Review the guidelines for flu shots and make sure you have a plan for the current flu season. Flu shot recommendations for 2023-24 season Influenza (Flu) is a very contagious respiratory illness. Flu is caused by infection with four types of influenza viruses (A, B, C and D) and various subtypes (such as A/H1N1, … [Read more...] about Where to get a flu shot (influenza vaccination)
Northwest Living
Where to find u-pick pumpkin patches and farm stands
Below, we provide links to pumpkin patches and farm stands selling picked pumpkins in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area around the Puget Sound region. All are open weekends in October, a few open earlier. Some locations are open weekends only, others during the week. Check their website for details before you head out. One … [Read more...] about Where to find u-pick pumpkin patches and farm stands
Grocery list + easy recipes for college students
The following list of groceries are foods that are widely available and easy to use with little or no preparation before cooking. They are also some of the more nutritious and inexpensive foods you can buy. You and your brain need to stay fueled and sharp to make the most of your day. So, we focused on delicious and … [Read more...] about Grocery list + easy recipes for college students
7 ways to pay for college without loans
There are several ways to pay for college without resorting to college loans. Loans are a type of financial aid that must be repaid, with interest. College loans leave you with a financial obligation after completing college. This strategy can be a great path into careers that have the possibility of lucrative … [Read more...] about 7 ways to pay for college without loans
13 best nature walks to see Seattle fall color
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
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. Above all, beware of charity … [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
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
Our top 10 picks for Seattle shopping on Cyber Monday
Here are our suggestions for Cyber Monday, which always happens right after Thanksgiving Weekend. It's a big prelude to the holiday shopping season with a focus on online shopping deals. If you live in the Seattle metropolitan region and want to add Pacific Northwest flair to your gift giving, check our list of … [Read more...] about Our top 10 picks for Seattle shopping on Cyber Monday
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