Best bets for the weekend

Let's put it to a vote: Everybody who's already tired of November being cold and wet, raise your hand. (What, you're tired of the whole concept of voting? Don't worry, we don't plan any slimy attack ads against the local TV weather guys.) (Hmmm, actually we hadn't thought of that... ) Anyway — if you need a place to cozy up and get away from the world, read our story about San Juan Island's Roche Harbor Resort. Head up there this time of year and you might just about have the island to yourself. Pinching pennies? Here are some ideas for a weekend around town:

For details on all these events, search our events calendar.

Free is a very good price: And that's what you'll pay today at a bunch of the best museums around Puget Sound. It's First Thursday, and besides the monthly art walk (preview on Page 9), you'll find free admission all day to Seattle Art Museum, Northwest African American Museum, Burke Museum, Museum of History & Industry, Wing Luke Asian Museum and Seattle Asian Art Museum, plus free entry this evening to Experience Music Project, Science Fiction Museum and the Museum of Flight. Friday, get in free to Bellevue Arts Museum.

Buyer's market: On the other hand, if you somehow have a bit of cash stashed, do the patriotic thing (according to our president) and go shopping. You'll definitely find a buyer's market at this weekend's Seattle International Auto Show. In recent weeks, car dealers have been some of the loneliest guys in town. Take your checkbook and make some friends.

The ethnic Eastside: Enjoy the music and dance of multiple cultures this weekend at the Cultural Crossroads festival at Crossroads shopping center in Bellevue.

Dream up a dream trip: Head for Edmonds and the Rick Steves Travel Festival, an annual confab with Puget Sound's own guru of go-lightly getaways.

Go holiday shopping: At least Halloween is past. Inside, we list no fewer than 18 holiday bazaars, craft sales and such, from Skagit County to Kent, from Sammamish to Bainbridge Island.

Or skip straight to New Years: Celebrate Hmong New Year this weekend at Seattle Center.