Top chefs, artists, musicians and other local figures uncover Seattle’s hidden gems
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON — This summer, Visit Seattle is giving visitors more to discover about the Emerald City as its “I Know a Place” campaign expands with video and other new content to invite travelers – near and far —- on an insiders’ tour of Seattle, led by the Seattleites who know it best. Launching on Sept. 1, I Know a Place will feature a rotation of prominent Seattle personalities as they give tours to visiting friends (and familiar faces) from out of state. The campaign kicks off with Top Chef season 18 contestants Chef Shota Nakajima and Chef Sara Hauman.
“I have so much pride for my hometown,” said Chef Shota Nakajima, owner of Capitol Hill hotspot Taku. “Seattle has uplifted me throughout my career; and I count our city’s diverse culinary community as inspiration for building up my business. I’m thrilled to partner with Visit Seattle to welcome back travelers and introduce my friends, new and old, to the Seattle I know.”
Nakajima’s video, which launches on Visit Seattle’s social platforms (@visitseattle) on Sept. 1, will document the three-time James Beard Award finalist giving fellow Top Chef contestant (and Portland, OR resident) Sara Hauman a tour of his Seattle favorites and hidden gems. Catch a sneak-peek here.
Nakajima is one of several Seattle personalities who will be featured in the campaign. Notable Seattleites in culinary, sports, arts, culture and music will welcome back visitors by sharing their Seattle hotspots for dining, shopping, staycations and more – with new videos running throughout 2021.
“There’s this really beautiful element to travel that often flies under the radar: the dynamic between the local who is engrained in a city and the visitor who is seeing a city with fresh eyes,” said Ali Daniels, Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President for Visit Seattle. “When you can bring those two figures together, something really magical happens. I Know a Place is about showing how people can fall in love with Seattle – this incredibly unique and layered city — for completely different reasons. It’s a tribute to those that know Seattle best, and an open invitation for travelers across the U.S., to come discover us.”
I Know a Place originated in February as a grassroots campaign to garner support for local businesses through the pandemic. Featuring a rotation of Seattle-based content creators, the success of the campaign among residents led to its national expansion.
The expanded campaign will run on Visit Seattle’s social media channels, YouTube, digital display and more. Follow IKnowAPlace.org and #IKnowSeattle for the latest.
About Visit Seattle: Visit Seattle has served as the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Seattle and King County for more than 50 years. A 501(c)(6) organization, Visit Seattle enhances the economic prosperity of the region through global destination branding along with competitive programs and campaign in leisure travel marketing, convention sales and overseas tourism development. Visit visitseattle.org.