Berries are synonymous with summer. Ripe, juicy, and delicious, who doesn't dream of berry shortcake, berry ice cream, fresh berry pie, berry scones, and more. Popular berries in Western Washington include strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. June-July is the primary strawberry season around … [Read more...] about Berry festivals in the Puget Sound region
Northwest Living
Month-by-month u-pick produce in the Puget Sound region
Here’s our list of popular u-pick fruits, berries, and vegetables and the best month to pick them in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area and Western Washington counties around the Puget Sound region. In addition, we provide a link to a map of u-pick farms near you for each crop. Washington State is known worldwide … [Read more...] about Month-by-month u-pick produce in the Puget Sound region
Food deals and discounts on coffee, fast food, and fine dining
These food deals (and drink deals) and restaurant dining discounts are available throughout the Seattle-Tacoma metro area. You'll find offers from local eateries, national chains, and fast-food restaurants. As always, we focus on those with modest prices. We may also feature more expensive options that offer a … [Read more...] about Food deals and discounts on coffee, fast food, and fine dining
Farmers markets in the Puget Sound region
Washington State farmers markets provide a diversity of fresh produce, including fruits. vegetables, herbs, and flowers (edible and otherwise). You can also find other locally grown products, including meats, poultry, fish and shellfish, eggs, and a wide variety of value added-farm products such as preserves, ciders … [Read more...] about Farmers markets in the Puget Sound region
Best used clothing and consignment stores
Listed below are second-hand clothing stores in Seattle and surrounding cities in the Puget Sound region. We’ve listed the best reasons to shop at each location, so you can find what you need—whether you want cheap clothes or designer goods at the best possible price. Check their website for details or before you head … [Read more...] about Best used clothing and consignment stores
Outlet malls in Seattle and around Puget Sound
From north to south, these are the major outlet malls in the Puget Sound region, offering plenty of shopping and food options for a day of browsing and saving every day. All stores typically offer special sales on holiday weekends throughout the year, including Labor Day weekend, fourth of July, Memorial Day, and … [Read more...] about Outlet malls in Seattle and around Puget Sound
Shredding services help prevent costly identity theft
Shredding services are inexpensive and easy to do. Compared to the cost of fixing your credit if your identity is stolen, it's truly a bargain. To protect yourself from identity theft, it is very important to securely destroy routine, but sensitive information. Merely tossing it in the trash or recycle bin is a … [Read more...] about Shredding services help prevent costly identity theft
Home gardening resources and plant sales
Gardening in the Puget Sound region gets the advantage of rich volcanic soils, abundant rain, and year-round temperate weather. However, Northwest gardeners also face several challenges: a shortage of sunny days, a growing season that starts later than other parts of the country, and understanding the microclimate … [Read more...] about Home gardening resources and plant sales
Nurseries & garden centers in the Puget Sound region
The following nurseries and garden centers offer supplies for fruit and vegetable gardening. Hardware stores and nurseries are considered essential services. Some are open for in-store shopping. Some offer online, phone, or email orders and curbside pickup. A few offer delivery on qualifying orders. Nurseries and … [Read more...] about Nurseries & garden centers in the Puget Sound region
How to start a vegetable garden in the Pac NW
Vegetable gardening is a great family activity or for anyone. It's one of the most rewarding home projects you can do. Whether you own or rent a house, or live in a condominium or apartment, you can have a vegetable garden in some form. You can grow a little or a lot, from a few salad greens or cherry tomatoes to … [Read more...] about How to start a vegetable garden in the Pac NW
Skagit Valley trip planner
Skagit Valley is located about 60 miles north of Seattle, making it a great destination for a weekend getaway or just a quick day trip. It’s an easy drive straight up Interstate 5 (I-5). But you can also get there (or return) via the following more leisurely routes. For a more scenic route, you can drive Washington … [Read more...] about Skagit Valley trip planner
Restaurant delivery service in the Puget Sound region
Restaurants in the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area offer delivery in a variety of ways, directly or through restaurant delivery apps. We've got all the details here on the different ways to get food delivered to your door. Independent restaurant delivery We strongly encourage you to connect directly with … [Read more...] about Restaurant delivery service in the Puget Sound region
Best discount grocery stores and bakery outlets
Here’s our list of the best discount grocery stores, bargain warehouse stores, specialty discount grocers, and bakery outlets in Seattle and around the Puget Sound region. Notice that we focus on Pacific Northwest owned companies. So, that’s why we’ve left out some stores usually recommended for grocery shopping … [Read more...] about Best discount grocery stores and bakery outlets
Flea markets, swap meets, and antique malls
Listed below are flea markets, swap meets, and antique malls in the Puget Sound region. This list does not include salvage and second-hand clothing stores. For these, you'll want to visit: Surplus stores, auctions, salvage, and recycled materials Best used clothing stores in Seattle and Puget … [Read more...] about Flea markets, swap meets, and antique malls
Best Seattle wedding gift registries and tips
If you are a couple planning your nuptials in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area, our wedding gift registry list features some uniquely Northwest choices, as well as some wedding gift ideas that are a bit outside the box. Of course, we include a list of popular wedding gift registry sites that many couples across the … [Read more...] about Best Seattle wedding gift registries and tips
Where to order vegetable and herb seeds online
The seed companies listed below are those most often recommended by gardeners in the Pacific Northwest. They offer seed varieties suitable to the cool, wet, marine climate in the Puget Sound region where the growing season is later and shorter than other areas of the country. All these seed companies can ship your … [Read more...] about Where to order vegetable and herb seeds online
Best summer vacation ideas in Washington State
One of the many benefits of living in Seattle is the amazing getaways around Washington State. The following summer vacation ideas are some of the most beautiful sites in the United States. You can use these ideas to plan a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a family vacation. There are vacation options for all … [Read more...] about Best summer vacation ideas in Washington State
Here’s where to get help with income taxes
United States income tax season begins in late January and ends on April 15, the deadline for filing personal income tax. If April 15 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the Tax Day deadline is extended to the following Monday. If the tax day deadline falls on a federal holiday, the deadline is extended by one day. This … [Read more...] about Here’s where to get help with income taxes
Maximize your dining dollars with restaurant loyalty reward programs & gift cards
If you like to eat out regularly (and who doesn't), whether at fine dining restaurants or casual eateries, be sure to join a reward or loyalty program. Many restaurants are more than happy to slip you a little green in the form of a discount when you come back regularly. We have a few tips for choosing a restaurant … [Read more...] about Maximize your dining dollars with restaurant loyalty reward programs & gift cards
Best retailers for gifts, party supplies & holiday decor
Here are the best places to buy gifts in the Puget Sound region. Our list focuses on local retailers with a variety of products for every occasion and gift recipient on your list. These shopping sources feature unique gifts for every special occasion, from Valentine's Day to Christmas and graduation to retirement. Many … [Read more...] about Best retailers for gifts, party supplies & holiday decor
RV rental: great for ski trips & winter getaways, home office space, holiday overflow
Advertiser article It's common to rent an RV or motor home for summer travel. But fall travel and winter vacations also offer many great reasons for renting an RV – weekend getaways, ski trips, holiday travel, or just some extra space at home. In many parts of the Pacific Northwest, fall is the perfect time … [Read more...] about RV rental: great for ski trips & winter getaways, home office space, holiday overflow
Where to get a flu shot (influenza vaccination)
Even if you don't usually get a flu shot and even though most of us are staying at home, socially distancing, wearing masks, washing hands frequently, and have hand sanitizer at the ready--review the guidelines for flu shots and make sure you have a plan for the 2022-2023 flu season. Flu shot recommendations for … [Read more...] about Where to get a flu shot (influenza vaccination)
Getaway: Annual festivals in Leavenworth (120 mi. E)
Leavenworth, Washington is a small town (pop. ~2,000) about 120 miles east of Seattle. Nestled in the western foothills of the Cascade Mountains, the area is graced by mountains rising to 5,000 and 8,000 feet. The area is known for abundant sunshine, low rainfall (9 inches per year), and nearby fruit orchards. One … [Read more...] about Getaway: Annual festivals in Leavenworth (120 mi. E)
Garage sale finder map and calendar
Seattle garage sale and yard sale “season” is generally May-September. However, at any time of year, people can hold moving sales, estate sales, and consignment sales. So check our calendar list of upcoming sales below. If treasure hunting is a favorite activity, you can check our calendar list or use the garage … [Read more...] about Garage sale finder map and calendar
Surplus stores, auctions, salvage, and recycled materials
At surplus stores and auctions, you can find new as well as used office supplies and equipment, plus military and army surplus gear, and many common and useful items. You can also find unusual or unexpected equipment and antiques. You just never know what to expect. Some surplus stores offer online catalogs or … [Read more...] about Surplus stores, auctions, salvage, and recycled materials