I love art and I love the Seattle Art Museum! I love most of its permanent exhibits---especially…read moreits African arts collection, PNW tribal art and the Porcelain Room. But I enjoy the temporary exhibitions they install. I've been going to the SAM for more than 20 years. I can't afford to be a member or pay the regular admission, so I'm excited to go on Free First Thursdays. It's such a wonderful opportunity and program to those who can't afford to view art, but appreciate it.

First Thursday means free entrance to this lovely Seattle Art Museum…read more Amazing display of art, Pacific Northwest art and culture. Lots to see. Love seeing this place. Today we witnessed a traveling art by Calder and Tara Donovan.

I peeked into Fireworks Gallery minutes after deplaning in Seattle. Not because I'm an idiot who…read moreshops for souvenirs on the first day of a trip, but because I'm an idiot who forgot to put shoes on her two-year-old before leaving for the airport back home. I kind of thought you could buy most essentials at the airport, but it turns out children's shoes are not a typical travel need, at least when they aren't being worn by traveling children. Fireworks did carry children's slippers, which caught my eye as I passed, as well as a nice assortment of unique, crafty toys and gifts. Unfortunately, my five-year-old followed me into the store and zeroed in on a tiny, colorful finger puppet in the shape of a parrot. He asked me to buy it for him, and I declined, telling him we weren't getting a souvenir before we even left the airport. He was upset by this to the point of tears, but I managed to get us out of there. We had a wonderful time in Seattle, and to his credit, the five-year-old behaved well the whole trip (and the two-year-old got new shoes). When I saw Fireworks Gallery again by our departure gate, I decided at the last possible second to stop in and get him the parrot. It was one of several Folkmanis finger puppets in a wire basket. I picked it up along with a bunny rabbit and went to check out. There was a short line at the register--I guess this shop gets decent traffic--and by the time I was up, my husband was calling to tell me we were boarding. This is how I paid $36.36 for two finger puppets that cost $10 apiece online. Fireworks got me good, but my boys do love their little puppets, which are soft and cute and well made. The wares here are definitely nicer and less generic than at your average airport store. It might cost you, though, if you wander in there with your kids.

I mean EVERYTHING but the kitchen sink is in this joint!…read more Expensive jewelry, stationary, candy, books for the kiddo's, charcuterie boards in the shape of Washington, knick-knacks just perfect for souvenirs to bring home and to carry on board. Service was a plenty here and I was there after 9:30pm on a Wednesday evening. Respectfully Reviewed

This is a great place for all your Mount St. Helen Goodies. My friend and I stopped twice bc we…read moredecided we needed something else. The Women that owns the shop was very nice and helpful, telling us best Restaurants, how to get to the Mountain and just overall knowledge of the Mountain itself. Good Prices on merchandise. I highly recommend stopping here on your way to a Magic Adventure.

The Mount St. Helens Gift Shop sits in Castle Rock on the road to its namesake mountain about a…read morehalf mile off I-5. Plenty of parking. The gift shop, as expected, is well stocked with items concerning Mount St. Helens and the events of 1980. Lots of memorabilia scientific and colloquiel. More unexpectedly, the Mount St. Helens Gift Shop also seems devoted to all things Big Foot. They stock a larger selection of t-shirts, hoodies etc displaying Sasquatch than I've ever seen before. There is also a large (8'!)stuffed doll who is available for photos....unlike his corporeal cousins! There is also a smatering of other local items. We bought a jug of marionberry jam that comes with a top to make it a salt or pepper shaker when you finish off the jam.

So much to see here! All of the staff we spoke to were so friendly and gave great customer service…read more- a true rarity these days. We most recently visited so my kiddo could check out the Dino exhibit. Online/on the website they had mentioned fossil digs so my kid was really looking forward to that. When we went through all 4 levels of the museum though, there was no fossil dig to be found. After asking staff , they mentioned it's only once or twice a year. A bit of a bummer since that's the main thing my kid wanted to do! Just 1 star off for that. The husky scavenger hunt kind of made up for it! If you're coming with a kid they'll offer the scavenger hunt & I'd highly recommend it to make the visit more interesting for the little ones! All in all I definitely recommend checking out the Burke Museum & also stop by Off the Rez (connected cafe) while you visit!

The natural history sections aren't the biggest, but the Burke uses the space well and has good…read moredensity. It's small but they manage to pack in some surprisingly big Dinos and Mammals. To me, where this museum really shines, is the Native exhibits offering both past and present history on rotation and access to working scientists. I always learn a lot when I go. When the wet lab is active may be my favorite part. Watching animal skeletons prepped. Might be a little gross for some people so check the schedule if you are squeamish. Another note for Parents is that there is a small play area on the top floor. Perfect for rainy days with the little ones. The surrounding University grounds are great to let them run around as well. There is a Starbucks at the Suzzallo Library and bathrooms too if you left the Burke and have a kid who needs to go even after they were prompted a million times before you exited the Burke! There are also tons of food options and a couple small grocery stores nearby. Which is great if you/your group have dietary needs. The light rail station is very close by and many buses drop off / pick up right across the street. Public transit to this location is quite good and I recommend it, especially since youth 18 and under are free to ride.

Not bad, but quite small. If you've been to the Seattle Museum, you might be disappointed…read more There is designated parking, so don't get towed. The staff is nice. Overall, it's not bad, but it's not great.

I was able to visit this museum for free on the third Thursday of the month. There was also a…read moreworkshop studio and I created a nice journal cover. It was a great experience. Please come and create your own adventure.

I visited here several years ago, and I would say it was the highlight of my trip to San Juan…read moreIsland. It was such a wonderful place to visit - a delight for all the senses. You really must sample the lavender treats! The ice cream was surprising and delicious, as were the lemonade and shortbread cookies. Double check the blooming season schedule, and watch out for our friends, the bees! While you're visiting here, make your way around the island. So many fun and interesting discoveries! If you're visiting the Seattle area, the island and this wonderful place are worth the day (or overnight or weekend) trip via the ferry! You'll enjoy the visit and create some great memories -- and get some great souvenirs for dear ones (and yourself!).

Go for the photo opp and the heavenly scent and stay for the snacks…read more The farm came highly suggested on a few travel blogs and I can't resist a stunning photo opp. The farm is really easy to find and is listed on Apple Maps. The moment you get out of the car your nose is tickled with the delicate and subtle lavender scent floating through the air. It's pure heaven. You can either pick your own or cruise around the farm. We loved seeing all the happy, fuzzy, fat bees pollinating and living their best bee lives. Not to worry bumble bees don't sting and left us alone completely. After getting some instagram-able photos we popped into the shop. If the budget had allowed I would have purchased one of everything. We ended up with dog treats and linen spray. The candles and the berry compote are next on my list. The back patio is not to be missed. They have stunning lavender plants in many sizes for purchase as well as fresh made snacks. We tried the lemon lavender sorbet and the lavender lemonade. Both were amazing and not overwhelmingly floral. It was a warm day and these were refreshing ....... And devoured. Basically don't miss this little gem on your next trip to San Juan Island

One of my favorite shops in downtown Arlington. The best place to buy chalk paint! Kim, the owner,…read more is super knowledgeable and very helpful!! I have recommended this place to so many people and will continue to!!!

Kim is such a sweet heart! Came in to find chalk paint, found that and then some!! Will be back…read moremany many times!!

Great option for a free museum in Seattle! It's a bit smaller but still full of great art work…read more There is also a store/gift shop & cafe in site!

I haven't been here in years and was pleasantly surprised! The exhibits were unique and…read moreinteresting to look at. It was free to get it, too! The store had random items in it that didn't really seem to match with anything that was exhibited, but my teen son was excited to find a little mini crow puppet there. All in all, it is a great museum right in the middle of town to check out every once in a while.