My 2019 Seattle Summer Bucket List

In the years we’ve been together, my husband, Christian, and I have developed a bad habit.

We travel during the summer.

Elsewhere, summer travel is normal. For Seattleites, summer travel is near sacrilege. Summer is the only time of year Seattle is truly sunny. And yet, though we’re both hot-weather people, Christian and I have jumped ship when the sun shines and the temperatures are high. Then, come winter, we’re left shivering in our sweaters, devoid of Vitamin D, while other Seattleites flock to the sun of Hawaii, California, or Mexico. All of this to say, we never really see Seattle at her best.

This year, we’ve wisened up. We’re sticking around this summer, and I’m determined to make the best of it. I started by making a list - a bucket list, of all of the quintessential Seattle-summer activities that I’ve missed for years or just haven’t experienced at all.

The list is rather long. (Thirty-five items, long.) I know that it’s unlikely that I’ll finish all 35, but I figure I’ll do my best, and perhaps the list will inspire you, too. While some of the places are Seattle-specific, the activities are pretty universal.

Let’s get to it!

Learn to kayak

I’m not the best swimmer, but I like being near the water. Kayaking seems like something I could handle.

2. Peruse the Fremont Street Market

It’s been years since I’ve visited this market full of crafts and antiques, and I love crafts and antiques.

3. Visit Portland

Last summer, I was taken to Portland for my bachelorette party. It was the very best. Ever since, I’ve been daydreaming about going back.

4. Make our backyard and patio pleasant (and Presentable!)

We have a patio outside of our bedroom that has been entirely neglected since we’ve moved in. I’d love to make it comfy for sunny summer mornings.

5. Plant something pretty and keep it alive

Christian and I are not natural gardeners, but I’d like to sustain some small amount of plant life.

Geneva and I, last summer, at a street fair in Portland.

6. eat nachos and drink margaritas

7. See the Victorian Radicals Exhibit at SAM

I haven’t been to the Seattle Art Museum since a rather unfortunate date many, many years ago. That time of my life is now, thankfully, far behind me. I’m ready to go back!

8. Tie-dye something

Tie-dye is all the rage right now. If an 8-year-old can handle tie-dye maybe I can, too?

9. Learn to play the ukelele

10. Experiment with more High-Low Outfits

Building High-Low outfits was my very favorite fashion experiment from last summer.

One of my favorite looks from last summer’s High-Low experiment.

11. Bike around Lake Union

12. Visit the newly-remodeled Space Needle

I haven’t been to the Space Needle since I was 8. Perhaps it’s time to revisit.

13. Bask in the morning sun with a book and cup of coffee

14. Go dancing

Right after college, my friends and I would regularly attend Soul Night at the bar, Havana, on Capitol Hill. I miss it!

15. Drink a fancy cocktail on a rooftop bar

Christian (on his birthday!) on the rooftop of M Bar

Enjoying the Eastern Washington sun and my favorite mug at my parent’s house

16.Tour Theo Chocolate

Added bonus: the factory is right next to some of my favorite public art - two giant topiaries shaped like dinosaurs.

17. Visit every Seattle park

This is a lofty goal, I know. I may need to stretch it into the fall, as well.

(What are your favorite Seattle parks? I’d love to visit the parks you love. Some of my favs are Seward Park, Bradford Gardens, and Kubota Gardens.)

18. Pack a picnic Lunch

Preferably to be enjoyed at a new park!

19. Find Shorts I don’t Hate

Likely impossible.

20. Test Out a new form of exercise

I’ve heard great things about Barre3. Do you have any recommendations for me?

21. Learn to nap

I have never been able to nap, but apparently it’s quite nice.

22. Make homemade pizza

Christian and I took a pizza class last summer, and it’s about time we put our knowledge to good use!

23. Visit a new place in Washington

24. Spend a morning at La Marzocco, the KEXP cafe

25. Blend up a pitcher of Piña Coladas

Are you watching Bon Appetit videos, yet? They are, unequivocally, the best.

26. Go Wine Tasting

My mom tells me there’s a lovely winery near their property in Eastern Washington!

27. Visit a lighthouse

28. Cheer for the Sounders

29. Eat brunch outdoors

Where are your favorite brunch spots with patios?

30. Have dinner at the Farmer’s Market

31. Build (or just attend) a bonfire at Golden Gardens or Alki Beach

This is on many a “What to do in Seattle” lists, and I’ve never done it.

32. Go hiking (more than once!)

Christian likes hiking. I do, sometimes…

33. Finally try Frankie and Jo’s ICE CREAM

I learned from my recent elimination diet that I’m intolerant of both soy and hefty amounts of lactose (GAH, WHY!?), so I’m particularly excited about apparently-delicious, plant-based, soy-free ice cream.

34. Walk all of the Sodo Trail

The Sodo trail is two miles straight of giant murals. Here’s a Seattle Times article about its conception.

35. Beat My Parents (or at least one parent) at cornhole

My parents are ridiculously good at corn hole. If corn hole were an Olympic sport, they would likely represent the US. If I have their genes, it seems plausible that I could beat them at their own game, right? :)