Unlike other urban areas, Seattle is a city that lives and breathes nature, which is also part of why it’s one of the most creative and imaginative cities in the world. Here, visitors can enjoy the city’s hidden natural treasures and discover why they unlock inspiration for some of the city’s beloved musicians. In this episode, famed National Geographic photographer and local Seattleite Aaron Huey spends time with The Moondoggies at two unique parks that light their creative spark: Discovery Park and Golden Gardens. This is #OpenStudio. This series was produced in collaboration with National Geographic.

Singer/songwriter and Seattle native Sera Cahoone draws inspiration from her surroundings. As many of her songs are about nature or water, in this episode she takes famed National Geographic photographer and local Seattleite Aaron Huey into both Capitol Hill’s Volunteer Park and on the Bainbridge Island Ferry to see what make them such special sources of creativity. This is #OpenStudio. Watch more at VISITSEATTLE.tv and follow the Open Studio Stories @NatGeoTravel on Instagram. This series was produced in collaboration with National Geographic.

Growing up in the south end of Seattle, Ishmael Butler and Tendai “Baba” Maraire (better known as Shabazz Palaces) were surrounded by the city’s natural beauty.  In this episode of Open Studio, the duo takes famed National Geographic photographer and local Seattleite Aaron Huey into Seward Park on the edge of Lake Washington, where as they explain – the trees have stories to tell. This is #OpenStudio. Follow the Open Studio Stories @NatGeoTravel on Instagram. This series was produced in collaboration with National Geographic.

Beautiful trees. Koi ponds. Miles of hiking trails. Punk rock band Tacocat in rainbow costumes. Only in Seattle does this combination create magic. In this episode of Open Studio, the group takes famed National Geographic photographer and local Seattleite Aaron Huey into the Washington Park Arboretum for a day of nature-inspired fun that matches their personality. This is #OpenStudio. This series was produced in collaboration with National Geographic.