Find the Best Things to Do in Ravenna
By Lesli Schauf
About Ravenna
Photo courtesy of Chas Redmond
An older residential neighborhood, with many professors from the nearby schools (both UW and other campuses), several houses of worship, and a relaxed-yet-not-sleepy atmosphere. The Ravenna neighborhood and land were named for the Italian seacoast town of Ravenna, famous for its pine trees. Even as logging cleared most of the forests around Seattle, the Ravenna land was a haven for giant firs and cedars.
See & Do
Ravenna Park is in a 1/2 mile wooded ravine...that was formed by a glacier. It connects two larger picnic areas near the University District, and the park offers a children's play area, walking paths and trails, a wading pool, a ball field, and a tennis court. The walking paths include a portion of an old streetcar line.
Eat
From the chain-locations of Starbucks, Blue C Sushi and Johnny Rockets (all located in University Village) to the local and unique Grateful Bread, Rain City Burgers, Jet City Pizza, and the Sunflour Cafe, there are dining options aplenty in Ravenna. You may have to look for them, but once you find them you may also find your newest weekly stop for Thai food, vegan meals, baked goods, wines and spirits, or a great burger!
Stay
Perhaps it's the collegiate influence, perhaps it's all the residential streets; but most of the hotels in Ravenna are bed and breakfasts. There are a few "traditional" hotels, both basic-traveller (Travelodge) and more business-friendly (Silver Cloud.) But some time, you really need to try one of the B&Bs. The Chambered Nautilus is a lovely place to stay.