There’s no time like a hot summer picnic to let your patriotic spirit show. These all-American snacks featuring a classic favorite fruit — watermelon — are the perfect solution for nearly any summertime celebration. Watermelon is a patriotic picnic staple for countless reasons, not the least of which is that it’s a beloved treat that […]
summer
Posted inThe Outdoors
Best Hikes With Kids around Western Washington, Part 1
Editor’s note: While the weather is still gorgeous, are you trying to pack in as much outdoor times as possible? If you have little ones, hiking can be a challenge. This excerpt was adapted from hiking expert Susan Elderkin’s book, “Best Hikes With Kids: Western Washington” (Mountaineers Books, April 2018), recommends several hikes around our […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
Fire Smoke Stretches Across the Northwest — How to Stay Safe
Just as we thought the haze and smoke in the air was due to clear out last week, a fresh wave enveloped us this week. It’s not just a problem in the Puget Sound region — the entire Pacific Northwest and much of the West is experiencing unhealthy air quality. That means you may have […]
Posted inPeople & Places
How to Camp like a Scout
A tradition dating back a hundred years, summer camping is the quintessential family experience. For some, it’s the allure of a cheap getaway, as far as vacations go. For others, what makes the idea appealing is the promise that at the end of a short road trip is a wondrous place where time crawls. Where […]
Posted inCommunity News
Gig Harbor Brings Back ‘Rooster Races’
After a 70-year absence, the Gig Harbor Rooster Races made a triumphant return to the Gig Harbor waterfront in July at Skansie Brothers Park during the Gig Harbor Downtown Waterfront Alliance’s Waterfront Block Party. The event pitted contestants against each other on adult-size bouncy balls adorned with rooster heads, wings and tails. It was quite […]
Posted inAt Home
Put a Twist on Savory Summer Entertaining… with Bitters
Flavorful foods and cold drinks are the focal points of just about any summer gathering. Create a party atmosphere that can stand out by adding a bit of island infusion to both bites and beverages so your warm-weather soiree can soar to new heights. To help add that island spark, an ingredient like bitters provides […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Cool Places to Enjoy the Dog Days of Summer on The Kitsap Peninsula
It’s true. Most people born in and around the greater Puget Sound area are wimps when it comes to really hot weather. As the thermometer soars and the dog days of summer linger on and on, locals whimper and wilt and scurry indoors to find air-conditioned relief (or a cold shower). Any Midwesterner will tell […]
Posted inAt Home
How to Inspire Summer Reading
While summer is the perfect time for kids to take advantage of days spent away from the classroom, remember not to put valuable skills, like reading, on the back burner. In fact, research estimates that one to two months’ of learning loss can occur during the summer months. To help your child maintain his or […]
Posted inAt Home
5 Tips to Take Pets on Trips
If your next big excursion is on hold until you can make arrangements for your four-legged friend, a solution may be closer than you think. Pet-friendly accommodations can be easier to find than ever, making it possible to simply take your pet along for the ride. According to a survey by travel website Orbitz, almost […]