Monday, July 6, 2009 - Page updated at 01:35 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

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

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

Seafair Pirates Landing - July 11
Green Lake Milk Carton Derby - July 11
Bite of Seattle - July 18-19
Seafair Torchlight Parade - July 25
Bellevue Arts Museum ArtsFair - July 24-26
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
Bumbershoot - Sept. 5-7
Puyallup Fair - Sept.11-27
Fremont Oktoberfest - Sept. 18-20
Comprehensive guides on where to go and what to do all over Puget Sound:
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

Sequim Lavendar Festival, July 17-19
Festival with seven lavender farms open for picking, with products for sale. Street fair with food, art and music.

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.

Anacortes Arts Festival, Aug. 7-9
Street fair featuring 250 artisan booths, fine-art displays, international foods and art activities for youths.

Port Gamble Maritime Festival, Aug. 15
Free festival featuring sea chanteys and stories of the sea.

Ellensburg Rodeo, Sept. 4-7
One of America's Top 25 professional rodeos, with more than 500 contestants and $250,000 in prize money.
Outdoor-theater season kicks off at Volunteer Park
Land of the Free: Our list of no-cost summer entertainments
Summer music calendar is full and ripe
"Mamma Mia!" Here we go again with outdoor movies
Seattle to take party to streets in car-free events
Victoria has British Museum "Treasures"
Ste. Michelle's concert lineup: Elvis Costello, Bonnie Raitt, John Legend
ZooTunes 2009: Indigo Girls, Emmylou Harris, Cowboy Junkies, more
Plenty of places to make a splash at Puget Sound-area beaches and pools
Explore the wonderful world of low tide
Trails and paths for summer walking, biking

shopping

events for Thursday, Jul. 9th
- South Lake Union Farmers Market
- REI Summer Sale and Clearance
- Alhambra July Sale
- Girls Night Out at Magnolia Village
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62
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