Is SeaTac just an airport? Is Tukwila just a mall? Not even close.

In this episode of the Exploring Washington State Podcast, host Scott Cowan welcomes Mark Everton, President and CEO of Explore Seattle Southside, for a surprising deep dive into a region most people only pass through.

Mark breaks down the magic of “micro adventures” easy, unexpected experiences designed for curious locals and time-crunched travelers alike. You’ll hear about:

• A world-class coffee culture where $1.50 Ethiopian brews and bubble tea tasting flights coexist
• The Maury Island Incident, a little-known UFO case older than Roswell—with the first U.S. “Man in Black” sighting
• Why the Museum of Flight quietly attracts more visitors than any other attraction in Washington State (yes, even more than Pike Place)
• App-guided trails that lead you to 24 bubble tea shops within 2 miles of the airport—plus happy hours and UFO hotspots

Whether you’ve lived here for decades or have a long layover ahead, this episode will change how you see Seattle’s southside.

🎙 Guest: Mark Everton, President & CEO, Explore Seattle Southside