Tired of the same old gym routine? This is the year to try something new. Bouldering is essentially rock climbing without the ropes or harnesses. However, you do use climbing shoes, chalk for your hands, and mats for those inevitable times you fall. Sounds a little intimidating at first, but trust us, it’s addicting. Go in for an hour and you’ll realize what an efficient workout it is AND it takes brain power. Win win.

Checkout Seattle Bouldering Project, our favorite place to go bouldering in the Greater Seattle Area (and we’ve tried a few). They change their boulders frequently so they’re always fresh. They also play THE BEST music ever. There are a variety of classes if you don’t feel comfortable jumping right into it. The best part is, you never feel self-conscious or any pressure from others; everyone is super nice and helpful. Don’t feel like making small talk with others? No worries; just plug your headphones in and climb away.

For details on classes, pricing, and location, click here.

Hundreds of loyal Rainier Valley Post readers and south-end residents recently voted in the fourth annual Best of Southeast Seattle Reader’s Choice Awards – the definitive list of who to know, where to eat and what to do in one of America’s most diverse zip codes. But with only 42 categories, we’re bound to miss something. Hence the final category, “What We Missed: The Best Thing in Southeast Seattle That’s Not Included Here.” What follows is a list of the top 10 best things in southeast Seattle, according to RVP readers. What are your favorites?

1. Columbia City Farmers Market (Columbia City)
Each May, the Columbia City Farmers Market (CCFM) – what CNN calls one of the best in the country – kicks-off with loads of farmers and food vendors selling a vibrant assortment of early spring greens, organic poultry and meats, fabulous cheeses, fresh eggs, wild salmon and seasonal cut flowers. The market runs every Wednesday through October providing a regular opportunity for local families to picnic in the bucolic Columbia Park adjacent to the market, Columbia Library and Rainier Valley Community Center. (37th Ave S. & S. Edmunds St./206-547-2278)

2. King Donut-Teriyaki-Laundromat (Rainier Beach)
Where can you get a cheap date, sage advice and a big apple fritter for just $1.50? King Donut in Rainier Beach. Voted Best Thing in Southeast Seattle in the 2013 RVP Readers Choice Awards and awarded Business of the Year in 2014 by the Rainier Chamber of Commerce, King Donut is the place to be. (9232 Rainier Ave. S./206-721-3103)

3. Ark Lodge Cinemas (Columbia City)
Everybody’s favorite neighborhood movie house reopened in 2012 nearly two years after the previous owner closed the cinema under a cloud of public drama, unpaid debts and multiple building code violations. The plucky theater was one of only two hundred across the country willing to show The Interview on Christmas Day, which created some much-needed buzz for the struggling cinema. (4816 Rainier Ave. S./206-721-3156)

4. Retroactive Kids (Columbia City)
Featuring vintage, classic, and one-of-a-kind toys and gifts, Retroactive Kids is a fun, creative, nostalgic store to shop for toys, kid’s books and baby gifts. There’s even a salon, Columbia City Cuts, located in the back of the store and they’re great with both kids and adults. (4859 Rainier Ave. S./206-932-3154)

5. Hillman City Collaboratory (Hillman City)
A non-profit, cooperative multi-purpose space shared by grassroots organizations and individuals focused on social change, creative expression, and community building. “The Collab” is made up of several unique spaces, including a co-working office, “mixing chamber,” learning kitchen, community garden, and drop-in center. (5623 Rainier Ave. S./206-799-8428)

6. Buy Nothing Southeast Seattle Facebook Group (Online)
An adult-only, hyper-local gift economy. The Buy Nothing movement encourages giving freely and sharing creatively. Neighbors post anything they’d like to give away, lend, or share, and ask for anything they’d like to receive for free or borrow. There is no buying or selling, trades or bartering or soliciting for cash. One local woman recently tried to give an entire neighborhood away.

7. Platinum Plush (MLK Jr. Way)
Nikita Mathis opened the tres fashionable Platinum Plush in 2002, catering to diverse, young and active men and women with the newest trends. She promotes her wears through fashion shows, hosts special events at local nightclubs and concerts, and throws community block parties. (6511 Martin Luther King Junior Way S./206-579-2651)

8. The Royal Room (Columbia City)
One of the city’s best music venue, restaurant and bar hosting jazz and other sounds & serving a Southern-influenced menu. Opened in 2011 by musician and composer Wayne Horvitz, longtime Seattle bar, restaurant and venue owners Tia Matthies and Steve Freeborn. (5000 Rainier Ave. S./206-906-9920)

9. Emerald City Fired Arts (Mt. Baker)
A fired arts studio specializing in paint-your-own pottery, clay art, mosaics and glass fusion. Pop in anytime or sign up for classes and workshops. A fun place to host birthdays and other special events. (3333 Rainier Ave. S./206-721-0450)

10. Full Tilt Ice Cream (Columbia City)
Full Tilt features delicious all-natural ice cream, new and vintage arcade and pinball machines, an eclectic mix of sodas, an amazing mix of music on the stereo, and some of the finest beers the Northwest has to offer. What else is there?  (5041 Rainier Ave. S./206-226-2740)

Find a full list of winners in the results of the 2014 Best of Southeast Seattle Reader’s Choice Awards – the definitive list of who to know, where to eat and what to do in one of America’s most diverse zip codes. Article and photo originally published at the Rainier Valley Post

Does this weather have you nearly bedridden with depression? Well suit-up, neighbors, ’cause it’s only just begun. We’ve got some long, dark days ahead when sometimes your only hope will be the liquid sunshine provided by one of the fine south-end businesses below. From independent mom ‘n pops to corporate behemoths and everything in between, we’ve got all the best southeast Seattle spots to get your java on. What’s your favorite?

1. Both Ways Cafe
Both Ways Cafe & Catering is a cozy little kid-friendly spot tucked away in a quiet corner of the Rainier Valley where Genesee Business District meets the Lakewood/Seward Park neighborhood. Breakfast and lunch menu with plenty of vegetarian options, fresh-squeezed juices and homemade biscuits. Yum! Open Monday through Saturday; 7 am to 3 pm; Sunday; 7 am to 2 pm. (4922 S. Genesee St./206-722-5799) Genesee

2. Caffe Vita
This independent, locally-owned company has been roasting coffee in Seattle since 1995. From its humble beginnings at the base of Queen Anne, Caffe Vita now operates nine cafes in the Pacific Northwest, a roasteria cafe in New York City, and a cafe in Los Angeles. Open Monday through Friday; 6 am to 8 pm; Saturday through Sunday; 7 am to 8 pm. (5028 Wilson Ave. S./206-721-0111) Lakewood/Seward Park

3. Columbia City Bakery
Sure, the coffee’s good, but have you seen the pastry cabinet?! Scones, sticky buns, bostok, oh, my! Owner Evan Andres, trained in the art and science of bread at Macrina, bakes some of the city’s best bread, cakes and patries. Open Monday through Friday; 7 am to 7 pm; Saturday and Sunday; 7 am to 5 pm. (4865 Rainier Ave. S./206-723-6023) Columbia City

4. Empire Espresso
Voted Best Coffee Shop in the RVP’s Best of Southeast Seattle Reader’s Choice Awards two years in a row (2009 and 2010), this popular neighborhood cafe recently announced plans to expand with a second Columbia City location. In the meantime, continue to enjoy Empire’s beer/wine, coffee/tea, signature waffles and more at their original location. Open Monday through Sunday; 6 am to 9 pm. (3829 S. Edmunds St./206-659-0588) Columbia City

5. Kaffa Coffee & Wine Bar
This Ethiopian restaurant recently took over the former home of the Rose Cafe and Restaurant. Specialties include coffee, espresso drinks, tea and Ethiopian food. Established earlier this year, the restaurant is named after the Kaffa region in Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee. Open Monday through Friday; 7:30 am to 9:30 pm; Saturday; 8 am to 9:30 pm; Sunday; 9 am to 9:30 pm. (8136 Rainier Ave. S./206-453-3558) Rainier Beach

6. Mioposto
This quaint little spot is tucked away in a picturesque corner of Mt. Baker right across the street from Mt. Baker Park. Also offering wood-fired pizza and an intimate bar featuring house-made limoncello, local brews, tasty Walla Walla wines on tap & classic cocktails. Open Monday through Friday; 6:30 am to 10 pm; Saturday and Sunday; 7:30 am to 10 pm. (3601 S. McClellan St./206-760-3400) Mt. Baker

7. Redwing Cafe
This sweet little spot just opened up in what some are calling the “cute zone” or “Old Town Rainier Beach.” With great coffee, a lovely ambiance, crazy good sticky buns and other yummy treats, Redwing is just what the neighborhood’s been waiting for. Open Tuesday through Friday; 7 am to 2 pm; Saturday 7 am to 3 pm. (9272 57th Ave. S./206-420-1706) Rainier Beach

8. Starbucks Columbia City
It’s Starbucks, so who needs a description? You’ve got your free wi-fi, coffee that tastes just like it does at every other Starbucks and cashiers obligated to ask about your day, so there it is. Open 7 am to 6:30 pm daily. (4824 Rainier Ave. S./206-721-8871) Columbia City

9. Starbucks Mt. Baker
Former LA Laker Magic Johnson established this popular south-end location in 2000 after teaming with Starbucks to develop cafes in inner-city neighborhoods all over the country. Ten years later, Johnson sold his interest in 105 Starbucks franchises back to the company for an estimated $27 million. This location boasts huge picture windows from which to gaze out on the always exciting Rainier Avenue Speedway. Open 6 am to 8:30 pm. (2921 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S./206-721-1543) Mt. Baker

10. The Station
Home of the (Slightly Less) Bitter Barista, The Station is a hiphop mecca and one of the coolest spots in the city. Owner Luis Rodriguez is extra-proud of the mocha Mexicano, made with Ibarra chocolate. Open Monday through Friday; 6 am to 7 pm; Saturday and Sunday; 8 am to 6 pm. (2533 16th Ave. S./206-453-4892) Beacon Hill

11. Tin Umbrella Coffee
It didn’t take long for this funky little java joint to become all the Rainier Valley rage, as evidenced by its prompt Best Coffee Shop win in the Rainier Valley Post’s 2013 Best of Southeast Seattle Reader’s Choice Poll. Owner Joya Iverson is building community AND roasting her own beans. Open Monday through Friday; 6:30 am to 2 pm; Saturday through Sunday; 8 am to 2 pm. (5600 Rainier Ave. S./206-743-8802) Hillman City

12. Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria
What? Coffee at the Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant in Southeast Seattle? Yep, but not like they do at Starbucks. No flavored syrup here. Just delicious authentic Italian espresso (with a little Nutella if you’re feeling naughty). Owner Joe Fugere likes to keep it real. Morning espresso bar open every day at 8 am. (4918 Rainier Ave. S./206-721-3501) Columbia City

BONUS: Starbucks drive-thru
We didn’t think this one belonged in a list of sit-down coffee shops, so consider it a bonus. And rather timely since the corporate juggernaut has recently started experimenting with call-ahead ordering for those so entitled among us that $5 coffee just isn’t enough. Must. Have. Now. Open 6 am to 7 pm daily. (6310 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S./206-725-0718) Brighton

Article originally published at the Rainier Valley Post. Photo/The Station

Hundreds of loyal Rainier Valley Post readers and south-end residents recently voted in the fourth annual Best of Southeast Seattle Reader’s Choice Awards – the definitive list of who to know, where to eat and what to do in one of America’s most diverse zip codes. What follows is a list of the top 10 bakeries in southeast Seattle, according to RVP readers. What are your favorites?

1. Columbia City Bakery
Voted Best Bakery in Southeast Seattle in the 2015 Best of Southeast Seattle Reader’s Choice Awards! Owner Evan Andres, trained in the art and science of bread at Macrina, bakes some of the city’s best bread, cakes and patries. Open Monday through Friday; 7 am to 7 pm; Saturday and Sunday; 7 am to 5 pm. (4865 Rainier Ave. S./206-723-6023) Columbia City

2. Borracchini’s Bakery
A Garlic Gulch mainstay, this historic, family-owned bakery will decorate your birthday cake while you wait. Delectable breads, cookies, pastries and more, plus a great little Italian deli/grocery. (2307 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98144/206-325-1550) North Rainier

3. Despi Delite Bakery
Serving Beacon Hill for more than 20 years and specializing in sweet and savory Filipino goods, sheet cakes for all occasions, donuts, bread, cookies and much more. Open Monday through Friday 7:30 am  to 6:30 pm; Saturday 7:30 am to 6 pm. (2701 15th Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98144/206-325-2114) Beacon Hill

4. Tony’s Bakery & Deli
Vietnamese bakery and deli with entrees, desserts, bubble tea, Bahn Mi sandwiches and huge humbao. Good service and even better prices. Open 7 am to 8 pm daily. (6020 Martin Luther King Junior Way, Seattle, WA 98118/206-722-8800) Hillman City

5. Tammy’s Bakery
Some of the best Banh Mi sandwiches in Seattle at bargain prices plus great bubble tea. Cash only. Open 8 am to 7 pm daily. (7101 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S., Seattle, WA 98118/206-760-1172) Beacon Hill

6. Redwing Cafe
Amazing cardamom sticky buns and other pastries including a perfect quiche. Lots of great vegetarian and gluten-free options. Open Tuesday through Friday; 7 am to 4 pm; Saturday and Sunday 8 am to 4 pm. (9272 57th Ave. S./206-420-1706) Rainier Beach

7. Repast
Tiny little neighborhood spot on Mount Baker Ridge with delicious pastries, sandwiches, quiche and soups. Open Monday through Friday 6:30 am to 2 pm; Sat and Sun 7:30 to 2 pm. (1418 31st Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98144/206-325-2900) Mount Baker

8. One Wild Strawberry Cake Pops
Serving custom, gourmet cake pops on a first-come, first-serve basis. Eleven regular flavors plus a couple seasonals and a host of fun themes and designs including animals, characters, holidays, baby and wedding showers and much more. (Seattle, WA 98118/206-466-1490 ) Seward Park

9. Meianna Bakery & Cafe
More than 40 different baked goods, including many Chinese standards. Open every day from 7 a.m.-7:30 p.m. (6008 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S., Seattle, WA 98118/206-722-8888) Hillman City

10. King Donut
Arguable some of the best donuts in the city served with a side of sarcasm and tough love, plus excellent teriyaki and self-serve laundromat. Co-owner Davie Hay writes an advice column for your RVP: Real-World Advice for Your First-World Problems. (9232 Rainier Ave. S./206-721-3103) Rainier Beach

Columbia City Bakery was voted Best Bakery in Southeast Seattle in the 2015 Best of Southeast Seattle Reader’s Choice Awards. Article originally published at the Rainier Valley Post. Photo/Columbia City Bakery (4865 Rainier Ave. S.)

Hundreds of loyal Rainier Valley Post readers and south-end residents recently voted in the fourth annual Best of Southeast Seattle Reader’s Choice Awards – the definitive list of who to know, where to eat and what to do in one of America’s most diverse zip codes. The following is a list of the top 10 best places to get in shape in southeast Seattle, according to RVP readers. What are your favorites?

1. Columbia City Fitness Center (Columbia City)
Columbia City Fitness Center is a family-owned and operated gym with certified fitness experts that can help people of all levels. Owned by neighborhood fixtures Flozzell and Andrew “Bull” Stewart and voted Best Gym in the 2014 Best of Southeast Seattle Reader’s Choice Awards. (4860 Rainier Ave. S./206-725-7894)

2. The Studio at Rainier Valley (North Rainier)
The Studio at Rainier Valley is located in the heart of southeast Seattle and offers several programs including Tae Kwon Do, dance and self-defense workshops, as well as several different types of yoga (Forrest Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Hour of Power and Vinyasa Flow). The studio is also available for rental. (3333 Rainier Ave S, Suite D/206-787-0993)

3. Rainier Health and Fitness (Othello)
Offering Senior’s fitness classes throughout the week as well as yoga (gentle as well as vigorous), cycling and ladies night. One benefit of membership is childcare for kids up to age 10 allowing busy parents the opportunity to try out new offerings such as a cycle and core class combining the benefits of cycling with core strengthening exercises. (7722 Rainier Ave. S./206-725-0279)

4. Seattle Gymnastics Academy (Columbia City)
Classes are broken out by age range, skill level and gender with summer gymnastics camps, an indoor playground for rainy days and a bi-monthly parent’s night out from 6 to 10 pm, including pizza, games and a movie along with gymnastics to work up an appetite. Kids ages 5-12 are welcome, drop off ends at 7 pm. (5034 37th Ave. S. #200/206-708-7497)

5. Southside Booty Camp (Southeast Seattle)
Southside Booty Camp offers outdoor fitness boot camps for women in the Seattle area. Experts teach exercise classes in parks throughout Seattle, including several in southeast Seattle. (3815 S. Othello St./206-792-9512)

6. Rainier Community Center (Columbia City)
Many family friendly fitness options can be found at the Rainier Community Center where affordable (and some free) classes are offered for all ages (starting at six months). The community center has yoga, martial arts, dance, aerobics and much more every day of the week. The winter schedule can be found here. (4600 38th Ave. S./206-386-1919)

7. Rainier Beach Community Center & Pool (Rainier Beach)
This beautiful new $25 million, 46,500 square foot, state-of-the-art facility includes two new pools (lap and leisure), a new gym, computer lab, arts and crafts space, kitchen area, teen rooms and childcare facility. A great place for the whole family to work out and have fun together. (8825 Rainier Ave. S./206-386-1925)

8. Seattle Bouldering Project (North Rainier)
Awesome climbing gym with high ceilings, open layout, natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows, enormous climbing walls, topout boulders, innovative and grade-consistent routesetting, seamless padding, a fleet of rental crash pads, full-service fitness center, locker rooms with showers, yoga, weights, cross-training, youth programs, kids areas and tons of parking. (900 Poplar Pl. S./206-299-2300)

9. Crossfit RE (Genesee)
Crossfit RE offers Crossfit classes and training for all skill levels. Coach Darrick Bourgeois is breathing new life into the neighborhood with beginner classes, personal training sessions and offerings throughout the day for more experienced Crossfit enthusiasts. (4243 Rainier Ave. S./206-397-3924)

10. Rocket Crossfit (Hillman City)
Introductory class options for beginners as well as challenging classes for crossfit devotees in a fun, encouraging environment. (5720 Rainier Ave. S./206-725-0278)

Columbia City Fitness Center is a family owned and operated wellness center. Article and photo originally published at the Rainier Valley Post