“Nature” isn’t as far away as we sometimes think. Even in a modern city like Seattle, the patient observer doesn’t have to go far to see that the natural world isn’t necessarily at odds with the concrete and glass structures that we’ve built for ourselves.
It’s hard to miss the fact that the Pacific Northwest is a wonderland. Even if you’re stuck in traffic or rushing to your favorite coffee shop in Seattle, you can usually glimpse the mighty snow-covered volcanoes that gave our region its shape.
It’s no accident that today Seattle is known as a bike-friendly city. An avid breed of bicyclist has been with the city almost since its inception in the mid-1800s. Indeed, much of the infrastructure in the Queen City was built specifically for bicyclists at the insistence of bicycling lobby groups.
We’re collecting stories of the heroes and misanthropes, leaders, poets and legends who looked past the rugged, challenging landscape and saw the gleam of inspiration. Something about this place seems to hone greatness and, with all due respect to the past, your story is as much a part of that PNW future history as is ours. The work you do, day in and out, is a shining thread in a much larger tapestry. At Silver Cup, our simple goal is to provide the fuel to keep you moving forward. We see a hot cup of coffee as the silver lining on a rainy morning in January, when it feels like the sun won’t rise until noon.
Big cities across the globe have had their share of trials and tribulations, decades of struggle that add character to every cobblestone or brick you walk past. Though Seattle is not the first city to experience hardship, it has its own unique journey that makes it stand out among the rest. What many are unaware of is the history that lies within the shadow of glamour and the immense struggles this city has overcome, only to rise stronger than before.
“It’s important to have good company on these trips. This looks different for everyone. Personally, I favor going with people that can find contentment with whiskey by the fire, a fresh cup of coffee at sunrise, and can handle a mosquito…. or six. On the flip side, backpacking can be great for those who may not know if they like being in nature. You’ll never know the wonders of sleeping under the stars if you’ve never slept under the stars.” Read our new Smugglers Blend inspired story from our Silver Cup brand.
Lake Union offers the perfect outlet to the tension and fast pace of life in the city. 580 acres of freshwater combined with a little bit of sunshine create endless possibilities for kayaking, swimming, and sailing. Unbeknown to locals and tourists alike is a fleet of sunken ships that rest just 30 feet below the surface of the lake. Nicknamed Lake Union’s Graveyard, each boat holds a mysterious history that has been kept secret for decades. Inspired by our Gueen City Blend from our Silver Cup brand.
A coin toss can represent different things for many people; a fun game of chance, a way to entertain a child, an easy way to make a decision. For Captain Ballard in 1890, one silly little coin granted him 160 acres of land and initiated the development of one of Seattle’s most beloved neighborhoods. Business owners and fishermen alike take pride in the history of Ballard and how it became such a significant area of Seattle after starting as a ‘wasteland’; continuing this tradition of hard work throughout their everyday lives. Inspired by our Snoho Mojo blend from our Silver Cup brand.
It is no secret that Washington state is home to many of the best hiking and skiing trails in the country. With the magnificence of the cascades, thousands of visitors and locals alike venture into the snowy mountains every year in search of panoramic views and unforgettable memories. Over the years, mountain travelers have returned with stories of their overnight trips, often recalling incidents that seem unbelievable. Read our Wonderland blend inspired story and discovery Snow Bowl Hut and the mystical creatures in our Washington Forests.
Sprinkled throughout the mountain ranges of Washington state, 93 fire lookouts act as a stopping point for hikers who visit the region. In an effort to offer protection from forest fires, a total of 400 fire lookouts were built throughout 1930s. Many who stop there find themselves in awe of the incredible mountain views, often using these lookouts to capture the fleeting feeling of solitude in today’s busy world. Unbeknown to most is the romantic history of these lookouts and the way that they have impacted Pacific Northwest culture as we know it.