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
Living in Seattle
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!
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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!
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 head out for a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a family vacation. You'll spend less time getting there and more time … [Read more...] about Best summer vacation ideas in Washington State
Walking labyrinths in Washington State
A labyrinth is a single, methodical path leading to a center point. Although a labyrinth is like a maze in appearance, unlike a maze it has only one path (unicursal) and no dead ends. There’s no getting lost in a labyrinth. These pathways have been used for thousands of years for various rituals and ceremonies. … [Read more...] about Walking labyrinths in Washington State
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
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
Free, safe disposal of unwanted medications
Protect your family and our environment from a common cause of accidents by safely disposing of medications you no longer use or need. Safely getting rid of unwanted medicines is an important part of being safe at home. National Prescription Drug Take Back Month happens every October. The event aims to provide … [Read more...] about Free, safe disposal of unwanted medications
Getaway: Annual festivals in Leavenworth (120 mi. E)
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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 sunshine, low rainfall (9 inches per year), and nearby fruit orchards. The town of … [Read more...] about Getaway: Annual festivals in Leavenworth (120 mi. E)
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
Earth Day events in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area
Earth Day events in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area include conservation, recycling, and other activities designed to educate us on the benefits of protecting our natural resources through mindful living. Many events are free, but many require that you register in advance. We might also include events that have a small … [Read more...] about Earth Day events in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area
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
Quick dinner recipes for spring: pizza, pasta, curry, soups, and more
These quick dinner recipes for spring use budget-friendly leftovers from holiday meals, including St. Patrick’s Day corned beef, Passover beef brisket, Easter ham and hard-cooked eggs, and Cinco de Mayo avocados, rice, and beans. These recipes also make use of seasonal vegetables including asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, … [Read more...] about Quick dinner recipes for spring: pizza, pasta, curry, soups, and more
Getaway: Wenatchee Apple Blossom Festival (150 mi. E)
Wenatchee's Apple Blossom festival reflects the importance of the Apple Industry to Washington State, exhibiting the pride that its many volunteers take in the Wenatchee area’s spectacular natural beauty, its prosperous economy, and family values. It was the first Apple Blossom Festival in the country, and it's … [Read more...] about Getaway: Wenatchee Apple Blossom Festival (150 mi. E)
Coworking spaces in the Puget Sound region
Coworking is shared office space among different businesses. It is distinct from co-workers, which describes people working together in the same company or on the same project. Coworking is a great solution for entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to the cost of office space as low as possible, yet enjoy … [Read more...] about Coworking spaces in the Puget Sound region
7 design ideas from NW Flower & Garden Show
Celebrating 30 years in 2018, the Northwest Flower & Garden Show featured inspirational, beautiful, educational, and fun garden design ideas. The designers and landscapers were asked to incorporate a garden party theme into their display. The garden designs embrace current trends in urban gardening, sustainability, … [Read more...] about 7 design ideas from NW Flower & Garden Show
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
Free repair of your broken stuff around Puget Sound
Got broken stuff? Are you favorite jeans torn? At "repair cafes", you can bring broken household items or torn clothing for repair, such as small furniture, small appliances, and electronics. During the event, an experienced all-purpose fixer or sewer will work on your item, or help you learn to repair your broken … [Read more...] about Free repair of your broken stuff around Puget Sound
10 frugal ways to stay fit in Seattle
Fitness exercise is a popular reality in Seattle. The city consistently ranks as one of the healthiest places in the country, as reported by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) American Fitness Index. The ACSM report finds that we like fitness and exercise, evidenced by our overall health, walkable city, … [Read more...] about 10 frugal ways to stay fit in Seattle
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 on … [Read more...] about Best discount grocery stores and bakery outlets
Find a tool library in the Puget Sound region
Like a traditional library, a Tool Library is a sustainable community resource that lends tools for short term use. Sharing tools helps save you money by not buying ones you will only use a few times. It also gives you access to many more tools as well as a "Do-It-Yourself" community. Each library offers tools for … [Read more...] about Find a tool library in the Puget Sound region
2022 free park entrance days in Washington State
Take advantage of free entrance days in National Parks and Washington State Parks throughout the year. Mark your calendar for these fee-free days. Plan an outing with family or friends at the nearest park. Or, get away to another park around Washington State. Short History of Our National Parks In 1872 in the … [Read more...] about 2022 free park entrance days in Washington State
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 2020-21 flu season. In 2020, there is a campaign … [Read more...] about Where to get a flu shot (influenza vaccination)
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. After dry or hot summers, … [Read more...] about Getaway: 11 scenic drives for Washington State fall color
