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.

Faraway Lands

The Painted Wilderness You’ve Never Heard Of

Washington's Teanaway hiking trails fly under the radar—until they put on a colorful show.

09/23/2024 By Allison Williams

Destination Guide

Hood Canal: What to Eat, What to Do, Where to Stay

The Olympic Peninsula’s long, thin waterway is lined with charming eats and low-key activities.

09/19/2024 By Allison Williams

Guide to Leavenworth

Best Places to Eat in Leavenworth

Fine dining and Bavarian bratwurst in Washington's goofiest mountain town.

09/16/2024 By Allison Williams

Guide to Leavenworth

The Best Places to Stay in Leavenworth

Cozy hotels of every type, from luxury to family friendly.

09/16/2024 By Allison Williams

Things to Do in Leavenworth

Best Things to Do in Leavenworth

Hikes, nutcrackers, and a mountain roller coaster keep this Bavarian wonderland lively.

09/16/2024 By Allison Williams

An Apple a Day

The Best Cidery Road Trips from Seattle

These eight Washington cider makers are worth the drive.

09/13/2024 By Allison Williams

The Big House

Secrets of the Washington Governor’s Mansion

The old, the new, and the skeleton in the attic.

09/12/2024 By Allison Williams

Top Dogs

The Wildest Moments in the History of Washington’s Governors

Some strange things have happened in Olympia.

09/09/2024 By Allison Williams

Short King

Rainier Is Shorter Than We All Thought

Our mountain is shrinking, and the summit isn't where it used to be.

09/06/2024 By Allison Williams

Say cheese

The New Museum of Illusions Pushes the Definition of "Museum"

Can you really compare these selfie stations to Seattle's best cultural institutions?

08/29/2024 By Allison Williams

Checking In

Our Local Normcore Hotel Chain Levels Up in Tacoma

Silver Cloud Hotels found its quiet niche—and then went surprisingly deluxe.

08/23/2024 By Allison Williams

Road Warriors

The Case for the Classic Motel

Could a cheap, drive-up hotel be the antidote to overpriced chains and overbearing Airbnbs?

08/13/2024 By Allison Williams

Drinking Guide

The 25 Best Bars in Seattle

Served straight up: our favorite places to kick back, splash out, and order just one more round.

08/06/2024 By Meg van Huygen and Allecia Vermillion With Allison Williams and Eric Nusbaum

Star Blazing

How to Watch the Perseid Meteor Shower in Washington

It's one of the easiest astronomical events to catch without a telescope.

08/02/2024 By Allison Williams

Doused

Is It Time to Give Up the Campfire?

Yep—for the summer, at least. But it's worth it.

07/24/2024 By Allison Williams

Interview

Evie Stokes Is Ready to Go Live

The new host of KEXP’s Drive Time show built her musical taste in Seattle, with a little help from indie radio.

07/22/2024 By Allison Williams

Well Done

Bend’s Many Meats Turn Central Oregon into Steak Central

It’s enough to cure our anemia.

07/17/2024 By Allison Williams

outings

Short Summer Day Trips from Seattle

Gardens, parks, and a crabbing adventure via kayak.

07/12/2024 By Allison Williams

Layovers

Where to Eat at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Sea-Tac is tastier than you remember.

07/09/2024 By Allison Williams

Dock and Roll

Lake Vacations near Seattle

Flat water vibes for the win.

07/02/2024 By Allison Williams