Tag Archives: North Seattle

Photos: The exciting Green Lake Traffic Circle – boats, cows & aliens

Posted on April 16, 2013 | Leave a comment

A week ago, I tweeted a photo of a boat that got some attention.  Not just any boat, but a boat that was parked, without a trailer, in the middle of a traffic circle at Woodlawn Ave N & Kenwood Place North in Green Lake.  I thought the photo was humorous – not just because of the boat, or the note that was left on it by the Seattle Police Dept (stating “Really?”) – but because I really enjoy seeing what that traffic circle will come up with next.

Here is the photo I took of the boat (and the note) last week:

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Now, some argue this is a nuisance and some argue that it’s art.  No matter what it is, it’s always fun to see what’s coming next.  When I first moved into this particular neighborhood, a bench sat on that island.  Eventually, an inflatable family of aliens moved in….one at a time (here’s dad).

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After the aliens moved away (beamed back to the mothership?) Bessie arrived.  Well, okay, I call her Bessie.  Anyway, the life-size Green Lake cow stayed at the traffic circle for several months and even got decorative bows around Christmastime.

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And that, my friends, is the story of the last three years of the traffic circle at Kenwood & Woodlawn.   We’ve heard that the boat may be towed – some folks have tried to stop that with a petition that has now disappeared.   Is it art?  Is it funny? Is it tacky?

Well, it’s entertainment.

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Modern Townhome just listed in north Seattle under $300k

Posted on February 22, 2013 | Leave a comment

I know, I know, it’s just about impossible for a first time buyer to purchase in north Seattle.  Besides the fact that there’s barely any inventory, there’s also essentially nothing in a first-time buyer’s price range.

Luckily, Debbie Lee of Matrix Real Estate just listed this great modern townhome at 29 on Stone that should fly off the shelf fast (so hit me up if you want to see it!).

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The townhome is just three years young and faces southwest so it has lots of natural light.  It also has a high-efficiency A/C heat pump to keep energy costs low.   The kitchen features gas cooking, there are natural hardwoods in the living area, and you’ll find vaulted ceilings in the upstairs bedrooms.

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For three bedrooms and 1,210 square feet, it’s kind of a steal in north Seattle for just $294,950 – its almost impossible to find anything around here under $300k.   It’s located just off 99 at 1246 N Northgate Way (#29).    The home is having an Open House this weekend, so stop in Saturday from 1-4 or Sunday from 1-3 and say North Seattle Sarah sent you!  Call me at (253) 653-6299 if you can’t make it to the open house and we’ll set up a private appointment.

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AARRRGHHH – It be the Greenwood Seafair Parade this Wednesday

Posted on July 23, 2012 | Leave a comment

Last week at my office in lower Queen Anne, I heard the strange sound of a musical car horn over and over – I looked out my office window onto Denny and saw the Seafair Clowns driving by in excitement.  And we all know that the pirates came ashore on Alki Beach earlier in the month.  Now it’s finally time to see them all together in north Seattle as the Greenwood Seafair Parade kicks off on July 25th.

The 62nd annual Greenwood Seafair Parade begins at 6pm on Wednesday and ends roughly at 8:30, featuring the famous pirates along with marching bands, drill teams, floats, horses and more.  It runs along Greenwood Avenue, from about N 85th St to N 95th St, with an attendance around 10,000 people.

During the parade, Metro Buses on the 5 Express headed northbound will be re-routed, and you can check out the missed stops and temporary new stops here.  Southbound buses to downtown will not be affected.

The theme of this year’s parade is “Wild Wonderful Greenwood,” with Meerkute the Meerkat from Woodland Park Zoo serving as Grand Marshall.  Over 100 entrants will participate in the oldest neighborhood Seafair Parade running.

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Be a VIP, help clean up Seattle Parks July 20th

Posted on July 9, 2012 | Leave a comment

We all love our Seattle parks, so why not show your love by giving back a little?  Friday, July 20th is VIP Day – “Volunteers in Parks” Day – where you can help pull ivy, restore trails, and spread mulch at various Seattle parks from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

One of those parks is north Seattle’s own Lower Woodland (the other parks are Lincoln and Dr. Jose Rizal).  To register to help cleanup Lower Woodland, click the link here and sign up through EarthCorps.

But it’s not all work and no play.  Following the volunteer efforts, all helpers are invited to a thank you party at Lake Union with live music, food trucks, the beer boat, activities and a commemorative t-shirt.

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Posted in Community News, Recreation

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Seattle Beer Week: Mid-Week picks in North Seattle

Posted on May 14, 2012 | Leave a comment

Last night as part of Seattle Beer Week, I went to the special Brewer’s Dinner at Naked City Taphouse in Greenwood.  Eight fabulous courses paired with beer included fried chicken, buffalo carpaccio, smoked trout, rabbit rillet and lamb shank.  The great news is that Naked City is going to put on dinners just like last night’s once every quarter, so if you missed it you can come again next time.

In the meantime, Seattle Beer Week is in full swing, and doesn’t take a break just because we have weekday jobs.  So here’s my picks for this week’s north Seattle Beer Week:

  • On Tuesday (5/15), head to Brouwer’s Cafe in Fremont for the Beer and Burger Battle. It runs from 5pm to 11pm and features beer and burgers from reigning champs Fremont Brewing, along with New Belgium, 21st Amendment, Black Raven, and Hair of the Dog.
  • On Wednesday (5/16) make your way to Ballard for Snipes Mountain Sour Night at The Noble Fir.  Event runs from 4pm to 8pm.  Not a sour fan?  If IPA’s are more your thing, go to Big Time Brewery in the U-District for their IPA Cask Fest – pouring all day.
  • On Thursday, please please PLEASE don’t miss Latona Pub’s annual “Wall of Casks.”  They physically build up a wall/pyramid of great cask beers for a fun night, starting at 6pm in east Green Lake.

Stay safe out there everyone, don’t drink and drive, and enjoy the mid-week festivities!

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Posted in Local Business, Local Eats & Drinks

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Cinco de Mayo in North Seattle, 2012

Posted on May 4, 2012 | Leave a comment

Have you ever actually listened to the lyrics of “My Girl” and wondered exactly what they were thinking?  ”When it’s cold outside, I’ve got the month of May.”  Except, May is usually still fairly cold, and pretty rainy – just look outside right now.  The Temptations must have never been to the Pacific Northwest.

Temperature aside, May is here, and for those who celebrate it, Cinco de Mayo actually falls on a Saturday this year (meaning you can avoid calling in sick to work the next day).  If you’re celebrating the 5th of May, North Seattle Sarah has you covered with some of the best parties in town.

First off, Tacos Guaymas is having their annual Cinco Party in Green Lake.  If you haven’t checked this out, it’s a pretty packed outdoor event and probably the largest Cinco de Mayo party in north Seattle.  Live DJ, Sauza Girls, and a mariachi band are just a few of the fun things you can expect at Tacos Guaymas, with several thousand people anticipated to attend each year.

Down in Fremont, celebrate the evening with live music at Nectar.  The Yogoman Burning Band plays at 8pm, and tickets are $7.

At COA Mexican Eatery (7919 Roosevelt Way NE), enjoy $5 AHA Toro Margaritas, plus $2 street tacos and a $100 giveaway.  They’ll also have pinatas and a bouncy house from 12pm to 3pm.

Other venues that typically run specials for Cinco de Mayo include The Matador in Ballard and El Chupacabra in Phinney Ridge.  Remember to please stay safe on Cinco-de-Drinko and either hoof it locally or call a cab – those margaritas can be mighty strong.  Enjoy!

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Earth Day Opportunity for Wallingfordians in north Seattle

Posted on April 12, 2012 | Leave a comment

I might just coin that word – Wallingfordians – if it hasn’t been claimed already!  But cool words aside, there’s a great opportunity for residents of Wallingford to get a little dirty and participate in Earth Day on Saturday, April 21st from 11am to 2pm.

The 3rd annual “Operation Beautification Wallingford” will take place at the Wallingford Center Plaza (N 45th St and Wallingford Ave), and feature community street cleanup.  But your hard work won’t go unrewarded – there will also be music, face painting, a bake sale and more.  If you can’t make it on the day, you can still help by baking goods for the bake sale.

The celebration needs volunteers for the actual event – to volunteer, contact Colleen Kurke at colleen@wallingfordchamber.org.  The celebration is sponsored by the Wallingford Chamber of Commerce, supported by several neighborhood groups.

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Elliott Bay Brewing opens new Lake City Location Monday – the starting lineup and more

Posted on March 25, 2012 | 1 Comment

North Seattle, it’s our turn.  Elliott Bay Brewing Company, who currently have long-standing brewpubs in both West Seattle and Burien, are opening the doors tomorrow to their new Lake City location. I chatted with Elliott Bay brewer Dan Ashley to learn a little more about the new spot.

The new Elliott Bay. Photo courtesy Kendall Jones, Washington Beer Blog.

The new brewery and restaurant will open at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 26th at 12537 Lake City Way NE.  The location is larger than their Burien brewpub and will hold private event space available for reservation.  It also has 30 taps for various Elliott Bay and guest brewery beers and ciders.   

The location’s brewery produces 10 barrels (310 gallons) per batch and is headed up by Bill Jenkins.  Jenkins previously worked as the head brewer at Big Time Brewing in the U-District, and has also been associated with Pike Brewing and Hale’s Ales in the past.  Executive Chef Kerry White will add the Lake City location to the other two Elliott Bay spots he oversees.  The Lake City pub will have happy hour every day from 3pm to 6pm, and after 10pm (after 9pm on Sunday nights).

So, what’s on tap tomorrow?  From the brilliant Jenkins, Lake City Way IPA will be making its debut as one of the house beers.  Also on tap tomorrow from Elliott Bay is Alembic Pale Ale and No Doubt Stout.   Naturally, they’ll be rotating in their seasonal beers that are enjoyed at the other two pubs.  Guest beers for Lake City’s opening week also include Big E’s Lawnmower Lager, Maritime Pacific Nightwatch Dark Ale, Big Time Scarlet Fire IPA, American Brewing Imperial Red Ale, and Hale’s Cream Ale to name a few.  Ace cider will also be on tap, as will Crater Lake Rootbeer.

Owners Brent Norton and Todd Carden met each other while working at Maritime Pacific, and opened the original West Seattle location of Elliott Bay Brewery together 15 years ago.  The Burien location was opened about four years ago, and I wish the same long-time success to Lake City.  Welcome to North Seattle, Elliott Bay!

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Posted in Community News, Local Business, Local Eats & Drinks

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Tomorrow: Appreciate your neighbor (come on, just this once)

Posted on February 10, 2012 | Leave a comment

February 11th is Seattle’s Neighbor Appreciation Day – yep, that’s a real thing.  This is Seattle’s 18th year participating in this day, which began in Phinney Ridge in 1995.  Here are a few ways the city is making it easy to participate:

  • Golden Gardens Restoration Project, beginning at 9am at 8498 Seaview Place NW
  • Hands On Community Skills Fair – at Meadowbrook at Ravenna Community Centers at 10am (10517 35th Ave NE)
  • Family Nature Explorers “Discovery Days” at Magnuson Community Center, at 10am (7110 62nd Ave NE)
  • Restoration Event at Licton Springs Park at 10am (9536 Ashworth Ave N)
  • Book, Bake and Bling Sale at Ballard Oddfellows Hall at 10am (1706 NW Market St)
  • Phinney Neighborhood Association Mystery Book Exchange, at 10am (6532 Phinney Ave N)
  • Neighbor Appreciation Day Swim  at the Ballard Pool at 12:30pm
  • Discovery Day Work Party at Magnuson at 11am (7110 62nd Ave NE)

Feeling extra appreciative of your neighbors?  Send them an e-card from the City of Seattle.

 

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New RapidRide line coming to Aurora, take the DOT’s Survey to help

Posted on February 2, 2012 | Leave a comment

The King County Department of Transportation is asking for help from north Seattle and Shoreline residents in finalizing their plans to bring a new RapidRide E-Line to Aurora Ave North.

The new line will replace route 358 and run from Shoreline’s Aurora Village Transit Center to downtown Seattle.  Metro is still trying to decide between two alternate paths for the E-Line in the Green Lake area – between north 64th St and Winona Ave North.  They’re asking for public input, and if you missed the general open meeting on January 25th you can still voice your opinion.  Just take their survey here by February 17th.

The idea behind Rapid Ride is that buses come more frequently, and have fewer stops.  Boarding is sped up because riders with ORCA cards can pay at the station.  The new Aurora line will be coming in 2013, so voice your opinion now.

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