Gearing up for Summer in the Northwest

With summer just a few weeks away, I’m finding myself eager to pull up the calendar and schedule BBQs, picnics, trips to the farmers market, and all sorts of other activities. The season lasts for just a few short months, and there’s so much I want to do and experience while the sun is out. However, the rest of the year is usually so packed that I’ve discovered it’s a good thing to leave room for relaxation and spontaneity during the summer. The trick, though, is making sure I don’t forget the activities I’ve been looking forward to for the rest of the year. That’s where the Summer List comes in. Here’s what’s on my list so far this year:

• Picnics (check out my recent post for some locations and menu ideas)


• Shifting as many household activities as possible to our yard and patio


• My annual search for zucchini blossoms at the farmers market (I use them to recreate a zucchini blossom and anchovy pizza we ate in Rome on our honeymoon—one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had)


• Free Fly Days at the Flying Heritage Collection


• Getting out of the city for wine tasting in Walla Walla


• Day trips to Woodinville for more Washington wine


• Getting to know more about Northwest beer by visiting Seattle breweries and taking a trip to Oregon


• Heading to the beach


• Visiting the new Chihuly Garden and Glass at Seattle Center


• Watching the Blue Angels when they come to town for Seafair in August


• Enjoying all manner of summery cocktails on the porch on sunny afternoons


• Eating lots of fresh produce and salads as meals


• Learning how to grill the perfect steak


• Having friends over for BBQs with ribs, cole slaw, and wine


• Replacing the oven and stove with the outdoor grill whenever possible


• Photo walks through various parts of town

What’s on your Summer List this year? Leave a comment—I’d love to hear what you’re looking forward to!

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I have a green thumb somewhere. I really do. Though my houseplants usually hang on for dear life, as a child I was a natural and curious gardener who loved watching the transformation from seed to plant.

Somewhere inside me, that green thumb still lives, though as an adult I lost touch with it many years ago. Someday I’ll rediscover it (hopefully sooner rather than later, as our new house has some fantastic outdoor areas just begging for a gardener’s care). In the meantime, I live vicariously through visits to Swanson’s Nursery, a five-acre garden center tucked away in a mostly residential area around North Seattle’s North Beach and Blue Ridge neighborhoods.

Just walking through the displays is enough to calm the visitor and encourage him or her to create something of this retreat at home. Countless gardeners have come here for inspiration and and resources throughout the decades—Swanson’s Nursery has been a local establishment since 1924. Whether you’re looking to start an herb garden, refresh a tired landscape, or add some plants to your home décor, Swanson’s is sure to have what you’re looking for. It also holds free seminars, including a weekly Ikebana class on Tuesday mornings, as well as topics such as Your Veggie Garden (June 2, 10 a.m.), Landscaping for Privacy (June 9, 10 a.m.), and Yoga Tips for Gardeners (June 16, 10 a.m.).

Live animals—such as the chicks currently making an appearance or the reindeer and other animals brought in during December—make this a magical place for children, as well.

I’ve been visiting Swanson’s Nursery for years for plants and related accessories (I may not be good with them, but I can still try!), and more recently it’s become a great place to meet friends or family for lunch. Alexa’s Garden Café, located in the greenhouse along with a gift store, is nestled amongst trees and features a koi pond at its entrance. This popular spot draws shoppers as well as people who visit the nursery just to have breakfast or lunch.

If you go, check out the website for the schedule of free seminars, and consider calling ahead for reservations at the café.

Find it:

Swanson’s Nursery
9701 15th Ave NW
Seattle WA 98117

Website

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Come away with me from the Seattle trails, and parks, eateries and festivities to the town of Stites in Idaho. Stites sits along the South Fork of the Clearwater River. Whether you are traveling East or West, you are in for some delightful scenery en route to this destination. Mountains and streams, rivers, pastures, farms and fields,small towns filled with antiques and artisans will provide for colorful movement and welcome rest stops.

The Clearwater River is known for its Steelhead fishing. The busiest times of year being January through April. If you are a fly fisherman or you are wanting to learn, this friendly town is a lovely spot to relax in and there are a number of guide shops like the Clearwater River Company offering lessons, rentals and trips nearby.

Driving up into the surrounding hills, you will encounter beautiful views of green pastures, old barns, homesteads and wild flowers. If you head down the valley along the river towards Grangeville, the drop down to the river is steeper, the hills are rolling and the trees become denser. The Nez Perce National Forest borders the town of Grangeville. The Snake, Selway, Salmon, and South Fork of the Clearwater Rivers can all be accessed from the Forest, providing for a myriad of outdoor activities from camping, to picnicking, to scenic drives or river rafting.

I was fond of the wild flowers here!

This one comes with a rainbow:

I was given a tour of the beautiful old buildings in Stites by my friend and local photographer Shilo Bradley. We visited an old church and a barn that often serve as backdrops for her portrait photography.

A comfortable and rustic place to stay in Stites is the Sportsman’s Lodge, at the South end of town. The lodge is owned and was built by a local family. The majority of the wood is salvaged and reused from the original building that stood in its location. Many of the details are built by local artists, including the light fixtures, mirrors, table lamps, and picnic table as well.

The lodge comes with a full kitchen, living room, bedroom and sleeping loft that sleeps six. A lovely spot for a family or friend reunion! I already have wheels turning about fly fishing lessons and family meetings.

The lodge has a cosy wood cabin feeling. Sunlight pours into the room. All the furniture was made locally with salvaged wood.

My favorite feature is the alternating tread stair that leads up to the loft sleeping area.

The picnic table in the kitchen is another thoughtful detail for this outdoorsy retreat in the woods.

Yet another wonderful destination for outdoor enthusiasts to relax, play, discover or adventure in the Pacific Northwest! The drive from Seattle takes roughly 6 hours depending on how much you linger in the scenic spots along the way.

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