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Skip the tourist traps and visit Georgetown

Explore the gritty beer-infused neighborhood of Seattle

Local Artists at the Georgetown Trailer Park Vintage and Artisan Market. Photo credit: Missy Bouchat

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Seattle is a major draw for servicemembers and their families requesting Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The city is famous for the Space Needle, MonoRail, and Pike's Place Market, as well as its influential coffee and music scenes. The city is also made up of many historical neighborhoods with off the charts character and what we all really love Seattle for -- grunge. 

Georgetown is one such, mostly undiscovered, neighborhood, nestled below the industrial SoDo neighborhood of Seattle along South Airport Way. A true locomotive dream location, sandwiched between the Union Pacific Railroad and Boeing Airfield, with actively running trains and low flying aircraft. Georgetown is arguably the oldest neighborhood in Seattle, famous for it's rail yard, servicing transcontinental freight traffic and establishing the beloved Rainier Beer in 1878.

Holding on to it's roots, Georgetown is now home to many microbreweries and pubs, including the Elysian Taproom with 20 rotating taps, happy hour and growler filling specials. Other independent craft breweries and taprooms in the neighborhood include Machine House Brewery, Counter Balance Brewing Company, Georgetown Brewing Company, Jellyfish Brewing Company and Lowercase Brewing. Spend a Saturday afternoon strolling Airport Way, sampling all the delicious concoctions these dedicated and passionate brewmasters have created.

With good beer comes good food. Exceptional food, actually. The highly rated restaurants are sprinkled throughout the neighborhood, each one brimming with artisanal charm. For local and seasonal American fare served family-style at long farmhouse tables, be sure to visit The Carson Building. Situated inside a turn of the century home and surrounded by beautiful gardens, this cozy and warm atmosphere provides an intimate setting. If you're more in the mood for a bright and modern space serving grilled meats and vegetables from around the world, then Ciudad is your place. Pizza more your scene? Not to worry, Georgetown won't disappoint with its selection of pizza joints, as well as ice cream and coffee shops. Regardless the cuisine or décor, every Georgetown restaurant demonstrates a strong sense of community served a la carte.

Walk off your meal by perusing the vast assortment of galleries and shops. Every month, the second Saturday brings the Georgetown Art Attack -- a free, family friendly Art Ride bus tour from 6-9 p.m. Local artists, businesses, and restaurants join together to create a night of inspiration and fun. To support more local businesses, visit the Georgetown Trailer Park Mall, a one of a kind experience where local artists and designers can rent and sell from funky vintage trailers. This event is held year round, every Saturday (noon-7 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), and stays open later during the Art Attack events.

The culture and community of Georgetown is an experience every visitor and local will enjoy, but what really sets this neighborhood apart are the stunning historical brick industrial buildings that dominate Airport Way. Set against the typical gloomy gray skies of Seattle, their presence evokes the rich and eclectic history of the city. Spend the day visiting taprooms and galleries and soak it all in! 

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