Things to Do in the Northwest

September 30, 2010September 30, 2010 / dkaltenb / Leave a comment

If you are wondering what is going on this weekend around the Puget Sound or your community, check out the NW Weekend section of The Seattle Times every Thursday. Parts of this section can also be found at http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/traveloutdoors/?from=stnvpg1

NW Weekend has a variety of sections to tempt you… Best Bets, Weekend Highlight, Getting in Gear, and a detailed section called Datebook. In Datebook, you will find various community events such as Animal Events, Benefits, Biking, Dance, Fairs/Festivals, Food Events, Hobbies, Museum Events, Sports, Performance…and the like. There is always one main story showcased as well – this week it is Monte Cristo and Maples…Autumn Treasures of the Mountain Loop.

If I was to head off to one of the events this weekend…I think I might choose Issaquah Salmon Days http://www.salmondays.org/ Enjoy!

Visitor Information Center

September 24, 2010 / dkaltenb / Leave a comment

Do you want to visit a location that has a great selection of travel brochures and is also a historical site? If so, visit the South Snohomish County Visitor Information Center located just off of I-5 in Lynnwood, WA at Exit 181B (heading north or Exit 181 heading south).

The VIC is located in the historical 1919 Wickers Building. It is a large space with a relaxing atmosphere . It hosts a great selection (the most I have seen anywhere) of brochures and pamphlets dealing with travel in the Northwest (including Canada), lodging options, local classes and events in Snohomish County, various hiking and camping options in the area as well as commuter information. Washington State maps and ferry schedules are also available. These items are free but I would recommend tossing a donation in the donation jar as well as signing the guest registry. This helps the Snohomish County Tourism Bureau track attendance to the location. A friendly volunteer will be happy to answer any questions you may have as well. Also, many VIC’s have a computer for use and some offer calendars, books or souvenir pins for purchase.

This VIC is located at Heritage Park. This park was created to preserve the history of the Alderwood Manor area. Lynnwood was incorporated in 1959 from the larger unincorporated Alderwood Manor. Besides the Visitor Information Center located in the Wickers Building, the park also houses the Heritage Resource Center (the superintendent’s cottage) and water tower from the 1917 Demonstration Farm, the Geneology Research Library (the park site’s original residence), and Interurban Car 55. Check out http://www.ci.lynnwood.wa.us/Content/Community.aspx?id=221 for additional information such as hours of operation, photos, and other interesting facts. You will also find a walking tour guide of the park…both on the website as well as in the park itself.

http://www.snohomish.org/; http://www.alderwood.org/

This post pays tribute to my grandparents who had ties to this park and Alderwood Manor.

Farmers Markets of the Puget Sound

August 23, 2010 / dkaltenb / Leave a comment

Whether you are a local or visiting from afar, a Farmers Market is a place to experience community. The Farmers Market is a great excuse to take a road trip. Fresh and local quality fare can be found here…such as homemade pasta, seafood, sauces, jams and jellies, crafts, beautiful fresh flower arrangements, plants, and organic or local fruits and vegetables (what these markets are typically known for). Or try a snack such as roasted corn on the cob, donuts, a hot dog from the local non-profit group, or maybe a dish on the ethnic side. Many entertain with live music as well.

Most are open from late May/early June through October. Some are open year-round. Farmers Markets can be found on a country road, a big city, or anything in between. Find a list of Farmers Markets in the Puget Sound area here: http://www.pugetsoundfresh.org/farmers_markets.htm

Emerald Downs

May 16, 2010May 16, 2010 / dkaltenb / Leave a comment

Horse racing at Emerald Downs on a Friday evening in May! Emerald Downs is located in Auburn, WA and offers a beautiful view of Mount Rainier on a clear day. If you have not been to a horse racing event/race track before, it is an interesting experiment. It is fun to watch the people (and you see all kinds) and to get to know the ins and outs of the sport. Purchase a program for $2.50 – you will find the number of races, the participants (name of the horse, owner, jockey, colors, etc…), and information on the types of wagers and on how to read a race page. To get a head-start, check out the types of wagers online before you go.

Emerald Downs first opened its to doors to race fans on June 20, 1996. It replaced Longacres Racetrack, which closed in September 1992 after sixty seasons of racing. The Longacres Mile Handicap – a Grade III event, is held annually in August (and is the showpiece of Emerald Downs). The race is open thoroughbred horses three years of age and older and is run on dirt over a distance of one mile (eight furlongs). Part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge series since 2008, the winner of the Longacres Mile automatically qualifies for the Breeder’s Cup.

A variety of food and service can be had on the different levels. The concessions and service at the food court/snack area might remind you of being at the fairgrounds but there are other options including a full-service restaurant (reservations are available) and in-house catering. There is box seating, reserved seating, bar service, a members only club, and a view room or suite that can accommodate your next party or corporate get-together. Or bring a blanket and lay in the Park. A corporate outing attended years earlier proved to be a good time.

http://www.emeralddowns.com/

Queen Anne Delight

May 16, 2010May 16, 2010 / dkaltenb / Leave a comment

A few hours spent on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle, WA…

Stop #1 – Hilltop Ale House served up a hearty Diamond Knot “Summer” Brown Ale, Artichoke Hummus Pita Plate and a to die for “The Goat Cheese Salad”. Ingredients for The Goat Cheese Salad include: creamy goat cheese, rolled in olive oil and bread crumbs, then baked in oven, placed on fresh mixed greens tossed with roasted pecans, sliced red onion, oven baked herbed croutons with freshly made Sundried Tomato-Balsamic Vinaigrette. http://www.seattlealehouses.com/

Stop #2 – Caffe Fiore – http://caffefiore.com/ This friendly neighborhood cafe opened in 2005 serving all organic coffee as well as pastry/snacks. There are multiple tables – some big enough to share with other members of the community and chairs on the front/side patio to take in the south sun… great way to spend a lazy afternoon. The dark chocolate mint cookie is a delight.

Stop #3 – Top Pot Doughnuts – http://www.toppotdoughnuts.com/ One of the regions favorites! Try the sprinkled Seattle Sounders doughnut. Check out “Our Story” to find out how they came up with the name Top Pot.

Cedar River Trail on a Sunday afternoon in April

April 29, 2010April 29, 2010 / dkaltenb / Leave a comment

It was just like Summer…many enjoying the beautiful blue sunny skies. This was a first on the Cedar River Trail…walked from the Maplewood Golf Course area to Lake Washington. Did you know that you could rent a kayak or canoe or take a lesson at the Cascade Canoe & Kayak Center? Also along the way we came across tables for picnicing, those taking their inflatable raft out, walkers, bikers, a playground, those enjoying the skate park and the always irresistible dog park. It was approximately a 6 mile walk although the trail extends further.