The annual Easter Egg Hunt for kids happened this past weekend at Cal Anderson and I just wanted to bring attention to two details. Not only did these kids have an egg hunt (which is the best part!) but they also had a jump house AND a DJ?!
These events every year for kids are stepping up their game. I wish I had that a DJ at my Easter Egg Hunt when I was growing up.
[Source]
1. That moment when you see a city fire department vehicle doing this to the car in front of them. Shouldn’t that not be allowed?
2. Brunch and mimosas at our favorite cafe Oddfellow’s
3. Spending a perfect spring day with Ashley down at Cal Anderson Park x2
4. Trying out Broadway’s “Bait Shop”
5. Capping the weekend off with a catch up with Stephy Roo
And just because.
Oh my goodness this is so exciting! The original post tied with this was so texty, but the gist of it is that it is happening. I like Christmas. I like ice skating. They are turning my favorite neighborhood park into an ice skating rink and this is the most precious thing to warm my heart this week.
I don’t know what’s been going on with the neighborhood lately, but there has recently been an increase in assaults and attacks throughout the summer especially near Cal Anderson Park. The Mayor’s office announced earlier this week that they will be creating a new initiative to help increase safety near the park and in the neighborhood. So until that is in effect, be careful everyone! It’s probably better to avoid walking through the park in the evening for the meantime and use good judgment when you’re out. I just want everyone to be safe. To learn more about the initiative, click here.
- Death Cab For Cutie’s last minute benefit show in Seattle last month raised $7,185.06 for Seattle schools lunch programs. [Source]
- Capitol Hill is losing their Sonic Boom Records on Sept. 5th. [Source]
[spotted in Cal Anderson - source]
- Artist Suzanne Tidwell has gotten to work on her yarn-bombing. Look for her pretty pieces all over Seattle!
- Miss Hailee Steinfeld is officially the new face of Miu Miu. [Source]
- Justin Bieber is launching a fragrance for his fans called “Someday.” [Source]
- People sometimes forget that riders exist for bands and musicians. Fulfilling Katy Perry’s sounds a little bit like a nightmare. [Source]
- Selena Gomez’s new album cover is somewhat questionable. [Source]
- Lady Gaga and Starbucks are collaborating on a scavenger hunt together! (Not sure what this means because I’m too lazy to read all the text and this is also the most random pairing ever, but here you go!) [Source]
- Friendly Fires released their new album “Pala” yesterday. [Source]
- Lady Gaga was named Forbes’ top celebrity. [Source]
- Glee’s Matthew Morrison will join The Backstreet Boys and The New Kids on the Block on their tour this summer. [Source]
- Kat Dennings makes her return to television in her new CBS comedy 2 Broke Girls. [Source]
- The judges from the current season of NBC’s The Voice will return for season two. [Source]
- Saturday Night Live promo Justin Timberlake
- Who’s getting excited for the return of Pretty Little Liars?! Summer TELEVISION, you are mine.
- Starting today, you can now dine at Capitol Hill’s newest restaurant Skillet Diner and purchase your Capitol Hill Block Party tickets!
- This Saturday is Seattle University’s Quadstock, but as I’m sure you already know… it is for students only! Lucky us!
- Since you can’t make it to Quadstock, you should head on over to Cal Anderson for the first ever four-on-four dodge ball tournament. Sounds brutal. [Source]
oh Capitol Hill Seattle – you really are one of my favorite blogs!
- Model Lily Aldridge married Kings of Leon front man Caleb Followill last week in a custom-made Vera Wang wedding gown. [Source]
- Vogue Editor-in-Chief’ Anna Wintour’s daughter Bee Shaffer has fled to LA to work alongside Glee’s head honcho Ryan Murphy. While Bee is not working with Glee specifically, she is assisting him with his many projects that may or may not include Glee’s 3-d movie. [Source]
- Essie’s Summer 2011 Brazilliant collection is on my must-have list. [Source]
- James Franco has graduated from New York University. Which school will he end up at next? Correct answer – University of Houston in the fall. [Source]
- Arnold Schwarzenegger’s son Patrick is trying to drop his father’s name to take his mother’s. [Source]
- Kia Grasty describes what it is like to clean up after “privileged” college students who are the sons and daughters of well-known people in the industry for a living with a $140,000 salary. [Source]
- A Hello Kitty theme park will debut in China in 2014. OH MY GOODNESS! [Source]
Last year, the Capitol Hill Block Party added a third day to the festival allowing locals to enjoy a full weekend of music. The 2010 block party drew in 27,000 attendees. Now, there is nowhere, but up for the festival to go. While I do believe that the festival will continue to be a three-day, I have my concerns about the set up of the festival. Having attended back in 2008 and 2010, I noticed significant differences between the two years.
In 2008, the main stage was nestled right in the center of the festival alongside Neumos. Last year, to get to the main stage, you had to walk to the very edge of the boundaries on Broadway and once you were in the position for viewing, you were trapped. You were essentially stuck there until that performance was over when everyone was dispersing at the same time.
The block party of 2008 brought out a variety of vendors that handed out snacks, beverages, keepsakes, and toys free of charge to the attendees. I was disappointed when I came home with no swag last year. A colored squirt gun and a Vampire Weekend papered fan from 2008 aren’t necessarily items that I use everyday, but they are reminders of what a great time I had. It also helps to get the word out about other local organizations and their causes.
In a recent post by the Capitol Hill Seattle Blog, they mentioned that store owners who were located near the festival were hurt by it and that they expected to be reimbursed for their loss. They have proposed that the festival be moved to neighboring Cal Anderson Park. As we all know, I LOVE Cal Anderson Park, but it’s a park and it is no place for a music festival. Having the park there is a great retreat from the festival itself and allows attendees to take a break, grab some food, and get away from the chaos for a little bit. Can you imagine 27,000 people at Cal Anderson? It would be destroyed.
Since there was a debate over the logistics of 2011′s Capitol Hill Block Party, a discussion was held with community members this past Wednesday.
While I understand that there are some locals who are unhappy with the festival, I do not think that the issue requires a location change. It is one weekend and it is a weekend in which many people love and enjoy. With every event, there will always be complications and I hope that through these discussions, the coordinators of the festival and business owners will be able to work something out.
*** UPDATE: View what local businesses had to say here.
Twice a week, Seattle locals of all ages will gather at Cal Anderson Park in Capitol Hill for a good ‘ol game of dodge ball. In my opinion, it has always been a huge part of the community because people are coming together for a simple childhood game whether it is through actually playing or being a spectator. I cannot recall how long they have been playing on those tennis courts, but I do know that I’ve made it to at least one game every year and have been doing so since high school. In a way, I like to think that this helps raise the spirit of Capitol Hill by making it one of those neighborhoods where you can shop in the evenings, grab some ice cream or dessert after dinner, and catch a game of dodge ball on your way home.
The tennis courts are great for dodge ball games because the fences create a perfect separation between the players and spectators. No one wants to get hit by a stray ball right? The Seattle Parks Department has been receiving a number of complaints from locals who believe the courts should be used for what they are intended for – as tennis courts. Apparently, the dodge ball games have caused the courts to be unfit for tennis playing because surfaces are no longer flat, nets have been bent, and the lines have been fading.
A public hearing was held last night for locals to weigh in on whether or not the court has room to share or not.
To read more about the issue, click here.
[Jason Puccinelli draws on the future, while Stephen Rock excavates the past. Amy Johnson tells her story based on a folk tale and Justin Lytle envisions his moment as a bird that no longer can fly. Both Casey Curran and Alex Hayden reflect the earth from mirror- like vantage points.]
Beginning August 1, six artists will begin installing their pieces of art and placing them right into the canvas that is Cal Anderson Park. MadArt in the Park is a program being sponsored by the Seattle Parks Department that will turn the park into both a studio and a gallery for about six weeks. Each artist has been asked to design a piece that will represent their own perspective and outlook of the world according to MadArt’s official website.
In the first two weeks that the program is in session, the up-and-coming artists will spend this time constructing their work. The official kick off will be August 12 when the artists reveal their completed pieces and will run until September 12.
I definitely think this will be a hit especially since the park gets so many visitors throughout the summer.
Cal Anderson Park on Capitol Hill will begin hosting their outdoor summer movie series beginning this Friday, July 16. All screenings will be free and run from the 16th- August 27. This summer’s theme is “Blonde, But Not Forgotten” each film every week will showcase a blonde haired leading lady!
For the full schedule, click here
Just in time for summer! I’ve lived near Seattle my entire life, but just recently I have spent two years actually living in the city. Even though I consider myself a local, there is still so much that I don’t know about it. I still get lost in areas that I have been to more than a dozen times. I am still in awe every time I drive across I-5 and I look out over the water into the city. Seattle is considered a major city in our country, but yet it isn’t major to me. It’s not extra special, it’s not extraordinary, it’s just home. It is a city with 26 sub-neighborhoods that no one knows about. It is also the city that is widely known for incessant rain, but is underrated in terms of its well-known music scene. For the record, I hear it rains more in New York, but it just rains off and on here for a longer amount of time.
Here are my favorite places slash things to do in Seattle no matter what season it is rain or shine. I’ve also asked some of my friends for their opinions on places as well. I’ll try to make this as less cliche as possible.
Best Boutique: Sway and Cake
1631 Sixth Av, Downtown
(206) 624-2699, SwayAndCake.com
They have your usual array of designer jeans, but they also offer the latest trends and looks straight from the runway. You can expect high quality clothing at this boutique ranging from accessories to casual wear to the perfect dress for your night out on the town.
Best Happy Hour Food Menu: Wasabi Bistro
2311 2nd Ave Seattle, WA 98121
(206)-441-6044 wasabibistro.net
I have heard that Umi Sake House was better, but Wasabi Bistro will always always be my favorite. They are my ultimate go-to place when I need a sushi fix. Currently, they are closed for remodeling, but I highly recommend this restaurant for anyone who wants to have some of the best sushi in Seattle. (If not the best)
Happy Hour is everyday from 4-6pm and includes a special happy hour food menu where many of their items are half off. I suggest:
Off the happy hour:
and for dessert: the chocolate lava cake or tempura ice cream in green tea or vanilla.
photo credit here
Best View: Kerry Viewpoint
This is the only spot in Seattle where you can look over the entire city and see absolutely everything! It’s beautiful during the day and at night. Located in Queen Anne, Kerry Viewpoint is the perfect setting for tourists, prom groups, and weddings.
Best Park: Cal Anderson Park
1635 11th Ave
Located just three blocks away from my school, this park is my favorite in terms of both distance and location. It is right in the heart of Capitol Hill and a prime spot for the summer during the day and in the evenings. It also definitely has some characteristics that other parks do not have such as the ginormous fountain, the kiddie pool for the little ones [I've decided that people of all ages are readers to this blog] the random DJ with all of his gear spinning beats by the tennis courts and the weekly dodgeball games that occur every Tuesday and Friday at 9PM.
Best Outdoor Museum: SAM Olympic Sculpture Park
2901 Western Avenue, Belltown
When I attended the opening day of the park back in January of 2007, not all of the installations had been completed just yet. I plan on making my second visit to the park this summer. While Cal Anderson is your typical idea of a park, the Olympic Sculpture Park allows you to venture outdoors for your art fix. The Seattle Art Museum is an incredible space, but in this park nothing is confined. You’re in Seattle and along with enjoying the view of the art, you get to take in that fresh air and the rest of the cityscape. This is also a great location for snapping photographs.
Best Gag Gift: The Erotic Bakery. [pun intended]
323 N. 45th St, Wallingford
(206) 545-6969, TheEroticBakery.com
You have no idea how difficult it was to choose a safe for work picture rather than a not safe for work picture. For one of my best friend’s 18th birthday, I decided to buy her a cake that she would never forget. I don’t think I should go into great detail discussing it, but I will tell you that the “Happy 18th Birthday Hannah” frosting was accompanied by a very large member. The Erotic Bakery does cakes, cupcakes, cookies, whatever and they are absolutely shameless. I still remember it like it was yesterday. Before leaving with my friend’s scandalous birthday cake, the sales girl at the counter asked me, “Would you like some extra cum? It’s only a dollar.” Bottle in hand and already in motion, I politely declined.
Best Hidden Finds: Thrift Shopping at: Atlas Clothing, Goodwill, Crossroads Trading Co. Red Light, Value Village.
Buying clothing at regular price is overrated. Buying clothing that has already been worn by someone else and resold again is awesome. Finding some amazing pieces at thrift stores will guarantee you that no one else will be wearing it at the same time as you. Thrifting means you get to mix in the old with the new and allows room for DIY. You don’t have to feel bad about altering your purchases because if you mess up – well you didn’t pay that much for it to begin with.
Most Fun to be Had: Capitol Hill Block Party 2010 – July 23-25
No words can describe how truly amazing this experience will be this year. Two years ago, I attended the festival with my best friends where we watched performances by Girl Talk and Vampire Weekend. We danced our asses off in the smelliest of smelly crowds, but we loved every second. If you’re looking for a great time, buy a one day ticket or a three-day ticket for $60 [that's a steal!] and watch some great performances by musicians including MGMT, Blue Scholars, Holy Fuck, Yeasayer, The Dead Weather, and many more. You do not want to miss this.
Best Dance Partner: Scarf Man
You will find him at every notable Seattle event. If he is not at a Seattle event, you are clearly wasting your time at a place you should not be at. If he is there, attempt to introduce yourself to him. I say attempt because my friends and I have decided that we have no idea where he has come from. He doesn’t understand what we’re saying and we do not understand him, but we both understand scarves. Just go with it.
Best Random: The Gum Wall on Post Alley
I just found out today that we aren’t the only city that has one. Bummer. Before you question why I have this on my list, I’d like to remind those of you that have seen this that not everyone has been to this special area. Believe it or not…it’s not widely known by everyone, but it is very cool! Admire up close, admire from afar, make disgusting faces, or participate.
Best Snacks: Molly Moon’s Ice Cream, Dicks Burgers, Cupcake Royale, Street Meat, Old Frozen Custard
You will never go hungry in Seattle. Never. *I should retract that statement…
Best Seattle Festival: Seattle Pride – June 27
This was a tough call especially because I adore Bumbershoot, Folk Life, and the Bite of Seattle, but hands down Seattle Pride. Everything is over the top and extravagant, but I guarantee that you will have an incredible time. The fashion is like you have never seen it before. The dancing. The music. The happiness. You can’t help, but smile at everything surrounding you.
I think we had better close this out with twelve different categories. I asked my friends to share some of their favorites as well so here are some of them below:
To shop:
To eat:
To hang out:
Coffee fix other than Starbucks:
While Seattle is a wonderful city, take the time to get to know all of it. Seattle is divided into a number of neighborhoods and each neighborhood has something different to offer. My favorite places are Fremont, Queen Anne, the University District, the International District, and of course my home, Capitol Hill. There are plenty of things that I have left out of this post because they were overly touristy or things that just slipped my mind, but feel free to do your own research as well. There is always something new to discover about Seattle and there are always things that people will enjoy more than others so don’t just take my word for it.
“Seattle Parks and Recreation is acquiring a 12,000 square foot property on Capitol Hill—at Federal Avenue East and E Republican Street—to be used as a park.”
The deal should be sealed by the end of the month. My park of choice has and always will be the lovely Cal Anderson Park, but I’m sure I would walk just a few more blocks to check out the new one when it is finished.
Nothing beats Cal Anderson…
Today, happened to be one of those days where I realized how much I loved living in Seattle. It was a gorgeous day despite my own rain cloud over my head because I missed the Outnet.com’s $1 sale on designer items at 3:46 AM, but other than that… solid. My evening was spent with my dear friend Megan as we ventured over to Broadway to Pho Than Brothers, through Cal Anderson Park stopping at Molly Moon’s Ice Cream and then hitting up the new Elliott Bay Book Co. The book store is amazing. The grand opening was yesterday and even though I missed it by a day – it really didn’t change much because the fresh smell of the wood was still looming inside. It was somewhat crowded, which is understandable for only being a day old. I never imagined what it would be like to have a bookstore in Capitol Hill nor did I realize how close it would be to my school. My only wish is that there were more tables and chairs because it would be a prime study spot. If you get a chance to stop into the store, take it!
1521 10th Ave Seattle WA 98122
On Michael Jackson’s birthday, fans all over the Seattle area gathered at 10 AM this morning at Cal Anderson Park to learn a choreographed dance to Michael Jackson’s “Beat It.” If you weren’t there, you weren’t officially a part of the flashmob and wouldn’t be able to join in on the dance festivities which occured at 1:10 PM, 2:05 PM and 3 PM at Occidental Park, Pike Place Market and Kerry Park respectively.
I love you Seattle!
