Kindness, Compassion, and Gratitude | It’s what we work by
For the past 4 months Jason Parnell and his Steeler Inc, Professional Steel Tacoma team of 3 have been turning a 50 year business around. Houses, apartments, even daily screws, all use steel to make them, and we are hereto serve you.
“What makes us different is that we have a local manufacturer plant in Seattle. Local allows our quick turnover for our clients to be weeks versus months.”
Jason is the Branch Manager of the Tacoma Branch at Steeler an Oregon native, born and raised, and interesting enough a hockey fan. He cannot wait for the next Seattle Crackin game to start.
Local Hero Tacoma, WA
Jason is what we like to call a Local Biz Hero, a self-made manager who brings true value to his community. High stands of professionalism and strong sense of community. Step into his Tacoma location and ask for Jason, for your best experience.
Every dollar that Jason and his team makes goes back to supporting the local business ecosystem. Steeler as a whole supports all walks of life from major bigwig developers to our locals doing DIY projects.
We sat down with Jason for a quick interview –
Why do you do what you do?
“I’m a people person. I love being able to help solve their problems. My team and I are really good at it.”
How did you get into this profession?
“I wanted a change and I wanted to be dealing with the local community.”
Tacoma Steel Just Got Tougher
Being a Branch Manager at Steeler, he works directly with many people, we asked him what’s the most unusual situation that ever happened to you on the job? “The first day I got startedactually. I got bumped up to Branch Manager as the former one resigned and placed her two weeks noticethat same day. Big shoes to fill, so I strapped up and got to work. Now our team is strong and we want to hire more so we can break growth records. “
If you could share one tip with the readers for choosing a steel company, what would it be?
“If you need the steel and want it sooner, we provide the fastest turnover rate for your next project. Need help finding what to use steel for? Come down to my shop in Tacoma and let’s talk. “
For those of you who are looking for a Professional Steel Tacoma company for any type of work, Jason and the Steeler team (Keith, Jason and Jordan) should be your first choice. “Special shoutout to my team. I could not have done this job without you. Thank you for all your hard work. This one’s for you! – Jason Parnell”.
Call Jason, and Professional Steel Tacoma team at 253-572-8200, or visit www.steeler.com – my motto for the store – “If you are going to excel in anything, excel in kindness, compassion, and gratitude – Jason, Branch Manager.”
Every Local Deserves a Vibrant Life
For the past 3 years Annet Asio-pasquali and the Vibrant Health Home team of “the BEST caregivers” have been serving the Pierce County area. In-home care services are what we provide, and a Vibrant Life is what they receive.
“What makes us different is that we are a Nurse-Owned company which means my background allows me to give Social and Medical advice to the patients. Most of the time this consulting comes at a cost in hospital settings. It is a standard with us.”
Annet is the owner of Vibrant Health Home, a Uganda native, born and raised. Her love for serving the local community came when she moved to Tacoma in 2010, so she instantly went into nursing school. Her passion reignited! As a brand new nurse, she started her career at Tacoma General. Annet wanted to do more than what the hospital could provide at that time, and that was giving the patient capability of in-home care. This is where she now has stepped into her purpose full speed ahead.
Local Biz Hero Makes a Difference in Pierce County
Annet is what we like to call a Local Biz Hero, a self-made entrepreneur who brings true value to her community. High stands of professionalism and strong work ethics of small business owners like Annet are the infrastructure of the home care economy. Annet and her team Makes a Difference in their community.
Every dollar that Annet and her 16 FULL Time employees and 8 ON-CALL employees make goes back to supporting the local business ecosystem and the community as Vibrant Health Home supports the Pierce County area through shopping small and building community.
Making A Global Difference here Locally
We sat down with Annet for a quick interview –
Why do you do what you do?
“I wanted to make A Global Difference here Locally. And we are doing just that.”
How did you get into this profession?
“I started as a nurse. After seeing how I could make a difference in the way patients are being cared for, I leaped out in faith and started my own business.”
We Are Here to Serve Them
Being a caregiver and business owner, Annet works directly with many people. We asked her what’s the most unusual situation that has ever happened to you on the job? “Due to HIPPA , we cannot say much. Some awkward moments for our patients come shortly after using the restroom. Our patients are too prideful, but that’s why we are there. We Are Here to Serve Them. To give them a Vibrant LIFE that they cannot give to themselves any longer. “
If you could share one tip with the readers for choosing home care, what would it be?
“It’s never too early to start learning about the options. If I had a choice between a local business and a franchise, I would choose local. Shopping local means that money is going to locals that live here. I know that care is provided by someone who has the training expected and needed for our locals. Have Vibrant Health Home on that list.“
For those of you who are looking for a professional in home health care, Annet and the Vibrant Health Home team should be your first choice, and if you did not know Vibrant Health Home supports DSHS. Call Annet at 253-355-3087, or visit www.vibranthealthhomecare.com for a Vibrant LIFE.
For the past few years Valerie Acosta and her husband, a POWER team from All Season Construction of “20 years EXPERIENCE” have been remodeling and beautifying everything between Seattle to Olympia. Residential homes to big commercial buildings.
“What makes us different is that my husband has over 20 years experience. So when speaking to our next client, we ensure our steps follow in line with the outcome of the project.”
Valerie is the co-owner of All Season Construction LLC painting, a Longview native, born and raised, and of course since living in Tacoma, WA giving her city it’s rightful spot.
Self-made Local Hero
Valerie is what we like to call a Local Biz Hero, a Self-made Local Hero and entrepreneur who brings true value to her community. High stands of professionalism and strong work ethics of small business owners like Valerie and her husband are the infrastructure of the Tacoma and greater area’s economy.
Every dollar that Valerie makes goes back to supporting the local business ecosystem and the community as All Season Construction supports their family through teaching the next generation how to swing a hammer. We sat down with Valerie for a quick interview –
Why do you do what you do?
“We wanted to create generational wealth for our family. After years in the industry, we knew we could do it better with more integrity.”
How did you get into this profession?
“ It has become easier for my husband. He is such a fast learner that we decided to start our own business” with those same skills.
My Husband, the Superhero
Being a mom, wife, and business owner, Valerie works directly with many people. We asked her what’s the most unusual situation that ever happened to you on the job? “Being in the construction industry there was a long wait the last 18 months on a lot of items needed. We had a client wanting new trusses to be placed as their infrastructure and roof. We called the truss company and they were backlogged for months. My Husband, the Superhero built the truss needed for the project in a weekend. He saved the client thousands of dollars and learned a new trade.“
If you could share one tip with the readers for choosing All Season Construction, what would it be?
Ask for Blueprints
“When looking to remodel your home or business, ask detailed questions of the process from the constructor before agreeing. You will learn quickly whether they know what they are doing or not. Ask for Blueprints. That’s our standard.“
For those of you who are looking for a professional remodeling company for most jobs, Valerie and the All Season Construction team should be your first choice. All Season Construction supports our community with fair prices and the best work for your dollar. Call Valerie at 360.431.8534, or visit www.allseasoncllc.com – “Any Weather. Anytime. Anywhere. All Season Construction! “
The drive between Spokane and Seattle is usually just a little over 4 hours, but the drive is packed with vastly different kinds of scenery, as well as numerous worthwhile stops that will help break up your drive.
Snoqualmie Falls
With over 1.5 million tourists flocking to the area each year, Snoqualmie Falls has become one of Washington’s most popular tourist attractions. The main attraction is the 270 foot tall waterfalls that are only a 10-minute detour from the I-90 freeway. Viewers can get great views of the majestic falls from two separate observation decks, check their website before you go to make sure the observation decks are open to tourists.
There are plenty of other attractions surrounding the falls, such as a gift shop, a 2-acre park, numerous trails, and even a candy factory & cafe. If you’re looking to try your luck you can go just down the road to the very popular Snoqualmie Casino where they have 54 game tables and over 1700 slot machines.
Visit the town of Leavenworth
Leavenworth combines a fascinating history with entertainment and european flavor for a one of a kind experience in the inland northwest. An old logging town that ran into trouble in the 1930’s when the railway was rerouted out of town, town leaders of Leavenworth decided in 1960 that they needed to take action to save their beloved town from being deserted. They looked at the surrounding nature and came to the conclusion that it looked nearly identical to Bavaria, so they decided to makeover the town to fit it’s surroundings.
Since the makeover, this little town has become a top tourist destination and now attracts 1 million tourists every year. They host numerous festivals such as the Autumn Leaf Festival, Maifest, and Christmas Lighting Festivals. If you aren’t passing through during one of these festivals there is still nearly endless of unique dining, activities, and amenities that blend northwest and bavarian cultures like nowhere else in the world.
Soap Lake
Soap Lake is an unassuming but fascinating lake that is a must stop if you are into mineral baths and the healing power of nature. The lake isn’t just another body of water with some minerals in it, Soap Lake is known to have the most diverse mineral content of any body of water on earth. The lake was originally carved out from ancient floods, and after thousands of years of ground water leaching through nearby basalt cliffs, the lake is saturated with minerals such as sulfate, carbonate, bicarbonate, sodium, and chloride. The lake is known to have a pH level at or close to 10.0. Another fascinating tidbit is that the lakes water is stratified into layers that don’t mix, and have never mixed throughout its history. Locals and visitors alike have claimed for centuries that the lake leaves their skin feeling soft and smooth, as well as relieving various aches and pains throughout the body.
The Gorge Amphitheatre
When it comes to live music in the northwest United States, The Gorge Amphitheatre is difficult to top. Tucked into the banks of the Columbia River, this venue offers visitors a place to soak in some rays while listening to various genres of music. The real treat is watching the sun slowly drop down behind the stage and behind the Columbia River for one of the better sunsets you will ever see.
Hike in the Cascade Mountains
It’s hard not to be blown away by the Cascade Mountains, especially if you’re traveling west from Spokane where the landscape is relatively barren and flat. Seeing them is one thing, but hiking into the mountains is a whole nother experience. Whether you want to stop for a quick hike to stretch the legs or go on a full-day hike, there is something for everyone. You can find an extensive list of trails here, but some of our top recommendations include, Annette Lake Trail, Talapus Lake Trail, and Margaret Lake Trail.
Looking for more exciting things to do on your trip to Washington, check out our website for other great suggestions!
Spokane may not have a major professional sports team, but there is no shortage of things to do if you are wanting to get your sports fix, both at the amateur and semi-pro levels.
Catch a Zags Game
The Gonzaga Bulldogs (AKA The Zags) men’s basketball is one of the best underdog stories in recent history across all sports, not just college basketball. Up until the mid-90’s Gonzaga was a mediocre regional school that got little to no attention on the national stage, aside from the years when NBA Hall of Famer, John Stockton, played for them in the 80’s. Ever since that time, they have been on a tear that has been nothing but incredible to watch.
Gonzaga was put on the map by their 1998-1999 elite eight run in the NCAA tournament in only their second appearance in the tournament. Since then, they have made every single NCAA tournament with 2 appearances in the National Title Game. Leading the Bulldogs for the bulk of this incredible run is Mark Few who has won numerous coach of the year awards along the way.
What was once an average local ball club has become a national powerhouse. Last year Gonzaga was the #1 ranked team for the entire regular season, a feat that has only been accomplished 2 other times in the last 30 years. 6 players are currently playing in the NBA and likely 3 more will be coming in this year’s draft.
The point is, if you can get your hands on a ticket, the Zags mens basketball team is an absolute must for any sports fan. Not only will the game feature incredible talent, but the atmosphere at McCarthey Athletic Center is one of the most electric in the nation. If you aren’t wanting to spend the money, or simply can’t find a ticket, you can always catch the game at nearby Jack & Dan’s which is close to the university and a known gathering spot for Zags fans.
Hit The Streets At Spokane Hoopfest
Spokane Hoopfest is the largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the world. Every year this tournament attracts over 27,000 players and 7,000 teams to downtown Spokane, where every street is blocked off and transformed into hundreds of courts. Thousands more people come to enjoy the entertainment with attractions such as concerts, numerous food vendors, a slam dunk contest, and a half court shootoff for a Toyota Tundra.
Enjoy The Summer With A Spokane Indians Game
If you’re looking for a more family friendly sporting event, the Spokane Indians is a fun environment for kids and adults during the summer and fall seasons. The Indians are a Minor League Baseball team as a member of the High-A West league. They are a lower minor league team, but still have plenty of talent come through the system, with recent notable players such as Chris Davis, Zack Greinke, Ian Kinsler, and Carlos Beltran.
While the Spokane Indians day job is to groom MLB prospects, they give their fans a whole lot of fun and excitement while doing it. Most sports teams have 1 mascot, the Spokane Indians figured this is woefully inadequate. The Indians currently have 4, yes 4, mascots at their games. Otto The Mascot, who is famed to be the first Spokanasaurus, Doris The Spokanasaurus, Ribby The Redband Trout, who appears in the 7th inning to rally the team and crowd, and Recycleman, who helps recycle over 17,000 pounds of paper, plastic, and aluminum each season. Along with their 4 silly and earth-conscious mascots, the Indians provide gameday promotions, give-aways, and contests for kids to make sure everyone has a memorable time at Avista Field.
Hit The Ice With The Spokane Chiefs
If you’re into hockey, or if you’ve never even been to a hockey game, the Spokane Chiefs will be sure to give you an exciting experience. The Chiefs play in the Western Hockey League and are no strangers to having talent come through their system, with 57 players making it to the NHL along with 5 coaches.
The real excitement is being in the arena, with fans cheering, skates slicing through the ice, the unmistakable horn after a goal, and of course the Zamboni between periods. They also offer plenty of promotions including trips, casino getaways, and princesses & heroes night.
Not a sports fan? Or just looking for other fun things to do in Spokane? Take a look at our other great options here.
The PNW is home to an outdoor enthusiast’s playground. Northwest Washington is home to Skagit County, which is the perfect spot to find fun activities for the whole family this summer. Located in between Seattle, Washington, and the Canadian border, Skagit county touches the Puget Sound and reaches all the way into the North Cascades. With endless room to explore, traveling Skagit county will provide you with excellent indoor and outdoor activities to keep any adventure entertained for a long weekend or maybe a few weeks if you have the time.
Skagit County is expansive! So we have broken down this guide to adventure into three separate parts to help keep your travels organized. Activities to do near the water (the West third of the county), the Valley (the middle third of the county), and the foothills (the Eastside of the county).
Skagit County-What to do near the water
La Conner Washington Kayaking
Skagit County spans through Anacortes and into the Puget Sound, encompassing Guemes Island and Samish Island. This area is ideal for kayaking, boating and fishing, and biking! If you are looking for activities to do on the water, consider getting out in a kayak. There are plenty of rental areas in both La Conner and Anacortes. If you head into La Conner, launch from town and head southwest through the channel. Look for the hole in the wall, and you can paddle through and head into the Skagit Bay. Be prepared to see seals, porpoises, Eagles, and maybe whales, if you are lucky.
Biking Guemes Island
If you want to try your hand at Island life, head to Anacortes and take the ferry to Guemes Island. This tiny ferry will take you on a quick trip across the Guemes Channel over to the island. Guemes is a popular spot to bike. You can circumnavigate the island with views of Samish Bay, Bellingham Channel, the North Cascades, and Mt. Baker on a clear day. The whole island takes just a few hours to bike around, and there are even a few hiking trails that you can stop at on your path.
Deception Pass Bridge and Mt. Erie
A must-see stop is Deception Pass Bridge south of Anacortes. Rosario beach on the northside of the bridge is an excellent spot for a hike or kayaking trip. If you are feeling brave, walk across the bridge for a great view of the Puget sound from the center point. If you are looking for more incredible views of the Sound, consider hiking on MT. Erie. The trails will take you to a high vantage point to see amazing views of Anacortes, Lopez Island, and the ferry crossings.
Washington Park
The perfect place for a sunset picnic near the water is at Washington Park. With picnic tables that line the shore, you will be able to enjoy the sun and the saltwater all in one place. During the summer, this location is busy, so make sure to get here early to grab a table. Watch the Ferries pass to and from the islands, walk the trails or cruise the beach for shells. Washington Park is an excellent stop for all ages and a way to see great water views without having to hike. There is a road that takes you all the way through the park to a viewpoint at the top, so make sure not to miss it on your drive out!
La Conner Shopping
The quaint town of La Conner is not just the perfect place to launch a kayak from. There is a number of great shops to wander through and merchants to talk to. If you head down to the main street, find a parking spot and plan on spending at least a few hours checking out all these shops. Like a farmers market, you’ll want to check out all the offerings and walk down both sides of the sidewalk. If you get hungry during your shopping, pop into one of the many restaurants for a bite to eat or head into the Calico Cupboard at the end of the street for a Coffee or a dizzying array of baked goods to choose from.
Best stops in Skagit Valley, Skagit County
What is commonly referred to as the Skagit Valley is an excellent place for great food, biking, views, and fun. This section spans from Conway to Alger. Starting in Conway, consider heading the Skagit Wildlife Area-Wiley Slough. This area is a bird watcher’s favorite spot! Eagles, Heron, and more are all common sites in this area. You can take a bike ride on the Skagit River Dike to get here, or you can park your right at the wildlife area and walk the short trail out to the water. This area is high in ecological diversity. Take your wildlife ID books with you!
Edison
Food, drinks and more biking. Edison and the Bow, Wa area is a quieter area of the Skagit Valley, home to far lands and sloughs. Edison has a few excellent restaurants that come with great views. Check out Slough foods, where you can eat with a view of the slough and the wetlands beyond. Right next door, be sure to stop into the Bread Farm for fresh bread, cookies, and other baked goods. This entire area is excellent for biking, and if you head west from Edison, you can bike onto Samish Island.
Be sure to drive through the farm fields between Bow and Burlington. In the summertime, stop by From the Farm to get fresh berries: strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, and more accompanied by homemade shortcakes and local goodies. There is plenty of berry stands throughout the Valley. While From the Farm is dedicated to berries from the Skagit Valley, there is a fruit stand in the parking lot of Karl’s Paints & Supplies in Mt. Vernon that hosts peaches, cherries, and apples from Eastern Washington.
The Skagit Valley Casino
Suppose you are looking for a bit of indoor fun; head to Alger, just off I5 to the Skagit Valley Casino. Complete with a hotel, several restaurants, and plenty of opportunities to gamble, the Skagit Valley Casino is an excellent place for some adult fun. This large Casino is the biggest north of Marysville, Washington, which is about an hour south.
Mt. Vernon Farmers Market
In downtown Mt. Vernon on Saturday mornings, you will find the Mt. Vernon farmers market. Right along the Skagit river, vendors from all over the county set up on the embankment to sell food, trinkets, and local gear. If you are looking to support local vendors and buy a few souvenirs to commemorate your visit to Skagit county, this is the perfect stop. After you finish wandering through the farmer’s market, there are a variety of breweries and restaurants to walk to. There are also a few excellent shops to wander through on the main street.
Where to head in the foothills of the Cascades in Skagit County
Sauk Mountain Trail
If you are ready to hike the North Cascades, the Sauk Mountain Trail might be the perfect fit for you. This 4.2-mile-long trail takes you up switchbacks to the top of Sauk Mountain. During the summertime, you can see wildflowers, marmots, chipmunks, and butterflies. This trail gains 1200 feet and reaches a high point elevation of 5500, giving you great views of the rest of the North Cascades mountain range. At the top, there is often snow, so be careful if you want to venture farther than the viewpoint at the top. Bring a lunch and a cold beverage because you will want to spend a while sitting at the top, enjoying the views. This trail sits along highway 20, headed east into the foothills of the Cascades.
Skagit River
The Skagit River runs across the entirety of Skagit County. The river itself begins in southwest British Columbia in Canada and ends by flowing into the Puget Sound. The river is roughly 150 miles long. The Skagit River is the only river in the United States that is home to all five species of salmon. If you are a fishing enthusiast, then look no further. There are plenty of great areas to fish on the river.
If you want to venture just outside of Skagit County, you can follow the river up highway 20 to Diablo Lake, which is a reservoir created by the Diablo dam. The water here is often a picture-perfect blue, and there are plenty of viewpoints along highway 20 to take in the views. The Skagit river also supports one of the largest populations of Bald Eagles in the United States. No matter where you are on the river, you are bound to find lots of fish, birds, and views.
Baker Lake
Just outside of Concrete, Wa, you will find Baker Lake.
Baker Lake is a massive lake situated just inside the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Park. Home to hiking, fishing, boating, kayaking, camping, and swimming areas, Baker lake is the perfect summer stop. With stunning views of Mt. Baker and plenty of coves and beaches to explore, it is a favorite place for many people from Skagit County. If you are looking to stay, there are plenty of campgrounds on the lake.
Make sure to take a trip over the dam while you are here! It is definitely worth the drive. Bake lake has a few different swimming areas and public parks that often fill up during the summer months so make sure to grab a parking spot early in the day. If you are looking for a hike, there is a trail on the south side of the lake with incredible views of the mountains and even a few spots to jump in and swim.
Newhalem
If you are driving up HWY over the North Cascades, make sure to stop in Newhalem. This tiny town is the last town on the west side of the mountains and is a great pit stop on your way to Eastern Washington. The family favorite of this iconic stop is the retired train right on the side of the HWY. This historic train is often a playground for young children and their families. Make sure to take a turn ringing the bell attached to the front. If you need a place to stretch your legs, there are a few walking trails and even a campground in this tiny town.
Blue Lake
At the very eastern edge of Skagit County, in the Northern Cascades off highway 20, you can find the Blue Lake trailhead. This trial is a hot spot for day hikers because of its beautiful views. This four-mile roundtrip hike is perfect for almost any ability hiker, and the payoff is huge. The lake is crystal clear during the summertime, and if it’s hot enough outside, you can even take a dip. During the summer, the snow will melt off, and the trail is clear and easy to navigate. If you make the trek during the summer, make sure to come back in the fall to see the Larches!
While many tourists are in Washington to visit Seattle, the Skagit County is a must-see stop just an hour north of the city. With places to play for both ocean and mountain lovers, there is something for everyone. If you are ready to hike, fish, boat, bike, and play in the Sound, you have to make a trip to Skagit County this summer. There is a plethora of tiny towns, ecological diversity, and stunning views. From the Islands all the way into the cascades, the Skagit Valley may be one of the most diverse counties in the PNW. If you are looking for the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Seattle, or you are visiting from another part of the country, make sure to start planning all your stops in Skagit county today!
Takeaway
If you plan to visit Skagit County this summer, these summer activities mentioned above should be on your list! Never underestimate Skagit County as this outdoor playground has lots to offer, and it will only make you fall in love with the PNW even more. To learn more about Skagit County, visit https://cleverneighbor.com/
Skagit county spans from the Puget Sound into the North Cascades. This expansive county is home to plenty of outdoor activities as well as great eats and entertainment. Here we will help you decide on where to eat the best Skagit County food. This guide will provide a few excellent restaurants and activities in all the major areas of the county so your trip can be mapped out before you even get here.
Skagit County food: Where to Eat in Anacortes, Wa
Anacortes is the westernmost town in Skagit County. Often referred to as the entrance to the Islands because of its close proximity to the San Juan Islands, Anacortes is home to great food and summer activities. If you are looking for a bit to eat, there are quite a few excellent options. Head into the A-town Bistro on Commercial Ave for local food with a rustic, old-world flair. With a range of seafood options and exciting choices like their Wild Boar Burger, the A-Town is a fan favorite. They also have an excellent collection of craft beers and spirits. The average price of the A-town ranges from $20-40 for the main entrée.
If you are looking to eat on the water, check out Anthony’s at Cap Sante Marina or Anthony’s- The Cabana. Both of these restaurants are located on the same property and offer great views of the Marina. The Cabana is an outdoor restaurant with a casual vibe and great family-friendly options. The Cabana is the less expensive option of the two restaurants and has a full-sized bocce ball court to play during dining. Anthony’s at Cap Sante Marina is a fine dining restaurant with an excellent array of seafood options, pasta, and delicious appetizers.
Activities in Anacortes
A few times every year, Anacortes shuts down its main street to host festivals. Every July, Anacortes hosts Shipwreck Fest. This festival started thirty-nine years ago when local fishermen would sell their used gear as yard art on the main street. Today there are over 200 vendors that line Commercial Ave with food, crafts, and hand-crafted goods. Plan on spending a few hours here as there are many booths to stop at and there is also usually live music hidden somewhere in the rows of vendors.
Where to eat in La Conner, Wa
Moving east just slightly in Skagit County, you will find a tiny town right on the water. This town is known for its incredible views of the water, fun shopping, and excellent food. For Breakfast, The Calico Cupboard Cafe is a must-stop. There are actually two more of these delicious Cafes located in Anacortes and Mt. Vernon, so you have three chances to make a stop on your tour of Skagit County. These restaurants pride themselves on made-from-scratch baked goods and local ingredients. Their Bakery is located in the Anacortes location, where they whip up massive cinnamon rolls, homemade bread, and hundreds of cookies every morning. The average price of a meal here ranges from $15-20. The La Conner location features outdoor dining on the water and excellent food for both breakfast and Lunch. The Calico Cupboard is dedicated to serving up the freshest food possible, sourced from local ingredients and inspired by whatever is in season. This is a must-stop!
While Snow Goose Produce is closer to Conway than La Conner, it is a must for the summer! While they are a produce market for local fruits and veggies, oysters, and fresh fish, there is usually a line out the door for their ice cream! Flavors infused with local berries and dairy right from the county make Snow Goose a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Come prepared to wait for your delicious treat because lines often head out the door into the back garden. I promise the wait will be worth it, though, as the ice cream comes out in mega scoops on homemade cones.
Bow & Edison
On the north side of the Skagit Valley, you will find Bow and the tiny town of Edison. This area is the perfect stop for bikers as there are miles or backroads through farmlands with views of Puget Sound and the North Cascades. There are a few great restaurants in Edison worth noting. If you are looking for a local take on pizza, try Terramar Brewstillery. With views of the sound and outdoor seating with fireplaces, this is the perfect summer spot. With Pizzas from regular pepperoni to Kale and Wild mushrooms, there is something for everyone here. Pizzas start at $16. Terramar also offers local taps, housemade sodas, and cocktails.
If you are looking for bar food with great views, stop at the Longhorn. This restaurant sits directly on the slough with great views for sunset. With typical bar food, great beer, and a huge outdoor seating area, the Longhorn is excellent for those 21 and up. If you are traveling without kids, this is a perfect choice. Another great 21 plus location in Edison is The Edison. Located at the end of the main street, the Edison is the spot where the locals head. Home to pool tables, great beer, and a good food menu, the Edison is a popular spot for bikers (both motorcycle and pedal alike).
If you are in Edison during the day, check out Sloughfoods for more great views and wine and cheese. This restaurant is known for its wine and appetizers! With only a few things on the menu, Slough Food offers gourmet cheeses from all over the world. Paired with excellent wine and service, slough foods is the perfect place to hand out for a few hours. Their food menu ranges from $5-$15, and they offer a wide range of wines.
Best Skagit County Foods: Burlington
If you head into Burlington, the most popular spot on any given night must be the Train Wreck Bar and Grill. This 21 and over bar sits right next to the train tracks that run through Burlington, and they offer drink specials every time a train goes by. On a Saturday night, every chair will be full. The Trainwreck provides a higher-end take on traditional bar food. They also offer a Saturday and Sunday brunch menu that draws in locals. If you are traveling with kids, the Trainwreck has a sister restaurant just a few blocks away. The Railroad is a pizza joint that offers an indoor-outdoor feel with huge glass doors that are always open during the summer months. In addition to pizza, the Railroad offers craft beers, great appetizers, and sandwiches.
This is just a tiny taste of Skagit County! There are tons of breweries that scatter the county that is worth checking out. Most of the restaurants in Skagit county are owned by locals and love serving up great food and excellent service to tourists during the summer months. The best part about Skagit County Food is there is always another superb place to checkout.
Like many local libraries, the Boise Public Library is a centerpiece in the community, offering resources and assistance for community members well beyond just renting books.
Basic information
The Boise Public Library is located close to downtown at 715 South Capitol Boulevard, with 4 satellite branches throughout the Boise area. All of their locations offer amenities such as computers, scanners, printers, 3-D printing, virtual reality, curbside pickup, and meeting rooms for public use.
If you’re a Boise resident, obtaining a library card is free and gives you access to a wide array of resources. With your library card you can borrow or download from their collection of over 600,000 titles as well as have access to things such as laptops or educational resources for children. The only payments you are responsible for is if you receive a fine for a late return or a lost or damaged item.
Check your library first
Libraries have become way more than just renting and returning books, if there is something you are in need of or need help with, your local library is a great place to start. We’re going to go through some of the lesser known resources that the Boise Public Library offers.
Learning new things
Lynda.com is a website that offers thousands of online courses. No matter what you are interested in they are likely to have a plethora of information on it, including topics such as photography, software development, design, business, and web development. Access to these classes is usually $29.99/mo but is absolutely free through the Boise Public Library.
Another website offering classes geared towards design and art is CreativeBug. There’s thousands of courses taught by well-known industry experts to help inspire your creative self and learn how to make beautiful art projects.
For teenagers in middle school or high school Learning Express offers access to tutorials, study guides, test prep, and ACT/SAT help. It also has resources for college students and beyond for people looking to further their career education.
Along with the online resources, they offer weekly classes and workshops on a variety of topics. Some recent ones have been:
Kenyan Beaders: How to make earrings like the women entrepreneurs of Kenya
Bee Hotels
Moon Prints
DIY Mini Terrariums
Vegetable Seed Starting 101
Resources for kids
For younger kids they offer resources such as NoveList K-8 Plus which helps kids find interesting books, they also have full access to National Geographic Kids. Every week they have a YouTube Live family storytime Wednesdays at 10:30 AM and Music & Movement Fridays at 10:30 AM. They even have a story reading service, all you need to do is call 208-972-8208 and you’ll be able to hear a full story over the phone, with new stories every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Fun resources
Everyone knows you can rent books from the library, but few people know that they offer many other rentals such as video games, CD’s, and DVD’s. The Boise Public Library is keeping up with the digital age by offering a digital collection of movies and TV shows with Access Video On Demand. If you’re interested in 3D printing they have printers at most of their locations where you can learn about them and have them make you an actual 3D print.
If you’re looking for other interesting things in the Boise area, check out our other articles here.
You are a travel enthusiast and are looking forward to exploring local places and become intimate with its culture. The United States of America has a plethora of places, cuisines, and cultures to offer, much to the delight of food connoisseurs and wanderlust lovers. In this article, we will have you covered about various places to visit in Tacoma, the delights in store for you in Olympia and possible places to explore in Seattle.
The name Tacoma itself tells a lot of stories. The port covers an impressive stretch of land that extends for over 2400 acres which makes it the 6th biggest port in North America. The skyline of Seattle is a vision to behold. It is a sacred place for all the coffee lovers as Starbucks was born there. The glamour of Seattle attracts ambitious people from all over the world and it has a string of restaurants to cater to different tastes and cultures. Olympia is also known as the cultural hub. It houses the Old State Capitol Building and derived its name from the fact that it provides a majestic view of the Olympic Mountains.
We will be your travel guide and take you to the right place and right eateries so that you can make the most out of your visit in Tacoma, Seattle or Olympia.
Things You Would Want To Do In Tacoma
We will give you a macroscopic view of Tacoma and also help you with the local events quotes Tacoma. There are some beatific hotels in this splendid place where you can check-in, relax and then go sightseeing. Some of the top-notch Tacoma hotels are Silver Cloud Inn, The Villa Bed and Breakfast, Hotel Murano, to name a few. Here we would like to take over as your professional travel guide Tacoma.
APicnic in Point Defiance Park – The beauty of this 700-acres park, nestled amidst the lap of nature will captivate you to no end. A picnic with your family in the woodlands, away from the chaos, in the presence of lakes and forests can be an enthralling experience. Here you will get a chance to discover nature like never before.
A Day Out In Point Defiance Zoo – Animal lovers are in for a visual treat of penguins, sea horses, polar bears to name a few in Point Defiance Zoo. Right from its opening time at 9:30 a.m. every day, the zoo witnesses a stream of visitors to marvel at the array of various exotic zoo inhabitants present. We assure you that you will have a marvelous time in the zoo surrounded by the view of the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainer.
Trip To Chihuly Bridge – A trip to the Chihuly Bridge will be like a walk through the marvels of glass. The ocular treat offered by this place together with the splash of colors can enrapture any visitor.
Local events and Activities That Can Be Done in Tacoma
5 Mile Drive and Trails offer amazing hiking experience to the visitors. A nature walk amidst the mountainous views and sight of the waterfront can give a beautiful experience to the visitors. There is a Tacoma Scavenger Hunt which makes for quite an adventure for the participants to find out the hidden treasures of Tacoma. This scavenger hunt might cost around $8-$10. You can also go for local shopping in Tacoma and Pacific Northwest region to experience the variety of lifestyles in that place. Tacoma offers a wide array of products and the shop local pricing Tacoma varies between $5 and $100.
Tacoma also witnesses Annual Puget Sound Green Infrastructure Summit every year which focuses on strategies to improve the environment. The tickets cost anywhere between $85 and $100.
This place is packed with festivities throughout the year. It celebrates ip & Stroll’, Daffodil Festival, Gig Harbour Beer Festival, Car shows, and Oktoberfest Northwest Festival to name a few. The festivities are replete with dance, music, parades, beverages, good food and many more. The entry fee of getting into any of these festivals lies between $12 and $200.
Best Local Restaurants in Tacoma
Here we will guide you about some of the best restaurants in Tacoma and also help you with the best local restaurants cost Tacoma.
Olive Branch Cafe- The ambiance, the amazing food, and the hospitality are the talk of the town and would cost approximately $30 for 2 people.
Over The Moon Cafe- This is another popular cafe under the ambit of Tacoma which offers mouth-watering food at an average cost of $50 for 2 people.
Dirty Oscar’s Annex – One of the best breakfast eateries of Tacoma is DOA which flaunts of offering stuffed waffles, pancakes, toasts with melted cheese. Serving for 2 people would cost approximately around $30. Other breakfast eateries in Tacoma include Viva, Shakabrah Java, to name a few.
Cliff House Restaurant- This amazing restaurant in the Pacific Northwest region is a delight for steak lovers. This Pacific Northwest price Tacoma ranges from $31 to $50. It costs approximately $100 for 2 people when drinks are included.
There are other restaurants in Tacoma like Marzano’s, Pacific Grill, Harvest Buffet, to name a few and these best local restaurants cost Tacoma ranges from $30 to $100.
Things You Would Want To Do In Seattle
Experience Boeing – Seattle can give you the experience to witness the factory of the airplane giant which flies millions of passengers all over the world. It is a thrilling experience in itself to observe the making of Boeing as well as get a glimpse of what the future of the aviation industry has in store for us.
A Stroll through the Pike Place Market – This area is the ultimate place for coffee lovers. If you want to see the local culture of Seattle up, close and personal, a trip to the Pike Place Market will suffice. This is the place where Starbucks was born and the world got a taste of heavenly coffee. You can get a glimpse of the public market which attracts 20,000 to 30,000 visitors every day
Local Life – You can go pay a visit to the Capitol Hill and experience the vibrant entertainment and night clubs that can make you fall for Seattle. It also has a lot of stories in store for music lovers. You can visit the house of the iconic musician, Kurt Cobain and also get a glimpse of the school attended by music giants Jimi Hendrix and Quincy Jones.
Amazing Eateries – Seattle can flaunt to have some of the best restaurants which can get your taste buds tingling.
1. Dacha Diner- This restaurant in Capitol Hill is an ultimate bliss for the food lovers who can get hooked to the aroma of Georgian pizza and pork dumplings. The variety and vibe make it one of the best in Seattle.
2. L’Oursin- This restaurant is a delight for all the wine lovers with its amazing collection together with mouth-watering food.
Now that you have mentally experienced Tacoma and Seattle, some of the quick things to do in Olympia would be to visit Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Washington State Capitol, Hands On Children’s Museum and the Farmers Market.
We have got you covered on the activities you can treat yourself to in Tacoma, Seattle and Olympia together with the best eateries where you can indulge your taste buds. We have also got you covered on the best local restaurants cost Tacoma. We hope you have the time of your life when you visit these places and we would be very happy to have guided you in this endeavor.
What most people thought was a gimmick when it was first installed, Boise State’s Football field, The Blue, has turned into a popular tourist attraction as well as a trend setter for college football and beyond, but how did it come to be?
The Backstory
The Boise State Broncos haven’t always been the football powerhouse they are today. They had success at the junior college level, winning a national championship back in 1958, then they moved up to division 1-AA (now FCS) as a 4-year program. Gene Bleymair, the athletic director at the time, was still looking for something to set Boise State apart.
“I was on an airplane and just thinking about the fact that we were going to spend $750,000 and pull up an old green carpet and put down a new green carpet, and nobody was going to notice or care that we had upgraded and spent the money to put in a new field,” Bleymaier said.“So that kind of bothered me. I was just thinking everybody knows that it’s artificial turf; there’s nobody that thinks it’s grass. They know it’s not grass, so there’s really no reason it needs to be green. Why not do it in our school colors?”
Thus, The Blue was born in the summer of 1986. At the time there was no one else doing this sort of thing, Boise State’s blue field was the first non-green field in the United States, and it was over 20 years before another university followed in their footsteps.
The Results
There was a bit of skepticism about the blue field at first. Some jokingly called it the “Smurf Turf” after the cartoon characters sharing the same color. There were some locals who were concerned that Geese or other wildlife might mistake it as a body of water and injure themselves while trying to dive into it.
Ever since then, however, it seems that “The Blue” has had an incredibly positive impact. From 1986 to 2018 Boise State’s home record is 182-39 with 14 conference championships and a 1-AA championship in 1980. The program reached new heights in the early 2000’s with coach Chris Peterson. Since 2006 they have had 2 undefeated seasons, 8 conference championships, 14 bowl game appearances, and 10 Top 25 finishes.
Trend Setters
Boise State was truly ahead of their time, as mentioned earlier, it was over 20 years before any other university tried a different color other than green for their field. Now there’s 8 other universities with non-green fields. The trend might have crossed over into the NFL, but in 2011 the NFL enacted the “Boise State Rule” stating that fields must be a shade of green. The college basketball world, however, seems to have taken some inspiration from Boise State, with more and more universities opting to treat their court as a piece of art, as well as a playing surface.
If you think “The Blue” field is interesting, see what else Boise has to offer here!
