Mother Day events this weekend

Start the day with mom and enjoy brunch at one of these many fine restaurants, afterwards take her for some pampering at a spa then finish the day at one of many events taking place this weekend.

Brunch in Seattle  

1.     Salty’s on Alki

http://www.saltys.com/seattle/

1936 Harbor Ave SW, Seattle, WA
Seattle’s biggest brunch is an all-you-can eat extravaganza of shellfish, oysters, hot entrees, desserts and a cascading chocolate fountain.

2.    

PalPalisade

 

  2601 W Marina Pl, Seattle, WA
Macadamia nut pancakes are just one of the treats at the brunch buffet at Seattle’s unofficial special-event destination.

3.      

Coastal Kitchen

429 15th Ave E, Seattle, WA
The regular all-day “blunch” fare includes a wide assortment of omelets and scrambles, including one made with smoked salmon and cream cheese.

Dish

4358 Leary Way NW, Seattle, WA
Besides traditional eggs and potatoes, favorites include homemade corned-beef hash, hearty scrambles and steaming pancakes (the thick syrup-sponging variety). 

  Cafe Campagne  

1600 Post Alley, Seattle, WA
Satisfying country-French brunch fare like bourbon-battered French toast and baked eggs, served up in a warm, European space in Pike Place Market.

Waterfront Seafood Grill

2801 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA
An all-you-can-eat buffet includes shellfish, pancakes, chocolate-dipped strawberries and more, along with stellar Puget Sound views.

Cafe Flora

2901 E Madison St, Seattle, WA
Is Mom a vegetarian? Treat her to brunch at Seattle’s most glamorous vegetarian restaurant.

 Portage Bay Cafe

4140 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA
Popular U-District cafe lures the brunch crowd with seasonal ingredients and a breakfast bar offering everything from fresh berries to whipped cream to adorn pancakes.

 Hi Spot Cafe 

 http://www.hispotcafe.com 

1410 34th Ave, Seattle, WA
Head to Madrona for a great breakfast and a good dose of homespun charm.

Steelhead Diner

95 Pine St, Seattle, WA
Weekend brunch offers items such as Eggs Walla Walla–eggs poached in red wine, served with caramelized mushrooms and crispy bacon.

  Crave 

http://www.cravefood.com

1621 12th Ave, Seattle, WA
This tiny establishment is beloved on Capitol Hill for excellent, updated versions of classic comfort food. ·      

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Seattle Spas  

 Pelage Spa & Skin Centre

317 NW Gilman Blvd, Issaquah, WA
Ultra-ladylike spa soothes soccer moms’ spirits with a French villa atmosphere and an ego-boosting staff.      

The Spa at Salish Lodge

6501 Railroad Ave SE, Snoqualmie, WA
Spa indulgence above Snoqualmie Falls for hotel guests and weary city dwellers.

 

3.     Habitude at the Locks

2801 NW Market St, Seattle, WA
A full-service salon that delivers what most brochures only promise–in a very aromatic way.

 

4.     Spa Blix

213 Yale Ave N, Seattle, WA
Receive the royal treatment at this regal spa and salon in South Lake Union’s Alley 24.

 

5.     Spa Nordstrom - Downtown Seattle

500 Pine St, Seattle, WA
Perched above the frenzied shopping below, this day spa moves at its own peaceful pace.

 

6.     Banya 5

217 Ninth Ave N, Seattle, WA
Based on age-old folk methods, this Russian-style bathhouse brings Eastern European healing to downtown.

 

7.     Ummelina International Day Spa

1525 Fourth Ave, Seattle, WA
Find tropical ambience, dry desert heat and luxuries of the Far East without leaving Seattle.

Related links:

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Seattle Events     

 

1.     Safeco Field

1250 First Ave, Seattle, WA
Mom will get her own T-shirt as she watches the M’s play the Chicago White Sox on Saturday, May 10. The game starts at 7:10pm.

 

2.     Bellevue Botanical Gardens

12001 Main St, Bellevue, WA
A special Mother’s Day social will offer free entertainment, refreshments and a chance to spend some time outside with your mom or grandma.

 

3.     Marion Oliver McCaw Hall

321 Mercer St, Seattle, WA
Buy tickets to the Opera Tea before Sunday’s 2pm performance of “Puritani” and enjoy finger sandwiches and exclusive pre-show access to the Norcliffe Room lounge.

 

Argosy Cruises

Tour boats, including the Royal Argosy fine-dining lunch/dinner ship, cruise the Seattle Harbor, Lake Union, Lake Washington and the Ballard Locks; departures daily from Seattle waterfront, Lake Union and Kirkland Marina Park, prices vary; special events include Fourth of July cruises, greet the fleet, hydro and Blue Angels cruises (206-623-1445 or www.argosycruises.com).

Tillicum Village

Boat cruise to Blake Island, salmon dinner, Northwest Coast Native American dance performance 11:30 a.m. and/or 4:30 p.m. daily, Pier 55, 1101 Alaskan Way, Seattle; $30-$79.95 (206-933-8600 or www.tillicumvillage.com).

 

Have a great Mother’s Day weekend  everyone ~!

 

 

King County is growing

King County grew 1.4 percent between July 1, 2006, and July 1, 2007, according to the U.S. Census, which ranked it 25^th among the 100 fastest-growing counties in the country.

Immigrants from other countries are a significant factor to the growth – the 10,681 new residents made up 43 percent of the county’s overall population growth of 25,090, which includes births. Of those moving to King County, 83 percent came from other countries. The rest of the county’s growth came from births, and more people moved here from other counties than left.Between April 1, 2000, and July 1, 2007, 82,502 people moved to King County from other countries. That made up more than two-thirds of the county’s total growth – 122, 241 people – during that time.

 

Cheap Gas Stations

This is pretty nifty. Just enter your zip code in the site below, and it tells you which gas stations have the cheapest prices (and the highest) on gas in your zip code area. It’s updated every evening.

Cheap Gas

 

NW News

MyNorthwest.com is Seattle and the Puget Sound’s source for breaking news and information on the latest top stories, weather, traffic and more.

 

European Tower Condominiums

One of the most unique residential towers in Bellevue! The European Tower will feature 16 residential units, with one unit per floor (penthouse top two floors). The elevators will open straight into the home, providing a level of luxury not currently available anywhere else in today’s condominium market. Homes feature almost 11-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, giving homeowners 360-degree uninterrupted views of Bellevue’s skyline, Lake Washington and the Cascade mountains. The interior space design establishes an exclusive, penthouse-like feeling with all units being 2,157 sq.ft. and including two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, two private balconies, and a library.The European Tower’s architectural design is eco-friendly with the slender tower design allowing for the most efficient utilization of urban space. Another key distinction between the European Tower and other area condominium projects is its underground parking system that gives homeowners fast, convenient access to their vehicles with a push of a button. The fully automated valet system, which parks and retrieves a car in less than 90 seconds, handles each vehicle individually in an enclosed environment.

Residents at European Tower will enjoy a host of amenities, including memberships at the nearby Bellevue Athletic Club, Bellevue Pro Club and The Harbor Club, depending on personal preferences. The concierge staff will be available around the clock to deliver exclusive services, including: restaurant reservations, transportation arrangements, dry cleaning pick up/delivery, travel and vacation plans, meet and greet services, pet services, package retrieval and delivery. And with downtown just minutes away, homeowners can embrace all that Bellevue has to offer! Prices start at 1.7 million and got to 9 million plus.

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cirque du Soleil in town

As Kristen mentioned before; Marymoor Park in Redmond has many great outdoor activities throughout the year. One more to add to the list is Cirqu du Soleil presenting Corteo. Can’t make it to Vegas this year to see “O”, “Mystere”, “Ka” or the many other Cirqu du Soleil productions, now is your chance to see them locally. The Corteo production will be here from April 24th to May 25th.

 

Corteo, which means “cortege” in Italian, is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown. The show brings together the passion of the actor with the grace and power of the acrobat to plunge the audience into a theatrical world of fun, comedy and spontaneity situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth.

The clown pictures his own funeral taking place in a carnival atmosphere, watched over by quietly caring angels. Juxtaposing the large with the small, the ridiculous with the tragic and the magic of perfection with the charm of imperfection, the show highlights the strength and fragility of the clown, as well as his wisdom and kindness, to illustrate the portion of humanity that is within each of us. The music, by turns lyrical and playful, carries Corteo through a timeless celebration in which illusion teases reality.

 

 

Tickets now on sale at their Seattle’s website: Cirqu du Soleil

 

 

 

Day Trippin’….

While on any given day, there are a thousand and one things to do in and around the city, sometimes it’s best to just get in the car and drive to a change of scene. The Seattle area offers great day trips in every direction. From whale watching in the San Juans to tulip hunting in the Skagit Valley, hiking a volcano to shopping in our very own local Bavarian Village, the possibilities are endless. Just pick a direction and go!

To the East lies the quaint Bavarian town of Leavenworth. Just 120 miles (about 2 hours) east on Highway 2, this darling little town has been attracting tourist for years. Set in a majestic alpine location, Leavenworth offers something for everyone - skiing, cross country, hiking, biking, white water rafting, golf, shopping, dining, horseback riding, sleigh rides, and much more. Come for the day or make a weekend of it!

To the South you can hike a real live, active volcano! Since it’s last major eruption in May of 1980, Mount St Helens has reestablished itself on the map as a fantastic hiking destination. With awesome views of the crater, Spirit Lake, Mount Adams, and Mount Margaret, it’s easy to see why. Most hikes take less than an hour, but there are multi-day hikes as well. A special hiking permit to go to the top of the crater is available on a limited basis. Keep in mind when hiking, always be prepared for sudden changes in weather. Pack a picnic, don your hiking boots and get moving!

To the West, it’s water sports galore! In Ocean Shores, you can fly a kite, build a sandcastle, go clamming, comb the beach, ride horseback, or just take in the beauty of the Washington coast.  Nearby Westport offers whale watching, surfing, and clamming. Both Ocean Shores and Westport are about a 3 hour drive from Seattle. For those wishing to head West and not hit water, you should check out the annual Lavender Festival in Sequim. Imagine French lavender field meets Napa Valley… right here in Washington. This rustic, exquisitely aromatic festival is complete with wine tasting, farm tours, and street fair. The festivities run from July 18-20.

To the North is our own slice of Holland! During the month of April, visit the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival near Mount Vernon and LaConner. In approximately 1 hour from Seattle, you can tip-toe through the tulips - literaly! Each spring local tulip growers open their fields to the public to enjoy the beauty of their floral seas. The tulip fields are spread out over a 15 mile radius and tulip festival events are scattered throughout the entire county. If you’re short on time and want to see the best of the bunch, stop by Tulip Town and take photos in the fields, hop on a trolley tour, sneak a bite to eat, and grab some bulbs for the road. Spring has not truly sprung until you’ve seen the bulbs in bloom!

If you prefer whale watching, shopping, and ferry rides to flowers, then perhaps a trip to Friday Harbor is what the doctor ordered. Located in the San Juan Islands, Friday Harbor is and hour and a half drive to Anacortes plus a ferry ride away.

Whichever direction you choose, you won’t be dissapointed!

 

Housing Affordability Mapping

I found a great tool for looking at the affordability of an area based on housing cost, household income and transportation costs.  It displays the different info in a color coded way that shows where the affordable areas are.  It was built by the Center for Transit Oriented Development .

 

Events this weekend 4/18 - 4/20

Last weekend’s weather was  gorgeous  with temperatures over seventy degrees, this weekend we’re looking to have snow?!  If you’d like to have that feeling of spring back, here are a few events going on in the Puget Sound area:

 

Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival: (4/18, 4/19, 4/20) Seattle Center. Event commemorates Japan’s 1976 gift of 1,000 blossoming cherry trees to Seattle with Ikebana flower displays, taiko drum performance, Japanese food, art displays, tea ceremony demonstrations http://www.seattlecenter.com

 

25^th Annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival: Over twenty bulb farms with acreage and acreage of Tulips, Irises and Daffodils. Attracts op to 25,000 visitors every year.

http://www.tulipfestival.org

 

 

While you’re in Skagit Valley, visit the Downtown Mt. Vernon Street Fair: A arts and crafts fair, with artists from eight states. Live music, children’s activities and a wonderful variety of food. 

www.downtownmountvernon.com

 

Don’t forget to bring your camera ~!

 

 

Scat - Scat - It’s almost time for “Duck Dodge Tuesday!”

 

Welcome to one of Seattle’s Craziest events; Duck Dodge Tuesday Originally known as the Tenas Chuck Duck Dodge or The Lake Union Beer Can Regatta. This event started over thirty years ago, is now in Seattle’s top 100 things to do and is open to anyone who has a floating device. From May to October you will find Lake Union full of every possible boat:  Sailboats, dingys’ rowboats, canoes, inflatable’s,..If it floats, it will be there.

 

Yellow duck decals are affixed to the masses and the goal is for boaters to dodge other ducks and boaters during the race. It’s more than a race, it’s a party. Everyone gets into the spirit and on theme nights there is another competition, who can be the craziest dresser. Theme nights range from Prom night, Pajama, Tropical, Pirates, Toga and Mardi Gras nights.

 

 

 

 

There is another version of what Duck Dodge Tuesday is about. If you’re viewing this event from one of many lakeside restaurants, you may notice all the boaters are ducks themselves.  Frequently, seaplanes descend to land and the lake of boaters have to scurry out of the way asap. With the many hills surrounding Lake Union, seaplanes do not provide much notice to these boaters. Quite the adrenalin rush.

  

If you can’t make it on the Lake this year, enjoy dinner and watch the entertainment from  one of these Lakeside restaurants:

 

Chandlers Crabhouse (901 Fairview Ave N #B100),

Daniel’s Broiler   206-621-8262 (809 Fairview N)

http://www.schwartzbros.com/chandlers.cfm

 

Duke’s - Lake Union   206-382-9963   
(901 Fairview Ave N)  http://dukeschowderhouse.com

 

 

Harborside   206-270-0068    
(1200 Westlake Ave N),

 

Rock Salt   206-284-1047    
(1232 Westlake N), http://www.rocksaltlakeunion.com

 

 

Opening Day is 7pm May 13^th! Hope to see you there!