We’re camping at Orcas, got a room at that hotel at Paradise in Rainier, and got season tickets to West Seattle FC. Also looking forward to my Dub Sea Fish Sticks.
Zoo concert series looked okay. Hoping the music festivals kill it this year.
Numerous Whidbey island day trips, probably some up to San Juan as well. Later in the summer the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire is going on, so at least one weekend trip (more if my wife gets her way). Hikes out in the mountains with friends and my doggo (check out wta.org). Depending on weather/wildfire smoke and available spots, probably some camping in various state parks.
Local stuff - the zoo concert series sounded cool, checking out some McMenamins to get MORE STAMPS, trying out some new restaurants or brewpubs in Ballard/Fremont, and trying to find a new DnD tabletop crew for in person gaming.
My sister is visiting the state for the first time, so I’m taking her to do some of the touristy stuff (Pike Place, Starbucks reserve, mopop, etc), but I’m trying to think of some great places to take her outside of that scene! We’ll spend a day or two in Fremont, but she’s not 21 yet so bars are off the table. Any suggestions? Maybe an orca tour? I don’t really get out much, so I’m not sure where all the fun non-bar things are!
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What’s a harbor tour? Sounds fun! I’m absolutely terrified of whales and cannot swim so whale tours are unfortunately off the table for me
When is she coming and do you have a car?
I’ll have a car for part of it and I’m not totally sure yet! She’s thinking August, but might be toward the end of July
If you’re ok with small spaces, the Seattle underground tours are really really fun.
I live in West Seattle so I’m biased, but I think the best park in the city is Lincoln park over on the west side of West Seattle. Grab some sandwiches (or ice cream) from Husky Deli in Alaska Junction then head down to Lincoln Park, get a bench down by the waterfront, and just hang out. The southern most part of Lincoln Park is the easiest way to get to the water. You can go thru the park too (which is a big beautiful urban forest) but the walk down to the water thru the park is a little steep, especially for people not used to hiking.
If dorky Americana type stuff is fun for you, there are lots of semi-pro sports happening around then. Our family likes going to the Dub Sea Fish Sticks games here in West Seattle, but there’s teams all over Seattle. The Fish Sticks play low level baseball and it’s much more people having a good time outside and screwing around than actual serious baseball. There’s also Ballard FC for soccer, with the same vibe.
Dorky American sports actually sound like a lot of fun! I’ll have to look into that, we haven’t seen goofy fun baseball since we were kids. I’ll have to add Lincoln park to my list too, I have a bunch but I didn’t know about that one! She’s never seen a forest or a mountain so I’m excited to share all the urban forests with her.
That sounds like the makings of a great summer! When you’re staying on Orcas, make sure to visit The Barnacle for drinks. My favorite bar on the island. For breakfast, check out Doe Bay for their cinnamon rolls — only served on the weekends. For dinner check out Houlme. You’ll want a reservation and make sure to order one of their pizzas. Other good restaurants are Monti and Matia. Enjoy!
I have no plans for summer yet, but I expect I’ll be doing a few barbecues with friends and acquaintances.
Thanks so much for posting that. We’ll put em all on the list. We’ve never been to the island.
