Ellen S

If you have a few hours, head to this sanctuary for the hundreds of feral cats on the island. Without natural predators, the cat population is humanely managed by this sanctuary. A kitty lover’s dream!

The best Cajun food in the state, easily. It’s tucked in a grocery store and there is always a solid 15-20 minute wait after you order. No seating, but you can grab napkins and sit on the curb or in a car.

Plan to spend at least 3 nights in this tranquil retreat; we happily could have spent 2 weeks here, but we love spas. With fewer than 100 rooms and suites, the hotel grounds never feel busy. And you’ll want to spend time simply roaming the spectacular gardens, slipping into a heated private onsen bath, or meditating on a yoga platform by a reflecting pond. The grounds are also magical at night as you look up at the stars through enormous banyan and evergreen trees. Our time in the spa hale (private spa studio) was probably the most expensive treatment of my life but worth the splurge. Pro tip: Pre arrival bookings are needed for almost everything… but tricky and require some patience with the staff, who seem under resourced.

This food hall explicitly aims to celebrate and promote the diverse immigrant populations of Tukwila, so expect pancit, injera and jollof rice (a Senegalese-Gambian version) under one roof.

They just don’t miss. Every location of El Rinconsito is bustling, with good reason. The food is fresh, flavorful and affordable. If you dine in, there is a salsa bar; otherwise, grab both the green and red to go.

There are dozens of Nobu outlets around the world; this one is scaled back, sleek and whisper quiet, befitting its retreat location. The menu includes a sampler of Nobu classics like miso cod and yellowtail jalapeño, alongside a surprisingly delicious and inventive spa menu. Definitely try the Japanese breakfast bento, flaxseed pancakes, and the melt in your mouth shabu shabu. A half dozen tables are arranged outdoors by the koi pond if you prefer open air dining, but bring a sweater or jacket at night. The retreat is the near the ridge line of a small mountain and nights can be brisk.

The lines have finally become manageable at this outpost of “the Starbucks of Taiwan.” Sponge cakes and pastries are reliable; the more elaborate cakes in the refrigerated case feel like less of a good deal. They’re famous for starting the salted cream coffee craze, and I have to admit it’s tasty.

Korean fried chicken, in a Korean neighborhood!