Summer in Seattle

Summer in Seattle is slightly unpredictable. When you wake up with the sun beaming through your windows and fall asleep with a warm breeze in the air -- Seattle may just be the best city on earth. Come July, when the weather forecast calls for consistent rain however, you think otherwise (and begin planning for weekend getaways to warmer temperatures).

With the hope that the sun will be more permanent than the dismal days of rain, plans for the perfect summer have begun. With the help of Bing, I have been exploring every type of sunny day activity. If the sun is on our side, this summer will be like no other. From lazy rides through the park to bargaining at the largest flea market Seattle has ever seen; and everything in between. Activities to engage our senses and to satisfy our foodie palates.

Lather on the sunscreen. Gather your summer necessities (mine above: Gap scarf (similar), Jambox, Seattle magazine, Dolce Vita sandals (similar), hat, glasses, towel, etc). Summer in Seattle is going to fantastic!

WOODINVILLE WINE COUNTRY

Novelty Hill Winery

Located 30 minutes from Seattle, Woodinville is home to over 90 wineries. Plan a visit with friends and rent a bus for transportation between wineries. Or, pick one favorite winery and relax with a bottle at their tasting bar. Either way, end the perfect day of tastings at the Hollywood Tavern, an all-American roadside drinking spot, with an outdoor fire pit and delicious bites.

From July 4th through August 16th, Woodinville hosts several events, including a BYOG Wine & Beer Garden. Bring your own glass and enjoy tastings from local wineries and breweries.

EXPLORING WEST SEATTLE

Alki Beach on West Seattle

With beaches along Elliot Bay and Puget Sound, West Seattle is the ideal destination for a sunny day adventure. Personally, every visit to West Seattle means a visit to Bakery Nouveau (my recommendation is the Double Layer Chocolate Almond Croissant). After indulging at the bakery, head to Lincoln Park, where there is a saltwater pool and miles of trails for biking and walking. With a little energy to spare, take some time to explore the Junction. Some of my favorites spots are, Capers, Clementine's and Click Design that Fits. No West Seattle visit is complete without a delicious (and romantic) meal at La Rustica. The perfect ending to a perfect day!

WEEKDAY VISIT TO DOWNTOWN SEATTLE

Call in sick to work on the first Thursday of the month. Trust me, it's worth it.

Great Wheel

Start your day with a ride on the Great Wheel (unless you're afraid of heights, then skip this one). Enjoy the waterfront restaurants and shops. Then walk a few blocks to a neighborhood receiving a lot of artisan and high-end retail attention -- Pioneer Square.

A few of my favorite spots are -- The London Plane (shop/grab n' go eatery), E. Smith Mercantile and Momo (a few blocks away from the center of Pioneer Square, but still worth the walk).

On the first Thursday of every month, Pioneer Square hosts an art walk. Stroll through gorgeous galleries of paintings, blown glass, etc. Seen enough art? Drop by Radici (owned by the family of Cassandra Lavalle of coco + kelley), Bar Sajor, or any of the other delightful eateries in the neighborhood, before heading to the Summer at Seattle Art Museum outdoor event at the Olympic Sculpture Park (July-August, Thursdays, 6-9pm) to enjoy some music and dancing.

SUNDAY FUNDAY

During the summer months in Seattle, a visit to a local farmer's market is a must! And, for me, the Ballard Farmer's Market on Sunday has it all.

Alvarez Sugar Snap Peas at Ballard Farmer's Market

Pick up some fresh produce, cheese and a fresh baguette, then wander the streets of Ballard's eclectic neighborhood. It's Sunday, so slow your pace and enjoy the scenery (and social scene) that Ballard is best known for. Pop into a few of my favorite shops: Souvenir, Lucca Great Finds, Ketch, Horseshoe, Velouria and for a tasty, chocolatey, treat at Hotcakes (where you can purchase AMAZING smoked chocolate chips).

Right before sunset, race over to Ray's Boathouse (a long-time Seattle restaurant establishment) to enjoy the view, some fish n' chips and a glass of my favorite rose prosecco.

OUTDOOR DINING

The Pink Door

Warm days in Seattle usually mean equally gorgeous evenings. There is no better place to enjoy the warmth of a Seattle evening, then on the deck or outdoor patio of a local restaurant. Here are a just a few worth noting (however, a quick search on Bing will lead you to many others): The Pink Door, Westward Tavern, Revel, Ray's Boathouse and Serafina.

SPECIAL SUMMER EVENTS

Seattle Design Festival

Mark your calendars for the following events:

August 8 & 9th -- Seattle Street Food Festival and Urban Crafting Uprising

August 17 -- Antique Rodeo (Seattle's largest flea market -- pre-sale tickets for $15 go on sale on June 5th)

September 5-19th -- Design in Public (Seattle design festival)

What are your plans this summer?

Just by using Bing and making plans for my "summer in Seattle," I earned 20 credits towards some amazing rewards (Amazon, Starbucks, Toys R' Us, Fandango, etc). Easy as clicking online (or enjoying a summer in Seattle).