For out-of-towners, settling into Seattle can be quite overwhelming. You are excited to meet new peeps and see new sights. For new students in the city, some of the best experiences involve traveling to local spots that don’t consist of Pike Place Market and the Space Needle (although, both are pretty cool). With a little research from local Seattle sites, we were able to scrounge up some interesting places for your weekend travels. Check it out below!

1.Fremont Troll – The Troll is a public sculpture in the Freemont neighborhood, underneath the Aurora Bridge, created by four local artists to resemble a huge fairytale monster. Visitors to the statue are encouraged to climb about him, take photos, and generally enjoy the presence of a giant troll. Every Halloween, local artists put on a festival called Trollaween, consisting of art installations, fire puppets and performance art, free for the public to enjoy.

2.U District Farmers Market –The out-of-town crowds can have Pike Place. If you live in the U District, especially residents of Identity’s apartments near UW, we want you to check out the U District Farmers Market, especially because this particular local market runs year round. Just head over to University Way NE (between 50th & 52nd) and purchase some delicious produce from the friendly vendors! It’s only open on Saturdays.

3.Paseo – Got a hankering for Caribbean? We recommend Paseo Caribbean restaurant. It’s low-key counter service that the locals love. The first thing you need to order is the Caribbean roast sandwich!

4.Madison Park – We won’t lie—it rains here, a lot, but it’s not as bad as non-locals think. We do get sunlight and always appreciate it by doing something fun outdoors. So when you do finally see that glowing ball in the sky, grab your friends, pack your swimsuit, and drive to Madison Park in Capitol Hill. There you will find a ton of greenery, swimming beach, local shops, and quaint restaurants.

5. Mount Si – Over 100,000 people hike this mountain each year, making it one of the most popular trails in Seattle for locals and tourists. It’s a moderate level hike that’s said to be enjoyed by regular climbers and novices. Besides the 8-mile exercise (roundtrip), this mountain provides great views, especially when you reach the Snag Flat—an area of old-growth trees. While you are in Seattle, make sure to check this off your list.

6.Kinokuniya Books—Kinokuniya is a chain of Japanese bookstores located in the U.S. and Asia-Pacific region. However, this is no Barnes and Noble. With only 9 stores operate in the U.S., one of them being in Seattle, it’s a unique opportunity to experience the literature, art, and culture of Japan. If that doesn’t sound exciting, we still recommend purchasing the awesome Japanese stationary and add it to your school supplies.

7.Puzzle Break – “Hey, I know something fun we can do this weekend! Get trapped in a room together!” This may not sound entertaining, unless you live in Seattle and know what Puzzle Break is. For many locals, this attraction is well-known, but probably not the first thing you will see on a traditional list of things to do in Seattle. Get a group of classmates or roommates together and head over to Puzzle Break—located on 10th Ave. in the Capitol Hill neighborhood—and see if you have what it takes to outsmart the room, figure out the puzzle pieces, and retrieve the key to freedom!

Got some suggestions for closer hangout spots for residents living in U District apartments? Share it with us! Until then, keep your eyes open for local hotspots and offbeat things to do. Happy hunting!