Columbia City & Rainier Valley

Explore

The Seward Park Audubon Center hosts a variety of educational events; check out the calendar for birding workshops and guided nature walks that explore the vast Seward Park, complete with old-growth forest, a swimming beach, and eagles’ nests. For a Japanese-style garden with Pacific Northwest plants, visit the photogenic Kubota Garden. Art abounds at Columbia City Gallery, where you can find the work of painters, printmakers, sculptors, and more.

Eat and Drink

There’s no better way to start your day than with the famous French toast or corned beef hash at Geraldine’s Counter. Or settle in at the cozy Redwing Cafe for a tofu scramble or housemade granola—and don’t miss the hidden gnome forest. People line up for the from-scratch brioche doughnuts at The Flour Box. For authentic East African food, try Kebena Ethiopian Restaurant or Safari Njema Restaurant.

Shop

For more than 20 years, Andaluz has stocked an eclectic collection of gifts, home decor, and accessories. For hand-woven baskets and other globally sourced goods, drop into Ashanti. Sandwiched between a baker and a butcher, Gather Consignment offers an appealing selection of women’s clothing staples. Across the street, shop for the kiddos at Chrysanthemum, where you’ll find clothing, shoes, toys, and books.