In an average year, the best time to see Seattle fall color is the last week of September and first week of October. In the foothills and mountain areas, foliage peaks about one to two weeks later than at lower elevations. Depending on weather conditions, the fall season in Seattle can begin earlier, in mid-September … [Read more...] about 13 best nature walks to see Seattle fall color
Northwest Living
Art & craft shows in the Puget Sound region
The Puget Sound region boasts a thriving visual arts community. Throughout the year, you can tap into the local arts scene at art festivals, craft fairs, and makers markets in cities and venues all around the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan region. At these arts and crafts events, you'll find primarily locally made … [Read more...] about Art & craft shows in the Puget Sound region
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)
How to save money on college textbooks
We've researched various ways to save money on college textbooks, including tips for getting the best price on new and used books, buying digital ebooks or renting textbooks, plus a few other tricks. Listed below are some general guidelines for saving money when buying and returning textbooks for college … [Read more...] about How to save money on college textbooks
Getaway: 11 scenic drives for Washington State fall color
If you are seeking Washington State fall colors, there are many beautiful, scenic drives throughout the counties in the Puget Sound regions. The colorful fall foliage is often set against deep green evergreen trees, with lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains completing the vista. The primary viewing period for … [Read more...] about Getaway: 11 scenic drives for Washington State fall color
Disaster Relief: where to donate
The best way to help whenever a disaster strikes at home or abroad is to donate money to reputable, established charities and funds. Clean-up and rebuilding takes months of effort...sometimes years. Every dollar you donate to well-established aid organizations go toward relief efforts. Experts say whatever you do, … [Read more...] about Disaster Relief: where to donate
Getaway: Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend (58 mi. NW via ferry)
The first Wooden Boat Festival (WBF) in North America in 1978 at Port Townsend eventually joined with Northwest Maritime Center in 2005 to continue to engage and educate people in traditional maritime culture and to inspire people to adventure on the sea--the most powerful teacher you may ever know! Today, the Port … [Read more...] about Getaway: Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend (58 mi. NW via ferry)
News you can use about nCoV
Listed below is useful information about the coronavirus pandemic. Last updated July 5, 2023. About CoV On May 11, 2023 the Federal Public Health Emergency Declaration for COVID-19 ended. The expiration of the emergency declaration does not mean that the pandemic is over as COVID-19 continues to circulate in … [Read more...] about News you can use about nCoV
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
Free food safety apps and guides
By following basic rules of food safety, you can help prevent foodborne illness for yourself and others. Here is a list of downloadable, free food safety fact sheets for grilling and other summer activities with food. The information will help you prevent food poisoning while having delicious fun this summer. USDA … [Read more...] about Free food safety apps and guides
Berry festivals in the Puget Sound region
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Seattle Seafair history: 1950 to present day
Seafair, Seattle’s consummate summer festival, began in 1950 as Sea Fair, a 10-day "water festival". The first festival was organized by a committee of businessmen from the community to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the city*. Seafair is primarily about community, civic pride, affordable fun, and of course, the … [Read more...] about Seattle Seafair history: 1950 to present day
Most amazing natural wonders in Washington State
The following destinations represent some of the most interesting natural wonders in around Washington State. We've grouped them by region. There is a Google map at the end of the article with pinpoints to the various locations. Some of these make fun day trips, while others require a weekend getaway or longer … [Read more...] about Most amazing natural wonders in Washington State
Plan your next getaway–rent an RV!
Advertiser article It's been a long, rainy, and cold spring but summer has finally arrived—or so we can only hope! Whether you want to head to the coast for some beach time, be dazzled by a kaleidoscope of mountain wildflowers in bloom, make a long weekend of a concert at the Gorge or winetasting in Yakima Valley, … [Read more...] about Plan your next getaway–rent an RV!
Real men (and women) clip coupons and save
The Ultimate Guide to Coupons is written by three “cheap” veterans from across the country who know the ins and outs of clipping coupons that save you money. They’ve compiled their considerable knowledge in this easy-to-read book, available in print or for download. The print version is available through Amazon. Or, … [Read more...] about Real men (and women) clip coupons and save