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Sean Day, 16, rides at the SeaTac BMX race track in SeaTac.
Off to the Races photography by Jim Meyers
Tacoma BMX phenom Sean Day, 16, trains for the sport’s highest competitions. (pg. 30) 2
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Mixing Magic Kamp Social House Elevates NA Beverage Appeal
MARCEIL VAN CAMP, co-owner of Kamp Social House in Seattle’s Madison Park neighborhood, understands how challenging it can be to find a place with excellent NA options, especially paired with great food and ambience. (Van Camp co-owns Kamp alongside her life and business partner, Katy Knauff, a seasoned restaurateur. The name “Kamp” is a fusion of Katy and Marceil’s Place, symbolizing their collaboration.) Van Camp embarked on a yearlong alcohol hiatus to immerse herself in the NA scene. She aimed to authentically understand the preferences and requirements of non-drinkers, ensuring that Kamp’s alcohol-free menu truly resonated with them. She delved into their world to grasp a crucial aspect—the emergence of entirely novel NA spirits. Rather than mimicking alcoholic beverages such as gin or rum, she highlights that many NA spirits are innovative concepts distinctly crafted without alcohol. “This means you can get super creative with flavor pairing versus just trying to copy a boozy cocktail,” she said. “That said, we do have a few replica-type cocktails on our menu, like the NA French 75. What’s important to note when making an NA cocktail is that the mouthfeel will likely be different than what you are used to. So, we layer in complex acids to make the cocktail come together smoothly.” Since Kamp opened its doors in 2022, the enthusiastic response from individuals seeking nonalcoholic options has been truly remarkable. “It’s satisfying to witness the joy of non-drinkers when they discover the dedicated unboozy section on our signature cocktail menu,” said Van Camp. She mentioned a circle of single friends who consider
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Kamp their go-to spot for first dates, valuing the safety of an alcohol-free environment. They also don’t necessarily want to make it a “first-date topic.” So, they order a drink, she said, and their date is none the wiser about its ABV. Kamp has also been the gathering place for numerous sober anniversaries, often attended by a mix of both drinkers and non-drinkers. Notably, it’s a popular spot among several celebrities. Van Camp expressed the joy of listening to their varied narratives, from triumphs over addiction to quests for better skin health, driving their motivation to embrace a lifestyle change. “Additionally, it’s an enjoyable opportunity to educate curious individuals about NA spirits, wine and beer, dispelling misconceptions about ‘mocktails,’” she said. “The enthusiasm from those driven by sober curiosity adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the whole experience.” For savvy restaurateurs, Van Camp notes that the emergence of nonalcoholic beverage programs opens up fresh revenue streams for those who recognize the demand from non-drinkers. “These additional income sources translate to increased hiring and purchasing capacity, providing more chances for small businesses to expand and uplift their communities,” she said. “When restaurants seamlessly incorporate alternatives into their standard operations, it enhances the overall dining experience within a community. Or, as we say at Kamp, ‘More is more!’” Van Camp dreams of a world where terms like “mocktail” and “virgin” cocktails become obsolete. “These terms undermine the essence of the NA category, which is a new category based on the idea that people desire more options, and they want those options to be excellent,” she said.
Brooke Fitts
Life and business partners Marceil Van Camp (left) and Katy Knauff launched Kamp Social House in 2022.
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trip planner
Winthrop Discover the perfect, small-town getaway in the North Cascades written by Ryn Pfeuffer
HUGGED INTO the North Cascades, Winthrop offers a whimsical Western ambience that’s like stepping into a living history book. Its Old West facades and wooden boardwalks evoke a sense of time travel, but don’t be fooled. This town buzzes with sophisticated, year-round excitement. Whatever the season, Winthrop spoils you with an array of activities. Winter transforms the Methow Valley into a snowy wonderland, home to more than 120 miles of meticulously groomed crosscountry ski trails amid expansive wilderness and forests spanning over a million acres. Here’s how to make the most of a weekend getaway.
Day SNOWY DELIGHTS • WILD BOAR WELLINGTON Arrive in Winthrop and settle in at Hotel Rio Vista—an affordable gem settled by the river, just a stone’s throw from the town center. The convenience is unbeatable, and the rustic charm? It’s off the charts. If you’ve got a group in tow, Fawn Creek Hideaway is your spot—the cabin sleeps six, features sprawling decks and has a cozy wood-burning stove for those chilly winter days. Make your way to the Methow Trails for an unforgettable dose of cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Seriously, it’s like stepping straight into a picture-perfect snowy scene. Methow Trails is your go-to here. This organization operates the nation’s most extensive cross-country ski area, boasting 120 miles of trails. Oh, and here’s a sweet deal—kids 17 and under ski free every day. The trails are divided 86 1889 WASHINGTON’S MAGAZINE FEBRUARY | MARCH 2024
Downtown Winthrop’s wooden boardwalk connects art and shops in a Western theme.
Greg Balkin/State of Washington Tourism
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