Cyclefest Brings Tour de France to Seattle's Backyard
Monday July 13, 2009
The Cascade Bicycle Club will host the biggest Tour de France festival on the West Coast on Tuesday, July 21 at Warren G. Magnuson Park from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Address: 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA. There will be an outdoor screening of the world’s most prestigious bicycle race and this year, Cyclefest features special guest Ryan Leech, a world-class Norco mountain bike stunt rider.
There will also be a treasure hunt and bike parade for the kids, the New Belgium Beer Garden and head-to-head road sprint races by some of the fastest sprinters in the area for the grown-ups. At dusk, Cascade Bicycle Club will project one of the Tour de France’s most exciting stages, Stage 16 from Martigny to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, on a 15 x 20 feet inflatable screen.
Admission to Cyclefest is free. There will be a drawing for special bike-related prizes, tickets will be $5 each or three for $10.
Cyclefest Schedule of Events
6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. New Belgium Beer Garden, Seattle Sausage Co. and Athena’s Gyros food booths
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Bike Art and Treasure Hunt
6:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. Kids’ Bike Parade
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cycle University Street Sprints
8 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Ryan Leech Stunt Riding Exhibition
9 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Raffle Drawing and Instant Prizes
9:15 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Screening of Stage 16 of the Tour de France
Bike safety checks will be provided by Bothell Ski & Bike throughout the evening and cyclists will have the opportunity to view a Tour de France poster exhibit presented by Alliance Française de Seattle.
Cyclefest is sponsored by R.E.I., New Belgium Brewing Company, Eleven Winery, Outdoors NW magazine, Lapierre and Norco.
Follow AboutSeattle on Twitter.
Join in a Seattle / Tacoma forum discussion.
Become a friend on Facebook.
There will also be a treasure hunt and bike parade for the kids, the New Belgium Beer Garden and head-to-head road sprint races by some of the fastest sprinters in the area for the grown-ups. At dusk, Cascade Bicycle Club will project one of the Tour de France’s most exciting stages, Stage 16 from Martigny to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, on a 15 x 20 feet inflatable screen.
Admission to Cyclefest is free. There will be a drawing for special bike-related prizes, tickets will be $5 each or three for $10.
Cyclefest Schedule of Events
6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. New Belgium Beer Garden, Seattle Sausage Co. and Athena’s Gyros food booths
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Bike Art and Treasure Hunt
6:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. Kids’ Bike Parade
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cycle University Street Sprints
8 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Ryan Leech Stunt Riding Exhibition
9 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Raffle Drawing and Instant Prizes
9:15 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Screening of Stage 16 of the Tour de France
Bike safety checks will be provided by Bothell Ski & Bike throughout the evening and cyclists will have the opportunity to view a Tour de France poster exhibit presented by Alliance Française de Seattle.
Cyclefest is sponsored by R.E.I., New Belgium Brewing Company, Eleven Winery, Outdoors NW magazine, Lapierre and Norco.
Follow AboutSeattle on Twitter.
Join in a Seattle / Tacoma forum discussion.
Become a friend on Facebook.
Farm Day at Skagit River Ranch with Seattle Chefs
Friday July 10, 2009
Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 30, 2009. This is the date of the first annual Farm Day and party at the Skagit River Ranch.
Events run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and include a farm tour, live music and burgers for all, there will be a burger cook-off among guest chefs Greg Atkinson, cookbook author; Craig Hetherington, of TASTE restaurant; and James Beard Award-winner Maria Hines, of Tilth. The chefs also will offer their perspectives on sustainability during a panel discussion.
There will be a petting zoo, treasure hunt and other activities for children. And the cost is $30 per person, includes grilled burgers or sausages; children 12 and under are free.
For more information visit the Skagit River Ranch.
Follow AboutSeattle on Twitter.
Join in a Seattle / Tacoma forum discussion.
Become a friend on Facebook.
Events run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and include a farm tour, live music and burgers for all, there will be a burger cook-off among guest chefs Greg Atkinson, cookbook author; Craig Hetherington, of TASTE restaurant; and James Beard Award-winner Maria Hines, of Tilth. The chefs also will offer their perspectives on sustainability during a panel discussion.
There will be a petting zoo, treasure hunt and other activities for children. And the cost is $30 per person, includes grilled burgers or sausages; children 12 and under are free.
For more information visit the Skagit River Ranch.
Follow AboutSeattle on Twitter.
Join in a Seattle / Tacoma forum discussion.
Become a friend on Facebook.
PNW Mouse Meet for Disney Fans
Wednesday July 8, 2009
On Saturday, August 15, 2009 at the Lynnwood Convention Center Disney fans will gather to attend the PNW Mouse Meet.
Fans will have an opportunity to discover a Disneyana Show & Sale where vendors will have a wide variety of Disneyana memorabilia available; Pin Trading; Themed Displays including a Theme Park Attraction Vehicle photo opportunity and a very special Guest, Disney Legend and Keynote Speaker: Margaret Kerry – author, actress, professional speaker and live Action reference model and alter ego for Walt Disney’s Tinker Bell.
Tickets for this event are online only. No tickets will be available at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets visit PNW Mouse Meet.
Follow AboutSeattle on Twitter.
Join in a Seattle / Tacoma forum discussion.
Become a friend on Facebook.
Fans will have an opportunity to discover a Disneyana Show & Sale where vendors will have a wide variety of Disneyana memorabilia available; Pin Trading; Themed Displays including a Theme Park Attraction Vehicle photo opportunity and a very special Guest, Disney Legend and Keynote Speaker: Margaret Kerry – author, actress, professional speaker and live Action reference model and alter ego for Walt Disney’s Tinker Bell.
Tickets for this event are online only. No tickets will be available at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets visit PNW Mouse Meet.
Follow AboutSeattle on Twitter.
Join in a Seattle / Tacoma forum discussion.
Become a friend on Facebook.
Three Pacific Northwest Summer Travel Adventure Deals
Monday July 6, 2009
If you're looking to make some fun summer plans then one of these Seattle area packages might be a good fit for you and your family:
1. Friday Harbor House in the San Juan Islands is offering "Surf" and "Turf" packages: The “Surf” package includes a whale-watching tour beginning at $299 per night and the “Turf” package includes moped rental beginning at $299 per night. “Surf” and “Turf” packages are available through September 30, 2009 and require two-night stays. For more information visit Friday Harbor House or call 360-378-8455.
2. Hotel Bellwether, in Bellingham is offering a mid-week summer special of three nights for the price of two, Sunday through Thursday. The hotel also offers two summer packages: “Go Fly a Kite” package includes a one night stay, a kite to fly in the adjacent park and a picnic lunch from Harborside Bistro beginning at $172 per night and “Whale of a Good Time” to include a two-night stay, dinner and breakfast for two at Harborside Bistro and a full-day whale watching tour beginning at $563. For more information visit Hotel Bellwether or call 360-392-3100.
3. Salish Lodge & Spa in Snoqualmie is offering four summer packages in partnership with local outfitters in the Snoqualmie Valley - excursions include: “Hike & Fly-Fishing Getaway” beginning at $649 per night, “River Kayaking Package” beginning at $549 per night, “Mountain Biking Adventure” beginning at $449 per night and “Hike & Stay Package” beginning at $429 per night. These packages are available June through September 15, 2009. For more information visit Salish Lodge & Spa or call 800-2-SALISH.
Follow AboutSeattle on Twitter.
Join in a Seattle / Tacoma forum discussion.
Become a friend on Facebook.
1. Friday Harbor House in the San Juan Islands is offering "Surf" and "Turf" packages: The “Surf” package includes a whale-watching tour beginning at $299 per night and the “Turf” package includes moped rental beginning at $299 per night. “Surf” and “Turf” packages are available through September 30, 2009 and require two-night stays. For more information visit Friday Harbor House or call 360-378-8455.
2. Hotel Bellwether, in Bellingham is offering a mid-week summer special of three nights for the price of two, Sunday through Thursday. The hotel also offers two summer packages: “Go Fly a Kite” package includes a one night stay, a kite to fly in the adjacent park and a picnic lunch from Harborside Bistro beginning at $172 per night and “Whale of a Good Time” to include a two-night stay, dinner and breakfast for two at Harborside Bistro and a full-day whale watching tour beginning at $563. For more information visit Hotel Bellwether or call 360-392-3100.
3. Salish Lodge & Spa in Snoqualmie is offering four summer packages in partnership with local outfitters in the Snoqualmie Valley - excursions include: “Hike & Fly-Fishing Getaway” beginning at $649 per night, “River Kayaking Package” beginning at $549 per night, “Mountain Biking Adventure” beginning at $449 per night and “Hike & Stay Package” beginning at $429 per night. These packages are available June through September 15, 2009. For more information visit Salish Lodge & Spa or call 800-2-SALISH.
Follow AboutSeattle on Twitter.
Join in a Seattle / Tacoma forum discussion.
Become a friend on Facebook.
Seattle’s Luxury Chocolate Salon
Friday July 3, 2009
Seattle's Luxury Chocolate Salon will take place at Bell Harbor International Conference Center on July 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The event will feature the finest in artisan, gourmet and premium chocolates and confections from around the West Coast. More than 30 chocolatiers including the 2008 winner, Amano Artisan Chocolate of Orem, Utah, and Seattle's Theo Chocolate, Intrigue Chocolates and Oh! Chocolate will offer up their delicacies for sampling.
Tickets are $25 in advance or $20 at the door. For more information visit Seattle Chocolate Salon.
Follow AboutSeattle on Twitter.
Join in a Seattle / Tacoma forum discussion.
Become a friend on Facebook.
The event will feature the finest in artisan, gourmet and premium chocolates and confections from around the West Coast. More than 30 chocolatiers including the 2008 winner, Amano Artisan Chocolate of Orem, Utah, and Seattle's Theo Chocolate, Intrigue Chocolates and Oh! Chocolate will offer up their delicacies for sampling.
Tickets are $25 in advance or $20 at the door. For more information visit Seattle Chocolate Salon.
Follow AboutSeattle on Twitter.
Join in a Seattle / Tacoma forum discussion.
Become a friend on Facebook.
In Seattle Restaurants: 'Tis the Season for Cherries
Wednesday July 1, 2009
Northwest cherries have arrived and local restaurants are dishing up sweet cherry treats. Here are few menu items to wet your appetite:
ART Restaurant at Four Seasons Bing cherry salad, prosciutto de Parma, cherry baguette, grilled Bing cherry jam, Bing cherry meringue tart, chocolate sauce.
Canlis Northwest Cherry Gazpacho.
Dulces Latin Bistro Fresh Washington Cherry and Brandy Tart.
Enotria Hazelnut crusted goat cheese with red endive & Northwest cherries.
The Hunt Club Mangalitsa pork belly mustard greens, cream corn, pickled cherries, cherry kiss cocktail served up with a Northwest cherry garnish.
Il Fornaio Northwest cherry and fontina risotto with red wine and crispy pancetta.
Nell's Valrhona chocolate and Bing cherry tart with and cherry port syrup.
Pearl Broiled duck breast, chili spice rub, Washington cherry demi, golden vegetable hash.
Pomegranate Bistro Northwest Bing cherry gazpacho, pulled duck & cherry chutney firebread.
Ray's Boathouse French country cherry tart.
Serious Pie Roasted Bing cherries, burrata, Beacon Hill arugula, cherry vinegar.
Tidbit Bistro Fichi e Ciliegie, gorgonzola stuffed figs with a cherry port sauce.
Tulio Duck breast and crispy confit with Washington cherries and cherry faro.
Volterra Northwest cherry Mojito.
Learn more about Northwest cherries.
Follow AboutSeattle on Twitter.
Join in a Seattle / Tacoma forum discussion.
Become a friend on Facebook.
ART Restaurant at Four Seasons Bing cherry salad, prosciutto de Parma, cherry baguette, grilled Bing cherry jam, Bing cherry meringue tart, chocolate sauce.
Canlis Northwest Cherry Gazpacho.
Dulces Latin Bistro Fresh Washington Cherry and Brandy Tart.
Enotria Hazelnut crusted goat cheese with red endive & Northwest cherries.
The Hunt Club Mangalitsa pork belly mustard greens, cream corn, pickled cherries, cherry kiss cocktail served up with a Northwest cherry garnish.
Il Fornaio Northwest cherry and fontina risotto with red wine and crispy pancetta.
Nell's Valrhona chocolate and Bing cherry tart with and cherry port syrup.
Pearl Broiled duck breast, chili spice rub, Washington cherry demi, golden vegetable hash.
Pomegranate Bistro Northwest Bing cherry gazpacho, pulled duck & cherry chutney firebread.
Ray's Boathouse French country cherry tart.
Serious Pie Roasted Bing cherries, burrata, Beacon Hill arugula, cherry vinegar.
Tidbit Bistro Fichi e Ciliegie, gorgonzola stuffed figs with a cherry port sauce.
Tulio Duck breast and crispy confit with Washington cherries and cherry faro.
Volterra Northwest cherry Mojito.
Learn more about Northwest cherries.
Follow AboutSeattle on Twitter.
Join in a Seattle / Tacoma forum discussion.
Become a friend on Facebook.
Valley Concert Series at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park
Monday June 29, 2009
Grab your kids or a loved one and head to Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park for outdoor summer concert fun. Performances start on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. next to Kidd Valley (1201 Lake Washington Blvd North).
Here's the full schedule for summer 2009:
Follow AboutSeattle on Twitter.
Join in a Seattle / Tacoma forum discussion.
Become a friend on Facebook.
- July 1 - Renton City Concert Band: This 70-piece band will amaze you with their talents as they perform musical blockbusters, from Big Band to Broadway to Classics under the direction of Mike Simpson.
- July 8 - PA-TE: Covers a wide variety of musical styles, R & B, Classic Rock, Jazz, Blues, Brazilian and Italian contemporary music.
- July 15 - Jon Casey: Jon has played with such musical talents as Marilee Rush and Hoyt Axton. The single "Bayou Country" from CD entitled "Fast Cars" went to number one on the European country charts.
- July 22 - Colleen Raney with Hanz Araki & Cary Novotny: Years of traditional Irish stepdancing and music combined with a contemporary sensibility have forged a sound and style that is uniquely her own.
- July 29 - The Dennis Mitchell Band: Shaking the live music scene with distinct and original new music while delighting hard core fans with the best of rock 'n roll and a blend of whaling blues.
- August 5 - Creme Tangerine: Beatles classics recreated: Creme Tangerine creates a dynamic live Beatles music experience filled with energy, tone, humor, and the spontaneity known only from the Beatles.
Follow AboutSeattle on Twitter.
Join in a Seattle / Tacoma forum discussion.
Become a friend on Facebook.
Bridge to Big Four Mountain Ice Caves Reopened June 27
Friday June 26, 2009
Since 2006 the ice caves were not accesible unless you braved crossing the icy Stillaguamish River yourself. That's because the bridge across had been washed out. But on Saturday, June 27, 2009 a new bridge across the river opened (the original date to open was said to be July 4 the bridge is now open as of June 27). The new bridge is made of aluminum (won't get as hot as steel) and will make crossing the Stillaguamish River to the magnificent ice caves a lot easier.
It's a great day trip up from Seattle to the Big Four Mountain and Ice Caves located in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest off the Mountain Loop Highway outside the town of Verlot. And the hike with the help of the new bridge makes it all the more enjoyable.
Big Four Ice Caves Hike Facts:
Follow AboutSeattle on Twitter.
Join in a Seattle / Tacoma forum discussion.
Become a friend on Facebook.
It's a great day trip up from Seattle to the Big Four Mountain and Ice Caves located in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest off the Mountain Loop Highway outside the town of Verlot. And the hike with the help of the new bridge makes it all the more enjoyable.
Big Four Ice Caves Hike Facts:
- 1.1 miles round trip
- Elevation gain of 200 feet
- Once at the parking lot plan for a total of 1 hour hike time
- Hike is considered easy
- Out and back trail is well-maintained
- Remember ice is dangerous and it's not recommended to walk inside the caves
Follow AboutSeattle on Twitter.
Join in a Seattle / Tacoma forum discussion.
Become a friend on Facebook.
5th Avenue Theatre General Auditions June 30 & July 1
Thursday June 25, 2009
The 5th Avenue Theatre is seeking children for its production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which plays October 10-November 1, 2009 and White Christmas which plays November 28-December 30, 2009.
General auditions for children’s roles will be held Tuesday, June 30 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesday, July 1 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
They are looking for boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 13 to audition. All children should be able to sing and move well and all boys must have unchanged voices. They ask that for the audition to please have your child prepare 32 bars of a song. The total audition should last no more than three minutes. Be sure to bring a photo and resume or current contact information (professional headshots are not required). A school photo is acceptable. Note: photos will not be returned.
Auditions are by appointment only so be sure to call The 5th Avenue Theatre at 206-625-1418 (extension 215) Monday through Friday between the hours of 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to schedule an appointment.
Follow AboutSeattle on Twitter.
Join in a Seattle / Tacoma forum discussion.
Become a friend on Facebook.
General auditions for children’s roles will be held Tuesday, June 30 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesday, July 1 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
They are looking for boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 13 to audition. All children should be able to sing and move well and all boys must have unchanged voices. They ask that for the audition to please have your child prepare 32 bars of a song. The total audition should last no more than three minutes. Be sure to bring a photo and resume or current contact information (professional headshots are not required). A school photo is acceptable. Note: photos will not be returned.
Auditions are by appointment only so be sure to call The 5th Avenue Theatre at 206-625-1418 (extension 215) Monday through Friday between the hours of 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to schedule an appointment.
Follow AboutSeattle on Twitter.
Join in a Seattle / Tacoma forum discussion.
Become a friend on Facebook.
Seattle Style Fourth of July
Tuesday June 23, 2009
Go celebrate "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Lobster" at McCormick & Schmick's over the Fourth of July weekend. The special menu item features one full pound of steamed Lobster served with seasonal chef's accompaniments for $19.95.
Have Lisa Dupar Catering prepare a picnic for your Fourth of July. Menu includes a choice of three potato salad or southern style cole slaw, freshly sliced watermelon wedges, cornbread, choice of slow cooked BBQ baby back ribs or Lisa's southern fried chicken and summer cream scone shortcake. Price is $20 per person (excluding tax). Minimum order of 10 people. Call 425-881-3250.
Enjoy a 4-course luncheon or a 6-course pre-fireworks dinner on the Fourth of July at the Herbfarm. Some of the highlights of the menu will include: mangalitsa heritage-pork mini hot dog, Kobe beef slider, Herbfarm fried chicken, barbecued NW salmon on farm egg & potato salad, wood-oven Boston-baked beans, rustic apple pie and summertime brews, wines or herbal beverages. The 4-course luncheon starts at 12:15 p.m. and is $65 per person and includes patriotic beer, wine or non-alcoholic beverages. The 6-course dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. and costs $119 per person including live music and beer and wine. For reservations call 425-485-5300.
The City of Chelan and the City of Manson will host Fourth of July celebrations featuring fireworks and a variety of family-friendly activities that include a parade, community art show and live music.
Find firework shows in Seattle.
Follow AboutSeattle on Twitter.Join in a Seattle / Tacoma forum discussion.
Become a friend on Facebook.