Ocean Shores

About a year ago, Jeremy wanted to take the family to see the ocean. We set out on an early Saturday morning with a good little drive ahead of us and a basket full of lunch and treats! We knew it wasn't optimal ocean weather, but we were in for a surprise when we drove onto the sandy beach.

 According to locals, snow is a rare treat on the shores.

 Pretty beautiful seeing a snowy beach.

 The Boardwalk Shops: a newly constructed village--love the cheerful colors.

 The breezy climate on Washington beaches is year around... 

and so is coffee!

 Inside Sharky's. You have to go in just to see the teeth!

 Daddy and son watching the waves.

This picture says it all. The 10 minutes our son got his first
driving experience was worth the 3 hour drive
we endured with a cranky 2 year old. 

For events, dining, shopping, lodging and everything in between click here...or here.

Snohomish

I've always heard about the shops in Snohomish. I love anything vintage, retro, antique-y and rustic. So a couple Saturdays ago, we set out for a lengthy drive.  We have pretty much exhausted the whole Puget Sound area, so it was exciting for us to discover a new destination.

 

 Annie's on First had quite the display of antique chandaliers.

 Simply Sweet, is just one of the cupcake shops on 1st, only a couple doors 

down from the sassy Bite Me cupcakes specializing in catered events. 

 Faded Elegance captured that perfect balance 

between old and new pretties.

 In the basement of Joyworks, 

I loved this cozy corner of aqua and neutrals.

Want to make one for Valentine's Day!

 A kitschy soda fountain shop full of retro signs for any collector.

Warmed up at Crepe Escape and Coffee House with a 

Vanilla Latte roasted by ZOKA and their signature 

Crepe Suzette filled with creme fraiche and garnished with 

fresh lemon and orange zest...a unique treat! 

The Snohomish Bakery & Cafe had some 

additionally tantalizing pastries.

Such a fun daytrip or weekend getaway to spend with girlfriends, moms, sisters, daughters...and of course husbands. For all the information you need to know about the shops, food, drinks, lodging, and directions click here.

We took the direct route on I-405 getting there, but decided to take the less traveled HWY 203 for the drive home. Always a treat, no matter the time of year. Every time we drive through Duvall, I'm impressed with their growth and charm.  If you are still craving antiques, they have a few shops worth the stop.

Old Town Gig Harbor

Sometimes you just need to get away for the day. We recently had one of those days and decided to spend it in one of our favorite close-to-home spots. I always feel like the world is a better place after spending a few hours in Old Town Gig Harbor, where friends are out for their morning walk and the shops make you think you're on vacation, yes, it's a good place.

 Just happened to be here when the cherry blossoms were in bloom.

 Architecture of Old Town

 Red Rooster Cafe, located in the coolest building 

with a patio full of tables and chairs overlooking the harbor.

Morning sunshine

Such cute decor

 We had a sandwich at Susanne's Bakery a couple years ago, 

I mostly remember the classy side of orzo pesto salad. 

They are most known for their pastries: 

cakes, eclairs and my personal favorite, chocolate dipped macaroons.

 Kelly's, a local favorite for breakfast and lunch. 

I like that their burgers and fries include a coke,
I mean, who does that-- except for every fast food value meal.

It's very hard to narrow down what to order for breakfast, 

while every towering plate passes by.

 Java and Clay Cafe, I love that they serve 

"for here" drinks in their own hand-painted mugs.

Even the paint brushes are artistic

So many colors... 

Lots of piers and parks along the way

For more information than I cared to post click here.

Tulip Festival - La Conner

I can't help but smile when I notice the daffodils, tulips and grape hyacinth peeking up through my garden for the first time each year. I don't know if anything shouts Spring louder than these friendly bulbs (except of course actually yelling "Spring!", but that would be strange to do so). Tulips + baby birds singing + crisp, sunny mornings = days like no other in Seattle.

Washington's most colorful treasure is found in the Skagit Valley, nestled between the Puget Sound and the Cascade range.  According to Wikipedia "Tulips are indigenous to mountainous areas with temperate climates and need a period of cool dormancy"...sounds about right. The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is one of twelve tulip festivals in all of North America, I'd say that's a rare treat to have in your backyard.

We always enjoy making a day of walking the fields and strolling through the shops in downtown La Conner. If you come during the festival, especially on weekends, be prepared for heavy traffic on two lane country roads.  Many people choose to bike from one garden to the other, my sister and I did this one year and felt that drivers were pedestrian conscious.  The two farms to visit are the sophisticated Roozengaarde, and the lively  Tulip Town, which both have an admission price. Some years we have paid to walk the impressive gardens, but other years, we've been content to visit the free ones, sprinkled throughout the valley.  This is such a happy place, everyone's cheerful mood is contagious.

 Crates of Tulips

 One of my favorite varieties: Angelique

 My husband is so artistic

 What a sweet face

 Even the grassy fields are beautiful

 We have always had good food at Seeds. 

The sister restaurant: Calico Cupboard Cafe and Bakery 

has a fresh menu of salads, sandwiches, and amazing Peanut Butter Bars.

 Gifty shops, I particularly like Go Outside, located on E Morris, 

which has an assortment of books, gardening supplies, journals, gift wrap, etc.

Old fashioned charm

Another jewel to hit on your way out of town, Snow Goose Produce serves homemade waffle cones and fun ice cream flavors. Bring cash!

For Skagit Valley Tulip Festival dates click here.

Vashon Island

The Puget Sound gems are it's islands with their picturesque harbors and town centers.  Vashon and Maury make up the largest island in the south sound.  You can get there by ferry from Fauntleroy in West Seattle, Point Defiance in Tacoma or Southworth in Port Orchard. It is most convenient to take your car. We have gone on foot with our bikes, it is a pedestrian friendly place with a metro system, just be prepared for steep hills and a long ride. There are more than a dozen parks, including the Point Robinson Lighthouse with a beautiful view of Mount Rainier.  The town of Vashon is charming with small shops: Books, Local Art, Quilting, Gifts, Home Decor, Coffee and Tea, and several independent Restaurants and Burger joints. Thriftway is great grocery store for packing a picnic, they have a fun selection of bottled sodas. There are a number of small businesses along Vashon Hwy SW, take the time to stop, they are delightful. 

  Picnic at Dockton Park. We were able to pick up a map 

in town which had more information than Google Earth.

Disc Golf at Burton Adventure Recreation Center

http://www.vashonparkdistrict.org

Jeremy and Locals agree this is the best coffee on the Island.

http://www.tvicr.com/

 The largest selection and best designer fabric I've seen.

Our traditional cup of coffee at Cafe Luna.

Probably my favorite spot on the island,
the drive between Tahlequah and Burton along the water.

Oh, and be sure to notice the Deer signs!

For Ferry Schedules and Fares: www.wsdot.com/ferries/schedule

For Events, Shopping and Dining on Vashon: www.vashonchamber.com/