Guided Tours of Seattle

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

Look, honey!

Ranking Seattle's Tourist Traps

From the Space Needle to Smith Tower, just how cheesy are the city's biggest attractions?

03/23/2023 By Allison Williams

Road Warriors

How to Rent a Camper Van in Seattle

Four wheels, a bed, and the open road: Van life is within reach.

03/21/2023 By Allison Williams

Map Quest

A Road Trip from Fort Spokane to Kettle Falls

Deep in Central Washington, the mighty Columbia spreads itself into Lake Roosevelt, and a scenic highway traces its shores.

03/17/2023 By Allison Williams

Spring to It

Where to Hit the Slopes for the End of Ski Season

Goggle tans, jean-clad ski bros, and blue skies—spring skiing is here.

03/15/2023 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach and Allison Williams

not refreshing

New Reservation Systems Have Complicated Camping

First came the online systems for calling dibs on a campsite—then the ways to circumvent them. Who wins in the battle for a few square feet of dirt?

03/09/2023 By Allison Williams

Book It

Seattle Book Readings and Literary Events During AWP

A massive creative writing conference is coming to town, so it's time to party with the wordsmiths.

03/02/2023 By Allison Williams

Show-offs

Where to Take Tourists in Seattle

This is how Seattle Met editors show off the city to guests.

02/27/2023 By Allison Williams

Locals

Walking the Streets of the New Downtown Seattle

The city's core emerged from the pandemic with a burst of energy—and some old issues.

02/22/2023 By Allison Williams

Short Stops

Crystal Mountain's Famed Snorting Elk Bar Sold to New Owner

But the nachos aren't going anywhere at the classic post-ski spot.

02/21/2023 By Allison Williams

Well Curated

Seattle's Essential Museums

A guide to the artistic and cultural institutions that define our city’s past, present, and future.

02/20/2023 By Sophie Grossman, Zoe Sayler, Benjamin Cassidy, and Allison Williams

Cold sleep

How to Go Snow Camping in Washington State

Pitch a tent in a blizzard? Yep, really. Here's how.

02/17/2023 By Allison Williams

Destination Guide

Port Townsend: Where to Eat, What to Do, and Where to Stay

The Olympic Peninsula's prettiest town is here for a good time.

02/13/2023 By Allison Williams

Map Quest

A Road Trip through Out-of-the-Way Oregon

Partway between Portland and Bend, a quiet stretch of high desert holds a quirky escape.

02/07/2023 By Allison Williams

Short Stops

Whistler's Bobsled Ride Delivers Bone-Rattling Realism

Cue the Olympic fanfare and hold on tight.

01/30/2023 By Allison Williams

on the cheap

Portland's Hostels Bring Back Bunk Beds

Can luxe linens and rooftop bars make the shared-room model appeal to travelers beyond the backpacking set?

01/24/2023 By Allison Williams

Quote Unquote

Hilary Franz Has Her Eye on Public Lands—and Beyond

Washington's commissioner of public lands reimagined wildfire fighting and isn't ruling out a run for higher office.

01/23/2023 By Allison Williams

Heat is on

A Floating Sauna Hides in the Vancouver Island Wilderness

The unusual retreat near Tofino redefines getting away from it all.

01/17/2023 By Allison Williams

Late Checkout

Checking In at Some of the Best Hotels in Washington

We linger at a mountain spa, a city lobby, and other favorite overnight spots.

12/21/2022 By Allison Williams

Short Stops

A New Gourmet Food Stop Elevates Snoqualmie Pass

Laconia Market brought the gourmet sandwiches and fancy sodas we didn't know we needed after a day of skiing.

12/19/2022 By Allison Williams