Diversity Rules Magazine

3 Diversity Rules Magazine November 2018 Joey Amato is the publisher of Pride Journeys, the premier source for LGBT travel. Joey publishes destination reviews in addition to lifestyle content that is both insightful and engaging to LGBT readers. Joey has spent the major- ity of his career dedicated to the LGBT community, having contrib- uted to numerous publications around North America. In addi- tion, he owns Agency33 Public Rela- tions, a full-service firm specializing in LGBT outreach. A journey to the Pacific Northwest is something I always look forward to. I love the natural beauty of Seattle and of course the abundance of fresh sea- food the city has to offer. Its proximity to both Portland and Vancouver are also benefits and the three cities are connected via Amtrak, so visitors can easily turn a trip to the Emerald City into a multi-destination vacation. Whenever I travel to a city, I like to search for the local LGBT publica- tions. In this case, pick up a copy of Unite Seattle and Seattle Gay News for an overview of local happenings. On many occasions, I discovered wonderful events tak- ing place in a city that I would not have known about had I not read a local gay publication. Plus, it's a great way to meet the community. You can easily find the publications at any one of the gay bars and restaurants in Capital Hill or even at a new hotspot called Lum- ber Yard, a sports bar located in the White Center neighborhood, about 15 minutes from downtown. I began my experi- ence in Seattle with a VIP Food Tour of Pike Place Market or- ganized through Savor Seattle Food Tours. I usually can't func- tion in the morning if I don't have break- fast, but guests should come hungry to this tour. Our intimate group met at Indi Chocolate, a very nice shop that produces delicious chocolate in addition to cacao-based products includ- ing teas, spice rubs, and body care products all made from cocoa butter. Over the next two hours, we journeyed through the mar- ket tasting homemade biscuits, fresh Rainer cherries, maple bacon doughnuts and sip- ping on specialty teas. In total, we visited 8 different vendors including the famous fly- ing fish stand…yes, those guys who throw the fish. You'll be glad you woke up early to experience the market before the other 30,000 people who visit each day. Directly across the street from Pike Place Market is the original Starbucks Coffee. I was misled by travel sites and was told to visit a dif- ferent shop around the corner but was later informed that the location on 1st Avenue is truly the first. is was evident by the dozens of tourists posing for photos outside the store. e last visited Seattle, a little company called Amazon was just getting started. Fast forward a decade later, the tech behemoth has penetrated almost every part of the city. Some may say they have grown too much, but there are some advantages, most notably, Amazon Go. My friend Jared took me there and it was a fun expe- rience. You need to download the Amazon Go app on your phone to enter. It's linked to your bank account and you literally just pick up any items you'd like from sandwiches to wine - and walk Seattle - Con't on page 7 Pride Journeys Seattle By Joey Amato

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