Located within Des Moines' quaint Marina District, via Marina Wood-Fired Italian Cafe is a welcoming Italian eatery that locals love. Following the prestigious Vera Pizza Napoletana Association guidelines, the restaurant uses authentic Italian ingredients and bakes its pizzas at 800 degrees in less than 90 seconds — the real deal.  Known for its warm and casual atmosphere, attentive staff, and outstanding food, this café feels like a tucked-away trattoria you might stumble upon in Naples. Whether you're enjoying a romantic dinner or just dropping in for Happy Hour after a walk on the pier, Via Marina consistently delights with bold flavors and heartfelt service.    

NEED TO KNOW:    
-Variety of Menu Items: Compact but curated, the menu offers standout wood-fired pizzas, hand-tossed pastas, crisp salads, and shareable appetizers. Guests rave about dishes like the Cannelloni di Magro, homemade pasta filled with ricotta, spinach, and pecorino cheese, the Frutti di Mare loaded with seafood, capers, and Gaeta olives, and the shareable Antipasto Misto — a vibrant platter of marinated vegetables and cured meats. Don’t skip dessert: with five rotating options, there’s always something indulgent to end your meal.     
-Full Bar: Complement your meal with a glass of wine or explore the full bar for a craft cocktail surprise.    Marina Views & Cozy Charm: Located near the Des Moines Marina, the café offers a scenic setting paired with a warm, rustic interior that invites you to linger.    
-The Vibe: Heartfelt and Homey  Step inside Via Marina and you’ll find flickering light, the aroma of wood fire, and a setting that feels more like a neighborhood dinner party than a restaurant. The staff treat you like family, and many diners say it’s the personal touches — warm greetings, helpful recommendations — that elevate the experience from a simple meal to something memorable.

via Marina Wood Fired Pizza & Italian Cafe

JAFRA: Where Mediterranean Meets American Comfort Food      

JAFRA in Des Moines, Washington, offers a culinary journey where the tastes of the Middle East, Greece, and America come together in delightful harmony. Known for its signature lamb and beef gyro, as well as other beloved Mediterranean staples like shawarma and falafel, it's a fantastic option for a quick, casual meal. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty shawarma wrap or a refreshing smoothie, JAFRA's menu promises bold, satisfying flavors.    

Need to Know:
*	All-Day Dining: JAFRA is open 24 hours, Monday through Sunday.   
 *	Menu Highlights: The menu features crowd-pleasers like the tender Lamb and Beef Gyro, packed with authentic Mediterranean spices. The Chicken Shish Kabob is grilled to perfection, while their falafel and hummus plates offer a fresh take on vegetarian Mediterranean fare. The Greek samosas are also a favorite.    Sweet Snacks: In addition to full meals, JAFRA also serves smoothies and pastries such as muffins and donuts.    

The Vibe: Jafra is a casual, family-friendly spot that’s perfect for when you need a quick bite but don’t want to compromise on flavor or quality. While many people take their food to-go, there is a small, cozy seating area that’s clean and comfortable.    

Good to Know: 
Vegetarian-Friendly Options: With a range of plant-based dishes, like falafel wraps and Mediterranean salads, vegetarians are well catered to.    

Great for Takeout: As one reviewer put it, “The presentation was beautiful. I took it home and when I arrived it was still hot."

JAFRA

Menuderia Maria in Des Moines, WA, is a hidden gem for those who crave the warm, homestyle comfort of authentic Mexican soups. Specializing in menudo and pozole—two iconic dishes steeped in tradition—this humble eatery draws both locals and destination diners seeking a true taste of Mexico. Patrons return time and again for the rich broths, tender meats, and handmade tortillas that elevate each meal.    

 NEED TO KNOW    
-Specialty in Menudo & Pozole: Few places do it like Menuderia Maria. Their weekend menudo is rich, aromatic, and packed with tender tripe, while the pozole—available in red or green—is loaded with flavor and tradition.    
-Not Your Average Breakfast: Start your day with delicious dishes such as chilaquiles (corn tortilla pieces simmered in salsa) and eggs with nopal cactus.    
-Tasty Tacos: In addition to soup, you can get rolled or fried tacos with the filling of your choice, topped with lettuce, sour cream, queso fesco, avocado and pickled red onions.     

The Vibe:   Step inside Menuderia Maria and you’ll be greeted by the aroma of simmering soups and the unmistakable energy of a kitchen steeped in tradition. The vibe is quiet, humble, and inviting.

Menuderia María

The menu features an assortment of Hunan, Szechwan, Mandarin and Cantonese entrees. Try their Hot & Sour soup, Honey Walnut Shrimp, or flavorful Five Flavor Beef. Located in Des Moines, stop in to dine or enjoy take-out.            

Taste All Flavors of Chinese Food in Des Moines, #SeattleSouthside

Mandarin Kitchen

A unique, Northwest seafood restaurant that is designed in a casual, rustic cedar interior. They serve award winning New England Clam Chowder and an unmatched selection of fish and chips, including Giant Alaskan Cod Fillets. Additional items include halibut, Dungeness crab, salmon, local steamer clams, coconut prawns, scallops, oysters, and a variety of seafood tacos. Wally's also serves great steaks, burgers, salads, and chicken items. Enjoy authentic Northwest seafood and the view of the Puget Sound in the charming community of Des Moines and just seven minutes south of Sea-Tac Airport. Enjoy Award Winning New England Clam Chowder in #SeattleSouthside.

Wally's Chowder House Broiler

The Mt. Rainier Pool is an indoor facility located next to the Mt. Rainier High School campus and is open year-round. Offerings include swim lessons, lap swims, water exercise classes, as well as public and family swims.

Mount Rainier Pool

Step into Auntie Irene’s in downtown Des Moines and you’ll immediately feel the warmth and coziness of this community cafe. For more than 25 years, the business has been known as Des Moines’ “Second Living Room.” Owner Susie Horton is a local who often works alongside the baristas and has built the cafe's reputation for exceptional service.     

There’s no question that it's a local favorite: on a typical morning, there is virtually never a break in service. From the comfort food to the festive seasonal decor to the friendly conversations all around, being inside this cafe feels like getting a hug from an old friend. It’s super kid-friendly (a bin of toys sits atop a small table low enough for a preschooler), and the baristas know the regulars' orders by heart.     

Need to Know:    
-Delicious Breakfast and Lunch Options: Auntie Irene’s opens bright and early and closes at 5 p.m., and there are plenty of hearty meals to choose from, including cold and grilled sandwiches (the turkey pesto and reuben are favorites), as well as bagels, salads, and soups of the day.     
-Signature Drinks: The iced white chocolate Americano is a huge hit—baristas say they make 100 a day. The cafe also has a unique drink, Auntie I’s Fav, which is an almond latte made with brown sugar and honey (it’s definitely on the sweeter side, but you can ask for it with half the sweetness if you prefer).    
-Sweets Galore: A glass case at the front is filled with treats from local bakeries such as Finale’s Gourmet Desserts. Favorites include the sour cream coffee cake, cinnamon rolls and chocolate banana bread. There’s also an ice cream case with 16 different flavors.    
-Merchandise: Near the cashier you can find a small selection of branded gear and kitschy, seasonal merch.      

The Vibe:    Auntie Irene’s is the rare cafe that lends itself to both laptop work and long, leisurely hangs. You can choose to sit in a quiet corner, at a round table with a group, or a high bar at the window with a view of Puget Sound

Auntie Irene's Coffee Shop

A Taste of New Orleans in Des Moines    

Creole Soul isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a love letter to the rich culinary traditions of New Orleans, brought to life by owner and chef Hampton Isom. A New Orleans native, Isom learned to cook from the best—his grandmother and mother—who passed down their time-honored family recipes and deep love for Southern comfort food. After launching his popular food truck by the same name, Isom extended the business to a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Des Moines, Washington. Tucked away in "Backstage Alley" behind Marine View Drive S (the main street in downtown Des Moines), the restaurant serves up hearty, flavor-packed dishes. Whether you’re dining in or catching the truck on the go, Creole Soul delivers an authentic, soulful taste of Louisiana right here in the Pacific Northwest.     

Need to Know: 
-Signature Southern Hospitality    
-Authentic Southern Flavors – Creole Soul serves up New Orleans classics made with nearly all ingredients shipped straight from Louisiana. Fan favorites include crispy fried gator, rich seafood gumbo, overstuffed po’ boys, and buttery beignets. Feeling adventurous? Try the "Gator Mary," a bold Bloody Mary topped with a fried gator garnish!     
-Live Music & Good Vibes – Many evenings feature live performances, bringing the sounds of jazz, blues, and soul to your dining experience. Check Creole Soul’s website and social media for upcoming shows.      
-A Food Truck Legacy – The original Creole Soul food truck is still in operation, serving up Southern flavors at some of King County’s top wineries, breweries, and events.                 
-21+ Only – Due to regulations, only those who are 21 and older are able to visit Creole Soul's restaurant and bar.          
-The Vibe: Southern Charm in the PNW     
-Creole Soul feels like a cozy slice of New Orleans, complete with warm colors, friendly service, and the irresistible aroma of Southern spices filling the air. With live music often filling the space, guests can enjoy th

Creole Soul

Tucked into the heart of Des Moines, Athens Pizza & Pasta has earned a loyal following for its hearty portions, friendly service, and soul-warming Mediterranean flavors. This neighborhood spot serves up comfort food that blends classic Italian-American dishes with beloved Greek specialties.    Whether you’re craving layers of cheesy lasagna, classic pizza, a zesty Greek salad, or a hearty gyro, Athens delivers. Longtime fans rave about the consistency—same delicious recipes, same welcoming vibe, year after year.     

Need to Know:    
Greek-Italian Fusion Menu: The menu mixes hearty Italian classics like spaghetti and grinders with Greek dishes such as spanakopita, gyro platters, and tzatziki with pita.   
Beloved Pizza Creations: Athens’ pizza is hand-tossed with a golden, chewy crust and loaded with toppings. The Athens Special—pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, and olives—is a fan favorite.    
Perfect for Takeout and Large Group Orders:  Large trays of pasta, salad, and garlic bread make Athens a popular go-to for family dinners, office lunches, and parties.    

The Vibe:  Comfortable and unpretentious, Athens Pizza & Pasta feels like the kind of restaurant where stories are shared over generous plates of food. The dining room is cozy, the kitchen is always humming, and there’s a sense of hospitality that makes you feel like you’re part of the family.

Athens Pizza & Pasta

A Floral Boutique Blossoming with Charm and Elegance      

Iris & Peony Floral and Home is a locally owned floral and gift shop in downtown Des Moines. Founded by event design professionals Robyn Desimone and Shelly Tolo, the shop (which was originally in Burien), is a favorite for those seeking unique arrangements and distinctive home accents. Whether you're commemorating a special occasion or simply brightening your space, Iris & Peony offers a personalized and enchanting experience. To find the new location, head to S. 225th St. in Des Moines and walk down Backstage Alley, behind the Des Moines Theater.       

Need to Know:      
-Custom Floral Arrangements: Iris & Peony crafts bouquets that reflect individual tastes and the essence of each occasion.      
-Curated Home Décor: Beyond flowers, the boutique features a handpicked selection of upscale home décor items, gifts, and accessories, with a heavy emphasis on seasonal decor. Every few months, the inventory is completely refreshed with new items, creating a cozy, festive ambience. From vases of all sizes to decorative throw pillows to luxury candles and more, there's plenty to choose from, whether you're shopping for yourself or someone else.          
-The Vibe:  As a small, local business, Iris & Peony offers a personal touch. When you come in, there's a good chance you'll chat with the owner, who can help you find what you need.

Iris & Peony

Looking for fun things to do in Seattle? Seattle Southside offers limitless fun, all year round. From indoor skydiving in the winter to beachcombing in the summer, there are so many things to do and see, you’ll be sure to find fun for the entire family in Seattle’s Backyard.
From Starfire Sports to North SeaTac BMX Park, you’ll find a wide variety of sporting venues in Seattle Southside. Participants will also find plenty of post-game fun, including go-kart racing, bowling and indoor skydiving. And we’ll be happy to offer you complimentary planning help for everything from group activities to team housing. Make your next sporting event one for the record books in Seattle Southside.


Explore Seattle Southside

The Girls State Swimming & Diving Championships bring Washington’s high school athletes together for a premier WIAA championship meet on November 13–14, 2026. Hosted by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association at King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way, the event features competition across the 4A, 3A, and 1A/2A classifications, with heat sheets, live results, and a detailed schedule available for athletes, coaches, and fans.

WIAA Girls State Swimming & Diving Championships

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