After a grey and wet spring, we are soaking up every moment of sunshine and heat -- rain jackets and hats will be back soon enough. While we are taking a break from our own field trips in August, there is still much fun to be had. Here is where we want to be:
Jefferson Park Lawn Bowling 75th Anniversary and open house August 5th 12 - 4, learn to bowl, enjoy a refreshment and celebrate 75 years of history and good times on the grass.
Urban Farm Tour August 12th 10 - 3, a chance to learn and be inspired by unique, urban farms in West Seattle, White Center and Burien (check out Beer Star and Li'l Woody's while you're there!). This fun tour is organized by our friends at Seattle Farm School.
Yoga in the Sculpture Park August 19th, stretch your body and mind along the waterfront!
Want something a little more adventurous? Our latest, favorite field trip is to Lummi Island, 9 square miles of magic, just waiting for you.
Begin your journey by heading north on I-5 with a detour along Chuckanut Drive (exit 231). Wind along the coast and stop at Taylor Shellfish for oysters and a cold beer. At the Bow Junction, head towards Bow for blueberries at Bow Hill Blueberries - their u-pick farm is going strong (weekends only) and be sure to try their fresh-pressed, organic juice and locally-made ice cream. Head the other direction towards Edison where you'll find delicious eats at Tweets Cafe, Slough Food, and the Breadfarm Bakery. While you're there, don't miss the beautifully-curated Hedgerow Edison for hand-crafted home and lifestyle wares. Time to hit the road and catch your ferry.
Lummi Island is accessed by a county ferry system just north of Bellingham. There isn't a reservation system, but when the line gets long, more trips are added to the schedule. Once aboard, you will be transported to the island life in a short 7 minutes.
Lummi is known for the legendary Willows Inn and its James Beard award-winning chef, Blaine Wetzel. People come from all over the world to feast on exceptionally prepared foraged ingredients from the land and sea. While weekend reservations are made months in advance, there are often weekday spots available.
If you are looking for something more bucolic, Nettles Farm and Full Bloom Farm offer comfortable studios and cottages with kitchens amongst stunning garden settings. If you're lucky, owners Riley Starks or Elisabeth and Michael Marshall will be on hand to share stories of their lands.
In addition to its fine farms, Lummi is home to Lummi Island Wild, a wholly sustainable, reefnet fishery. Sit along the shore and watch the reefnet fleets in action as the "pinks" run in August. This season marks the return of the Lummi Nation indigenous tribes to the water after being banned in the summer of 1897 by the State Legislature. Learn more about this remarkable company and watch the Patagonia video of their work here.
If you want to get on the water yourself, Moondance Kayak is the place to go. Whether you wish to learn about the flora and fauna of the island, how to forage ocean greens, or Salish Sea history, they have half-day to multi-day offerings.
Other fun: Artist studio tours take place the first Saturday of every month and the Lummi Island Heritage Trust regularly offers educational nature hikes. This year's Lummi Island Parade takes place on September 9th complete with kazoo bands and poodles on parade.
Enjoy the summer. Fall field trips will be posted in early September!
