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Fall is officially here in the Pacific Northwest! How do we know? Pumpkin spice everything. The chill in the air in the morning...and sweat by the afternoon. More gray and rain. And PUMPKIN PATCHES at all the local farms! It isn't really fall until after the traditional visit to one of our amazing local farms that pull out all the stops to make sure visitors have a fall-bulous time. Here are some of our favorite farms and activities with links to their websites: Carpinito Brothers Farm in Kent What we love to do there: The corn maze (just make sure you give the kids a cell phone. Or don't...) Shop at the country store for our many fall favorite foods The Rubber Duck Races at the Farm Fun Yard Rodeo Ropin Cows Fox Hollow Farm in Issaquah What we love to do there: See the cute animals at this animal sanctuary! Pumpkin pie and fresh apple cider from their cafe (what's more fall than that?) Tractor hay ride Watching the salmon swim up stream in their creek! Mosby Farms in Auburn What we love to do there: Bring your doggo, they're pet friendly! (Remember to scoop the poop) 50th anniversary of Man on the Moon corn maze! An epic u-pick pumpkin patch What are some of your favorite local fall activities?

Image via Flickr by TuRbO_J Chevrolet's lineup of cars gives us hope about the future of small and subcompact sedans and hatchbacks. If you're looking for a small vehicle that can wind through streets and save fuel, these Chevy cars will do the trick. 2019 Spark The 2019 Spark is the most affordable car on this list, but don't let the low price tag fool you — it's fully loaded with exciting features. This four-seater has a fantastic miles-per-gallon rating that will save you even more money at gas stations. Its fun paint colors and small size give it a nimble appearance. The Spark is phone-friendly, loaded with technological safety features, and is ready to zip through city streets like every day is Friday. more 2019 Cruze With the 2019 Chevy Cruze, you have an important choice to make: sedan or hatchback? Whichever you choose, the compact Cruze's sport style is a breath of fresh air in the sedan world. If you need space, you'll get up to 47.2 cubic feet of it in the hatchback. Both body styles have a standard turbo engine which gives the Cruze a dynamic, exciting ride. If you're looking for style, upgrade your Cruze with a leather interior, ambient lighting, and heated front seats. You can even get the Cruze equipped with a diesel engine for maximum fuel efficiency. 2019 Impala Chevrolet's classic full-size sedan is back and better than ever. With an available 305 horsepower engine, full Internet and phone connectivity, and unbeatable style, the 2019 Impala is the sedan for drivers who want to turn heads as they drive by. And as a bonus, it has a five-star safety rating. What more could you want from a sedan? 2020 Malibu One of the newest members of the Chevrolet family for the new model year, the 2020 Malibu is the perfectly balanced sedan you've been looking for. Its slick design, inside and out, creates an elegant atmosphere that you can't find in many other sedans. When it comes to power, turbocharged horses come standard. The driver-assist tech keeps you ready to react on the road in bad situations. The Teen Driver Technology lets you keep an eye on how your permit-carrying driver is performing. The list of practical features on the Malibu goes on and on. 2019 Sonic This subcompact hatchback was voted the "Most Dependable Small Car" by J.D. Power, and we agree. It gets 138 turbocharged horsepower, which is more than enough to tackle city streets with ease. It's also full of technology that keeps you connected and entertained, such as the available Wi-Fi hot spot, the standard 7-inch touch screen that's compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the available radar safety features. The new Sonic is hard to ignore, despite its small size. If you see a car you like on this list, come test drive it at Burien Chevrolet. Let's show you why the world of small and subcompact cars is blossoming, thanks to these great Chevrolet models.

Image via Flickr by monpetitchouphotography Burien, Washington, is a Mecca for food lovers, thanks to the great specialty markets that call our town home. Whether you're looking for cured meat, tea, hand-crafted crafts, or fine chocolate, there are plenty of shops in the area you need to check out and revisit. Improve your kitchen and culinary life by visiting these five best specialty markets in Burien. more Pickled & Preserved Market and Deli For gourmet foods and interesting items, head to Pickled & Preserved. Pickled peppers, fruit preserves, hot sauce, and plain-old cucumber dill pickles are just some of the tasty items you'll find at this mini-market and restaurant. If you want to spend lunch here, you'll find delicious paninis, "power bowls," and sandwiches that make for a quick meal on the go. Don't forget the brandied cherries on your way out! Hans' Sausage and Delicatessen If you're looking for authentic German sausages and cheese for your charcuterie, make a stop at Hans' Sausage and Delicatessen. You'll find real, homemade sausages here that will make you wonder why you ever ate the other stuff. You'll also find great German beers, European wines, and food products of various types. But we show up for the specialty meats, and we will keep doing so for as long as their doors are open. The Oilerie Who knew a store that primarily sold olive oil could grow to be such a crowd favorite? The olive oil and balsamic vinegar you'll find at the Oilerie are made in Italy and shipped to the Oilerie to give them a product you'll have a difficult time finding in other places. From your extra virgin to hot chili and apple balsamic, you'll find a wide array of oils and vinegar that will take your cooking to the next level. You'll also find spices, herb grinders, and more at the Oilerie. Cascadia Herb'n Tea For all your tea and herb needs, go to Cascadia Herb'n Tea. You'll find dozens of herbs you can't find in supermarkets, and loose tea that will keep you coming back. If you're not equipped to brew loose tea, they have plenty of kettles, cups, strainers, and anything else you need to perfect your home tea-making experience. If you're looking for that hard-to-find spice your recipe called for, you'll find it on Cascadia's shelves. Armoire Chocolat If you're looking to finish off the fantastic dinner you made with ingredients from these stores with a superb dessert, make sure you take some Armoire Chocolat home with you. This French-style cafe and chocolatier makes unforgettable desserts and fresh pastries every day. Almond croissants, cinnamon pinwheels, danishes, cookies, and chocolates are just a few of the mouth-watering options that line their shelves. These shops will change the way you think about your food and drink for the better. Explore the world of food at these and the other great stores in town to find your favorites and breathe new life into your recipes.

The world knows Seattle as the home of the modern coffee shop, but it's also home to some of the freshest and highest quality food of any major city. Pike's Market is a major destination for residents and visitors alike looking to purchase produce, fish, and many more gourmet selections. It should come as no surprise that, as one of the original "foodie" towns, it's also home to an amazing collection of innovative farm to table restaurants. Let's explore some of the exciting dining options in Seattle. Sitka & Spruce Located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, Sitka & Spruce offers a quintessential Pacific Northwest dining experience. The high ceilings, abundant glass, and vaguely industrial style of the space pairs well with warm design touches like light wooden tables and bars and vintage-style revolving desk chairs. As the menu is created daily based on local ingredient availability, Sitka & Spruce is never the same place twice. Enjoy a little bit of everything with the signature three-course fixed-price lunch menu, featuring local cheeses, fresh vegetable terrines, and freshly baked bread with house-made butter. Vegetables also figure prominently on the dinner menu, dotted with interesting touches like hazelnuts and cured meats. In addition to its mouth-watering food menu, Sitka & Spruce boasts a thoughtful wine menu and an innovative cocktail menu featuring flavorful bitters, amaros, and other emerging spirits. more Local 360 Belltown's Local 360 boasts ingredients sourced primarily from within 360 miles of Seattle. Local 360 focuses on providing healthy food in a sustainable way as well as a commitment to its employees. In a departure from the structure of most food industry businesses, Local 360 incorporates a nominal service charge to provide a living wage and health insurance to its employees. Whatever your culinary preferences may be, you're sure to find something on the menu to suit your tastes. Start off with farm-fresh delights like radish carpaccio, a wild mushroom tartine, and kohlrabi soup. Meat eaters will leave satiated by a house-butchered steak or a juicy grass-fed burger, while fish lovers will find serenity in the steamed savory clams, wild salmon, and a hearty bouillabaisse. Tilikum Place Cafe The charming and cozy Tilikum Place Cafe offers a wonderful full day menu stocked with locally sourced items for a true farm to table experience. With only 14 tables, Tilikum Place Cafe offers a quiet and homey respite from the bustle of the city. Peruse Tilikum's impressive brunch menu with a wide variety of dishes to please any palette. The vegan corn chowder is a salty and sweet taste of home cooking that pairs perfectly with Seattle's chilly weather. Explore Tilikum's dutch babies, a special small, dense pancake that's offered in a classic, sweet, and savory profile. Seattle is known the world over for its commitment to high quality and sustainable food sources and preparation. The availability of farm to table dining in the region offers residents and visitors a way to taste the finest of our local epicurean delights. Image via Flickr by brewbooks under use of CC BY-SA 2.0

Washington State is home to an incredibly rich variety of produce, livestock, and other edible goods that are recognized the world over. Fortunately, we live right in the thick of this bounty and have easy access to local goods via an impressive network of farmers markets. Explore some of these markets here in Burien and the surrounding areas for a taste of our local delicacies. Burien Farmers Market Each Thursday from early May until the end of October, Burien comes to life with its weekly farmers market. Located in the Burien town square, the market is a lively weekly happening where friends and neighbors come together to enjoy live music and crafts in addition to produce, baked goods, and prepared foods. Happenings like weekly yoga classes and other special events make this a can't-miss weekly appointment for your calendar. more Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market Located in nearby Des Moines, Washington, the weekly Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market comes to life every Saturday from June through November. The market serves as a community gathering spot, bringing people together with food, music, activities, and more. Dozens of local farms bring their bounty each week, selling the finest produce in the state. A rotating roster of food trucks and vendors bring a wide variety of menu options, such as seafood, pasta, tamales, doughnuts, and barbeque. After you've grabbed a bite and your weekly groceries, browse the displays from the talented artisans that bring their unique wares each week. It's a great destination for holiday gift shopping or just to pick up a little something special for yourself. Renton Farmers Market Take a break each Tuesday afternoon from June through September to visit the Renton Farmers Market. Renton comes alive with this weekly event filled with special programming, cooking demonstrations, children's events, and more. The market features a full array of local farms, wineries, crafters, prepared foods, and other specialty purveyors serving shaved ice, truffles, popcorn, hot sauce, and more. Visit the Library 2Go Van to check out or return books while you're stocking up on your weekly produce. Take a moment to help those in need when you stop by the bloodmobile that makes a frequent appearance at the market. West Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Market The West Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Market operates year-round, opening its doors each Sunday to residents and visitors eager to explore the culinary and artisan delights of Seattle. In addition to an impressive away of farmers, artisans, and other food vendors, the West Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Market is unique in the benefits it bestows upon cyclists who commute to the market by bicycle. The Bicycle Benefits program offers discounts and weekly coupons to anyone who shows their bike helmet... a safe and healthy choice! Whether you arrive by foot, by bike, or another means of transportation, there's a farmers market offering fresh and healthy options nearly every day of the week. Enjoy food, drinks, special events, and more in all corners of our city. Image via Flickr by Chris Schrier under use of CC BY 2.0

Visiting a day spa is a perfect way to pamper yourself, rest, and recharge, especially if you're too busy to stay somewhere overnight. Day spas are also ideal for spending quality time with your spouse or friends. Here are some of the best spas in the Burien area. London House Salon & Spa London House has been family-owned for more than 50 years and they offer a variety of luxurious options. Try the Swedish massage, the deep tissue massage, the couple's massage, or the hot stone massage. An aromatherapy wrap with lemon, orange, peppermint, and ivy essential oils reduces toxins and fights cellulite. You can also get a facial for dry skin, wrinkles, dullness, sun spots, or fine lines. There's even a facial with fragrance-free products for sensitive skin. Microdermabrasion, waxing, and several types of peels are available as well. You can relax here Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. It closes an hour later on Wednesday and Thursday, and it's open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. more Blissful Knead This spa specializes in blissful, relaxing massages, and it has a peaceful, refined atmosphere. Its licensed practitioners use the best products available and they're focused on customer satisfaction. You can get a customized treatment with a combination of Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and sports massage techniques to meet your unique goals and needs. Blissful Knead is open from noon to 7 p.m. Monday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Palace Spa Palace Spa is the biggest day spa in the Pacific Northwest. It covers 16,000 square feet, and it has four saunas, private massage rooms, a facial treatment room, an exercise room, and a Korean restaurant. There's also a Jacuzzi, a dry sauna, an ice room to close pores after using a sauna, a salt room lined with Himalayan salt blocks, a jewel room lined with amethyst, and more. Choose the Korean body scrub to exfoliate your entire body and make your skin look younger and healthier. Then, enjoy a relaxing moisturizing treatment with milk, honey, and natural oils. If you're trying to get rid of some weight, get a body wrap with mud, seaweed, and red clay to increase your metabolism. The Renewal Facial uses a multilayered, detoxifying organic mask to help damaged skin or blemishes heal. There's also a deep cleansing organic facial with fruits and spices. After you're finished with the spa treatment you choose, then you can take a shower and use a grooming area that comes with complimentary toothbrushes and toothpaste. Several packages are available for men and women, and Palace Spa is open every day from 9 a.m. to midnight. Even if you have less than an hour of free time, you can relax and forget about everyday life for a while by visiting a day spa. Burien and the surrounding area offer plenty of options, whether you want to enhance your appearance, bond with a spouse, or improve your health by reducing your stress. Image via Flickr by Merlin Phuket under use of CC BY-ND 2.0

Image via Flickr by Peter Kaminski In Burien, Washington, you can enjoy a dizzying array of chocolate delights. Whether you're looking for a quaint, family-owned chocolate shop or a renowned chocolatier, this town has the delicious treats you desire. Take a look these excellent, chocolaty destinations where you can satisfy your sweet tooth with ease. Bakery Nouveau William Leaman's Bakery Nouveau is a well-known Seattle icon with more than two decades of experience making awesome pastries and chocolates. This place received the Reader's Choice award for Best Bakery from Seattle Magazine in 2015. They've also been featured in Sunset Magazine, Pastry and Baking North America, Bake magazine, and other publications. Their newest location is in Burien, and they offer decadent brownies and hand-crafted chocolates and chocolate bars. You can choose a box of your favorite chocolates or stop by for a single piece. You should also try the classic chocolate cake with dark chocolate mousse and glaze or the chocolate mocha cheesecake. Bakery Nouveau is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day except Sunday, when it closes at 6 p.m. more Cloud Nine Creamery If you feel like a cool treat, visit Cloud Nine Creamery. They create custom scoops of ice cream using liquid nitrogen and this fascinating process is on display for every customer. Ice cream made with milk, yogurt, or coconut is available, and their signature dishes are unique and delicious. The Cookie Monster comes with cookie dough ice cream, Oreo and chocolate chip cookies, whipped cream, and chocolate, while the Triple Chocolate Brownie has chocolate ice cream, brownies, chocolate chips, chocolate, and whipped cream. You can take a shot of your friends or family members enjoying their chocolate ice cream at Cloud Nine Creamery's free photo booth. Hot Chocolat At Hot Chocolat, chef Michael Poole uses traditional French techniques to create artisan chocolates made from sustainably grown cocoa and other natural ingredients. You can choose vegan chocolate, dark chocolate raspberry ganache in a white chocolate heart, and more. Three-hour chocolate and macaron making classes are available for people who want to learn to impress their guests with their own creations. Intrigue Chocolate This shop near Burien makes unique, dark chocolate truffles with a variety of flavors. You can taste treats with guajillo chilies, hibiscus, cinnamon, vanilla, cardamom, Earl Grey, hops and honey, jasmine, green tea and lemon, and more. You can also enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. Intrigue Chocolate's offerings change every day, so there's always something new for you to try. You can visit their Pioneer Square Tasting Bar on South Jackson Street or the Capitol Hill Chocolate & Coffeehouse on 15th Avenue. The tasting bar is open on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. No matter what type of chocolate you love, you can find it in the Burien area. Indulge in white chocolate, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, frozen chocolate stuffed with brownies, and many more sweet culinary creations. At these shops, you can taste the best chocolate treats in Burien.

Image via Flickr by ernie_nh7l The beautiful Pacific Northwest is known for mountains, evergreen trees, and the freshest seafood possible. Your next date night in Burien, Washington, should capitalize on the amazing seafood in the area. Here are three perfect date locations with the best seafood dishes. Burien Fish House The Burien Fish House is great for a casual date night. Stop in here before your favorite movie and pick up traditional fish dishes. The crispy, grilled, or blackened fish tacos are available in all the local varieties, including cod, mahi mahi, salmon, halibut, and more. Enjoy a fish and chips platter also with your choice of fish. Or try out the shrimp, Dungeness crab, or lobster mac and cheese for a tasty twist on the cheesy comfort food. You can even keep it traditional with fresh clam chowder in a sourdough bowl. Open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., the Burien Fish House is right in downtown Burien with easy access to all of your date-night hot spots. more Osteria da Primo A family-owned traditional Italian restaurant, Osteria da Primo is named after chef/owner Carlo Guida's son Primo. Carlo shadowed his grandmother growing up, gaining a love of cooking and his native cuisine. He met Burien native Lindsay White in Italy, where their story began. Eventually relocating to Burien, Washington, and marrying, Carlo and Lindsay later opened this homage to the Italian countryside and have been earning a reputation for fantastic food and a friendly, family atmosphere. Open from Tuesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to a final seating at 9 p.m., Osteria da Primo features a wide variety of seafood in a multi-course meal. Share the fried calamari rings and tentacles with your date or enjoy fresh steamed clams with white wine and garlic. Fresh tagliatelle with smoked salmon or spaghetti with clams, shrimp, and calamari are also favorites on the menu. All pizza and pasta options are also offered in a gluten-free recipe, though the restaurant does not claim to have a gluten-free menu. Angelo's Ristorante Another restaurant with a long history in Burien is Angelo's Ristorante. Opening as a delicatessen in May 1957, Angelo's is celebrating 62 years in business this year. It started with just a small counter and a few tables, but the focus on quality products and fresh ingredients led to swift growth. In the early 1960s, Angelo's expanded to offer a full dining room and lounge. From a primarily Italian menu, you can enjoy a lovely seafood cannelloni with crepes stuffed with crab, shrimp, mushrooms, and spinach. Share this mouthwatering dish with your date before a night of dancing. Angelo's also offers fresh prawns sauteed with seasonal veggies in a garlic white wine butter sauce, a perfect light dish to go with a drink as you get to know each other a little better. Stop in Sunday through Thursday between 4:30 and 9:30 p.m. or Friday and Saturday between 4:30 and 10 p.m. You can even pop in for lunch Monday through Friday anytime from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Take your date out for fresh seafood at any of these local favorites. You'll have a great meal and an even better time. https://www.flickr.com/photos/emu3/43544941194/sizes/l Image via Flickr by ernie_nh7l

Image via Flickr by Rob Wilko If Friday rolls around and you're planning a quick trip out of town to the mountains or the beach, you'll want to make sure you have enough energy for the ride. You'd be surprised by everything that will make you tired when you jump behind the wheel. Not Drinking Enough Water Even a mild level of dehydration can change your mood. Mental functions and energy levels can also decrease if your body isn't properly hydrated. With less water in your system, your blood volume can lower, making your body work harder for nutrients and oxygen and causing fatigue. Counteract this by carrying water with you and sipping throughout the day. Pack an extra bottle for the ride. more Drinking Alcohol at Night While alcohol can make you tired, it can also impact the quality of your sleep. A nightcap or glass of wine can cause you to sleep lighter and wake more frequently during the night. As a result, you wake up tired rather than well-rested. For a few nights before you plan to drive, have a glass of milk instead of alcohol at bedtime to have a better impact on your nightly sleep. Cell Phones and TV at Night Blue light emitted from cell phones and televisions inhibit melatonin production, making it more difficult to fall asleep. Using your phone at night just before bed can actually keep you awake and cause feelings of restlessness and fatigue. For a better night's sleep, give the TV and phone a rest after 9 p.m. and place your phone face down after you set your alarm. Not Enough Exercise If you think you're conserving energy by skipping your workout, you're actually doing the opposite. Your body will feel even more tired without a simple 20-minute workout. Three days of short workouts each week will combat fatigue and give you more energy. The week of your trip, be sure to get in a walk, jog, or quick trip to the gym so you can keep your energy up for the entire ride. Prescription Medication Effects Certain prescription medications can cause lethargy and drowsiness. Some blood pressure meds are designed to block adrenaline hormones, which decreases the activity of the heart and causes additional feelings of tiredness. If you're taking a new prescription, check with your doctor about any concerns you may have regarding side effects. The doctor could prescribe an alternative medicine or something to help with the lethargy. It's best not to make long road trips until you've got this resolved. Caffeine Crash While caffeine is a popular stimulant, your body will remind you that for every up, there's always a down. The caffeine sends signals to your body to produce adrenalin to keep your brain awake and alert. Once the adrenalin wears off, you could feel irritable and drowsy. To avoid caffeine affecting your sleep, limit your intake to small amounts and drink it early enough in the day to regulate your levels before heading to bed. This will help you get a full night's sleep before taking any road trips. Use these tips to keep your body more energetic and vibrant in the afternoon and evening and keep yourself safer behind the wheel. https://www.flickr.com/photos/138178876@N06/40267336920/sizes/l Image via Flickr by Rob Wilko

Image via Flickr by aditpromo.com.au Promotional Products The state of Washington is well known for its rain. With the western part of the state in clouds and wet conditions for an average 168 days a year, it's helpful to find fun indoor activities to entertain yourself and your family. Here are three of the best rainy-day activities in the Burien area. Museum of Flight The Museum of Flight is a fun attraction for all ages. With more than 150 historic aircraft and spacecraft related artifacts, the history buff won't be the only one completely engaged in the surroundings. Permanent and temporary exhibits are on display as well as in-flight movies that can be enjoyed on an actual Boeing 747. Explore the past, present, and future of flight at the Museum of Flight. Experience "Destination Moon: The Apollo II Mission," open now through Sept. 2. You'll see rare Smithsonian artifacts as well as the NASA Apollo II command module, Columbia, and an interactive 3D tour. This museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On the first Thursday of each month, it's open from 5-9 p.m. with free admission. Standard admission is $25 for adults, $16 for kids ages 5-17, and free for children ages 4 and younger. more iFLY Indoor Skydiving Another take on flying is iFLY Indoor Skydiving. This easy-to-learn activity takes place in an indoor wind tunnel with trained professionals. It's perfect for a group or solo run. There's little danger of falling and no need to jump out of an airplane. The fear of heights can be a thing of the past with a low-altitude flight, or you can try out the faster winds for a bigger challenge. iFLY Indoor Skydiving also offers STEM learning activities and Flight School for kids ages 4-16. Buy your flight packages online with the option of two, three, or four flights per person. The package rate includes flight gear rental, pre-flight training, one-on-one flight instruction, and a personalized flight certificate. Acme Bowling For your bowling, arcade, or billiards fix, Acme Bowling is the perfect indoor entertainment venue. Over 40 bowling lanes with black lights, soft lounge seats, and HD video walls will keep your game moving with live sports, music videos, and classic family films. The arcade features state-of-the-art and old-school classics, and the billiards area includes premium cloth-covered tables. Take a break from playing and enjoy the full-service restaurant and bar, or order food while you're on the lanes. Pick up a Summer Games season pass for daily bowling and shoe rental, as well as discounted arcade credits. Bring your large group gatherings, corporate events, kid and teen parties to Acme Bowling any day of the week. Operating hours are Sunday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday from 3-11 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Stay dry in Burien during Washington's famously rainy days, but don't miss out on the fun. These are just a few of the great indoor activities you can enjoy in the area.

Image via Pexels Pronounced like "okay," poke is a marinated Hawaiian fish favorite that's taken Washington by storm. This tasty seafood treat is named after the Islander's word “to slice or cut crosswise into pieces,” and Seattle is one of the best cities to get it. Try these top six places where you can sample poke today. Sam Choy's Poke to the Max Founder of the Poke Festival and Recipe Contest, the legendary Sam Choy has been dishing up authentic Hawaiian favorites for decades. This industrial-chic hot spot at 5300 Rainier Ave. South is well-known for their loco moco, rice bowls, and classic poke. Try the tasty Mo' Betta Shoyu salmon poke with wasabi aioli dressing. It's a winner, and so is the tofu poke with gluten-free shoyu. more Seattle Fish Guys Get back to the basics at this traditional Seattle fish market and restaurant at 411 23rd Ave. South. Serving the Northwest's best selection of daily, fresh caught fish, crab, lobster, and oysters in satisfyingly large portions, it's a must-stop for scrumptious poke. These fish guys tout a hard-earned reputation for plating the finest seafood in town within a bright cafe with all the good vibes of ohana. Let the tender tako poke take your taste buds to the shores of Lahaina, while the delicately seasoned shoyu blends perfectly with a side of rice. Gopoke Head to Gopoke at 625 South King St. in Chinatown for authentic poke and desserts. Run by Hawaiian brothers with genuine fishing roots, Gopoke's whimsical setting, super-fresh, flavorful poke, and eager, helpful staff make it a top contender for traditional poke in town. Order the classic poke bowl filled to the brim with your choice of two toppings. Try the Twelfth Man, a local favorite, featuring sweet srirachee or build your own poke Coffee Tree and Poke The first of its kind in First Hill's, this cafe is a little island oasis at 613 Ninth Ave. Coffee Tree is a sleek, trendy place to grab a fresh bowl of poke with your Victrola coffee. Try the spicy mayo. It's just the right choice on a craveable breakfast sandwich. Poke Alice When you need a fish fix delivered quickly by helpful staff, stop in at Poke Alice at 1000 Second Ave. For the best in healthy and delicious fast food made with consistent quality, this local sushi chef re-creates the freshest poke dishes for Seattle. Choose from a variety of ingredients, including vegan-friendly and gluten-free options to custom build your poke bowl to perfection. Fob Poke Bar A recent Belltown addition at 220 Blanchard St., poke connoisseurs are hitting this place up in droves. Their knowledgeable staff is topped only by the freshness of their ingredients. The tender fish pairs deliciously with their exclusive shoyu sauce and sits atop a bed of house-special rice, lightly flavored with coconut. Yes. The hype over Fob is well-deserved. Poke is a foodie trend that's sweeping the area. Visit one of these six top spots for this Hawaiian delicacy today. https://www.flickr.com/photos/edsel_/8553870032/sizes/l Image via Flickr by Edsel L

Image via Flickr by garryknight Just like any other large city, the streets can get pretty thick in Burien. It's important that you and your passengers stay safe while maneuvering through any crowded metropolis. Whether it's navigating the frontage roads or cruising turnarounds, driving in busy areas has its challenges. Drive like a local with these six handy tips for piloting your way through congested traffic. Slow Down According to one resource, 25 percent of car accidents happen during rush hour. This time of day is particularly dangerous due to the high volume of people rushing to get home from work. The number of distractions increases too, like the kid's excited chatter about their day at school. When you hit that wall of traffic, slow down. Trying to zigzag from lane to lane won't save you much time in the long run, and it's stressful. When you keep your speed low, you have plenty of time to avoid potential collisions with those impatient drivers who are weaving their way forward. more Keep a Buffer Zone Do your best to keep a buffer zone between you and the vehicle traveling in front of you. This extra space gives you added time to react to what's happening on the road. A car up ahead may suddenly brake for a dog in the street, or perhaps you're approaching an accident site? Experts recommend keeping between 3 and 5 seconds between you and the car in front of you. Pay Attention While this tip seems like a no-brainer, staying focused on the road is even more essential during rush hour. With all of today's high-tech diversions, a general mental picture of the space around you takes some concentration. Keep track of the driving conditions around you and use your mirrors and blind spot monitor to help you prepare for any surprises down the road. Watch for changes in other driver's patterns, road signs, and other obstacles in your way. Try to keep the distractions down to a minimum and of course, never text and drive. Communicate Your Intentions Even if you're driving an old clunker, it's equipped with turn signals. Use these indicators to let other drivers know what you're up to. It's more than merely a courteous gesture. This habit could prevent a collision, especially in congested traffic. Let other drivers prepare for what you're about to do, whether you're changing lanes or putting on the brakes. Stay Cool We all get frustrated when we're stuck in a traffic jam. As annoying as it is, keep your cool. Driving angry won't do a thing for the jam up ahead. It will only increase your stress level. Take a few deep breaths or if that doesn't work, consider pulling over. Take a break. Grab a cup of coffee, go for a walk or answer a text message while you wait for things to get moving again. Few situations are as frustrating as rush hour. Use our handy survivor's guide next time you're driving in high traffic areas. https://www.flickr.com/photos/garryknight/2400973007/sizes/l Image via Flickr by garryknight