Tag Archives: Seattle

Holiday Weekend Weather Around Puget Sound: Memorial Day Looks Good

By Michael Fagin, operational meteorologist at West Coast Weather

If you’ve decided to stay home and skip the throngs of humanity traveling this holiday week-end, the weatherman has some great news for you.

A trough of low pressure will move in on Friday bringing with it a chance of some light showers most likely later in the day. Any rainfall will be light. There will be a better chance of rain late Saturday morning and in the afternoon. Both Friday and Saturday carry with them cooler temperatures with a high of not-quite 60 degrees.

Both days give you a chance to Marie-Kondo your home for summer, then wait for it…Sunday and Monday are calling for you to get outside and play.

Sunday afternoon we are expecting mostly sunny and warmer temps with a high in the low 70’s. Monday follows Sunday’s lead with even more sunny weather and a high of 75 or possibly higher.

Bonus Hiking Info: Although these hikes are close to the mountains, they are all currently snow-free:

Iron-Bear near Cle Elum

Oyster Dome near Bellingham

Otter Falls near North Bend

Smith Tower: A Salute to the Roaring Twenties

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When I was young, the Smith Tower loomed over all the other buildings on Seattle’s skyline. Built in 1914, the Tower became the first skyscraper in Seattle at 484 feet tall with 38 stories. More than a century later, it’s dwarfed by the Columbia Tower and even the Space Needle, but it remains an iconic part of the city with some changes that may surprise you.

Insider tip: The Smith Tower is less crowded than the Space Needle.

Now, for an entrance fee, you can relive those days of yesteryear through a self-guided tour, 360-degree observation deck and speakeasy bar. While you wait for the elevator, complete with an elevator operator dressed in period garb, scan the gift shop for some super cool items like tissue paper depicting a map of downtown Seattle streets or snow globes with Seattle icons sealed inside.

Smith Tower is holding special events this year that they’ve dubbed “Smells Like Seattle Spirits.” Each event features a new bootlegger cocktail and a speaker who charms the audience with a bit of Seattle history. On April 1, you’ll hear about Fred Olmstead and his full-time bootlegging gig. May 6, on tap is “The Feds Fight Back.” Check back here for dates for the rest of this year’s series.

A little of what you’ll find in a trip to the Smith Tower is better explained in photos.

Small bites are offered in the tower. Another option is Tat’s Delicatessen across the street, which is very popular with downtown office workers. Lots of subs, hoagies, Philly steaks, soup and salads to choose from.

Is Summer Over?

Guest post by Meteorologist Michael Fagin of West Coast Weather

Our favorite meteorologist, Michael Fagin, has good news for this holiday weekend. Whether you’re on the fence about attending Bumbershoot in Seattle, checking out the Washington State Fair in Puyallup or just having some people over for a barbecue, the weather, and even the smoke we’ve endured lately are in your favor.

Here’s what Michael predicts:

Labor Day Weekend is usually the end of summer vacation and the conclusion of temps in the upper 80’s and low 90’s the Seattle area enjoys in August.

The good news is that this upcoming weekend will bring daytime temperatures close to the seasonal normal of 74. High temperatures for Seattle should be in the 70 to 75 range for Saturday through Monday. There’s a slight chance of drizzle Saturday morning but that is mainly for north of Seattle (near Everett). Then, on Monday a chance of some light morning showers, but afternoon should be dry. The best day will be Sunday, which will be dry and mostly sunny in the afternoon

What About Smoke?

Perhaps a more important question is what will the air quality be like? We have had some extended periods of poor, unhealthy air quality this August. One reason is the smoke moving into our region from the extensive wildfires on the West Coast.

Along with all those fires, the Seattle area had periods of northeast winds that brought in smoke and even some ash from the fires in Eastern Washington. The combination of that with a strong high pressure and poor air mixing, resulted in record poor air quality for the Seattle area.

The good news is we should have good air quality this weekend. Check out this website for more details and the green colors mean “good air quality.”

However, with all the wildfires in the area, we might have some very brief periods of limited smoke moving in. Mostly, the air quality should remain in the good to moderate levels.

July Weather, Including the Fourth, in Seattle

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Guest post by Meteorologist Michael Fagin of West Coast Weather

credit goes to Cliff Mass

Many Seattleites are not happy with the drizzle, accompanied with temperatures in the mid 60’s, that we experienced this past weekend. The normal high temperature is 75 and the common question being asked is: When do we get summer temperatures and will it come before July 4 or after?

Beginning this coming Tuesday (July 3) and Wednesday (July 4) we will have temperatures warming up to close to normal. Will it be dry on July 4? Yes, we are expecting dry conditions for July 4. For evening viewing of the fireworks it should be partly cloudy and comfortable in the upper 50’s to low 60’s.

After July 4^th, through the next weekend, temperatures will be in the upper 70’s and dry. There are still many folks wanting 80’s and 90’s. Will that happen?

Extended forecasts from July 10 to July 16 are projecting above normal temperatures and dry conditions with some temperatures in the mid 80’s can be expected.

If you are looking for long-term summer trends this is always a good site to check out: NOAA

You can also check out Michael’s hike of the week.

Afternoon Tea

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My daughter wanted to have a “girls” afternoon out and imbibe in tea and tiny finger sandwiches so I made reservations at The Secret Garden in Sumner, Washington. There, 75 different flavors of tea don the menu and the setting in a colonial style home couldn’t be more reminiscent of a slower time, less cell phone watching and excellent service.

The “tea” meal was divided into courses. First came the pots of tea, which needed to steep a few minutes more after arriving at your table. My choice, Ambrosia, blended exotic fruits and coconut. It was as good as the menu promised.

You select from the menu a grouping of different items, much like the family meals at a Chinese restaurant. Three of us wanted the same grouping, while the 8-year-old preferred the children’s menu item with a main course of peanut butter and jam sandwiches, with the crusts removed, of course.

Then came a sweet, flakey scone served with Devonshire cream, lemon curd and raspberry jam. After we’d finished the scones, we were given a scoop of mango sorbet to cleanse the palette. Then the showcase, the three-tiered tray of savory, sweet and sandwich treats, arrived.

Everything was presented in a beautiful and delicate way. You could tell much love and care went into the preparation. From the cucumber sandwiches to the pinwheels and quiches, nothing was left untouched by our table plus we needed a to-go box.

Reservations are recommended at The Secret Garden. Go early and peruse the lovely gift shop.

Other places where afternoon tea is served in this state:

Queen Mary Tea Room in the Ravenna neighborhood of Seattle

Cederberg Tea House in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle

The Silver Spoon Tea House in Spokane

Brambleberry Cottage & Tea Shoppe in Spokane

Even more suggestions here.

It Happens All the Time

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By Amy Hatvany

I was privileged to receive the ebook version of “It Happens All the Time” from NetGalley. The author, Amy Hatvany, lives in Seattle and most of the book is set in Bellingham giving this novel two reasons to merit a blog post here on Discover Washington State.

In the story Amber and Tyler have been best friends since they were teenagers, but recently started spending more time together than ever before. Amber is engaged to Daniel who is currently living in Seattle so they don’t spend much time together during the period when the novel takes place.

Amber has always considered hers and Tyler’s relationship platonic. But Tyler admits he has deeper, more romantic feelings for her. About the same time Amber begins questioning whether or not she’s ready to get married, the two of them attend a party. The alcohol flows freely and sexual tensions heat up between Amber and Tyler,

Told in alternating points of view, Amber questions whether or not she caused the terrible problem the night of the party by her actions and the way she dressed, while Tyler mostly doesn’t remember what happened. I want you to read the book, so I’m not giving anything else away.

Hatvany bravely pulled the topic highlighted in this book from an incident she experienced in her past. I can only imagine how difficult it must have been to write, but it is a subject matter women wrestle with all the time so the story needs to be told.

I found the message captivating and the characters colorful. It was also fun to have actual places and street names in the Bellingham area used in the novel as I lived there for four years. It made me reminisce about my own college days.

With each new novel, Hatvany’s writing grows and flows. I look forward to her next with anticipation.

Expected publication date: March 27, 2017

You’ll Miss Me When I’m Gone by Kevin O’Brien

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After you’ve devoured this tantalizing thriller and shared it with your friends, it can easily double as a doorstop. Even at 536 pages, there’s no lagging or stagnation. It’s all action. O’Brien has carefully crafted another entertaining standalone.

When 17-year-old Spencer (with two last names) is released from prison after serving his allotted time for killing his parents, he goes to live with his aunt, Andrea Boyle. The two of them move to Seattle to start anew and hopefully avoid the stigma of Spencer’s past. Andrea meets and falls in love with Luke who also has a teenager, Damon. But Damon spends most of the time with his mother. That’s the main cast of characters, a number that’s easy to follow.

Damon becomes the first to blow up the novel, literally. When the bullies at school no longer have Damon to pick on, they turn their attention to Spencer. Then the fireworks have only just begun.

One Amazon reviewer said: As with all O’Brien books, there is never a dull moment. He is able to hook his readers from the first page and never allows the story line to drag.

One Amazon reviewer raved: Another wild ride from Kevin O’Brien! I was fortunately under the weather when my copy arrived so I had nothing else to do but read this fast-paced thriller…don’t even remember stopping for meals…

O’Brien himself experienced bullying in high school so he knows what he’s talking about. My only beef with this book is the high body count. I didn’t think it was necessary.

Otherwise, I highly recommend “You’ll Miss Me When I’m Gone” as a great way to spend a weekend. You may have to sleep with a nightlight on though.

With this Seattle author, and a story set in the Emerald City, you can’t go wrong.

What’s New and Cool in July, 2016

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There used to be a single date in July where you were guaranteed a rain-free day and could schedule an outdoor wedding. That’s it. One day in the Pacific Northwest. Now we’re experiencing warmer temperatures more often. I’d still check the weather forecast too see if you need any rain clothes before heading out in July. But our rain, this time of year, is usually just a drizzle, so don’t let talk of precipitation dampen your plans.

Here’s my take on the best events for this month:

July 3-10: Port Townsend’s Festival of American Fiddle Tunes attracts fiddlers, fiddle lovers and dancers to Fort Worden State Park.

July 4: Tacoma’s Freedom Fair , located on the Ruston Way waterfront, has a little of everything – an air show, food, exhibits, rides while getting the breeze off the bay.

July 4: Seattle’s Seafair Summer Fourth means grandiose fireworks at Gas Works Park.

July 4: Grand Old 4^th Parade and Celebration in Tri Cities lets you begin the day with a pancake breakfast, followed by a fun run, parade and of course, a dazzling display of fireworks.

July 8-9: Redmond Derby Days includes a parade, musical entertainment and a beer and wine garden.

July 8-10: Kent Cornucopia Days has everything you could possibly want in a hometown festival from food to booths (400 vendors) to carnival rides and dragon boat races. Another one of my personal favorites.

July 9-10: Seattle’s Ballard Seafood Fest has been an event since 1974 designed to celebrate Ballard’s connection to the fishing industry. Try an adult beverage to go with your seafood choice, listen to live music, shop for arts and crafts and more.

July 14-17: King County Fair in Enumclaw promises a truck pull, pig races, mutton bustin’, amusement rides, flying dogs and a bungee trampoline.

July 15-17: The Bite of Seattle showcases more than 60 area eateries, has beer and cider tasting, a wine bar and live cooking demonstrations.

July 15-17: The Vashon Island Strawberry Festival may not have as many fresh strawberries as usual because the crop was early this year. The festivities won’t be dashed though, you’ll find plenty of action including a classic care parade and a street dance.

July 15-17: Sequim Lavender Weekend celebrates the fragrant herb with farm tours, musical entertainment and a street fair. I have it on good authority that this year you’ll find more activities than ever before. Don’t be surprised if you see shades of purple everywhere.

July 20-23: Long Beach hosts a sandcastle building completion called Sandsations on the shores of their peninsula.

July 23: Orcas Island Cider & Mead Festival

July 29-31: Bellevue BAM Artsfair closes some of the downtown streets so artists and crafters can display and sell what they’ve made. This fair never disappoints.

July 30: Seattle’s Torchlight Parade in conjunction with the Seafair celebration.

Just Plain Cool

I believe this Olympic Peninsula Culinary site is new or at least updated. If you’re visiting the Peninsula, keep it handy.

Want to learn more about whales? After all, sharks have an entire week on TV. Let’s give whales equal time and follow the Whale Trail.

If you want to learn to make sturdy sand sculptures, check this out. All summer long, two-hour sand-sculpting lessons will be available for a fee to small groups of up to 10 people on Wednesdays through Sundays, in Long Beach. Wash. People will gain hands-on experience from concept and technique through build and sculpting. Sign up here.

What is your favorite July activity?

Ride a Washington State Ferry

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Until I’d read enough articles telling me I should be more businesslike with my email names, mine started with ferryprincess@. I love ferries and feel privileged to live in the state with the largest ferry system in the US. Besides collecting anything ferry-related, we even said our wedding vows on the Seattle-to-Bremerton run. Getting married on a ferry is free, if you’re interested.

The Point Defiance to Vashon Island ferry.

Given a choice, I always choose riding a ferry over “driving around.” That’s what natives here call it when you opt for the highway system that takes much longer than the vessel transportation system. But alas, costs less.

Here’s why I prefer a boat ride:

Once you’ve parked your car, bike or motorcycle on the lower deck or walked onto an upper deck, you no longer have to worry about traffic congestion or road rage. You can enjoy the sailing, no matter how long it takes. I prefer the longer crossings like Anacortes to Friday Harbor or Seattle to Bainbridge Island. Many first-time ferry riders say they can feel their blood pressure lower when they spot the vessel approaching the dock.

On the busiest of all the runs, the one between Anacortes and the San Juan Islands, you can now make reservations. That’s also true for Port Townsend to Coupeville (on Whidbey Island) and international service between Anacortes and Sidney B.C. Here’s what you need to know about making reservations.

The scenery can’t be beat. No matter which town or city you leave from, you’ll have a view like no other once you leave the dock. Look for whales, dolphins, sea lions or other marine life, stunning skylines, beautiful yachts and nature at work.

View of the ferry while dining at Anthony’s on Point Defiance.

My favorite ferry destinations are: Mukilteo to Clinton on Whidbey Island, Anacortes to any of the San Juan Islands, Seattle to Bainbridge Island and Tacoma to Vashon Island (this route is short, but very scenic). Many folks that live in Washington commute to their jobs by ferry, so you’ll be wise to plan your trip outside of regular commuting hours which are typically from 6 am-8 am and from 4 pm-6 pm.

Happy sailing. Anyone want to share a ferry story here?

A ferry mailbox on Day Island.

Somewhere Out There, by Amy Hatvany

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Somewhere Out There

By Amy Hatvany

Not only does Hatvany hail from Seattle, but she set her latest novel, “Somewhere Out There” in the Emerald City. Kirkus Reviews dubbed it “uplifting and heartwarming” and they’re a hard nut to crack. A positive blurb from them is the gold standard for any author.

Personally, I loved the story, the characters, the plot line and of course, the scenery. The story follows the lives of two girls, given up by their mother because of her dire circumstances. One is quickly adopted, while the other jumps from one foster home to another until the people in charge finally give up on placing her. Each grows up under very different circumstances but distance-wise they’re quite close.

Hatvany peppers her plot with phrases and place names like “a gray and drizzly late September afternoon,” “Capitol Hill,” “Hiawatha Park,” “Pioneer Square,” and “Georgetown, an industrial area in South Seattle” to orient you. You’ll find other familiar settings amidst some made-up ones.

Once the sisters find each other, the thoughts of why their mother gave them up haunts them both. Until finally, they go visit. I’m not giving away the plot, but the book puts forth some endearing messages. It’s about family in all its forms, even dysfunctional.

If you’ve not read a novel by Hatvany before, I highly recommend this one as a good start. You’ll quickly lose yourself in the story, because her words flow naturally, and she keeps you guessing.