The Microadventure: Epic Adventures Without the Epic Hassle

52 Microadventures in 52 Weeks - 2024 Edition

Our Microadventures were so much fun that we decided to keep our weekly microadventure tradition going! Join us as we share a new microadventure every week.

What is a Microadventure?

A trip doesn't have to be of epic proportions to be incredible. In fact, some of the best travel stories come from finding joy, wonder, and fun in unexpected places. That's why here in Seattle Southside we are focusing on the microadventure - the walk off the beaten path that takes you on an incredible journey without taking up too much of your time, energy, or cash. Microadventures are perfect for folks who are in town on a long layover at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), looking to fill free time before or after a conference or meeting, about to head out on a cruise, or who are staying in Seattle Southside as their home base for their Pacific Northwest adventures.

Our neck of the woods is full of a fantastic array of places to go, things to do, dishes to eat, and experiences to be had that you'd never expect. In fact, we're regularly told by locals that they're surprised to learn about something in the area, even if they've lived here their whole lives! Don't believe us? Follow this blog post, which will be updated every week through 2024 as we walk you through 52 microadventures in Seattle Southside. In case you missed our first year of microadventures, you can read part one of the series here, and the epic microadventures continue through 2023 in part two and part three!

SEE ALL OUR MICROADVENTURES

53. A Slice of Fusion at Tandoori Slice

54. Treat Yourself at Gene Juarez Salon and Spa

55. Meet the Good Bootlegger at Des Moines Marina

56. Drink like a Viking at Oppegaard Meadery

57. Catch the Big Game

58. Bite into Mochi Deliciousness

59. Cheesesteaks (and more!) Made Famous at the Layover Grill

60. See the Seawolves Hunt

61. Thai One On

62. Get in the Dog House

63. Bloom Into Spring at Angle Lake Park

64. Grab a Slice!

65. Fun for the Whole Family at Family Fun Center

66. Authentic Japanese Flavors at Miyabi Sushi

67. Find Out Why Peru is Famous for Its Chicken

68. Paint and Sip at The Heart Gallery

69. Drag Brunch

70. Candlelight Concert

71. Get Nostalgic with a Capri Soju

72. Try the Q-Bao at Dough Zone

73. The Redondo Arch

74. Indian Street Food

75. Savor Authentic Mexican Food

76. Sip a Fusion Cocktail at Tandoori Slice

77. Indulge in Authentic Mexican Treats

78. Step Inside a Kaleidoscope

53. A Slice of Fusion at Tandoori Slice

Usually when you think of pizza, you think of Italian food, but this pizza takes its flavor inspirations from another "I" cuisine: Indian! At Tandoori Slice you can get flavorful pizzas inspired by traditional Indian dishes like Chicken Tikka, Butter Paneer, and Tandoori Tofu! And if you'd rather go the more conventional pizza route, you've got options there, too, but the Indian pizza is absolutely fantastic. Their samosas, made from scratch, are delicious with a subtle spice that sneaks up on you. This cute and cozy pizza joint has board games, regular gatherings, and even a full bar, so it's great for gatherings.

54. Treat Yourself at Gene Juarez Salon and Spa

You do so much every day, you absolutely deserve to take a little time to pamper yourself. At Gene Juarez Salon & Spa, you can get the style, cut, color or blowout your hair needs. Need to get truly pampered? Try a manicure, pedicure, or facial. After all, practicing good self-care is the best way to bring the new you into the new year!

55. Meet the Good Bootlegger at Des Moines Marina

Whether you're celebrating National Bootlegger's Day (which happens every year on January 17th) or just wanting to get in the bootlegger spirit, when you visit the Des Moines Marina you're also getting a bit of history. A stop on the Seattle Southside Scenes trail, this spot marks where the Good Bootlegger once made his illicit booze runs. You can learn more about this history here, plus get started to earn free rewards for visiting the Scenes trail locations!

56. Drink like a Viking at Oppegaard Meadery

Meet your Mead Maker! At Oppegaard Meadery, mead is crafted the traditional viking way by Jon Oppegaard, who taps into his viking roots to hand craft his delicious meads. The mead hall is all ages and even dog friendly, so the whole family can come enjoy the cozy atmosphere and board games! Seattle Southside has a huge mead scene, and Oppegaard is one of its crown jewels.

57. Catch the Big Game

Are you excited for a very...Super game that's coming up? Or maybe you just want to catch the latest and greatest in sports in a great atmosphere? We know some of the best sports bars around town to watch the big game, whether you're by yourself or meeting up with friends. From standbys like Buffalo Wild Wings to local favorites like the All-Star Sports Bar, we've got just the gameday vibe you're looking for.

58. Bite into Mochi Deliciousness

Mochi, a sweet Japanese rice cake, and donuts, that classic American dessert with a hole, come together in not one but two places here in Seattle Southside. At Dochi Donuts in The Eatery at Lam's Seafood, you can enjoy flavors inspired by everything from red velvet cake to breakfast cereal, with flavors rotating daily. Mochinut in Westfield Southcenter Mall takes things a step further and also offers rice flour-battered hotdogs, similar to a corn dog but with the same fluffy, crunchy texture as mochi. No matter which spot you go to, you're going to experience deliciousness in an adorable package: these bubble ring shaped donuts are delicious, fluffy, tearable, sharable, and perfectly Instagrammable.

59. Cheesesteaks (and more!) Made Famous at the Layover Grill

When you eat at The Layover Grill, you may get more of a sight than just the planes overhead with your meal. That's because the Layover's cheesesteaks are beloved by local sports celebrities like former SuperSonic Shawn Kemp and Tariq Woolen of the Seattle Seahawks! You can taste what all the buzz is about for yourself in either traditional cheesesteak or quesadilla form, or try their burgers and other grill favorites, then catch some great planespotting just outside.

60. See the Seawolves Hunt

The Seattle Seawolves are once again in the hunt for the Major League Rugby (MLR) Championship Shield. If you've never been to a rugby match before, imagine two teams composed of over 7,000 pounds worth of men each fighting for ground with barely any pads in a game that combines the physicality of football, the brutality of hockey, and the speed of soccer. The Seawolves play over the course of a season that lasts from March through June, with the option for more rugby extending to July if they make a deep playoff run, which is always a possibility for the back-to-back 2018/19 MLR Champion Seawolves, who made it to the finals in the 2023 season. Take in a match at Starfire Stadium if they're playing a home game, or catch their away game watch parties held at various local sports bars in Seattle Southside depending on the match.

61. Thai One On

Seattle Southside is a diverse region with tons of different cuisines on offer, so it's no surprise we're home to some delicious Thai food options! Thai has gone from relative unknown to takeout standby in recent years, and it's easy to see why—or should we say, taste why! If you're looking for a spot to grab Thai food in Seattle Southside, whether you want dine-in or something to take home with you, we know just the spot.

62. Get in the Dog House

Don't worry, you're not getting sent to the Dog House for bad behavior, the Des Moines Dog House is a place to get the most delicious hot dogs around served up Seattle style (with cream cheese and grilled onions), or served Columbian-style on an arepa. With tons of different sausage choices, you're sure to find a dog that's the perfect bite for you.

63. Bloom Into Spring at Angle Lake Park

All year long, Angle Lake Park offers beautiful beaches, trees, trails, and a view of Mt. Rainier when the mountain's out. But during the spring you can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossom trees in full bloom as they rain their petals down. Get a picnic and some friends together and enjoy this beautiful sight, or visit one of the other local places where cherry blossoms come out!

64. Grab a Slice!

Did you know Seattle Southside is home to tons of great pizza options? Whether you just want a slice for yourself or pies for the whole gang, we've got options ranging from your standard cheese and pepperoni to combinations you can't find anywhere else, like tandoori-style Indian-inspired pizza! Check out all the different pizza options in our area on our blog.

65. Fun for the Whole Family at Family Fun Center

There's a little bit of something for everyone at the Family Fun Center, which is something of a collection of microadventures in and of itself! There's go-karting, laser tag, bowling, rides, an arcade, mini golf, batting cages, VR, bumper boats, and more! Not traveling with the kiddos? Look for their 21+ after-hours events that feature live music, drinks, and unlimited attractions.

66. Authentic Japanese Flavors at Miyabi Sushi

Miyabi Sushi is one of those spots that's easy to miss, tucked towards the back of a shopping center in Tukwila. But the authentic flavors and genuine hospitality are not to be missed, and for those in the know, it's the highlight of their visit to the area. On any given day you'll see business travelers who have made a special trip just for this restaurant having meetings over sushi and sake, bringing colleagues to introduce them to this hidden gem. There are more options than just sushi on the menu, including udon (a noodle soup featuring thick, slurpable noodles), a rich Japanese-style curry, katsudon, and more traditional Japanese dishes that will expand your understanding of the cuisine beyond the sushi roll. But if sushi's your thing, their fresh and delicious cuts of fish are sure to satisfy. Overwhelmed by your sushi options? Try their incredible omakase (chef's selection) of sushi or sashimi to get the very best of what is fresh and on offer today.

67. Find Out Why Peru is Famous for Its Chicken

Sure, you’ve had rotisserie chicken. But have you tried Peruvian chicken? If not, add it to your "must try" list. “Pollo a la brasa” (also called pollo asado), is an incredibly tender dish that's seasoned and slow-roasted to perfection. It's a staple in Peruvian households, but you don’t have to fly to South America to try it. Just check out San Fernando Roasted Peruvian Chicken, an unassuming spot with a top-notch menu of authentic Peruvian cuisine. You can even order an entire roast chicken and make a party of it. Last one to take a bite picks up the check!

68. Sip and Paint at The Heart Gallery

Sometimes, you want more out of a date night or get-together…something that will help you open up and let go of the daily grind. At The Heart Gallery Paint & Sip in downtown Burien, you can unwind while getting your creative juices flowing. Sip on a glass of wine or beer as you're guided through fun, easy painting projects. There are no special skills required (so don’t worry if you can barely draw a straight line!) Even if you don't consider yourself an artist, research shows that exercising your creative muscles has so many benefits, including decreasing stress and stimulating new ideas. The studio was created by a local couple, and they've imbued it with their love of art and community. In addition to beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks, the studio's bar is stocked with snacks, making it ideal for a casual catch-up with friends or coworkers, a first date, or a special milestone.

69. A Boozy Brunch Hosted by Drag Queens

Why have a boring breakfast at home when you can be served glamorous looks and a boozy beverage along with your eggs and bacon? At Drag Brunch at the Great American Casino in Tukwila, you can enjoy all your favorite breakfast classics while show-stopping drag queens take the stage decked out in sparkles, feathers, and all manner of diva attire. Don't be surprised when they bust out explosive dance routines to pop hits, whip out stunts like a 360-degree spin-jump off the stage, or come down to flirt with the audience. They've also been known to tell a tale or two about their lives, so it can get real. It's fun, it's wild, and it only happens once in a while, so check the casino calendar for upcoming dates, and keep it in mind for birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or any excuse to add some glam to your weekend.

70. See a Candlelight Concert

Seeing a live orchestra is always a treat, but there’s something especially moving about a concert illuminated only by the soft glow of candlelight. That’s the magic formula behind Candlelight Concerts, an international event series produced by entertainment brand Fever. Since the first concert was held in Madrid in 2019, these small, intimate events have been hosted in more than 100 cities worldwide. In Seattle Southside, you can catch a Candlelight Concert at the Museum of Flight, one of the region’s premier event venues. The events typically feature music from one artist, be it a classical composer or a pop star like Taylor Swift and Adele. Check the Fever site for upcoming shows and to buy tickets, then plan a classy night out complete with dinner and drinks in Seattle Southside.

71. Get Nostalgic with a Capri Soju

Remember the carefree bliss of popping a straw into a Capri Sun? Gen Korean BBQ has given this childhood classic a grown-up glow-up with their Capri Soju, a nostalgic, cheeky cocktail that's served in a clear pouch and bursting with bright neon colors like yellow and green. Each pouch packs 18 ounces of deliciousness featuring soju, a smooth, slightly sweet Korean distilled spirit that's like vodka’s mellow cousin. Choose from flavors like green apple, strawberry, mango, and lychee. While you're sipping, enjoy Gen Korean's interactive all-you-can-eat BBQ experience, where you grill premium meats right at your table. With endless portions and a club-like vibe, it's the perfect place for a group dinner or party.

72. Try the Q-Bao at Dough Zone

If you haven't tried the signature Q-Bao (pan-fried buns) at Dough Zone, your taste buds are in for a treat. These round (dare we say cute?) doughy buns are filled with premium minced pork and a savory broth that bursts with rich, warm flavor when you bite into them. However, these aren't your average soup dumplings, as they're larger and fluffier, made with an enriched dough that's just a bit sweet. Pan-seared to a golden crisp on the bottom and then steamed to pillowy perfection on top, they offer a satisfying blend of textures and flavors in every bite. One taste, and you’ll see why these buns steal the show!

Pictured: Dough Zone's famous Q-BAO®, a modern take on Shanghai's Sheng Jian Bao (pan-fried buns).

73. The Redondo Arch

Walk down to the plaza at Redondo Beach in Des Moines, where the churning waves meet the rugged shoreline, and you’ll be met with a striking sight: a towering, rocky arch stands like a gateway to the ocean. If the sculpture wasn’t in the park’s plaza, you could mistake it for a natural feature. That’s by design—Seattle-based artist John T. Young was inspired by the rock outcroppings along the coast. Young, a renowned sculptor and professor emeritus at the University of Washington, created the arch in 1986 by blowing up a block of granite and piecing it back together with steel cables. The result is a “destruction reintegration metaphor,” representing how we are destroying the earth and now must rebuild it. “It’s a warning, but it’s also very positive,” Young explains. It can also be interpreted on a personal level—as a mind that has been reformed after a trauma. In a strange twist, the arch itself was almost destroyed when a massive storm in 1991 wreaked havoc on the plaza, leaving the 8-ton arch dangling precariously over the water. It was rescued by crane, and more than 30 years later, sits prominently near the entrance of a 1.1-mile-long boardwalk.

74. Vegetarian Indian Street Food

Urban Tapri in SeaTac brings the bold, vibrant flavors of Indian street food right to Seattle Southside. This family-owned gem, just minutes from SEA airport, is the go-to spot for a quick yet satisfying bite. This family-owned spot has an incredible lineup of veggie-friendly bites you won’t find just anywhere. Their vegetarian burgers are the star of the show—think crispy spiced potato cutlets, noodle patties, and grilled paneer tucked into soft, buttery buns. The Veggie Noodle Burger combines hakka noodles (flavorful, stir-fried noodles that are somewhat similar to chow mein), a potato veggie patty, fresh vegetables, and rich, melty amul cheese. Pair it with a freshly made beverage like creamy mango lassi, rose milk, or tangy Masala Chaas for the full experience.

75. Savor Authentic Mexican Food

If you're craving authentic Mexican flavors in a laid-back, welcoming setting, head to Arturo's Mexican Restaurant in Des Moines. Founded in 2011 by Arturo and his brothers Joel and Salvador, this family-owned gem brings the rich culinary traditions of their hometown, Zamora, Michoacán, right to your table. Their mother's passion for cooking on their family farm inspired many of the delectable recipes you'll find on the menu. Swing by during their daily happy hour to enjoy $10 specials like the Seven Layer Dip, which is loaded with beans, guacamole, and other ingredients and served in a festive, cactus-shaped glass. While you're there, try one of their margaritas (there are a dozen different kinds to choose from, with surprising flavors like mango, kiwi, and pomegranate).

Pictured: Arturo's Mexican Restaurant in Des Moines, Washington

76. Sip a Fusion Cocktail at Tandoori Slice

For a truly unique beverage, head to Tandoori Slice, a family-owned fusion restaurant and bar in Des Moines famous for its Indian-style pizza. The bar menu showcases many cocktails you likely won't see anywhere else, like an Old Fashioned made with housemade saffron rose syrup and a dash of cardamom bitters. The real kicker, though, is the garnish: a small gulab jamun, one of the most popular desserts in South Asia. These deep-fried, syrup-soaked balls are loved for their rich, sweet flavor and soft texture. One of the restaurant's owners, Anu Heera, who also often serves as the bartender, says the idea for the drink came to her in a dream. The result is definitely dreamy.

77. Indulge in Authentic Mexican Treats

You don't need to travel to Mexico for an authentic sweet treat. Tucked away in downtown Des Moines, you'll find Sweet D'licias, a dessert and snack shop filled with refreshing indulgences. It specializes in nieve de garrafa, which is similar to ice cream but lighter, fluffier, and not too sweet. Choose from more than a dozen flavors, including lime, mango, and some you rarely see on American menus, like mamey—a fruit with a creamy texture and a subtly sweet flavor some describe as a combo of apricot and pumpkin. The finishing touch is a drizzle of chamoy, a super popular condiment made of dried chilies, lime, and fruit. The contrast of sweet and spice is *chef's kiss*. Beyond ice cream, there's plenty to explore on the menu, including raspados (shaved ice) and elote (street corn) with Hot Cheeto dust.

Pictured: Mango Ice Cream at Sweet D'Licias

78. Step Inside a Kaleidoscope

At the south end of the Des Moines Marina stands a curious metal sculpture that looks transported from a futuristic world. In fact, this impressive piece, created by renowned Des Moines glass artist George C. Scott in 2018, was made from a refurbished shipping lane buoy once used in the construction of the second Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Covered in colorful glass circles, the dome-like structure beckons passersby to step through its whimsical doorway. Once inside this "walk-through kaleidoscope," you'll see how sunlight filters through the circles, which were designed by local residents and highlight the region's maritime connection.

Pictured: The Marinscope by George C. Scott at the Des Moines Marina