Inside the TWB Seattle Tours!
There’s something powerful about seeing your city through new eyes, even when it’s the same streets you’ve driven a hundred times. That’s exactly what guests discovered on our first TWB Seattle Neighborhood Tour, where we turned an ordinary Saturday into a celebration of history, culture, and community.
We started this tour series to bring Traveling While Black to life beyond the screen! To create real-world experiences that highlight Black-owned businesses, uncover hidden stories, and connect people through the joy of exploration. But what made this tour truly special wasn’t just the itinerary, it was the energy, laughter, and sense of belonging that filled the bus from the very first stop.
On our first tour, Saturday, September 6th, the day kicked off with excitement as our group boarded the bus (via Presidential Transportation), ready to explore Seattle in style. We made stops at local gems like We Rise Wines, Footprint Wine Tap, and Arte Noir, with a special visit to the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI), a favorite among many guests.
One attendee shared,
“The TWB tour was an absolutely wonderful experience! It was fun, informative, and a great way to support Black-owned businesses. Also, it was so exciting to finally meet Marlie and Anthony! Their positive energy felt through their videos is the exact same in person.”
Another added,
“I loved the interactions on the bus and the fun conversations along the way. The setting made it easy to meet new people. As someone born and raised in Seattle, I enjoyed the chance to be a tourist in my own town and to see the city through their perspective.”
Whether it was tasting wine, hearing local stories, or sharing laughs between stops, every part of the day reminded us that connection is at the heart of travel, even when you’re exploring your own backyard.
When we asked participants to rate their experience, nearly everyone gave it a 10 out of 10, not just for the activities, but for the feeling the tour created.
Guests said they loved:
Learning new stories about Seattle’s diverse neighborhoods
Visiting Black-owned businesses they hadn’t heard of before
Riding comfortably without worrying about driving or parking
The sense of community and inclusion throughout the day
Goodie bags with gifts from some amazing Seattle-based Black organizations like, Boon Boona Coffee, Magnus Premium, and Black Heritage Society of WA.
As one guest put it:
“Anthony and Marlie Love have curated an amazing experience with the TWB Seattle Tour! Every stop on the tour became a highlight, and the opportunity to meet local business owners was inspiring. It was wonderful to be in such a welcoming environment. 10/10!”
We also heard thoughtful feedback from guests eager to see the experience grow, requests for longer museum visits, sit-down lunches at local restaurants, and even a printed map to remember all the stops. These ideas are exactly what will help us shape future TWB Tours and keep each experience fresh, intentional, and community-driven.
Above all, nearly every participant shared that they felt comfortable, welcomed, and connected, which means the world to us. That’s what Traveling While Black has always been about, creating safe, joyful spaces for exploration and storytelling.
TWB Tours is just getting started. From haunted adventures in Port Gamble to holiday magic in Leavenworth, we’re taking our tours on the road, and we can’t wait to welcome new faces along the way.
If you joined us for our first Seattle tour, thank you for being part of the journey. And if you haven’t yet, we’ll save you a seat on the next one.
Explore upcoming tours: travelingwhileblackseattle.com/twb-tours
