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Seattle, Washington, is well known for its bustling city districts and diverse social spaces, but it's also a destination where comfort food cravings are expertly matched with authentic, heartwarming recipes guaranteed to soothe the soul. Whether you're in the mood for traditional flavors or international delights, comfort food isn't hard to come by at these top Seattle restaurants. The Wandering Goose Situated within the North Capitol Hill neighborhood is the Wandering Goose, a Southern-style cafe serving daily breakfast and lunch. Local favorites include biscuits and mushroom gravy, Boonville grits, and fried chicken sandwiches. You can also indulge in comfort sides such as collard greens and mac and cheese to complement your main dish. more Additionally, the Wandering Goose is open on Fridays between 5 and 9 p.m. for a special fried chicken dinner. You'll want to bring your appetite to this event as you're treated with three pieces of buttermilk fried chicken, three side dishes, and a biscuit. Combine that with the cafe's cozy, 30-seat interior, and you have a space perfect for a relaxing night. CJ's Eatery Head toward Seattle's Belltown neighborhood and make a stop at CJ's Eatery for all-day breakfast, plus lunch and weekday specials. You can start with a morning pick-me-up like the Bourbon Street omelet with andouille sausage and pepper jack cheese or a classic serving of eggs any way you like, including eggs Benedict. Other fan favorites we recommend are the corned beef hash, latkes (potato pancakes), and sweet French toast. For lunch, the menu expands to include salads, sandwiches, homemade soups, and chili, as well as beverage options such as coffee, tea, beer, wine, and mimosas. Wann Yen Cafe We swap traditional U.S. comfort dishes with authentic Thai recipes at this next establishment, many of which are prepared with free-range chicken and organic tofu. You can select a special off the daily in-house menu or sample a standard staple like Panang curry pork served over a bed of Jasmine rice. Other delicacies include the Khao Mun Gai, a poached chicken over garlic ginger rice and a side of winter melon soup, or the Pad Thai noodles with your choice of meat, seafood, or tofu. Don't forget to pair your dish with one of Wann Yenn's refreshing drink options. These span from fruit juice and iced tea to traditional Thai shaved ice with coconut milk and sweet-infused toppings. Ma'Ono Asian fusion cuisine is a specialty at Ma'Ono. Menus vary slightly between the two locations in West Seattle and University Village, though dishes tend to range from Kalua pig tacos to spicy fried chicken to the Loco Moco — a combination of ground chuck steak, Portuguese sausage, rice, gravy, and a fried egg. Side dishes are just as creative and include Korean chili kimchi and a curry-bacon fried rice blend. Looking for food and drink specials, too? Happy hour at Ma'Ono takes place between Wednesday and Sunday from 5 to 6 p.m. Everyone can agree comfort food is a staple for most, especially when particular cravings hit. Fortunately for Seattle residents, these top restaurants know just how to serve up some of the best comfort food in the Pacific Northwest. Image via Foodista | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

The 2018 Chevy Malibu has a stunning road presence backed by fuel-efficient technology and cutting-edge systems. Despite its midsize frame, you can expect a spacious cabin ideally matched with luxurious surfaces and fine-tuned technology. Here's a further look at what makes the 2018 Chevy Malibu so desirable. Efficient Power With Every Trim The current model is available in the L, LS, LT, Hybrid, and Premier trims. The lower three levels each sport a 1.5-liter turbocharged DOHC four-cylinder engine producing 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This unit also features direct injection, variable valve timing, and is matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. more The Hybrid gets a 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine and two-motor-drive automatic transmission, combined with a hybrid propulsion system yielding 124 horsepower and 129 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the Premier opts for a 2.0-liter engine and nine-speed automatic transmission churning out 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Excellent Performance You Can Feel The 2018 Chevy Malibu features a front-wheel-drive dynamic blended with systems like StabiliTrak electronic stability control, traction control, and four-wheel anti-lock braking. Add in aerodynamic design elements with a Driver Efficiency Gauge, and you have a vehicle that pushes fuel economy to its peak point. Exquisite Style From the Ground Up At the base level sits a set of standard daytime running lights with automatic headlamp control, all-season blackwall tires, and power-adjustable mirrors. Trims can then be further fitted with LED lighting accents, heated mirrors, and stylish accessories like a fender hash decal, panoramic sunroof, or black-infused LT Redline Edition packaging. An Interior With High-End Comforts Standard front bucket seats keep your frame properly upright while 60/40-split folding rear seats let you swap out passenger seating for cargo storage at any given time. The Malibu also accommodates up to five occupants, 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, and 15.8 cubic feet of trunk space (11.60 cubic feet in the Hybrid). As for the entertainment group, you'll feel pleasantly surprised with Chevy's intuitive MyLink infotainment system. This multimedia hub supports a touch screen and available nine-speaker Bose sound system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and navigation. Climb up the trim ladder to enjoy additional comforts, such as wireless charging and a built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Safety Features You Can Trust The 2018 Chevy Malibu earns a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This title is expertly matched with a high-strength steel safety frame, an advanced air bag sensing system, and a one-month OnStar Safety and Security Plan trial with automatic crash response to keep you and your loved ones protected. Other innovative features you can splurge on include front pedestrian and automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a following distance indicator, and Teen Driver technology. The latter offers a teen driver progress report to keep parents in the loop and encourages better and safer driving habits. It does so by enforcing vehicle speed limits, muting the radio until the driver is properly buckled in, and activating certain safety features when necessary. If you need a midsize sedan that packs power with comfort, the 2018 Chevy Malibu is a solid suggestion for interested car buyers. Image via TheBetterDay | Licensed by CC BY-ND 2.0

Burien is a city that embraces diversity, especially when it comes to food. Trying new foods is exciting and unpredictable, and the area around Burien, Washington, offers plenty of unusual dishes for you to sample. Expand your palate and discover these three exotic eateries in Burien, WA. El Pique Restaurant Bar and Grill The best exotic cuisine reflects its native culture and indigenous ingredients. The same is true for El Pique, a local Mexican and Peruvian restaurant brought to you by immigrants of these countries. Outstanding traditional Peruvian cuisine is created from a fusion of flavors. By blending classic fare and always fresh produce with ancestral techniques, the result is mouthwatering modern dishes such as Choros a la chalaca. This dish features mussels bathed in a special sauce, and Peruvian corn called choclo. more Order the Ceviche Mixto. It features a variety of fresh seafood marinated in tangy lime juice, an authentic Peruvian sauce, and garnished with yams. After your meal, visit El Pique's hopping nightclub and bar. It's a great way to spend time with friends and dance away the calories. The Greek House Restaurant and Lounge Traditional Greek hospitality awaits you at The Greek House. Built on a family's love of good food and a warm, inviting environment, all of their recipes are long-held secrets straight from Athens, where restaurateur Philip was born and raised. Greece's culture is centered around food, family and living life to the fullest, and that's the atmosphere you can expect at The Greek House. Philip's Yaya and Papou inspired the menu here in Burien, showcasing savory light bites such as Dolmathakia Yalantzi, a stuff grape leaf served with pita bread. Discover the extensive genuine Greek dinner menu with Arni Kapama, a baked lamb shank. Bistro Baffi Italian Cuisine Less than 5 miles from Burien's city center, in nearby Seahurst, you'll find a taste of the Mediterranean at Bistro Baffi. Internationally known Chef Vujovich shops the Pike Place Market every day in search of only the freshest seafood. Annual visits to Italy inspire Chef's daily specials, so anticipate a variety of new and flavorful dishes popping up on the menu often. The Spaghetti Pescatore topped with a signature risotto pink sauce will take you away to the Adriatic beaches of Montenegro. Seafood lovers will appreciate the Antipasti Insalata Cozze Positano. It's centered around fresh sauteed mussels and topped with a classic garlic and herb based Chianti wine and tomato sauce. Finish your meal with the local favorite Tiramisu. It's a decadent chocolaty, coffee-flavored dessert that melts on your tongue. Order a specialty cocktail from the full-service bar or browse the extensive imported Italian wine list for a perfect pairing with your meal. Sip one of their private label Bistro Baffi wines including Villa Toscana and Syrah, bottled by local St. Hilaire Winery. If you're squeamish about the idea of trying new exotic foods, keep an open mind. Not only do unfamiliar tastes stimulate your palate, but you might also discover a regional flavor that you absolutely love. Image via Marco Verch | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

Have you heard the buzz around your local Chevy showroom? The 2019 Colorado ZR2 is already making a stir around the country as the ultimate rock-climber. The engineers over at General Motors upped this highly capable trailblazer's four-wheeling prowess, and gave it a fierce exterior that looks good too. Keep reading to unearth the top three features that make the new midsize Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 a beast on the trails. Added AEV Protection The Colorado ZR2 will get a major refresh in January, thanks to the first-ever partnership between Chevrolet and American Expedition Vehicles, an aftermarket parts specialist. Its appeal comes from AEV's extensive contribution of parts, designed to protect the truck as it moves through even the most unfriendly terrain. more Outdoor adventurers will appreciate the Colorado's durable, steel skid plates made from Boron steel. The last thing you want 50 miles from civilization is a puncture hole in your gas tank. These five hot-stamped plates protect your truck's fuel tank, engine oil pan, and transfer case. The Colorado is equipped with both front and rear locking differentials — a class-exclusive in this competitive truck segment. Good thing they're covered in steel too. A uniquely designed front bumper is equipped with fog lights and winch provisions, all standard, while the back bumper comes stocked with integrated recovery points. Chevy went so far as to add the optional add-on third-party accessory: the AEV snorkel. This distinctive air intake system is ideal for overland explorers whose journey includes deep water crossings. Power and Performance Colorado ZR2 Bison is named after the buffalo that roam the plains of eastern Colorado. That name evokes the perfect imagery, since this truck is the new symbol of ruggedness. It comes powered by a V-6 gas engine under the hood, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rumor has it the Bison is also available with an optional 2.8-liter Duramax diesel motor. The 2019 ZR2 rides high on Goodyear's Wrangler Duratrac off-road tires, size: 31-inches. This set of rubber is a staple in the off-road arena and is wrapped around the Bison's exclusive 17- by 8-inch bead-locking, aluminum wheels. To accommodate these huge tires, Chevy gave the Colorado larger fender flares and beefed up the clearance. We expect this trail dominating Bison to utilize this extra height quite frequently. Stock Performance Accessories The ZR2 Bison is expected to retain some of its top features and accessories through this upgrade, including rocker protection, an Autotrac transfer case, and cast-iron control arms. You'll have a choice of either the crew or extended cab configurations, paired up with a short or long bed, respectively. You'll also get Multimatic's DSSV dynamic suspension dampers, and more air flow through the redesigned grille. Don't worry. The Chevy logo is proudly stamped in the grille's design. Get ready to rock — climb that is, with the new 2019 Chevy Colorado ZR2. News on the street is that it's the perfect off-roader. Keep an eye on your local Chevrolet showroom. This trail boss should be hitting lots early next year. Image via Chevrolet.com

Going for a jog is a great way to keep fit, and running outside is a lot more interesting than hitting the treadmill. When you live in Burien, finding a great path is almost as easy as stepping out your front door. Burien is home to more than 365 acres of open space, and offers nearly a dozen parks with running trails. Lace up your Nikes, and discover the six best local parks in Burien, Washington, for joggers. Dottie Harper Park This 3.5-acre wooded park is adjacent to the Burien Community Center, and offers runners a scenic path through mature firs, cedars, and other native hardwoods. Dottie Harper Park also features a remodeled playground, space for a picnic lunch, and an amphitheater where you can catch the occasional live performance. Dottie Harper's trails are within walking distance of apartments and family homes, making it the ideal place for a quiet run right in the city. more Hazel Valley Park Located on the north side of Burien, Hazel Valley Park covers a modest 2.9 acres accessible from 124th Street. The park offers paved and unpaved trails neighbored by a delightful grove of fir trees. A lovely community park, the trails are mostly flat and are ideal for a leisurely jog. Mathison Park When you want a view with your run, head out to Mathison Park. Situated over 5.3 acres at the highest point in Burien, this neighborhood park's paved trails lead you up in elevation to picturesque views of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier. Shorewood Park Shorewood Park encompasses 3.4 acres of wooded parkland that is well maintained by community volunteers and members of the Shorewood on the Sound Club. It offers novice runners a short and little-known forested trail right near the elementary school. Salmon Creek Ravine If jogging in an undeveloped open space is more your style, head out to Salmon Creek Ravine. Featuring 88 acres set along the Salmon Creek, it's a favorite destination of joggers who enjoy a mostly primitive trail system. The path winds throughout the wooded hillsides, and is accessible from Shorewood Drive SW. The ravine is heavily wooded with cedar trees and offers runners access to the mile-long, year-round stream, and spring-fed tributaries. Catch sight of bald eagles, raccoons or an elusive red fox. The ravine is also home to muskrat, bats, osprey, otters, and gray squirrels. Seahurst Ed Monro Park Referred to as the jewel of Burien's park system by residents, Seahurst Park offers access to a beautiful salt water beach on Puget Sound. Jog several trails with spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains, then enjoy a lunch in one of the reservable picnic shelters. There's a playground, and a variety of natural features to explore including forests, streams, and wetlands. In addition to offering an exceptional backdrop for a run, it's a favorite spot for photographers to capture Burien's natural beauty. Jogging in the great outdoors is much better than pounding a treadmill. Get outside and explore one of Burien's many parks with a mood-boosting run today. Image via Bernard Spragg | Licensed by CC0 1.0

It's a good idea to follow defensive driving tips each time you get behind the wheel. While every situation is different, defensive driving is a great way to keep yourself safe on the road and to reduce the chance of an accident. That's why we've put together this list of five fundamental tips for defensive driving. Keep Your Eyes Up Ahead Many drivers, both new and experienced, get into the bad habit of looking only at the car that's right in front of them. Maintaining this laser-sharp focus on that one car leaves you unprepared for what might lay ahead. To avoid potential hazards, keep your eyes as far ahead as you can see — for miles if the visibility is good. When you've got an expansive view of the road, you'll have plenty of time to react to potentially dangerous situations, such as a broken down more vehicle on the shoulder. Take In the Big Picture Many accidents happen when drivers lack situational awareness. People often become fixated on things, like the radio, and that driving habit could be deadly. Most people don't realize they're doing it, and they lose track of other vehicles around them. Have an Exit Strategy Formulating an exit strategy is a skill that's learned over time and with experience. While you might be the best driver on the planet, you can't control or predict what others on the road might do. Other factors, such as construction or emergency vehicles, may change a routine day on the road into a problematic situation quite quickly. What do you do if a dog runs into the street up ahead? What if the car in front of you slams on their brakes to avoid him? You need an escape plan — and fast. Maintain a Safe Distance If you decide to follow just one of our handy tips, this is it. Maintaining a cautious distance from the car in front of you is not only the safest habit you can practice, it's the one defensive driving tip that's broken the most. A safe following distance comes with its partner: a safe driving speed. If you're zooming down the highway at 100 mph, you're not going to have the same reaction time as you would if you were cruising at the posted speed limit. Reduce Distractions Today's modern cars and SUVs are loaded with all the conveniences. From an in-dash infotainment system to stereo speakers mounted in your headrest, there are a ton of distractions just sitting in the pilot's chair. Add in a quick drive-thru lunch, and a back seat loaded with half the soccer team, and who blames you for not keeping an eye on the road? Some distractions we can control, and others we just can't. Learning how to deal with driving distractions will help keep you and your passengers safe along the way. We've all made mistakes behind the wheel. Let's work to reduce them with these five fundamental tips for defensive driving. Image via TireZoo | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

The cold waters of Puget Sound are a perfect environment for orcas. These killer whales feed on the salmon that come into the sound. Unfortunately, Orcas are an endangered species, and the pod that returns each year keeps getting smaller. The orcas return to the sound each spring, and there are several places in the area where you can see them both from the water and from land. Point Defiance If you want to stay on land to see the orcas, head to Point Defiance. There are several places along Five Mile Drive right in Point Defiance Park where you can see south Vashon Island. The whales often navigate around the island as they travel down through the sound. Early in the season, you might even catch a glimpse of a humpback whale that sticks around a little longer for its season. more Point No Point Point No Point on the northeast point of the Kitsap Peninsula that faces the Admiralty Inlet. This area is a great place to see all kinds of species in and around the water including the orcas. They pass fairly close to the shore as they come into the sound so you can get a good look at them. Point No Point is also a popular spot for bird-watchers and offers one of the most extensive lists of species in Washington. Take A Whale Watching Tour There are several companies that offer whale watching tours in Puget Sound. Most of the excursions last about three to four hours and will guarantee that you'll see whales. The captains of these boats all know the area and know the places where the whales go so you are likely to see orcas or some other whales while you are out. Thomas Hladky Memorial Park Many Seattle residents refer to Thomas Hladky Memorial Park as Whale Bell Park because of the large brass bell that visitors ring every time they see a whale. Several different species of whales pass through the Saratoga Passage, and the bell is a fun way to announce the presence of whales. You'll find the park at 100 Anthes Ave in Langley, and it is accessible by car, bus, and by ferry. Point Robinson If you can leave the mainland for a trip to see the orca, hop on the ferry over to Vashon Island. Point Robinson sits between Seattle and Tacoma in Puget Sound and connects Maury Island to Vashon Island. There is easy access to the beach where you can go for some of the best whale watching because when the orcas are out in the sound, they will sometimes pass as close as 50 feet from the shore. There is also a lighthouse on the beach worth visiting, and some spectacular views of Mount Rainier. Even though the number of orcas that come back to the sound each year is diminishing, they are still a sight to see. Keep an eye and an ear out for the daily sightings to make sure to head to the right spot. Image via Ingrid Taylar | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

The Chevy Trax is a compact SUV that offers a fun driving experience. This small crossover is a popular choice for younger drivers with its abundance of high-tech features and small footprint. The 2018 model saw just a few minor changes including adding a revised MyLink system with a 7-inch touch screen and some added safety features for the Premier trim. Here are some of the reasons Millennials love the 2018 Chevy Trax. The Power and Performance One reason millennials love the Trax is the peppy 4-cylinder engine. The 1.4-liter will get 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque which is plenty of power for this compact vehicle, and perfect for city driving. Commuters love the fuel economy that can get them up to 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway with the front wheel drive, and its maneuverability is also one of the Trax's strong points. It will fit into tight spaces, and the responsive steering takes on back winding roads like a champ. more The Technology All the Trax models come well-equipped with the latest technology, and OnStar communications with a 4G LTE connection and a WI-FI hot spot also comes standard along with the MyLink infotainment system from Chevy. You'll get Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration and two USB ports in all trims, while a bump up to the LT trim adds satellite radio and a 110-volt plug for the rear seat. The Safety Chevy added the latest active safety features to the Trax to help make your ride as safe as possible. The LT offers the option for the Driver Confidence Package which adds blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and it comes with rear parking sensors. The Premier makes this optional equipment standard and adds forward collision warning and a lane departure warning system. The Spacious Cabin For a small vehicle, the Trax has a roomy cabin. The seats in both the front and back are very comfortable, and there is plenty of headroom and legroom. In the back, the cargo area has almost 19 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up, and if you fold these down, it opens up to over 48 cubic feet. The rear seats also feature a 60/40 split to make it easy to accommodate both gear and people. The MyLink Infotainment System Chevy's MyLink system is user-friendly and features excellent graphics. You can use the system to make and receive phone calls, and since the interface is customizable, you can install the apps that you like. The turn-by-turn navigation system will help you get to your destination, and if you have Destination Download, an Advisor will send directions right to your system, so you don't have to enter an address. Millennials love the 2018 Trax for the technology, the fuel economy, and the added safety features. This compact SUV is also the perfect choice for people living in the city who want to head out on weekend excursions. Image via TuRbO_J | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

When we stop to shop or eat at a large chain store or restaurant, we don't usually think about where it all started. Because of this, many people probably don't realize how many large companies got their start right in Seattle. This exciting city is the birthplace of many different well-known brands. How many of these national brands did you know that got their start in Seattle? more Starbucks There can't be a list of companies that got their start in Seattle that doesn't include Starbucks. The popular coffeehouse chain is probably the most famous brand with roots in Seattle. It all started in 1971, with the first store on Western Avenue. It stayed here until 1976 when the company moved to Pike Place, where it remains today. When Starbucks first started, it only sold whole roasted coffee beans, and the original location still sells just coffee and a few beverages. If you want more, you can stop in at one of the other 24,000 other locations around the world. Cinnabon The delicious cinnamon rolls of Cinnabon also got their start in Seattle. In 1985, at the SeaTac Mall, which is now the Federal Way Mall, the first Cinnabon rolls made their way to customers. Rich Komen, the owner of Restaurants Unlimited and CEO Ray Lindstrom, made it their mission to create the perfect cinnamon treat. These rich and delicious treats are now sold all around the country. Eddie Bauer Eddie Bauer, famous for its down jackets and outdoor wear, got its start in Seattle. Eddie Bauer, a Pacific Northwest outdoorsman, started the company, and in 1940 patented the first quilted down jacket. Over the years, he would also patent several other outdoor items, before selling his interest in the company in 1968. Sur La Table Sur la Table is a retail kitchenware company that sells everything from cookware to cutlery, appliances, bakeware and more. This company got its start in 1972 when Shirley Collins opened a store in Pike Place Market. Now, there are over 100 stores around the country, 75 of which offer cooking classes, and a website with cooking tips and recipes. Shirley Collins sold the company in 1995, but its corporate headquarters are still based right in Seattle. REI It's not surprising that another outdoor gear company got its start in Seattle. Lloyd and Mary Anderson created REI or Recreational Equipment Incorporated as a cooperative to help people who love the outdoors get affordable equipment. The first full-time employee was Jim Whittaker, who is also the first American to reach the summit of Mount Everest, and he later became the CEO. REI is now the largest consumer co-op in the country and you can find shops in almost every state. The company still encourages their customers to try before they buy. How many of these brands did you know got their start in Seattle? There are many other products and companies that have roots in the Seattle area including Microsoft, UPS, and Amazon. Image via shinji_w | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

Chevy started producing cars over 100 years ago, and since then has come out with some of the most iconic and recognizable vehicles on the road. Over the years, many classic Chevy's have also made their way into the movies, and not just in a supporting role. Here are some of the most iconic Chevy models uses prominently in popular movies. The Chevy Camaro The Chevy Camaro has made several appearances in both films and on television. One of the most memorable Chevy's is the Autobot Bumblebee from the Transformers movie. The Camaro seen in the movie was specifically designed for the part, and there are several different alterations throughout the movies. It started with a 1977 Camaro, evolved into a fifth-generation, and then went through some additional changes in the second and third movies. more The Chevy Impala American Graffiti is an iconic movie, and it features the very iconic Chevy Impala. More importantly, Ron Howard's character is the one who owned the Impala. Steve, Ron's character loans the car to his friend Terry the Toad who wants to use it to impress a girl. After the movie wrapped, the Impala sold for just a few hundred dollars. The Chevy Lumina Days of Thunder not only started Tom Cruise, but it also starred the Chevy Lumina. It was Cole Trickle's race car in the movie and appeared as a NASCAR. Throughout the film, we see the Lumina crash and then get rebuilt and repainted for the next race, but it keeps coming back better than ever. Many viewers don't realize that this movie, and in part the Chevy Lumina, played a role in launching one of the most successful decades in NASCAR's history. The Chevy El Camino One of Chevy's most iconic vehicles was the El Camino, and the 1968 model appeared in one of Harold and Maude's best scenes. The characters used the car to liberate a tree and were later pulled over for driving through a toll booth. Maude, played by Ruth Gordon performed several doughnuts trying to lose the cop, and when the officers bike stalls, they get away. Interestingly enough, although Ruth Gordon was behind the wheel of the El Camino in most of the movie, she actually did not know how to drive. The Chevy Suburban The Chevy Suburban has a long history with several different appearances in movies over the years. It first appeared in The Muppet Movie in 1979, but you'll also find one in Men in Black and Almost Famous. Jeff Bridges even drove a 1978 Chevy Suburban in the movie Crazy Heart where he played an alcoholic country singer who travels around in his Suburban. He won an Oscar for Best Leading Actor for this film. These are a few of the Chevy models you can see up on the big screen. Over the years, many of Chevy's most popular and iconic models have played important roles, and both new and old models are sure to keep making appearances on film. Image via David Guo | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

Several amazing state parks are just a short drive from Burien, Washington. Washington state's unique natural environments provide an awe-inspiring journey into landscapes that seem like they could only be found in movies. Instead, they're actually a great candidate for a day trip. Let's look at some of the state parks near Burien that are worth the trip. 1) Tiger Mountain State Forest This state park consists of over ten thousand acres of natural forest adorned with sky-scraping pines and a forest floor covered with moss and ferns. If you're looking for outdoor activities and recreation, look no further. This park has access to hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and even hang gliding. There are no designated campsites in the park, and camping outside of designated sites is not permitted. Because of this, the park should be considered for day trips only. Thankfully, it's only 21 miles outside of Burien. more Before you go, make sure you check the park's website, which has up to date information on trail closures and recreational activities. Mountain bike and horseback trails are open seasonally. 2) Squak Mountain State Park This is yet another amazing park that is just a stone's throw from Burien. Here, you can hike through dense thickets of ferns, around meandering creeks, and stroll past moss-covered trees. Places like this bring you the most peace when you've had a stressful week. Hiking and horseback riding are the only available activities in the park, but that is no excuse to pass it up. Some of the trails take you to the summit of Squak Mountain, where you can take in views of the Seattle skyline. Another trail will take you to the remains of a 1952 stone fireplace. Much like Tiger Mountain State Forest, Squak Mountain State Park is only open during daylight hours. 3) Saltwater State Park If woodland adventures aren't up your alley, you should consider Saltwater State Park as an alternate attraction. Getting there is a breeze, as it's just a seven-mile drive down the coast. The beach is a popular spot in the summer, so don't expect to find the driftwood-laden coastline unoccupied. Don't let crowds deter you though. Saltwater State Park has a handful of exciting and unique opportunities for adventure. This park does have a campground where visitors can enjoy a night outdoors. The location also offers several tidal pools for exploring. There is also a man-made reef where divers can explore underwater wildlife in a one-of-a-kind experience. It should be noted that harvesting from the reef is prohibited. However, you can do some saltwater fishing in other areas of the park. Planning Your Trip Before heading out into the great outdoors, it's important to make sure that you're prepared. Here are a couple tips to make sure you stay safe when visiting these parks. If you plan on doing any hiking, make sure you have the most up-to-date trail map, just in case you get lost. You should also let someone know where you'll be going, and when you should be returning. Lastly, bring a first-aid kit along for any unplanned injuries. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy some time in all of the state parks close to Burien, Washington. They're worth the trip! Image via Andrew E. Larsen | Licensed by CC BY-ND 2.0

If you find yourself in the Seattle area this summer, you may want to check out some of the area's natural beaches. The region is blessed with some of the most visually stunning and exciting beach landscapes in the country. Here are some of Seattle's best natural beaches for beach bums and day-trippers. Seahurst Beach Located on Puget Sound, Seahurst Beach brings in stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. It is one of many saltwater beaches in the Seattle area.  A part of Seahurst Park in the Burien Park System, the beach is a three-quarter-mile-long natural treasure. In addition to the spectacular views from the beach itself, the park has open and closed picnic areas, hiking trails, open spaces for outdoor activities, and two playgrounds. There are three private areas, capable of accommodating 75 people, available for half-day and full-day rentals. more Owen Beach Owen Beach in Point Defiance Park is another fantastic natural beach in the Seattle/Tacoma area. Among its top features are covered picnic areas and kayaks for rent. Owen Beach is also an exceptional fishing and boating spot. If you have a powerful camera, you may even be able to snap a photo of the resident harbor seals. Don't get too close, because approaching the seals is prohibited. Be sure to keep a distance of at least 100 yards and report any infractions to NOAA Fisheries Enforcement or a park ranger. Madrona Park The Madrona Park and Beach are located along Lake Washington. After walking along a sloped woodland path, you arrive at a serene grassy beach that can melt your stress after a long week of work. Like many of the other natural beaches in the area, Madrona Park offers a jogging trail, picnic areas, and swimming. During the summer months, there is a lifeguard on duty. The park itself is open from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m. Lifeguards are on duty, but their hours vary depending on the season and day. Discovery Park The final stop on our list of stunning natural beaches is Discovery Park. The beach has lightly rolling hills leading up to a smooth sandy beach that can take you out of city life completely. It's no wonder Discovery Park is a local favorite. Among its remarkable hiking and walking trails lies a small lighthouse. The beach itself is a sight that is not to be missed regardless of the time of day, but the sunsets are extraordinarily beautiful. The entire park encompasses 534 acres and includes a recently renovated playground for younger children. The overall landscape is a landscape photographers' dream and should make its way onto a must-see list if you are visiting Seattle's beaches. All of the spots above are guaranteed to help you beat the heat and enjoy the great outdoors this summer, despite just being a few miles outside of downtown Seattle. There are dozens of natural beaches in the Seattle area, and many of them offer the same breathtaking vistas and amenities as the parks listed above. Image via Audrey Kolb | Licensed by CC BY 2.0