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November 26, 2024 | Shopping

Inside Southcenter: Your Guide to Holiday Shopping Delights

With over 200 places to shop and dine, Southcenter is a treasure trove of retail delights. In this latest blog, we’re highlighting some of its most exciting holiday shopping destinations that will help you check off most everyone on your list.

From trendy sneakers at Hearth to whimsical designer toys at Pop Mart, these stores offer unique finds you won’t want to miss. Discover chic urban fashion at Urbanity, dazzling crystals at Crystal Days, and K-pop merch at KPOP Station. Whether you’re looking for home decor, thoughtful gifts, or the latest pop culture must-haves, these standout shops are sure to make your holiday shopping a breeze. These are just a few of the hidden gems waiting to be explored at Southcenter!

Hearth

Hearth is Southcenter’s newest must-visit destination for sneakerheads and streetwear enthusiasts. Featuring an expansive collection of sneakers, including limited-edition collaborations and trend-setting streetwear, Hearth offers the ultimate shopping experience for those who love bold, fashionable looks. As the brand’s third location and first in Washington, Hearth brings exclusive styles and fresh energy to Southcenter.

Urbanity

Urbanity is a Seattle-area gem at Southcenter, offering a curated selection of urban and contemporary clothing, footwear, and accessories for men and women. This boutique stands out with personalized styling services to help you refine your look and feel confident in every outfit. With only two locations in the area, Urbanity delivers a unique shopping experience that combines cutting-edge style with a local touch.

P.31 Label

Celebrate life’s special moments with P.31 Label, a boutique owned by local entrepreneur Lidia Whyte. Specializing in elegant dresses and outfits for proms, weddings, baby showers, and other meaningful occasions, P.31 Label is your go-to for statement-making styles. As one of several locally owned boutiques in Southcenter, it’s a standout for anyone seeking chic, memorable pieces.

H&M Home

Deck the halls—and every other room—with stylish finds from H&M Home, Southcenter’s destination for holiday decor and gifts. From festive accessories to eye-catching statement furniture, this store has everything to make your home merry and bright. Whether you’re sprucing up for the season or gifting a touch of style, H&M Home has you covered.

Crystal Days

Crystal Days is a treasure trove of ethically sourced crystals and unique decor pieces. This locally owned shop offers a dazzling collection of high-quality stones and gems from around the globe, perfect for elevating your home or adding a personal touch to your style. Discover the beauty and craftsmanship behind every piece at this Southcenter favorite.

Daiso Japan

Daiso Japan brings the charm of a Japanese “dollar store” to Southcenter, offering an incredible variety of products at unbeatable prices. Shop home decor, stationery, kitchenware, art supplies, and more—all infused with Japanese design and creativity. With over 100 U.S. locations, Daiso Japan is a go-to for affordable finds, unique gifts, and practical everyday items. It’s a great place to fill those stockings with affordable, unique finds for everyone on your list!

KPOP Station

Dive into the vibrant world of K-pop at KPOP Station, where music and culture collide. From albums and official band merchandise to K-beauty products, this shop has everything for dedicated fans and curious newcomers alike. Opening in Southcenter in June of this year, KPOP Station bridges cultures through a shared love of K-pop, making it the perfect spot to shop for gifts and immerse yourself in the fandom.

BoxLunch

BoxLunch is a paradise for pop culture fans and collectors, offering an amazing array of merchandise from Disney, Marvel, anime, Harry Potter, and more. With something for every interest, it’s the ultimate stop for gifts and collectibles. Plus, for every $10 you spend, BoxLunch donates a meal to someone in need through Feeding America. Shop here to make an impact while celebrating your fandoms!

Pop Mart

Pop Mart brings a touch of whimsy and wonder to Southcenter with its collection of collectible designer toys and character-based merchandise. Known for its imaginative designs and creative appeal, this Chinese toy company offers a playful escape from the ordinary. Whether you’re a collector or just exploring, Pop Mart is a delightful destination for all ages.

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Southcenter is the perfect place to wrap up your holiday shopping with ease, thanks to its unbeatable variety of stores and dining options. We hope you’ll check out some of these shops as you work your way through your holiday list.

Southcenter is open M-Sat 10am – 9pm and Sunday 11am – 7pm, and will offer expanded holiday shopping hours starting on December 15. Check out their directory for more information to help plan your visit.

October 21, 2024 | dining

Exploring Tukwila Eats!

Tukwila is one of the most diverse cities in Washington, home to a vibrant mix of cultures, languages, and traditions. As a hub for refugees and immigrants, this diversity is beautifully reflected in the city’s food scene, where you’ll find flavors from all around the globe.

In this blog, we’ll take you on a culinary tour through some of Tukwila’s favorite spots, from Asian cuisine to American classics, East African dishes, and Mexican eats. And while this list highlights some must-try places, it’s only scratching the surface. For even more delicious options, be sure to check out our website’s dining page!

Papa Banh Bao

Established in Tukwila in 2019, Papa Banh Bao brings authentic Saigon-style flavors to the fast food scene. Pillowy soft steamed buns offer a quick, delicious handheld meal. There are seven savory stuffings to choose from, with meat and vegetarian options. Stop in for a quick meal on the go or buy in bulk and stock the freezer with ready-made meals.

Hours: M-Sa: 10am – 7pm, Su: 12pm – 6pm
Signature: Combo Bao, Salted Egg Bao
Also Try: Char Siu Bao, Mushroom Bao
Address: 904 Industry Drive

Gen Korean BBQ

Just having opened in March of this year, Gen Korean BBQ offers a hands-on dining experience where guests can grill their selections. It is known for its sleek ambiance, premium meats and seafood, and innovative cocktails. Gen Korean BBQ is part of a new dining district in Westfield Southcenter — Restaurant Row — which features grand openings of highly-anticipated spots like the first-to-market Mr. Dim Sum, and the Japan-founded Marguame Udon.

Hours: M-Th 11am – 10:30pm; F-Su: 11am – 11pm
Signature Menu Items: Marinated Short Rib Steak, Wagyu Ribeye
Also Try: Kimchi Fried Rice, Hawaiian Bacon
Address: 974 Southcenter Mall

Arashi Ramen

Since first opening in Tukwila in 2014, Arashi Ramen has become the “it” spot for ramen in South Seattle. Their menu offers nine different ramen options that are served in a rich, pork broth (tonkotsu), as well as a vegetarian option. Customize with your choice of over 15 toppings and enjoy sides of honey garlic karaage, takoyaki, or gyoza. The setting is small and cozy, perfect for a comforting bowl of ramen.

Hours: Tu – Sun 11:30am – 9:30pm
Signature Menu Items: Arashi Ramen, Miso Tonkotsu, Black Garlic Ramen
Also Try: Spicy Tan Tan with Eggs, Honey Garlic Karaage Chicken
Address: 17045 Southcenter Pkwy

Jony’s Breakfast & Lunch

Craving classic American diner food? This is the spot! It’s a hole-in-the-wall diner offering burgers, sandwiches, omelets, pancakes, and more. The reviews of this place speak for themselves. Jony’s serves up one of the best breakfasts around. Stop in and experience it for yourself.

Hours: Tu – Sat: 6am – 2:30pm, Su: 7am – 2:30pm
Signature Dish: Carne Asada Omelet, Chilaquiles
Also try: Chicken and waffles, Corned Beef Hash, Cinnamon Roll French Toast
Address: 656 Strander Blvd

Rendition

Rendition is located inside Hotel Interurban, offering an upscale yet welcoming urban hangout in the heart of Southcenter. Rendition features classic American cuisine that highlights the Pacific Northwest. Also check out Urban Roast Coffee right around the corner for a morning pick-me-up or afternoon treat.

Hours: Every day 7-10am, 4-10pm
Signature Dish: Fish & Chips, the Urban Burger
Also try: Shrimp Tacos, Flat Iron Steak
Address: 223 Andover Park E

Billy Baroo’s Bar & Grill

Billy Baroo’s Smokehouse & Bar opened inside Foster Golf Links in 2009. Featuring an in-house custom wood smoker, housemade BBQ sauces, and a rotating tap of 20 local beers; it’s the perfect place to catch a big game, relax after a round of golf, or hang out for a weekend brunch. With a large open patio, it’s an extra treat on a nice sunny day.

Hours: M-F: 11am – 9pm; Sat: 9am – 9pm; Sun: 9am -7pm
Signature Dish: Brisket Dinner, Baby Back Ribs
Also try: Bourbon Salmon, Reuben Sandwich, Loaded Potatoes
Address: 13500 Interurban Ave South

Halwo Kismayo Grill

This celebration of traditional Somalian cuisine first opened its doors in Tukwila in 2011 and has become a local favorite ever since. Open daily at 5am, this is a go-to spot for an early morning breakfast or quick hot chai latte. In addition to their traditional Somalian menu, they’re also serving up classic American eats, like burgers and cheesesteaks — wonderfully cravable late-night eats.

Hours: Every day 5am – 11pm
Signature Dish: Beef Katakata
Also Try: Philly Cheesesteak, Lamb Gyro, Chai Latte
Address: 14822 Tukwila International Boulevard

Juba Café & Restaurant

With a focus on flavorful meats and traditional East African cuisine, Juba Restaurant & Cafe provides a welcoming, rich dining experience. Opening in 2011, it has cultivated a loyal following, known for its large portions and reasonable prices, perfect for groups, family-style meals, and catering.

Hours: Every day 8am – 10pm
Signature Dish: Chicken Suqaar, Lamb Shank
Also Try: Ethiopian Injera, Chapati
Address: 14223 Tukwila International Boulevard

Dubai Cafeteria & Espresso

At Dubai Cafe & Espresso, stop in first thing for a warm morning coffee and hit it on the way home for an affordable takeout dinner for the whole family. Modest and unassuming from the street, this place serves up big portions and flavor at affordable prices. Also known for its warm and friendly staff, it’s a must-visit for authentic East African cuisine in South Seattle.

Hours: Every day 6am – 11pm
Signature Dish: Spaghetti with Lamb, Chicken Suqaar
Also Try: Mango Smoothie, Beef KK and Chapati
Address: 14857 Tukwila International Boulevard

Birrieria Grumpy’s

Birria, a Mexican dish of stewed meat, is insanely intense, complex, and delicious. Birrieria Grumpy’s is a master of it and is serving it up in all kinds of ways, injecting birria goodness into nachos, fries, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, salads, baked potatoes, and even ramen.

Hours: Every day 11am – 9pm
Signature Dish: Quesa-Birria Tacos, Birria Ramen
Also try: Monarca Potato, Birria Nachos
Address: 14201 Interurban Ave South

Taqueria Jalisco

Taqueria Jalisco is one of many loved taco trucks in Tukwila. Great prices, fast service, generous portions, and a diverse menu make this a spot people keep coming back to. With a large, covered outdoor patio, it’s a welcome taco truck to stay and eat at or take to go.

Hours: Every day 10am – 10pm
Signature Dish: Lengua, Tripe, and Cabeza Tacos
Also try: Chorizo, Adobada, Horchata
Address: 14000 Tukwila International Blvd

Moctezuma’s Mexican Restaurant

Moctezuma’s has been a premium Seattle area Mexican dining institution for nearly 50 years, winning countless awards and recognitions. Tukwila is the proud home of one of four regional locations. In addition to its incredible eats, it’s a loved spot for its tequila bar, offering over a dozen signature margaritas and hand-crafted cocktails, as well as tequila-tasting flights.

Hours: Su-Th: 11am – 10pm; Fri – Sat: 11am – 11pm
Signature Dish: Queso Flameado, Molcajete, El Chingón
Also try: Chile Relleno, Chimichanga
Address: 1150 Southcenter Mall

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The restaurants featured here are just a glimpse into the diverse flavors and experiences that await you. Whether you’re in the mood for savory ramen, hearty birria, or traditional Somali dishes, Tukwila has something to satisfy every palate.

There are so many more amazing spots that we couldn’t fit into this list. Keep an eye out on our socials for more recommendations and dining adventures. In the meantime, browse our website’s dining page and let your taste buds guide you through Tukwila’s vibrant food scene!

Happy eating, friends!

September 5, 2024 | Activities, Museum of Flight

Behind the Scenes at The Museum of Flight

The Museum of Flight first opened its doors in 1983 next to Tukwila’s historic Boeing Field — home to the first ever airplane flight in the Seattle area and the perfect setting for an aerospace museum. Over the next 40 years, it grew to become one of the most notable air and space museums in the world. Its collection of aircraft and spacecraft is one of the largest in the world, and its archive of books, artifacts, photos, and other printed materials puts it into a class on par with the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum.

With over 600,000 visitors per year, The Museum of Flight is a top destination for tourists and Seattle locals alike.

This month, we sat down with The Museum of Flight Senior Manager Ted Huetter to give us the inside scoop on what to look out for when visiting and tell us a little more about the museum’s role in the community.

If a first-time visitor had only two hours to spend at the museum, what would you recommend they prioritize?

Ted Huetter: The Great Gallery is a fantastic look at the first 100 years of aviation, from early mail planes to the Blackbird spy plane to jets from the Vietnam War era. The Apollo exhibit next to it has relics from the 1960s Space Race to the Moon you won’t see anywhere else, like the first Apollo command module spacecraft, and rocket motors that launched Apollo 12 and 16. If you’re in a time crunch this area is a must see and provides a great overview of aerospace history.

What would you say is the most underrated feature or artifact in the museum that visitors might overlook?

Sometimes it’s the little things that get overlooked among the huge objects here. One of my favorites is a very special gift from the Apollo 1 astronauts to the astronaut director, Deke Slayton. The Apollo 1 astronauts were tragically killed in training exercise, so it was their widows that gave Slayton the pin. He treasured it and always wore it after that. When he died decades later, his widow gave it to the Museum because her friend Neil Armstrong thought it would be the best place for it.

The “Home Beyond Earth” exhibit recently opened in June. Can you tell us a bit about why the history of space stations was something the museum wanted to explore?

We are very proud that this exhibit was developed almost entirely in-house, including the interactive elements that kids love so much. Humankind is beginning another new space age that will include many people who could not have gone to space before. This exhibit is very timely and lets people learn about the exciting possibilities that lay ahead for them. For more on the “Home Beyond Earth” exhibit visit: https://homebeyondearth.museumofflight.org/

Creating community is also at the core of The Museum of Flight’s mission. How does the museum engage with the local community?

The subject of flight is universal, so we take the spirit of flight into the community at local festivals and other events. We have our own festivals, both free and included with Museum admission, that offer engagement for a great range of interests, including art, science, history, and more. Tukwila staff and other community organizations often have a big presence at these events.

The Museum also provides free access for community film, photoshoots, and other art projects, and actively engages with local communities and organizations via social media.

When did the Boeing Academy for STEM Learning program start? How has this program grown and evolved over time?

Education has been part of the Museum’s mission since the beginning, over 50 years ago. The Boeing Academy is a more recent umbrella for this work and has grown to be the largest education office of any aerospace museum. We offer on-site and remote programs, college credit courses, flight instruction and university scholarships, plus dozens of programs for K-12 students, all aimed at inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, historians, and aviation enthusiasts.

The Museum of Flight is an incredible event venue, hosting events like fashion shows, the Seattle Symphony, craft beer tastings, etc. What’s the most unusual event you’ve had here? What are the most beloved events year-after-year that the museum hosts?

Our Art After Dark burlesque event might have been the most unusual for an aerospace museum, but the theme of flight was a part of it, and we reached many people who might not normally visit the Museum.

Yuri’s Night is a very special annual event. It celebrates human spaceflight and how space brings everyone together. There are Yuri’s Night celebrations around the world every April, and ours has grown to be the largest. During the day we offer Yuri’s Day, which is for a younger audience, and this year we offered a DJ’d dance party engaging the deaf and hard of hearing community with Puget Sound’s first use of cutting-edge haptic gear so all attendees could fully experience live dance music.

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For many, The Museum of Flight is not a one-time visit. With new major exhibits every year, and new public programs and family events almost every weekend, there’s reasons to come back again and again. So whether you’re a first time visitor, a regular, a parent of curious minds, or a curious mind yourself, there’s a place for you here.

You can check out general admission tickets and pricing, or consider becoming a member.

There’s also many ways for individuals and families to visit the Museum for free or heavily discounted rates, including monthly free first Thursdays from 5-9pm for the public. For more ways to enjoy the Museum for free or at low cost, visit https://www.museumofflight.org/Visit/Access.

July 23, 2024 | Activities

The Ultimate Summer Guide to Kid-Friendly Fun in Tukwila

We’re about halfway through summer break, and if you’re like most parents or care providers, you might be scrambling to find new and exciting ways to keep the kids entertained during the summer school break.

Tukwila has got you covered. From staying cool inside to soaking up the sun, we’ve curated the ultimate list of summer activities and events that will keep young and old kids happy and your sanity intact. Whether your kids are water lovers, gamers, outdoor adventurers, music lovers, or bookworms, Tukwila has something for everyone. So, let’s keep summer rolling and create more unforgettable memories.

Activities for when you need a break from the sun

Seattle Chocolate Factory Tour — Kids can experience their own Charlie and the Chocolate Factory moment! But don’t worry, there are no chocolate rivers, garbage chutes, magic chewing gum, or shrinking machines to worry about here. Instead, learn about the history and origins of chocolate, get a look inside the factory, and sample delicious chocolate creations. Tours available Monday – Saturday at 10:00am, 12:00pm, and 2:00pm. Book your tour here.
The Museum of Flight — Stay cool in the AC and explore the wonders of the Museum of Flight. There’s so much to see you’ll want to keep coming back! Consider becoming a member. Open daily 10:00am – 5:00pm. Check out the latest events and exhibits on their website.
Tukwila Pool — Take to the water and leave the sunscreen stress at home! Tukwila’s indoor pool has daily family swim times for kids to practice swimming and have fun in the water. For the gung-ho swimmers, consider signing your kid up for the Mako Sharks Swim Club — a recreational swim team for ages 6-17. Visit their website for more information.
Jump, Fly, Race — Stay active indoors! Visit a giant indoor trampoline park at Sky Zone, experience new heights and indoor skydiving at iFLY, and take to the indoor race tracks at Sykart. These activities are sure to thrill and put a smile on your kid’s face.
Gaming in Tukwila — Tukwila offers a variety of locations to engage families and friends in a little friendly competition. Explore the arcade and bowling alleys at Round 1 and Bowlero, experience virtual reality gameplay at Dimension XR, or dive into a new dimension and build community at Legacy Gaming — complete with a dedicated Kid Zone for young gamers!
AMC Southcenter — Put up your feet, relax in AC, munch on some popcorn, and enjoy a classic summer pastime — going to the movies! Notable current and upcoming kids movies include Despicable Me 4, Inside Out 2, The Secret Life of Pets, Migration, and more! AMC also offers a Summer Movie Camp program, where you can score family-favorite flicks for just $3 a ticket. More details here.

Activities for getting outside

Tukwila Family Fun Center — No list of kids activity recommendations is complete without the Family Fun Center. They’ve got it all — choose from mini golf, go-karts, bumper boats, and batting cages. And when you need a break from the sun, head on over to the indoor arcade, grab your friends for a round of laser tag, or set up your young ones in the Kidopolis Playland. Young kids, big kids, and adult kids will all find a good time here. Open daily at 11:00am. More details here.
Tukwila Concerts in the Park Series — Tukwila’s free concert in the park series kicks off this month! Grab some lawn chairs, pack some snacks, and enjoy fun, inclusive, and interactive music for children and adults. Free outdoor concerts at Joseph Foster Memorial Park will start at 5:30pm on 7/24, 7/31, 8/7, and 8/14, and feature different local artists. Food trucks will also be available! View more details on the artist lineup here.
Tukwila Village Farmers Market — Get to the source. Talk with the farmers and see the beautiful food they produce. Build an appreciation for fresh, locally-grown food at a young age by picking out fruits and vegetables for the week. Visit our blog for more on the Tukwila Village Farmers Market. The market occurs every Wednesday from 4:00-7:00pm at Tukwila Village.
Tukwila Community Center Spray Park — This outdoor water park is free to everyone and full of water fun, with fountains and spray features. Nearby picnic tables and a grassy seating area make it the perfect place to spend the whole afternoon. Basketball courts and a skate park are right around the corner if that’s more your kid’s style. The Spray Park is open daily from 10:00am – 8:00pm.
Tukwila Park Tours — Join Green Tukwila on a tour of our local parks. Explore Tukwila’s public parks and learn about the site’s history and the plants and trees that make it special. Plus you’ll get to meet some cool people while you’re at it! The next tour will take place on August 23 from 10:00 – 11:30am. Visit this link for more dates and info!
Volunteer with Green Tukwila — The perfect activity to do with older kids. Teach them about community stewardship and have fun while doing it! Opportunities include a Kayak cleanup, where participants will float down the Duwamish removing surface debris. View and register for upcoming volunteer events here.

As you can see, Tukwila is bursting with fantastic summer activities that are sure to keep your kids entertained and active all summer long. Whether you’re looking to cool off indoors or bask in the sunshine, there’s no shortage of options to create lasting memories with your young ones.

For more inspiration, visit our Activities and Events pages. Make sure you also follow us on socials to stay up to date on the latest city happenings — you can find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn!

June 13, 2024 | Activtism, Juneteenth

The Artist Behind Tukwila’s Juneteenth Commemoration

Each year, we partner with local artists to create a unique piece of artwork for the annual Tukwila Juneteenth Commemoration poster. This year, we’re excited to announce that we had the pleasure of working with Moses Sun, an acclaimed multimedia artist and activist who has called the Seattle area home for almost two decades. Sun’s works can be found all around the city, breathing life into once-barren concrete walls and commemorating sites of progressive social movements.

Perennially jumping between digital and analog mediums, Sun maintains an artistic throughline centered on telling the story of Black diaspora through “a communion and a conversation between the ancestors, the inner self, and the mystery of making.” As for his own personal story, Sun will tell you how growing up in an activist household in Fayetteville, N.C., helped expose him to experiences that would influence his entire artistic journey, from little kid doodling on pieces of paper all the way to multimedia maestro beautifully adept at capturing the cultural zeitgeist of an entire generation. His childhood was marked by growing up in an activist household where his father and mother participated in a gamut of human rights marches and civic engagements. Although distinct in form, these demonstrations were no different than social movements of today, and Sun’s works give expression to the human element continually struggling to bend this complex history towards justice and beauty.

After Sun graduated high school from the University of North Carolina School of Arts, he attended the Art Institute of Chicago. There, he studied under mentors like Kerry James Marshall and Nick Cave. After gaining the experience he needed to set out on his own, Sun traveled around the country in search of opportunities, gaining experience in all kinds of professions, from branding to design to TV production.

In 2006, Sun made his way to Seattle to fill a Creative Director role for an internet search engine company, and he’s been in the area ever since. He’ll be the first to tell you that it took him a little bit of time to wrap his head around the city’s art scene and understand its direction, but today, Sun is a prominent, well-respected, member. One of his most high-profile projects came in the summer of 2020, when he was invited to join other artists in creating a Black Lives Matter mural on Pine Street during the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone. His contribution is the letter “M.” Sun formed a strong bond with the 15 other mural artists, and they eventually went on to establish the Vivid Matter Collective. The project has been viewed by millions and marks an important moment in Seattle history, BIPOC (Black Indigenous and People of Color) history, and the history of social movements everywhere. Since creating the piece, Sun has been commissioned for projects all over the city for all kinds of organizations.

We’re humbled and honored to be on that list of commissioners, and excited to finally share with you the piece that Sun created for Tukwila’s fourth annual Juneteenth Commemoration, a piece that “celebrates the connection African Americans and people of the African Diaspora have to ancestors whose resilience, diversity of thought, and creativity propelled us to thrive today.

This year’s annual Juneteenth Commemoration will take place on Wednesday, June 19, from 11am – 1pm at the Sullivan Center in Tukwila Village. For more details, check out our event page! We hope you will join us for this special day of remembrance and celebration.

June 10, 2024 | News

New Video Series Launched

Our new business spotlight video series, Tukwila Makes Anything Possible, is finally here! Aimed at highlighting some of the most innovative and creative businesses in Tukwila, this series takes viewers behind the scenes to see how the sausage is made, or rather, how the chocolate and orbitrons are made. Trust us, that joke will make sense once you watch the videos!

We’re so excited to share these videos with the world. It was such a pleasure working with each company to bring their unique story to life. Behind each logo is a massive team of passionate people working tirelessly to sweeten up our days and bring some of the wildest, most out-there ideas to life. It’s humbling to pull back the curtain and see them at work. We hope this series inspires other entrepreneurial minds to chase down that crazy idea. You never know where you might end up. But if you start the chase in Tukwila, you’re guaranteed to be surrounded by a whole community of support.

First up is a familiar favorite. For years, Seattle Chocolate has delighted us with their unique chocolaty creations. Now, go behind the scenes to see how this once bite-sized company came to take a massive chunk out of the chocolate industry.

Next is Avalanche Energy, a local startup on the rise in the world of sustainable energy technology. Beloved science fiction heroes dot the walls of their warehouse facility, while very real, game-changing fusion energy research takes place on the shop floor. Take a closer look at how they’re hard at work trying to revolutionize our world from a little corner of Tukwila.

We hope you had as much fun watching these videos as we did making them. If you want to learn more about these amazing companies and others like them, simply visit their websites at www.avalanchefusion.com and www.seattlechocolate.com. You can also visit our previous blog, Tukwila Makes Innovation Possible.

May 23, 2024 | Activities, green tukwila, News

A Guide to Tukwila Strolls

Sun’s out, run’s out. That’s our latest motto here at Experience Tukwila, now that we’re finally back to warmer, brighter days for the next few months.

It’s time to lace up your tennies and dig up the sunscreen. We’ve put together a handy little guide of all our favorite routes in Tukwila. There’s a level for everyone here, from the seasoned marathon runner to the “just out for a stroll” casual walking group. You’ll explore new neighborhoods, get elevated views of the city, and find perfect post-stroll drink and food spots. So go ahead, try all five and then let us know what you think.

The Routes

#1 The Framed Tree

Miles: 2.7
Elevation: 411 feet
Description: While this route may be short, it packs a punch. With over 400 feet of elevation, expect to get those legs burning on the hills. This route is mostly paved but has some sections of trail.

Highlights:
Crestview Park, where you should absolutely take a breather and check out the cute dogs at the dog park
Crystal Springs Park — pack your rackets and paddles, since there are tennis and pickleball courts here too

#2 The Bank to Bank Run

Miles: 3.2
Elevation: 131 feet
Description: A relatively flat course, apart from the Duwamish Hill Preserve, which takes you on a scenic 100-foot climb — but the views from the top are worth it! This route is mostly paved but has some sections of trail. The majority of the route takes place on designated biking/hiking trails along both banks of the Duwamish River, so car traffic is kept to a minimum.

Highlights:
Tukwila Community Center
Duwamish River
Green River Trail
Duwamish Gardens Park
Duwamish Hill Preserve
Duwamish Park

#3 Fire and Water

Miles: 4.7
Elevation: 41 feet
Description: This is a flat course and perfect for a speed workout, if that’s your thing. The route is mostly all bike paths and parks. Along the way, you’ll get VIP views of Starfire Sports and the Green and Black rivers.

Highlights:
Starfire Sports/Fort Dent Park
Quick little visit to our friends over in Renton to run around the Black River Riparian Forest and Wetland and to check out the artwork at Waterworks Gardens
Views of the Green and Black rivers
Explore parts of the Green River Trail, the Lake to Sound Trail, and the Springbrook Trail

#4 Cross-Town Craze

Miles: 10.9
Elevation: 229 feet
Description: This route is for the marathon trainer. Ease into a good pace and get ready to enjoy some relaxing miles through Tukwila’s parks and long stretches of bike paths. Be sure to have a plan for hydration, since this is a long one!

Highlights:
Duwamish Hill Preserve
Starfire Sports/Fort Dent Park
Duwamish River
Green River Trail
Tukwila Park

#5 The One and Done

Miles: 0.2
Elevation: 5 feet
Description: Begin your route at the front of Foster Golf Links. Walk around the building once (no running!) and then head inside toward the Billy Baroo’s counter. Watch out for occasional obstacles on your path, like a misplaced dining chair or an exuberant Seawolves fan. Once at the bar, order a pint of your favorite local brew, find your leisurely sipping pace, and enjoy!

Highlights:
Foster Golf Links
Billy Baroo’s
Requires no fitness experience
Beer

Think you’ve got what it takes to conquer every Tukwila route? Then give it a go on a nice, sunny day, and don’t forget to share your experience with friends and family on your favorite fitness apps. We’re so grateful to have such a wide variety of paths throughout the city. Even if you’re not a runner, these routes are perfect for exploring new areas of Tukwila at a leisurely pace. As always, be sure to pack plenty of water and sunscreen, and wear high-visibility clothing while running, walking, or biking around the city.

If you have any questions about these routes or would like to submit your own route, simply reach out to us via email or on social media.

February 23, 2024 | News

Black History Month in Tukwila

Black History Month is a time for us to celebrate, acknowledge, and learn about the achievements and resilience of African Americans in our communities and beyond. Below we’ve compiled some resources and links to help folks actively participate in Black history not just in February, but throughout the year — to continue to engage, honor, and learn.

Learn more about Tukwila’s history

Watch this first-hand account by local resident Wayne Perryman discussing his experience growing up around Tukwila before the development of Southcenter Mall.

Support a local Black-owned business

Halwo Kismayo and Grill: Casual spot very popular within the East African community, featuring Somali snacks, box lunches, chai tea, and friendly service.
Juba Restaurant & Cafe: Lively East African restaurant perfect for a quick bite, specialty desserts, and comfort food in a casual setting.
Sahara Cafe: Counter-serve eatery offering a range of traditional East African comfort dishes.
Salama Restaurant and Cafe: Laid-back restaurant offering a range of traditional African comfort dishes.
Spice Bridge Food Hall: Global food hall featuring a rotation of eight woman-owned immigrant eateries from around the world, home of the Food Business Incubator program.
The Brown Pecan: Mother and Daughter-run business providing candied pecans that are sweet with a little bit of heat.
Legacy Gaming Community: Gaming café hosting PC Gaming with the best graphics in HD, 4K, and preparing for 4H graphics to ensure they are cutting edge.

Continued Learning – Black History Month Resources
National Resources

Washington State Resources

King County Resources

Stream These Documentaries

African American: Many Rivers to Cross
Forgotten Four: The Integration of Pro Football
High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America
Jimi Hendrix: Hear My Train Comin’
13th
Venus and Serena
The Loving Story

January 17, 2024 | Innovation, News

Tukwila Makes Innovation Possible

Situated snuggly along the I-5 corridor just south of Seattle and east of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the city of Tukwila is a basin of attraction for people with big ideas and even bigger dreams. Large manufacturing facilities and spacious warehouses fill gaps between restaurants, movie theaters, and small local businesses, offering ample opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to bring their first proof of concept to life or for the longstanding business owner who wishes to shift operations to a more welcoming and bustling area. Due in large part to the technology boom of the nineties and a long, storied history of aerospace advancements, Tukwila is known across the region as a hub for innovation. Now, look at some exciting businesses shaking things up on the southside.

Avalanche Energy:
In need of a new Orbitron? It may sound like a gizmo you would find in Doc’s garage from “Back to the Future,” but the Orbitron is 100% real and 100% game-changing. The brilliant minds over at Avalanche Energy are currently hard at work trying to make massive breakthroughs in fusion technology to bring this little microreactor to life and eventually to market. Inspired by a passion to help combat the climate crisis and move humanity toward a new energy future, the founders of Avalanche Energy chose Tukwila for their startup because of its prime location, availability of warehouse space, and being surrounded by other incredible minds in similar forward-thinking industries. Take a closer look at Avalanche’s work to make fusion energy possible.

LeoStella:
Right now, there are hundreds of small satellites flying in low Earth orbit with thousands planned to join them by the end of the decade. Even more fascinating, some of those satellites got their start over in a little corner of Tukwila. LeoStella is a state-of-the-art small satellite manufacturing company, redefining how high-quality Earth observation constellations are built. Focusing primarily on satellite constellations, the team is leading the way in reducing development costs and time to bring a fully operational product online in just three to four months—about half the amount of time as other companies in the industry. Over the past five years, the company has delivered 19 small satellites to LEO with many more planned for near future. The space they occupy in Tukwila is rather unconventional for their type of work. Originally designed for standard office use, LeoStella renovated their space to include an ISO class 8 cleanroom/production floor for assembling the satellites. Take a closer look at this impressive operation that shoots for the stars.

Seattle Chocolate Company:
You know the packaging, you know the flavors, but did you know that Seattle Chocolate Company is located in Tukwila? It’s true! One of the most iconic names in chocolate can be found in a candy-colored building just south of town. It’s the stuff of dreams to have a neighborhood chocolate factory. As part of a larger rebrand in the mid-2000s, Seattle Chocolate Company moved operations to Tukwila where it has been raising the chocolate bar ever since. Owner, Jean Thompson claims that purchasing the building that would become the factory’s new home in Tukwila “was the single best investment I ever made.” With help from her daughter Ellie, Jean is setting an example for the entire industry by producing ethically sourced chocolate in their carbon-neutral Tukwila facility. Take a closer look at the amazing chocolatey concoctions they dream up.

And that’s just a small taste of the many incredible businesses operating out of Tukwila. Go anywhere around town and you’ll find pockets of innovation brimming with talented minds working together to bring new creative ideas to life.

We love celebrating these businesses and the people behind the work. We even made a video to prove it! Be on the lookout for the launch of Tukwila Makes Anything Possible—a video highlighting the three companies above and how they contribute to the larger fabric of innovation here in Tukwila.

December 14, 2023 | Holidays, News, Shopping

Tukwila’s 2023 Holiday Gift Guide

Nestled right there between Taylor Swift’s Eras World Tour, Barbenheimer, and Fat Bear Week is the 2023 Tukwila Holiday Gift Guide. This event comes just once a year, but the joy it produces is pretty much limitless. We’ve made our list and checked it twice. Now it’s your turn to give it a once over. You’ll see a lot of returning favorites as well as many new faces this year. So go ahead, dive in, dig around, and come away with amazing gift ideas that will help you win the holidays!

For the Mega Fan:

- Seawolves Jersey/2024 Season Tickets: Show your commitment to the best rugby team in the universe (we’re not biased, promise). Sport a fresh new jersey, or go all in on season tickets for the Seawolves 2024 season!
- OL Reign/Sounders Merch: Tukwila is overflowing with talent, which means you should be overloaded with swag. Grab the latest OL Reign and Seattle Sounders merch to complete your full #champstrainintukwila wardrobe.

For the Sporty:

- Mayweather Boxing: Here’s a gift that’s undefeated – a membership to Mayweather Boxing! Train like a champ in this one-of-a-kind, high-intensity gym that builds community and muscle.
- Starfire Camps for Kids/ Adult Drop-Ins: You can’t score a goal with an iPad. Give your kid the gift that keeps on giving them a reason to be outside. Starfire Sports has plenty of camps for kids eager to take to the pitch.
- Foster Golf Links: There’s nothing quite like sending a tiny ball sailing through a hall of towering Douglas firs and lush ferns. Don’t miss out on the holiday special at Foster Golf Links!

For the Playful:

- Sykart: This is an easy one because everyone loves go-karts. If they say otherwise, they’re lying. Take your gift-giving from 0 to 60 with Sykart – the PNW’s premiere indoor go-kart track.
- Dimension XR: Every year someone gives the gift of a VR headset. And every year a living room gets destroyed. This year, protect your house by leaving VR to the professionals. Book a reservation at Dimension XR today.
- Legacy Gaming: Gaming lounges are a great way to enjoy classic video games and make friends. Legacy Gaming offers a wide range of packages for every type of gamer.
- iFly: Experience what it’s like to drop from thousands of feet in the air while barely leaving the ground. iFly is a fun way for the whole family to experience a whole new level of joy this holiday season.
- Tukwila Family Fun Center: Spend the holidays at everyone’s favorite fun center. Right now, Tukwila Family Fun Center is offering $10 off when you buy $50 in gift certificates. Go-karts, bowling, games, and more!
- Defy: You haven’t trampolined until you’ve trampolined at Defy. Give the gift of defying gravity with a membership card + a Holidays Perks Passport.

For the Experiential Type:

- Meadmaking Class: Here’s a pretty sweet idea for the holidays – mead-making! Connect to thousands of years of history with a private mead-making class from Jon Oppegaard, the Owner and Head Meadmaker for Oppegaard Meadery. Want to read more about the business before you commit? Check out the blog on our recent meadery visit!
- Seattle Chocolate Factory Tour: Speaking of sweet, what’s a holiday gift guide without Seattle Chocolate? Treat your family and friends to a factory tour of this Tukwila institution to see how much love goes into making your favorite bar of chocolate.
- Tickets to Rainier Symphony: For all the music lovers out there, Tukwila is home to one of the finest community orchestras around. Grab tickets for a night at the Rainier Symphony listening to all your favorite holiday classics.
- Museum of Flight Membership: A full-size airplane won’t fit in a gift box, but a membership to The Museum of Flight will! With over 175 aircraft and spacecraft, dozens of exhibits, and thousands of artifacts, it’s the perfect gift for the history buff in your family. While you’re on their site, check out their rocking gift guide for more inspiration.

For the Foodie:

- Spice Bridge Shop: Everyone knows Spice Bridge for their amazing rotating menu of globally inspired dishes. But did you know they also have a swag shop? Pick up a tote or gift card for that special foodie in your family!
- Bacovino Wine: A wine tasting never misses. Take that special someone out for a romantic night at Bacovino Wine. There’s a tasting room in Tukwila? You bet your cork there is!

For the Stylish:

- Southcenter: When you don’t know how to shop for someone, just give them the gift of shopping! Westfield Southcenter has gift cards for all the amazing brands in Washington’s favorite mall.
- The Cool NW Clothing: Help them update their wardrobe with The Cool NW – a lifestyle boutique that has been creating elevated streetwear in Tukwila since 2009.