Only Murano island, near Venice, Italy has more glassblowing studios than found in Seattle. Read more about the history of glass and development of the art in Seattle: While the history of glass is, as the saying goes "old as dirt", glass blowing, manufactured glass, and glass art is much more … [Read more...] about Glass Blowing Studios and Glass Art Galleries
Hobbies & Interests
Our big list of public gardens and garden tours
Listed below are arboretums and botanical gardens* in cities throughout the Puget Sound region. Most gardens specialize in one or more aspects of Pacific Northwest native plants. A few offer non-native varieties and some have exotic specimens from far flung corners of the globe. These public gardens are regularly … [Read more...] about Our big list of public gardens and garden tours
Fun ways to volunteer around Puget Sound
Volunteer opportunities These organizations and events offer opportunities for adults to contribute volunteer hours, while meeting like-minded people and enjoying a sense of community. Some volunteer opportunities include tangible benefits such as t-shirts, discounts, and free admission. Requirements and … [Read more...] about Fun ways to volunteer around Puget Sound
Free fun things to do at the library might surprise you
Libraries are a great resource for anyone looking for fun, free things to do, as well as someone who wants to learn a new skill or needs help with technology, learning, languages, and more. There is more to do at the library than you might ever imagine. Besides checking out books, you can take advantage of the … [Read more...] about Free fun things to do at the library might surprise you
Our list for disaster relief and charitable donations
The best way to help whenever a disaster strikes at home or abroad is to donate money to reputable, established charities. Clean-up and rebuilding takes months of effort, and sometimes years. Every dollar you donate to well-established aid organizations will go toward relief efforts. Experts say whatever you … [Read more...] about Our list for disaster relief and charitable donations
Family loaner backpack for Arboretum adventures
Washington Park Arboretum holds a world class collection of woody plants that can be explored independently, as well as through tours, classes, and activities hosted at the site. All parts of the Washington Park Arboretum (except the Japanese Garden), are open to the public and are free of charge. The Arboretum … [Read more...] about Family loaner backpack for Arboretum adventures
Salmon spawning season in Western Washington
Beginning in summer and lasting well into fall is the salmon spawning season. Many people enjoy watching wild salmon as they swim upriver or navigate fish ladders to lay their eggs. There are also spring salmon runs, when young salmon migrate downstream to their life at sea. But the spring salmon runs are less … [Read more...] about Salmon spawning season in Western Washington
Air shows in the Puget Sound region
Seattle made aviation history in 1916 when William E. Boeing and Navy Lt. Conrad Westervelt formed the Boeing Airplane company, and hired self-taught aviation tinker Herb Munter to build the company's first aircraft, the B&W seaplane. Read more about Boeing and Early Aviation in Seattle at historylink.org, … [Read more...] about Air shows in the Puget Sound region
Planetarium shows in the Puget Sound region
The following planetariums and observatories in the Puget Sound region and around Washington State have regularly scheduled public astronomy shows that have free or cheap admission of $15 or less. Planetariums feature digital videos displayed on a dome-shaped screen with breathtaking images of the universe or … [Read more...] about Planetarium shows in the Puget Sound region
Where to find Corpse Flowers in Seattle
Titan Arum (Amorphophallus titanium) is more commonly known as the Corpse Flower, due to its strong odor resembling a decaying body. The odor and deep purplish-brown color (similar to the color of raw meat) attracts flies and beetles that will pollinate the flower. The Corpse Flower is native to the western … [Read more...] about Where to find Corpse Flowers in Seattle
Independent bookstores are key to Seattle’s literary scene
Independent bookstores in the Seattle-Tacoma metro region are staffed by passionate, well-read booksellers. These neighborhood fixtures are the ultimate storytelling backdrop. They are places where you can quietly immerse yourself among the bookshelves, join a lively book discussion group, listen to an author reading, … [Read more...] about Independent bookstores are key to Seattle’s literary scene
Wine tasting in Seattle and the Puget Sound region
One reason to go to a wine tasting is to try several wines at one time, allowing you to compare the characteristics of the different wines, and figure out which ones you prefer. There are no right or wrong answers. It’s like any other food or beverage preference. Some people prefer chicken over beef, broccoli over … [Read more...] about Wine tasting in Seattle and the Puget Sound region
Free stargazing events around the Sound
Stargazing is simply observing the night sky. It's an enjoyable hobby enjoyed by many outdoor enthusiasts and amateur astronomers. Stargazing is an activity that can be done any time of the year, alone, with friends, or at a group "star party". Regardless of your experience level, a star party is a great time … [Read more...] about Free stargazing events around the Sound
Dance lessons and social dancing around the Sound
The following free and cheap dance classes and social dances are offered at dance studios and ballrooms around the Puget Sound region. They feature classes and dances in a variety of styles including contra, country, line, salsa, soul, swing, and several others. A few dance classes are free and others are $15 or less … [Read more...] about Dance lessons and social dancing around the Sound
Free online encyclopedia of Washington state
HistoryLink.org is the first and largest free, online encyclopedia of community history created expressly for the Internet. It written by Washingtonians, about Washington State. The content increases almost daily. New features fill gaps and enlarge upon selected subjects. Existing articles are often expanded or … [Read more...] about Free online encyclopedia of Washington state
