Archive for the ‘Local Gems’ Category

LOCAL GEM: SEATTLE PINBALL MUSEUM

Thursday, January 18th, 2018

Last summer we found the Seattle Pinball Museum in the International District.  It is a working collection of vintage pinball machines.  The oldest dating back to the 1930’s.  The greatest part of this museum???  You can play each and every machine!  It was super chill afternoon activity!  Although we went in the summer, winter is the perfect time to go with kids. ( Please note: you must be 7 or older to play the games.)  I also think it would be a great start to a night out with friends or a cool spot for a corporate event.  To add to the fun vibe, they sell vintage sodas, snacks, beer & cider.  You pay an admission entry and play for as long as your heart desires!

Just a few extra pictures from our fun afternoon.  My little retro-gamer gave it two thumbs up.  He, of course, would have loved a few more old school arcade games (they have a few), but he made the best of it.

 

 

LOCAL GEMS: 100 POUND CLAM AND MOSS BAY

Wednesday, June 14th, 2017

100 pound clam | Where is June?

Suffering through a Seattle winter is payed in spades come summer!  Last week {when if felt like summer} a friend and I had the most enjoyable afternoon!  I thought I would share it- so you could add it to your summer TO-DO-List and maybe discover Local Gems.  Great for couples, girlfriends or your whole family.

We started by renting a kayak from Moss Bay. They also rent paddle boards and sailboats, but we chose a double kayak so we could paddle and chat!  The day was perfect and it was so nice to be on the water.  You paddle by floating homes, Gasworks Park, and enormous yachts.  With Seattle’s skyline as the backdrop it doesn’t get much better!

moss bay

After our paddle, we treated ourselves to lunch at 100 Pound Clam.  {It is literally 3 steps away from Moss Bay!}  With the best spot on Lake Union and float planes landing in the back ground, it’s THE place for a summer lunch.  I highly recommend the dill fries, the fried corn, and the Fishwich BLT- but honestly it’s all delicious!  On a warm NW day, the picnic tables and a crisp Rose will be waiting for you.

food |Where is June?

 

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YVES SAINT LAURENT: THE PERFECTION OF STYLE

Thursday, January 19th, 2017

YSL TRIO| WHERE IS JUNE?

{That black jump suit.  I mean…}

Before it closed, I was able to see the Yves Saint Laurent exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum.  I wish I had gone earlier during its run because I would have loved to have gone back!  Either way, it literally took my breath away.  Admittedly, I think of fashion art, so this exhibit spoke to me.  Yves Saint Laurent was a true artist.  From his sketches, to the dresses, to the way he incorporated modern art and mood into his collections-it was obvious he was a genius and his medium just happened to be clothing.  His genius is timeless.  Many of gowns could be worn on the red carpet today and the celebrity would land herself on the the best dressed list.  Quality and details matter.  In the age of fast fashion- fit, craftsmanship, and detailing is often overlooked.  He painstakingly chose fabrics and added details that make his work inspiring.

Here a few of my favorite snap shots from the exhibit {all taken on my iPhone}:

YSL sketch 1

sketch 2

YSL sketch 3

There were hundreds of his sketches from collections spanning decades.  He sketched each gown or ensemble and added fabric swatches for each creation.

Boho

Any one of these pieces could be worn today!  The prints, draping and details feel so modern.

bow

The 1980’s, in all its absolute grandeur!  That bow.

modern suiting

Modern suiting at its finest.  I’d love to see an actress rock that modern tuxedo at a movie premier!  The cuffs and collar {heart eyes!}

showstopper

The showstopper.  She stood alone.  In a room of Andy Warhol paintings.  Simple, but so edgy!

I’m eager to watch this film about Yves Saint Laurent.  Like any artistic genius, he was tormented much of his life.  After seeing his work, I am so curious to know more about him.

 

FIELD TRIP FRIDAY: SEATTLE BOULDERING PROJECT

Friday, August 21st, 2015

seattle bouldering project | Where is June?

With the boys still home with me for summer, our field trips need to meet two requirements.  The trip needs to be kid friendly {obviously} and active.  This week we took a trip to the Seattle Bouldering Project {SBP}.  My boys love to climb at this gym.   Since most playgrounds these days have a bouldering wall, they are extremely comfortable with the hand and foot holds.  I appreciate the welcoming feel of SBP.  There are some serious climbers and they are always so upbeat and kind to the boys.  A couple of months ago, I went with a friend to climb and actually really enjoyed it.  She showed me the ropes and I wasn’t so intimidated.  Plus, it is a fantastic workout.  This last trip we all climbed together.

While climbing with the boys this time, I realized all the amazing life lessons they are learning while climbing.  In just a short amount of time I saw problem solving, team work, perseverance, resiliency, camaraderie, and patience.  The boys watch the more skilled climbers if they are have difficulty with a climb.  They observe a strategy and then put it into action.  Quite amazing really!  While not a reason for the field trip, it sure is a huge plus!

The hours make it easy to pop in any time during they day.  You literally need nothing.  They rent shoes and you can borrow chalk.  Just remember to wear clothes that allow you to move and climb.

seattle bouldering project climb| Where is June?

{Just look at the face!  Pure determination.  Gotta love that.}

 

FIELD TRIP FRIDAY: ARTISTS AT PLAY

Friday, August 14th, 2015

artists at play |Where is June?

The boys and I took an excellent field trip to Artist at Play in Seattle Center.  Nestled behind the Experience Music Project, it is an enormous playground fitted with ropes, slides, towers, slides and ladders.  Any kid that loves to climb will totally dig it!  There is a small section for small children, but it is definitely geared for older kids.  Younger kids will need some assistance navigating the ropes.  My kids disappeared in 2 seconds flat, so if that makes you anxious you might visit once September arrives and the crowds of tourists diminish.  I suggest having your kids wear shoes and socks, not sandals or flip flops.  This will allow them to climb easily, plus the turf under the structure was extremely hot.

Add a little bit more fun by riding the Monorail and grabbing a bite to eat at the Armory.

ropes course

little man at play

big w at play

swinging at play

 

SUMMER FUN: RUSTY PUTTER @ THE GOLF CLUB AT NEWCASTLE

Monday, June 22nd, 2015

Rusty Putter @ Newcastle | Where is June

Summer in Seattle is the best 3+ months of the year.  This summer is already shaping up to be sunny, hot, and awesome.  With active boys and beautiful weather, it is essential to be outside and keep them busy.  Searching out fun is a difficult job, but someone has to do it!  How about 18 holes of mini golf?  Real greens, sand traps, and scorecards.

The Rusty Putter at The Golf Club at Newcastle is an amazing destination for a little fun.  In about an hour, you can golf all 18 holes.  The views of Seattle, Lake Washington, and Bellevue are breathtaking.  Grab a drink at the grill after your round and call it a day.

On a side note, Newcastle is also a perfect spot for date night.  Grab a drink from the bar, head out to the putting green, and unwind on a warm summer’s night.

I will be featuring fun summer ideas over the next couple of months.  If you have a great idea, leave a comment below or send them to me at denise@whereisjune.com.

PS.  Keeping summer minds active!

*This post is not sponsored, just inspired.

 

ALL THINGS SEATTLE VOL. 2

Friday, October 24th, 2014

ALL THINGS SEATTLE V.2

AND it’s Friday!  Perfect time to plan a little something fun-whether it’s a new place to eat or a whole weekend away!  I hope that I can inspire you to go out and enjoy this glorious city of ours!  xoxo-d

STAY:

While I am sure it is fantastic at TreeHouse Point in the summer, I am drawn to want to stay there in the blustery months.  This tree house bed and breakfast in Fall City is the stuff big kids’ dreams are made of…..

EAT:

Trove , owned by Rachael Yang, on Capitol Hill is 4 shops in one.  Parfait, Noodles, BBQ and a Bar.  Eager to try this spot!  If it is anything like her other restaurants {Revel & Joule} I know I will love it!

SEE:

The latest exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum, Pop Departures, makes my heart beat faster!

READ:

Everyone is taking about The Boys in the Boat.  It’s the story of the University of Washington’s 1936 eight-oar crew and their epic quest for an Olympic gold medal.  Go DAWGS!

SHOP:

Paper Hammer has a store front in downtown Seattle, but it’s heart is in Tieton, WA.  Read about Ed Marquand and his unique paper goods shop.

DO:

Most tourist will hit the Space Needle, but the Smith Tower is another spot to take in the gorgeous sights of our magical city {at a fraction of the cost}!  It just celebrated its 100th birthday.  The observation deck is open most days form 10am-5pm.

I {heart} Seattle.

More ideas:  All THINGS SEATTLE V.1

 

LITTLE UNCLE

Friday, October 17th, 2014

little uncle Seattle

Last week I had jury duty for two days in downtown Seattle. Following the judges’ instruction I did now tweet, post or comment on social media about my days of service.  {Such a rule follower!}  One perk of jury duty is the hour and half lunch breaks.  On day 2 I ventured with a few of my fellow jurors to Pioneer Square for a bite to eat!  Lucky for us, we found Little Uncle.

I instantly fell in love with the space the moment I walked down the stairs.  The space was casually cool and very comfortable.  Tons of exposed brick, a library, and a sofa and coffee table.  For those of you who may have partied in Pioneer Square {years and years ago} it occupies the space that was once Marcus’ Martini Bar.  Only open for lunch, the menu is small but mighty!  I ordered the Phad Thai.  The portion size was perfect for lunch and came with individual packets of red chili flakes, sugar, and peanuts.  You could make your dish as spicy or as sweet as you liked!  The show stopper was the house made Hibiscus Lime Soda!  Seriously, amazing.

Little Uncle is certainly worth a trip at lunch time.  For those of you traveling to Seattle, it would be the perfect spot for lunch before or after the Underground Tour!

little uncle seattle

And a quick shot in the Halls of Justice.  The floors were spectacular.

halls of justice

Have a great weekend!  xoxo denise

 

SCENES FROM OUR WEEK

Monday, July 14th, 2014

scenes from our week

Wow!  Our week was non-stop!  When the weather is beautiful, you just can’t help but get up with sun and wait for the stars.  A few nights we didn’t leave the lake until well after 9pm.  The benefits of lots of light and warm evenings are hard to measure.

A few scenes from our week:

1.  We joined a kayak gang!  My boys used their own money and purchased kayaks on Monday. {We were lucky and found them on sale at Sports Authority.} They paddled everyday.  We work as a team to get them to and fro, but they are quite light and fit perfectly in the back of my car.

2.  Chilled Rose is quite possible the perfect summer wine.  I am sipping it every night.  Miradou is a good wine a great price!

3.  Summer.  Friends.  That’s all.

4.  We discovered saki slushies at Tom Douglass’ Tanaka San.  Hmmm, grown up slurpees?  Yes, please.

Have a great week.

 

THE HERBFARM

Tuesday, April 15th, 2014

the herb farm

On Sunday evening, Aaron and I had the chance to dine at The Herbfarm.  Located a short drive northeast of Seattle, it is quite the experience.  It was a gorgeous day and we were able to tour the herb gardens before dinner under blue skies.  The tour, given by one of the owners, was quite educational.  Did you know that tulip petals are edible?  Me either.  They taste a bit like spinach.

Seating was at 4:30 and so began our 9-course meal!  The theme for the evening was A Walk in the Woods-An Exploration of Foods and Flavors from the Early Spring Woods.  The chef and Sommelier gave us a detailed description of each course and its wine pairing.

Herbfarm Menu

I consider myself pretty adventurous with food, especially if I don’t have to cook it.  The beauty of The Herbfarm is that you make no decisions, so the adventure just comes to you!  The menu is set and the wine is chosen.  You just have to sit back and enjoy!  My favorites were the first two courses and the last (although the cod and a mini-grilled cheese were amazing as well!).  A deep-fried farm, fresh egg?  Uh, yes please!  Every dish was beautifully presented.   The variety of service ware was unbelievable.  Each dish or plate perfectly complimented the course being served.  {It’s all in the details.}  The meal lasts about 4 hours, so I took a half-time break and went out to feed The Herbfarm pigs.  It felt great to stretch my legs, walk a bit and catch the last moments of sunlight.

I wanted to take pictures of all the courses, but I got distracted.  And let’s be honest, iPhone photos of food in a dimly lit room are not always appetizing.  I had to include my snapshot of our last course {Roots and Twigs}, french pressed coffee, and the last glass of wine.  The color is off, but you get the idea.

dessert

Looking for a splurge?  Celebrating in a big way?  I am telling you, The Herbfarm is the place.  Or if you want to go on a random Sunday night for no reason at all…..that’s good too!

 

Where is June?

 

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