Marin Strong, a University of Washington graduate student and first-time congress attendee is excited to welcome nurse researchers from around the world to the city she calls home for the 36th International Nursing Research Congress.
What’s one thing every visitor has to do while in Seattle?
Visit Pike Place Market! It's an iconic location and a cornerstone of the Seattle community, with beautiful views and delicious food! It might be touristy, but it's for a good reason. Go during the week so it's less crowded. My Pike Place recommendations are Beecher's mac and cheese, Market Spice for a free cup of their incredible cinnamon-orange tea and clever spice jar art, Jack's Fish Spot for their smoked salmon, a specialty drink at Ghost Alley Espresso, and Pike Street Press for unique handcrafted gifts, postcards, and cards. You can also walk from Pike Place across the newly constructed waterfront on Pier 62 to look across the Olympic Peninsula. Also, around the corner on First Avenue, check out the Eighth Generation shop for gorgeous Native art.
Are there any hidden gems or must-see spots?
I consider the Museum of Pop Culture a must-see spot. While music aficionados may be most immediately drawn to it, there is seriously something for everyone—sci-fi, video games, iconic movie costumes, Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings set pieces, and more. It's such a unique and fun experience.
A hidden gem is the Pioneer Square neighborhood which is full of historic buildings with beautiful bookstores, art galleries, and restaurants. Speaking of bookstores, taking the train from Westlake to Capitol Hill and visiting Elliot Bay Book Company is so worth a trip.
Even though it’s a bit more of a journey, take a trip on a ferry! You can get the foot ferry (Water Taxi) right from downtown to West Seattle or take a bit longer of a ride and be rewarded with incredible views of the mountains on your way to Bremerton or Bainbridge Island. If you make it to Bainbridge, you can walk right off the ferry and into town where you must check out Proper Fish and Pegasus Coffee House.
Where is the best place to unwind after a long day of learning?
Enjoy the outdoors! Seattle is so lucky to be surrounded by so much water and big, beautiful mountains. Around the time of congress, we should have some wonderfully warm, sunny days with long light. If you're looking for a nice spot to unwind with a drink in hand, skip the high cost of the Space Needle and head to the Sky View Observatory & Bar at Columbia Tower to get a view from the tallest building in the Pacific Northwest.
Seattle is known for its coffee culture. Where is your go-to to get your fix?
I live in North Seattle but work downtown, so it depends on where I am. In North Seattle, I recommend Lighthouse Roasters and Café Allegro. Downtown, my favorites are Fulcrum Café, Monorail Espresso, and Olympia Coffee Roasting. It's hard to go wrong in Seattle when it comes to coffee! I encourage congress attendees to support one of the many locally owned, independent coffee shops.
What’s one thing about Seattle that might surprise visitors?
There are so many parks in the city! The whole waterfront from the ferry terminal through Olympic Sculpture Park is a lovely walk. There is also Seward Park, Discovery Park, Golden Gardens, and the Washington Park Arboretum. You can even walk or bike trails and explore the green space around Lake Union and the Ballard Locks—I could go on and on. It also might surprise people how close alpine lakes and big mountain adventures are to such a vibrant city. In less than a one-hour drive from the venue, you can be up at Snoqualmie Pass!
What excites you most about congress being in your city?
I am so excited to share the beautiful city I am lucky to call home and the nursing community that has lovingly accepted me. Nurses in Seattle are some of the most passionate, kind, and committed people who simultaneously are doing some of the most innovative, cutting-edge work in research, clinical practice, and advocacy. Seattle is also home to a premier, world-class nursing school at the University of Washington, where I am so lucky to be a graduate student. It's the perfect place to host congress!
Have you attended a Sigma event before?
Congress will be my first time attending a national or international Sigma event, and I am most looking forward to learning from and collaborating with nurses from around the world. Nurses are a powerful force for good, justice, and change, and coming together in any way we can, like at an event like congress, is a crucial means by which we connect and collaborate to continue doing the work.
Marin Strong, RN, received her bachelor’s degree in nursing in 2018 from the University of New Hampshire. She is currently a graduate student at the University of Washington pursuing a PhD and is a member of Sigma’s Psi at-Large Chapter.