Festivals & Events

October Fun!

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October… the leaves have started to fall and will soon be ready for raking, photography, and play.  Some suggestions for frolicking Fall fun this month:

  • Issaquah Salmon Days, Oct 6-7
  • Oysterfest, Shelton, Oct 6-7
  • 8th Annual Oktoberfest Northwest, Puyallup, Oct 5-7
  • 10th annual Fresh Hop Ale Festival, Downtown Yakima, Oct 6
  • Pumpkin Bash and Trick or Treating, Woodland Park Zoo, Sat/Sun Oct 13-14, 20-21, 27-28
  • Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival, Port Angeles, Oct 12-14
  • Water Music Festival, Long Beach, Oct 12-14
  • Cedar River Salmon Journey, every weekend in October, five locations – http://www.cedarriver.org/programs/
  • Leavenworth Oktoberfest, Oct 5,6,12,13,19,20
  • Whidbey Island Open Studio Tour, Oct 6-7
  • Road trip to the Coast
  • Puyallup Art & Wine Walk, Oct 6
  • Oktoberfest, Langley, Oct 6
  • Head to your nearest nursery and check out their Fall offerings
  • Catch the Crush Wine Festival, Tri-Cities & Yakima Valley, Oct 13-14
  • Meerkerk’s Autumn Garden Festival, Greenbank, Oct 6-7
  • Electrical Extravaganza Show, Spark Musuem, Bellingham, Oct 13-14
  • Old Apple Tree Festival, Vancouver, WA Oct 6
  • Festival of Family Farms, Skagit Valley, Oct 6-7
  • Earshot Jazz Festival, Seattle, Oct 12 – Nov 4
  • Catch the Crush Wine Festival, Red Mountain, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley, Oct 13-14
  • Cranberrian Fair, Ilwaco, Oct 13-14
  • Take a hot air balloon ride over wine country (Yakima Valley/Walla Walla)
  • Navigate a corn maze

Do The Puyallup!

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The Puyallup Fair is here once again and runs through September 23rd.  Located in Puyallup, WA, the Puyallup Fair is also known as the Western Washington Fair to some.  Things to Do?  Whether it is the tried and true Krusty Pup, Pete’s BBQ or if you try something new… the Fair food is sure to please!  There are a number of beer/liquor/wine gardens that offer live (or TV) entertainment as well.  And speaking of live entertainment, the Puyallup Concert Series offers a good mix of artists to choose from.  Why not visit the wide variety of animals while you’re here… like the six-day old piglets (the day I was there anyway), the Beef Barn (cattle), chicks, rabbits or take in the rodeo (although you’ve missed the rodeo as it was Sept 7-9th).  Catch the largest pumpkin recorded in Puyallup Fair history or check out your favorite hobby, agriculture display, chainsaw carving, and more.  And of course, there are plenty of vendors trying to sell their goods and services.  Oh, and we can’t forget the rides now can we?  Maybe you’ll try The Giant Slide, Vertigo (swing), or Zero Gravity.  One of the new exhibits this year is the Rainforest Adventure –  you’ll find toucans, snapping turtles, roaches, and more – a welcomed addition!   And if you are looking for a bit of history… Brown & Haley is celebrating their 100th year  – you might like to purchase a commemorative tin of Almond Roca for a gift… the holidays will soon be at our doorstep.  They are also part of this year’s Fair Museum.   So much to see!

Check out my September 2010 posting for additional insight or  http://www.thefair.com/puyallup-fair/  Whether you are a seasoned fair goer or this is your first time …. you’ll want to come back for more!

Note:  Starting next year, they are changing the name of the Puyallup Fair to the Washington STATE FAIR.  Somewhat similar to the Evergreen State Fair… in Monroe.

 

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Bumbershoot 2012

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This year, I will describe Bumbershoot, which takes place every Labor Day weekend at the Seattle Center… in a word search (by just using the words). These words showcase the first day of Bumbershoot as a whole, as my experience (and maybe yours):

VIBE   SUN   BUMBERSHOOT   SEATTLE  CENTER   SPACE  NEEDLE   ANNIVERSARY   LAWN   PROGRAM   INTRODUCTION   SAMPLING   EXPOSURE   KIDS   WORDS   INTERNATIONAL   FOUNTAIN   SHORTS  FILM   MUSIC   DANCE   PERFORMING   VISUAL   ART   COMEDY   LINEUP   ACT   GALUMPHA   ELVISTRAVAGANZA   JC BROOKS & THE UPTOWN SOUND   THE HEAVY   LEAD  SINGER   BAND   AWOLNATION   RECORD   CD   BOOK   SIGNING   JOHN WATERS   AWESOME   THE JAYHAWKS   AND  MORE   BEER  GARDEN   WHITE   CORN DOG   VARIETY   ARMORY   FOOD   OPEN MIND   AMERICANA   SOUL   FUNK   ROCK   JELLO WALL   GLASS   SKYWARD   INDIE   TWEET   SEPTEMBER   SATURDAY   ONE REEL

Bumbershoot 2012 runs September 1-3 – now get ready to go!

September Events

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Football season has arrived and September is the official start of the Autumn season –  my favorite!   Will we jump into Fall or will we be blessed with an Indian Summer?  What to do this month you ask?  Well, check this out…

  • Wenatchee River Salmon Festival, Sept 20-23
  • Autumn Leaf Festival, Leavenworth, Sept 28-30
  • Bremerton Blackberry Festival,  Sept 1-3
  • Bumbershoot, Seattle Center, Sept 1-3
  • Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival, Sept 7-9
  • Puyallup Fair, Sept 7-23
  • Try out Bake’s Place in downtown Bellevue   http://bakesplacebellevue.com/
  • Wooden Boat Festival, Port Townsend, Sept 7-9
  • Deutschesfest, Odessa, Sept 14-16
  • Snohomish Pumpkin Hurl and Medieval Faire, Sept 15-16
  • See Memphis at the 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle, Sept 18 – Oct. 7
  • Fremont Oktoberfest, Fremont area of Seattle, Sept 21-23
  • Take a drive and visit Portland’s Japanese Garden
  • Leavenworth Blues, Brews and BBQ Festival, Sept 15
  • Whidbey Island Farm Tour, Sept 15-16
  • Most Farmers Markets are still in full swing!
  • Fisherman’s Fall Festival, Seattle, Sept 22
  • Seattle Fringe Festival, Sept 19-23
  • Festa Italiana, Seattle Center, Sept 28-30 (It’s the Space Needle’s 50th Anniversary)
  • The Great Prosser Balloon Rally, Prosser, Sept 28-30
  • Aki Matsuri Japanese Fall Festival, Bellevue College, Sept 8-9
  • Take in a Seattle Seahawks game – two home games this month!

Seattle Channel 21

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Seattle Channel 21 is a cable channel (Cable Channel 21) and website that showcases Seattle on a community level, whether it be a neighborhood store or weekend entertainment.  Community, news, arts, and shows that  “Connect to Life in the City”.  This is a needed mention for this Blog as it gives you much of what you might find here (minus the news, politics, and shopping).  You will find the Channel provides informative and interesting tidbits but will also find that you will probably feel proud that you live in an area with such history, innovation, and heart.

On the Seattle Channel this past weekend,  I saw a couple different pieces on the show/segment CityStream, where visits were made to Book Larder as well as to a hat shop, Byrnie Utz Hats, which has been around since the 1934.  Byrnie Utz Hats is located at 310 Union Street in downtown Seattle.  You’ll find something from every decade in this place!  There is no website to peruse, no computers to take your payment.  Visit and you will get old-fashioned quality service with a great selection.  Book Larder is located on Fremont Ave. N. in the Fremont district of Seattle.  It is a cookbook bookstore that also has readings and cooking demonstrations.  http://www.booklarder.com/

Visit http://www.seattlechannel.org/ or go to Cable Channel 21 to check it out and learn something new!

Lake Wilderness Arboretum

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Looking for a brief date with nature?  Drive to Maple Valley, WA and there you will find Lake Wilderness.  Lake Wilderness is just off the beaten path and consists of an Arboretum, a Lodge (used for weddings, conferences, and the like), a Golf & Country Club is nearby, and a Park that includes areas for picnicking, a baseball field, tennis courts, and Lake Wilderness for boating/fishing and swimming.  There are annual events…the Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show in December, a plant sale in May, Shakespeare is performed this year in August, and Music at the Park is at various times throughout the summer (among others).

The Lake Wilderness Arboretum is 42 acres and is in what I would consider a “natural” setting.  It is maintained by the Lake Wilderness Arboretum Foundation (a non-profit organization) in a Joint User Agreement with the City of Maple Valley.  The Arboretum is split up into different sections and is indicated so by markers.  There is a Rhododendron Garden, Shade Garden, Volunteer Garden, Alpine/Rock Garden, Hydrangea Collection, Maple Collection, Perennial Border, Legacy Garden, Wildlife Corridor, Azalea Garden, and Daylily Collection.  Each month brings us something new to see.  Enjoy a walk on the Tribal Life Trail, which showcases plants native to our area and gives information on how they were used by Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest.  The trees and a walk in the woods are awe-inspiring yet comforting.  Also, along side of the Park is the Green to Cedar Rivers Trail to explore.  Enjoy the trails!

The Lake Wilderness Arboretum is open from dawn until dusk.  Entry and parking are free.  Dogs are welcome (leash laws apply).  Tours can be scheduled.  Volunteers are much appreciated.   http://lakewildernessarboretum.org/ http://www.maplevalleywa.gov/

And while you are out and about, a stop at Foley’s Produce is suggested.  Foley’s Produce is located on Hwy 169, is  owned by Sean Foley, and carries local goods, much of it from the Yakima, WA area.  You are sure to find much of what you need to make a meal or a snack.  What can be found here?  Corn on the cob, cherries, green beans, peaches, apples (I purchased Ginger Gold which I had not had before), potatoes, peaches, lettuce, tomatoes, avocados, peppers, tortilla chips, local preserves, and much more.  There is also a garden section.  You can bet I will be going back on a seasonal basis to see what’s new.  Looking forward to the upcoming Fall…pumpkins and all!  See Foley’s Facebook page for current info.  http://foleysproduce.com/

 

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August in Washington

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August is typically the warmest month of the year in Washington State.  What to do?  Check out these suggestions:

  • Watch the 2012 Summer Olympics!
  • Sandcastle Championships, Aug 16th – Sept. 6th, Federal Way
  • Tomato Battle, Aug 11th, Pyramid Alehouse in Seattle
  • Watch the sunset from Queen Anne Hill
  • Anacortes Arts Festival, Aug 3-5
  • Walk Golden Gardens
  • Poverty Bay Blues and Brews Fest, Aug 25, Des Moines
  • See June and July for other “generic” ideas
  • Whidbey Island road trip
  • See “Rent” at the 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle
  • Olympic Music Festival, Quilcene
  • Camlann Medieval Village Summer Festival, thru Aug 26, Carnation
  • Port Townsend Blues & Heritage Fest, running thru Aug 5th
  • Evergreen State Fair, Aug 23 – Sept 3, Monroe
  • Art in the Garden, Aug 25-26, Bellevue Botanical Garden
  • Omak Stampede, Aug 9-12, Omak
  • Coupeville Arts & Crafts Festival, Aug 11-12
  • Taste of Edmonds, Aug 10-12
  • Lake Chelan Fine Arts Festival, Aug 17-19
  • Tacoma Maritime Fest, Aug 25-26
  • Doe Bay Fest, Aug 9-12, Orcas Island
  • Seafair Fleet Week, Aug 1-5, Seattle
  • Seafair Air Show & Hydroplane Races, Aug 3-5, Seattle
  • Concerts at the Mural, Aug 3-24, Seattle Center
  • Pierce County Fair, Aug 9-12, Graham
  • Snoqualmie Railroad Days, Aug 17-19
  • Go Camping!
  • and so many more…

Summer Concerts at Chateau Ste. Michelle

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If you’re like many of us, summer isn’t complete without an outdoor concert.  It might be a free concert in the park or a concert at a casino, the fair, an amphitheater, or in this case, at a winery.  From June through September, Chateau Ste. Michelle has a jam-packed schedule.  2012 is bringing us a variety of acts, such as Chris Isaak, Earth Wind & Fire, Blondie and Devo,  Steve Miller Band, Chicago, and more.  Check out the full line-up at http://www.ste-michelle.com/ and click on Events, Summer Concert Calendar, Concert Calendar.  Also, see the Concert FAQ’s.

High back chairs are allowed in the high back chair area (which is open to everyone and yes, there are signs).  It didn’t seem to matter too much as people are standing, dancing, or you are situated so far back that you may not see much detail of the stage anyway.  Parking is available on site for $5 or there is free parking down the street (shuttles are made available).  The concert will go on…rain or shine, so come prepared with the appropriate gear and clothing.

Get there early to get your spot!  The doors open two hours prior to the start of the show (around 5 pm for many of the shows).  On this evening, we went to see Earth Wind & Fire.  They had a comedian on around 7 pm and they did not come out until 8:15 or so.  Even if you bring a picnic and chat with friends, I found that it was a really long wait, especially if you get there early.  Speaking of food…going to Chateau Ste. Michelle for a show allows you the opportunity to go all out!  Many bring a short table or blanket, picnic items, and even full-course meals!  I think it adds to the experience to bring a smorgasbord of options – a sandwich, salad, cheese, crackers, bread, chocolate or whatever suits your fancy.  If that doesn’t work for you, there are a number of options for purchase (fish & chips, pizza, sausages, salad, kabobs, ice cream, and more).  To drink?  water, juices, coffee and of course, Chateau Ste. Michelle wines.  Wine can be purchased in the wine tent as well as the gift/wine shop (open prior to the concert).  They will provide plastic glasses if you didn’t bring your own wine glass.  Someone sitting nearby mentioned that they sell approximately one bottle per person (which means many purchase more than that), which figures out to around 4000 bottles for each concert (depending on the show).  Now that is a profit!  I’m not giving a thumbs up on much of their portfolio, but I can say that I have enjoyed some of their specialty and low production wines  from time to time.  You will also find your own entertainment by watching those around you (some after a bottle or two)… cutting a rug!

If you are interested in more information about Chateau Ste. Michelle, their special events, and more… visit their website or visit Chateau St.e Michelle in Woodinville, WA.  If you visit, you will find that the winery grounds are beautiful, there is a nice gift shop, take a tour for some history and wine making info…you’ll discover more about Chateau Ste. Michelle.   If you have never been to a concert here, it will be hard not to enjoy it!

The Seattle Great Wheel

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The Seattle Great Wheel opened June 29th, 2012.  It is a permanent fixture on the vibrant Seattle waterfront at Pier 57. What can be seen from the Seattle Great Wheel?  Views of the Olympic Mountains, Puget Sound, ferries, container ships, Mt. Rainier, the sports stadiums and Port of Seattle, cruise ships docked, downtown Seattle, the Space Needle (celebrating its 50th anniversary this Summer!), and more!  The “Great Wheel” is close to restaurants, shopping, Pike Place Market, Seattle Aquarium, and all that encompasses downtown Seattle.

A bit of information about this new Seattle attraction… The Seattle Great Wheel is 175 feet in diameter, extends out 40 feet over Elliott Bay, stands 200 feet above the pier, and is the tallest Ferris wheel on the West Coast.  It contains 42 fully enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas, which holds approximately six passengers (give or take). There is no narration.  The 12-minute ride will take you through three full revolutions.  Save time for loading too!

A commemorative ticket can be purchased at $13 per person + tax (discounts for children and seniors).  There is one VIP gondola (colored in black) with red leather seats and a glass floor.  The VIP gondola costs $25 per person and comes with a special VIP t-shirt.  My recommendation is to read the FAQs first, remember that it is a Ferris wheel, and be prepared to enjoy yourself! http://seattlegreatwheel.com/

Say Hi! to those waiting in line with you and have a chat with those sharing your gondola.  A hint for a shorter wait in line?  Buy your tickets online (and print out the ticket as you will need to provide it to the attendant).  Currently the hours of operation are 12 pm – 1 am daily (check the site as hours may change/seasonal hours).

I will look forward to taking the ride again…giving it a try at sunset, late at night, and during the holidays.  Here’s to the Seattle Great Wheel!

Seattle International Beerfest (and La Conner)

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The Seattle International Beerfest was held July 6 – 8th at the Seattle Center. Over 200 beers from 16 countries were served, including some from right here in the Pacific Northwest.  Do you have a favorite style of beer?  I typically like an Amber, Red or ESB….which was hard to find at the SIB.  I did find that I liked Hopworks DOA, Chimay Red, and a few others.  If you like a Belgian style or IPA beer… then you are in luck!!!  Check out the Beers list (and an interesting Glossary) at  http://www.seattlebeerfest.com/   Did you miss it this year?  If so, how about a road trip?  The Portland International Beerfest is July 20-22, 2012.

The SIB was located at the Fisher Pavilion and lawn area (and yeh, there were indoor restrooms!).  Bottles were inside and drafts were outside (in tents) on the lawn.  This turned out to be a good spot for the festival.   Also, there were a number of “beer gardens” that served $3 pints of Pilsner Urquell.  I put quotes around the beer garden because they were open and you could take the pint anywhere within the festival.  Additional tickets were $1 each.  Bring your own lawn chair (or blanket) if  you are interested in sitting OR get there early so that a table is found.  It seemed that those that got the seating early, typically stayed there for long periods.  Food/snacks were aplenty… Skillet, Pagliacci Pizza, Dante’s Inferno Dogs, Pretzelwagen, Rancho Bravo Tacos & BBQ, and more.  Mt. Townsend Creamery was serving a pickle on a stick and cheese on a stick (olives, salami too).  Music played.  There was also jerky, kettle corn, and nuts to buy.

Would I go again?  More than likely.  Although, I must admit I am partial to the Western U.S. craft beers.

La Conner – see July 2010 and 2011 postings for info!  I think they are accurate and will not expand this time on the always all-around fabulous Hellams Vineyard and La Conner Channel Lodge.  This visit… happy with my purchases – a necklace at Cottons http://cottonslaconner.com/  and the moose and bear ornaments at Red Door Gifts.  Not so excited about the mussels from a “pub” in town. I found a few new stores, visited the tried and true, and am sorry to see that some are no longer there.   Always enjoyed is a stop at Snow Goose Produce for bread, jam, and whatever else strikes my fancy.