Road Trip Worthy

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…

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!

Jammin’ July

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There is so much to do in July that this is only a mere selection…

  • Bellevue Family Fourth, Seattle Family Fourth…and more, check your local events calendar and enjoy!  
  • Seattle International Beerfest, July 6-8, Seattle Center
  • Take a whirl on the new Seattle Great Wheel, Seattle waterfront
  • Kirkland Uncorked, July 20-22, Marina Park in Kirkland
  • Kirkland Classic Car Show Cruise In and Dance, July 28-29, Downtown Kirkland
  • Red Rooster Route Days, July 21-22, Arlington
  • Bellevue Arts Museum Arts Fair, Bellevue Festival of the Arts, Sixth Street Fair, July 27-29
  • Seafair, July 7 – Aug 5, Seattle
  • Seafair Indian Days Pow Wow, July 20-22, Discovery Park, Seattle  (SORRY – Cancelled for 2012 due to not enough financial resources – too bad!)
  • Kent Cornucopia, July 12-15, Kent
  • Mill Creek Festival and Street Fair, July 14-15, Mill Creek
  • Walla Walla Sweet Onion Festival, July 14-15, Walla Walla
  • Renton River Days, July 27-29, Renton
  • Comcast Bite of Seattle, July 20-22, Seattle Center
  • Sequim Lavender Festival, July 20-22, Sequim (and the Sequim Arts Studio Tour)
  • Torchlight Parade, Downtown Seattle, July 28th
  • Chinatown-International District Summer Festival, July 14-15th, Seattle
  • Seattle Wine Awards, July 22, The Rainier Club
  • Winthrop Rhythm and Blues Festival, July 20-22, Winthrop
  • Could the weekend of July 20-22 get any busier?
  • Whale Watching… Mystic Sea Charters is a fine choice
  • Concerts abound at Chateau Ste Michele
  • Loganberry Festival, July 21st, Greenbank Farm, Whidbey Island
  • and SO MUCH MORE…

White Water River Rafting

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Are you a beginner or a seasoned river rafter, either way you are sure to have a good time.  This was my first time river rafting, and I really appreciated that Wildwater River Tours made the experience educational, safe, and fun.  Kim and Eric were excellent guides.  I know I appreciated the how-to and safety tips beforehand.  If you follow what your guide says, you will have a good time.  Go with a friend, family member or with a group.

We saw Osprey (Seahawks!) and plenty of Mayflies.  Seeing that this is June, we wore wet suits – no helmet necessary.  Great weather and the water level was just right… it provided enough dips/waves for us to get a bit wet and experience a bit of excitement. We saw other rafters, kayakers, and a wave boarder too.

We all met at Riverside Park in Cashmere, WA and were then drove to an area in Leavenworth, WA for the start.  The rafting trip was on the Wenatchee River and approximately 16 miles.  The tours run April – July and can be 3-1/2 hours+ depending on the water flow. This is a class III+ river, this means that there are some nice rapids to maneuver through and can be a bit tricky, but with everyone working together a lot of fun too. Not for the very young, but a great time for everyone else.

http://www.wildwater-river.com/

Wine Tasting in Red Mountain and the Tri-Cities

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Is the cooler, rainy June of the west side of the getting you down?  Well, check the weather and think about heading east of the Cascades?   An escape to Richland, WA and/or Red Mountain just might be the ticket.  Wine tasting and summer activities near the Columbia River… a mix of Spring Break and a weekend in wine country.  Set up a tour of a winery, and/or the vineyards, go on your own or with a group.  This is a true within four hours reach trip as it is approximately 3-1/2 hours from the Seattle area via I-90, I-82 and I-182.

Richland, WA is part of the area known as Tri-Cities, which includes Kennewick and Pasco and the Red Mountain AVA in Benton City is just a few exits away.  There is a variety of lodging options and activities for friends or for the whole family.  Are you making it a two or three-day weekend?  If you are making a three-day weekend, there are plenty of stops along the way, including Suncadia http://www.suncadiaresort.com/ and/or Prosser.   Prosser Vintner’s Village is recommended, especially if you have not been before.  http://prosservintnersvillage.com/

Looking for a bite to eat?  Anthony’s at Columbia Point is an always popular option.  How about a cheese plate at one of the wineries?  The Fromage plate at Col Solare is a real pleaser.  Figs and dried apricots accompany a nice selection of fine cheeses.  JBistro is located at J. Bookwalter Winery and is a great stop for an afternoon bite with some nice vino.  JBistro has a great full-service outdoor patio as well as indoor seating and a tasting bar.  They were most accommodating as we were there for only a short time.  Buy a bottle and I can recommend the flatbread (Prosciutto & Capicollo) and the Wagyu Wonton.  Check out the other savory options at the JBistro link at http://www.bookwalterwines.com/.

A must stop is at Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard & Winery.  It has a beautiful tasting room, landscaping and here’s your chance to play bocce ball too.  http://gooseridge.com/  There is history built on this land as the 1400 acres (3800 total) were established under the direction of  Dr. Walter Clore and was part of the largest single planting of true vinifera grapes in the state of Washington.

Fidelitas http://www.fidelitaswines.com/  An inviting tasting room with an industrial feel.  A worthy display of wine, info, and Fidelitas history, with winemaker/owner Charlie Hoppes making some of the best wines in the State.  Take a seat on the outdoor patio or inside on the barrel wood chairs (and don’t forget to check out the beautiful wood/glass table).

Col Solare http://www.colsolare.com/  is a destination.  We were fortunate enough to get a tour and what an afternoon, the things you’ll see.  The architecture is a mix of Tuscan villa and Northwest.  Try a cicchetti (small plate) on the deck overlooking the vineyard.  See above for a suggestion.  Taste. See. Enjoy, but make sure to call ahead to see if they are open to the public that day or to make a reservation for a tour of the facility.

Road Trips Rule!

It happened in June…

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What’s happening in June?  Lots!  Here is a sampling of activities to get you started:

  • International Kite Challenge, June 2-3, Ocean Shores
  • Portland Rose Festival (OR) – festivities run through June 17th
  • Washington Brewers Festival, June 15-17th, Marymoor Park in Redmond
  • Prospectors’ Days, June 8th – 10th, Republic
  • Check out the brand new Lemay-America’s Car Museum in Tacoma
  • Summer Concerts at the Locks, Seattle
  • Mural-In-A-Day, June 2nd, Toppenish
  • Explore Farmers Markets in your local area…or take a road trip
  • Maritime Gig Festival, June 2-3, Gig Harbor
  • Edmonds Rotary Waterfront Festival, June 1-3, Edmonds
  • Sorticulture Garden Festival, June 8-10, Legion Memorial Park in Everett
  • See April’s “Space Needle at 50!” posting
  • Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration, June 14-17, Leavenworth
  • Berry Dairy Days – 75th Annual, June 14-17, Burlington
  • Edmonds Arts Festival, June 15-17, Edmonds
  • Take a walk, run a marathon
  • Meeker Days, June 15-17, Puyallup
  • Strawberry Festival, June 15-17, Marysville
  • Fremont Fair and Solstice Parade, June 16-17, Seattle
  • Northwest Garlic Festival, June 16-17, Ocean Park
  • Taste of Tacoma, June 29-July 1, Point Defiance Park in Tacoma
  • Take a river rafting trip
  • and so much more…

Month of May

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The month of May is the start of the festival season, the summer concert calendars have just been released, it’s a month of planning and one with so much to do.

There is a plethora of things to do this month – here is a sampling of ideas:

  • Apple Blossom Festival through May 6th in Wenatchee
  • Opening Day of boating season – May 5th
  • Watch the Kentucky Derby or take in a race at Emerald Downs
  • Gig Harbor Beer Festival – May 12
  • Spring Barrel Tasting, Lake Chelan – May 19-20th
  • The Mobile Food Truck Rodeo – May 6th – Fremont Studios
  • ’49er Days – May 11-13th in Winthrop
  • May 18th – Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980 – plan a trip
  • Penn Cove Water Festival, Coupeville – May 19th
  • 41st Annual Methow Valley Rodeo – May 26-27th
  • Rhododendron Festival, Port Townsend May 14-19th
  • Columbia River Wine and Pear Festival – May 19-20th, Hood River, OR
  • Market Flower Festival begins at Pike Place Market
  • 43rd annual University District Street Fair – May 19-20th
  • Viking Fest – May 18,19,20th, Poulbso and Kitsap County
  • Camano Island Studio Tour – always on Mother’s Day weekend – this year May 11-13 with an encore weekend on the May 19-20.  This is a nice event…drive around to various studios/homes –  a wonderful variety of art
  • Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes walk/run – May 20th
  • Celebrate Cinco de Mayo on May 5th – http://seattle.cbslocal.com/2012/04/18/best-cinco-de-mayo-activities-in-puget-sound/
  • Pike Place Market – Seattle Cheese Festival, May 19-20th
  • Market Flower Festival begins at Pike Place Market
  • Summerfest May 26-28th in Long Beach
  • Northwest Folklife Festival at Seattle Center – Memorial Day weekend

Enjoy!

Mt. Rainier Road to Paradise Wine Fest… and more

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Need a getaway to the Mt. Rainier area? The Mt. Rainier On the Road to Paradise Wine Festival in Ashford, WA is held in the Spring and Fall every year. The Spring festival was held on April 28th and in the Fall, it is scheduled for November 3rd.  Keep track of the event at http://www.road-to-paradise.com/index.html.  The Spring wine festival showcased 11 wineries, 1 brewery, and Mountain Lodge Farm cheese.  Also, celebration artist Teresa R. Oltman showed her paintings and painted wine glasses.  I happened to purchase a great piece of art made of acrylic and oil (see pic below). http://teresacelebrationartist.blogspot.com/ Appetizers and bbq pork sliders were available for purchase (or with the tickets that come with admission).  Live entertainment was enjoyed – Bill Compher was the perfect starter http://www.cedarcreektreehouse.com/music.htm and the Randy Oxford Band, the perfect end to the event.  Local artist, Teresa Oltman sang on a couple of songs with the Band as well. http://randyoxford.com.  Shoestrings also performed. A welcome addition to a trip to Mt. Rainier during the slower tourist season in the spring and fall.  Some lodging offered complimentary tickets to the festival with a stay.

We stayed at the Nisqually Lodge – it is clean and has an inviting lobby for conversation.  The bed is not so comfortable, but works. http://www.escapetothemountains.com/NisquallyLodge.htm

I scouted out the food options and found that Copper Creek Inn would make a nice stop for breakfast.  It is no Maltby Cafe, but the location and ambiance are ideal.  Copper Creek’s menu is plentiful.  To give you an idea of what the menu looks like:  Breakfast – Build your own omelet, Hikers Hot Stack Old-Fashioned Pancakes, Sunrise Breakfast (and many side options); Lunch – Cheeseburger, Turkey Bacon Club, Grilled Ham ‘n Cheese, Soups and Chili; Dinner – Pasta, Steaks, Trout and Fried Chicken. Their specialty of the Inn is Copper Creek’s blackberry jam and their world-famous blackberry pie, since 1954  is served all day… and more.  Various cabins are available for lodging and be sure to stop by the gift shop.  Copper Creek Inn is located two miles from the Mt. Rainier National Park entrance and has been around since the 1940’s (built in the 1920’s as a service station and lunch counter).  Check out all the details at http://www.coppercreekinn.com/

Experience the forest!  www.discovertheforest.org  Unplug.

And remember…you are in the heart of one of the most beautiful regions in the world, so get out and enjoy a nice hike on one of the abundant trails all around you and the many waterfalls that fill the mountain air with a peaceful tranquility.

Space Needle at 50!

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Today begins a six month celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the World’s Fair and the Space Needle… as a Seattle, Washington symbol and attraction.  The celebration runs April 21 – October 21st, 2012.

The Seattle Center showcases festivals, sporting events, fireworks at the Needle on New Year’s Eve, arts & entertainment, and holiday happenings.  The Seattle Center is changing and leaving behind some history with it.  One thing that the Space Needle represented fifty years ago is the future (space age), and today in 2012, the anniversary celebration takes on “The Next Fifty” in which the city will be focusing on the areas that will promote future development and well-being for the area.  Many human interest stories and other are being showcased right now… whether it be the iron worker that helped build the Space Needle, the shuttle drivers, or of those that came to enjoy the rides.  It was just recently that the amusement part of the Seattle Center has been removed.  Elvis Presley showed up at the fair in the late summer to shoot “It Happened At The World’s Fair”.  There have been books published.  The local newspapers, magazines, and news stations of the Puget Sound are featuring these stories.  Check out their websites for past photos, stories, and a list of events.

A number of events, publications, and attractions that are surrounding this celebration are:

I could go on and on about all the activities, both those that regularly occur here, as well as those that focus on the 1962 World’s Fair 50th Anniversary.  To help you gather your itinerary and make your plans:  www.spaceneedle.com; www.seattlecenter.com; www.pacificsciencenter.org; www.thenextfifty.org; www.mccawhall.com; www.chihulygardenandglass.com; www.seattlemonorail.com; www.keyarena.com; www.empsfm.org; www.2daysinseattle.com; www.visitseattle.org

Whether you are 20 or 90 years of age, take the time to learn or to remember, and you will no doubt find it fascinating.  This was and is both a local and international celebration.  So cool!

Hello April!

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It is April 1st and it is a time to think ahead to sunnier days and the upcoming festival season.  Have you started getting tickets to the plethora of summer concerts?  Did you know that this March was the 3rd wettest on record for March in Seattle history?  Why am I thinking Summer when it is Spring?  It’s the time of year to Spring ahead, right?

Looking for something to do this month?  Here is a sampling of ideas:

  • Head to Mount Vernon (and surrounding towns) to see the tulip fields – the largest display in the great US of A
  • It’s National Park Week – admission to the National Park’s is free all week April 21 – April 29th
  • Enjoy a new restaurant during Seattle Restaurant Week – April 8 – 12th and 15 – 19th
  • Washington Artisan Cheesemakers Festival – April 7th at the Seattle Design Center
  • The Space Needle starts their 50-year celebration this month (a separate post coming soon)
  • Pike Place Market – April 20th Arcade Lights: a celebration of artisan food, beer, and wine
  • Support a cause – how about the MS Walk on April 15th? Alaska Airlines Arena/UW
  • Go shopping for a pop of color
  • April 21st – World Class Crab Races and Feed, Westport, WA
  • Moooove on over to the Spring Fair in Puyallup – April 19th – 22nd
  • See the Pacific Northwest Ballet perform Carmina Burana and Apollo at McCaw Hall
  • Check out the 3rd annual Mt. Rainier Spring Wine Festival in Ashford, WA on April 28th (2-8 pm)
  • Astoria, OR hosts the 30th annual Astoria Warrenton Crab, Seafood & Wine Festival – April 27, 28, 29th
  • Take a walk on a trail closest to you…or maybe within four hours reach?
  • It’s baseball season – get in to the swing of things with a Seattle Mariners game at Safeco Field
  • Check your listings for an Earth Day event
  • Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival 2012 at the Seattle Center