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.

Outdoorsy

The Subtle Shifts of the REI Co-op

As the annual sale kicks off at the Seattle-based outdoor recreation chain, REI has undergone small but notable changes.

05/20/2022 By Allison Williams

Fruit Forward

The Complete Guide to Pacific Northwest Berries

How we eat, harvest, and love our juiciest local fruits, from strawberries to huckleberries and everything sweet in between.

05/19/2022 By Allison Williams Photography by Carlton Canary

Short Stops

A Small-Town Coffee Shop Flourishes Deep in the Cascades

Sky River Coffee set up in an old Skykomish hotel to bridge history and community.

05/18/2022 By Allison Williams

Green Machine

Jim Stewart Allen, aka Broccoli Guy, Is Seattle's Biggest Sports Fan

"I want to be a professional broccoli dancer, and I think that’ll someday become true."

05/13/2022 By Allison Williams

Salty Salish

Guide to Tide Pooling and Beach Combing around Seattle

Searching for squishy sea life is a singularly Seattle sport.

05/12/2022 By Allison Williams

Northern Exposure

Highway 20 Opens This Week in the North Cascades

The first sign of mountain spring is when our northernmost pass opens for business.

05/09/2022 By Allison Williams

Now What

The Blue State Flail

It feels weird to know things won’t change much in Seattle when Roe v. Wade falls. So what do we do now?

05/05/2022 By Allison Williams

Pedal Power

The Best Bicycle and Skate Shops in Seattle

Wheels are life—and the city is full of places to keep us rolling.

05/04/2022 By Allison Williams

Outdoorsy

How to Plan Your First Backpacking Trip in Washington

Brave the wilderness with only what you can carry. Don't worry, it's fun.

05/02/2022 By Allison Williams

Gear Up

The Best Outdoor Gear and Clothing Stores in Seattle

Where to shop for all the backpacks, hiking boots, paddleboards, and rain jackets a Northwesterner needs.

04/29/2022 By Allison Williams

Outdoorsy

How to Plan Your First Camping Trip in Washington

Everyone can do it—even you.

04/26/2022 By Allison Williams

Anchors Up

The Seattle Cruise Season Restarts

With almost 300 departures this year, Alaskan cruising could come back bigger than it was pre-pandemic.

04/25/2022 By Allison Williams

Shut-Eye

How One Seattle Company Changed Camping

Therm-a-Rest turns 50, celebrating half a century of sleeping (almost) comfortably on the ground.

04/21/2022 By Allison Williams

sharesies

How to Rent Camping Gear in Seattle

You don't need to own your own tent and sleeping bag—or stand-up paddleboard or ice ax—to get outside.

04/19/2022 By Allison Williams

Getting Out

Accessible Hikes Near Seattle and Beyond

Try these six flat and paved trails in the Pacific Northwest wilderness.

04/13/2022 By Allison Williams

Southbound and down

How to Travel Between Seattle and Portland

Planes, trains, and all those automobiles stuck in I-5 traffic.

04/11/2022 By Allison Williams

Teed Up

Where to Play Golf and Mini Golf in Seattle

With long fairways, short courses, and novelty putt-putt holes, golf season goes year-round.

03/29/2022 By Allison Williams and Seattle Met Staff

Mud Ahoy

Best Rainy Day Hikes Near Seattle

It's raining, it's pouring—the perfect time to go exploring.

03/28/2022 By Allison Williams

Short Stops

A Whimsical Boutique Anchors Olympia's Eclectic Downtown

Archibald Sisters reminds us why shopping is so fun.

03/24/2022 By Allison Williams

Growth Spurts

The Best Botanical Gardens Near Seattle

Flowers in bloom, rare plants, and long walking trails through pristine greenery.

03/22/2022 By Allison Williams