Memorial Day - Gratitude & Reflection

Here are a couple of great links to share as we go forward this week:  

                                                               Operation Gratitude

Operation First Response

Troop Care Packages

Seattle Stay-cation...

No Memorial Day vacation plans?  Make Seattle your stay-cation destination!

Exploring new cities is almost always a fun and adventurous way to spend time on a vacation.
So, why not apply the same concept to your own city.  There are a number of fabulous and fun tours available to both tourists and Seattle natives alike.

Here are my top picks:

For all you foodies out there, this tour is a fabulous way to explore the true flavors of the city.

Savor Seattle has been featured in a number of publications as a top tour that will not disappoint.  All the info. needed to book your Savor Seattle tour can be found on this link to their website.

Seattle has a rich and interesting history.  Bill Speidel's Underground Tour has earned a wonderful reputation as one of the Seattle's best tours.

This tour is a perfect way to satisfy your inner "Indiana Jones" spirit.
Detailed tour information can be found on their website - http://www.undergroundtour.com/index.html

The duck tour is fantastic for both children and the young at heart.  See Seattle from land and sea on this WWII era amphibious wonder.
The light-hearted and quirky nature of this tour makes for a great way to spend an afternoon - even on the dreariest of days. For booking information follow this Ride The Duck - Seattle link.


Here's wishing all of you a safe and fantastic Memorial Weekend!

Celebrate Music, Celebrate Memorial Day

The Memorial weekend is fast approaching.  For those of you staying in the region, there are plenty of fabulous events taking place.

Spotlight: multiple music festivals - suiting just about every taste.

The Northwest Folklife Festival kicks off its 39th year this weekend, confirming it as destination for many Washingtonians.  

The Festival begins Friday May 28th, ending on May 31st.  

For band and venue information, visit the Northwest Folklife Festival website.  

For those of you who are ready to hit the road - Sasquatch Festival at The Gorge in George, Washington kicks off for the weekend this Friday.  Camping on location can be a fun alternative to a weekend in the city.

For detailed information on ticket prices, directions, camping locations, etc.. visit http://sasquatchfestival.com/.

Can't decide? Here is a quick run down of the bands attending Sasquatch this year.

Loads of Events - Count Down to Memorial Day!

For some, this coming weekend is well planned in advance.  If any of you are in need of local inspiration - look no further!  There are plenty of fabulous events taking place this week and weekend - most of which can be found by searching the Seattle Times events calendar or Seattle Magazine online.

My suggestion for Thursday, May 27th is the 'Vintage Release Party' at Wilridge Winery in Madrona:

Where: Wilridge Winery
             1103 Grand Ave., Seattle, WA 98122

When: May 27th, 2010 - 5pm.

Don't forget to check out their new bar 'Bottle House' located above the winery...

Can't make this event, but would love to try the wine?  Follow the Wilridge Winery link above for directions to either their downtown Seattle or Yakima, Wa. tasting rooms.

Val and I stepped out! - Queen Anne Farmers Market

Spotlight Neighborhood: Queen Anne

The tree-lined streets of the Queen Anne neighborhood are rich in Seattle history.  Queen Anne is known within the city for its’ expansive views of downtown Seattle and The Puget Sound, historic homes and landmarks, boutique shopping, eclectic eateries, and a family friendly quality of life.  Not surprisingly, the spring and summer months in this wonderful neighborhood draw residents outdoors to participate in numerous community events. 

This weekend, Val and I stepped out to attend the launching of Queen Anne’s annual farmers market.  Although we were among the first to arrive, the atmosphere was vibrant!  As we strolled between the various vendor tents, music played and the market came to life.  

Though the variety of locally grown fruits and veggies offered at the market was a bit small – the quality was superb, and the selection is expected to increase into the summer months.      

You can find a wide variety of online information on Queen Anne events here: Queen Anne Blog.  

                                                                                        

 For more information on the Queen Anne Farmers Market check out their helpful blog filled with pictures, vendor information, recipes, and more!

Once finished at the Farmers Market, Val and I wandered through "downtown" Queen Anne - exploring the different specialty shops.   One of the shops we meandered into was the fabulous pet boutique Mes Amis - which features whimsical and fun pet accessories and custom bedding. 

Queen Anne Quick Facts:

 Homes

Median price: $455,000

Crime

Per 1,000 residents: 28

Commute (minutes)

To downtown Seattle: 4

To Redmond: 19

Quiet city streets featuring specialty boutiques and eateries

Population

Estimates: 33,239

Characteristics

Sweeping views of downtown Seattle and Elliott Bay, family friendly neighborhood streets, eclectic atmosphere, close proximity to downtown Seattle - Seattle Pacific University - and city transit.

Val enjoys the trademark view from the TV series "Frasier" at one of Queen Anne's beautiful parks!

*Neighborhood Statistic Information Sourced From Seattle Magazine Online "Neighborhoods"

Steppin' Out For A Great Cause!

Hot off the press! 

Photographed at the annual Seattle Men's Chorus Auction - Check out the link for more photos from the Seattle Scene: http://app.bigresponse.com/display.php?M=15454568&C=5796777919f918bac6fe5614fe77a75d&S=24877&L=14249&N=18144

Fantastic Weekend - Beautiful Neighborhood

Val and I stepped out this weekend to visit the fantastic Capital Hill and First Hill neighborhood.  While there, we stopped by two wonderful developments – the Harrison and Harvard on Capital Hill, and the Decator on First Hill.  Each project has it’s own unique style – much like the Capital Hill neighborhood!  Below are some snapshots of my day exploring the area.  Got to love a beautiful Seattle sidewalk! 

Capital Hill is filled with fabulous shops - virtually all within walking distance of some of Seattle's most coveted real estate. 

                                                                                                         

Neighborhood Peek

CAPITOL HILL

Homes

   Median price: $356,950

Crime

      Per 1,000 residents: 87

 Parks

     Park acreage: 262

Commute (minutes)

To downtown Seattle: 3

To Redmond: 17

Population

Estimates: 21,774

FIRST HILL

Homes

Median price: $309,475

Crime

Per 1,000 residents: 100

 Parks

Park acreage: 9

Commute (minutes)

To downtown Seattle: 3

To Redmond: 17

Population

Estimates: 17,460

Home to some of Seattle's best dinning and shopping,

 the Capital Hill neighborhood is a shinning example of how

a well rounded quality of life can be achieved in the heart of the city.

… what's more, I stepped out in a big way to the Luly Yang party at the Fairmont Hotel- stay tuned for some best dressed photo’s! 

*Neighborhood Statistic Information Sourced From Seattle Magazine Online "Neighborhood"

Val and I are steppin' out!

Spotlight Neighborhood: Capital Hill/First Hill
Springtime in Seattle is undeniably gorgeous.  It is the perfect time of year to step outside and really get to know the personalities of Seattle's best neighborhoods.  Val and I will be stepping out this weekend to explore three fabulous condo developments on Capital Hill and First Hill.  Be sure to check back for full details, pictures, and more!



Spotlight Neighborhood Event: 

SEATTLE MEN’S CHORUS & SEATTLE WOMEN’S CHORUS

14TH ANNUAL DINNER, DANCE & AUCTION

Saturday, May 15, 2010
Fremont Studios
155 N. 35th St.  —  Seattle

Festivities begin at 5:30 PM

Hors d’oeuvres and cocktails during silent auction. Dinner, wine, and dessert during live auction. Special Guest Performances by members of SMC and SWC. Dancing will begin immediately following the live auction.

Valet parking will be available.

For more information on this fabulous event follow the below link.

http://www.flyinghouse.org/specialevents/auctionpreview.asp