Travel & Outdoors | Seattle Times Newspaper

Tuesday, August 18, 2009 - Page updated at 01:51 p.m.

SUMMER GUIDE

We've got things to do, places to see and great ideas for getaways.

ELLEN M. BANNER / THE SEATTLE TIMES

Kicking back on Alki, with the Seattle skyline as a backdrop.

Kick off your shoes and enjoy the sunshine

The good news is this: Summer is here.

After a long winter with more than its share of chills, there's plenty to look forward to in the promise of barefoot walks on warm beaches, log-hopping on driftwood, picnics in alpine meadows or power-eating at your favorite festival.

Let us lead you to the hot spots.

• Things to do: Best bets to help you set priorities, plus a full calendar of events for each month.

• Places to go: A comprehensive guide to everyday attractions all over Puget Sound. Out of ideas? Not anymore.

• Cheap trips: Banish the word "staycation" — get out and go. Our "1-day Getaways" combine a popular festival with a full day of roadside attractions, scenic walks and more. Included: where to chow down when you're running on empty. Two of our favorites: '59er Diner on the way to Leavenworth, and Fat Smitty's on the road to Sequim.

Mmmm, good eating. But let's not leave it at that. Got your own favorite stop for road food in the great Northwest? Add it to the mix, and come back soon to see tips from other readers.

To paraphrase someone you might have seen at the movies in recent days: Eat well and prosper. And have a good summer. — Brian J. Cantwell, Summer Guide editor

Let us hear from you

Road food

Where do you chow down when you're running on empty? Tell us about your favorites.

Add yours now!

Northwest travel Q&A

Looking for a fun destination close to home? Our travel staff answered your questions and offered tips in an online chat.

Read the Q&A.

Best Bets for summer weekends

Our weekend-by-weekend A-list

July events

August events

Seafair hydro races - July 31- Aug. 2

Morton Logger's Jubilee - Aug. 8-9

BrasilFest - Aug. 16

Ride Around Puget Sound - Aug. 22-23

Evergreen State Fair - Aug. 27-Sept. 7

September events

Bumbershoot - Sept. 5-7

Puyallup Fair - Sept.11-27

Fremont Oktoberfest - Sept. 18-20

Places to see

Comprehensive guides on where to go and what to do all over Puget Sound:

Seattle attractions

Eastside attractions

North Sound attractions

South Sound attractions

Cheap trips

Our "1-day Getaways" combine a popular festival with a full day of roadside attractions, scenic walks and more. Included: where to chow down when you're running on empty. Got your own favorite stop for road food in the great Northwest? Tell us about it

Port Townsend Acoustic Blues Festival, July 26-Aug. 1

Workshops for musicians at Centrum arts center at Fort Worden State Park. Public performances on Friday, July 31, and Saturday, Aug. 1, at venues in the park and in town.