Stepping into the Seattle Glassblowing Studio, I am immersed in the colors of coastal tide pools. Sunshine filters from studio lights on a sea of red, orange and yellow wall plates. In a centerpiece by the window, green glass spears lick upward and a deep blue fish swims wetly through its tendrils. Amorphic vases, their rims undulating, open to the air in liquid grace.
Picture vibrant Chihuly glass sculptures set amid lush green plants at Tacoma’s Wright Park Conservatory. Imagine half a million sparkling lights coating every structure of the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. Inhale the aromas of hot apple cider and ginger cakes at Fort Nisqually. Listen for the cheerful toot of a Santa Train whistle at Camp 6 Logging Museum. Only 30 minutes away, the Tacoma area offers some terrific, fun, affordable day trips this holiday season.
When traveling off-Island to the east, we drive over it. Kayakers and canoers float through it, and hikers and joggers explore its trails. Students, teachers and parents of our elementary schools make field trips there every year. Thousands of migratory birds cross Mercer Island skies on the Pacific Flyway on their way to and from — you guessed it — the 320-acre Mercer Slough. And last Saturday, Oct. 11, the vital wetland ecosystem of the Mercer Slough got another boost, with the grand opening of the expanded Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center.
From my home turf on Mercer Island, I’m always hunting for outdoor places that are easy to access but remote in look and feel. The Bellevue Botanical Garden offers just that — a feast of nature, well-groomed, meandering trails and intriguing tidbits of local history. The Garden shows off well in any season, but late spring is an ideal time, just as the rhododendrons and azaleas come into full bloom and the trees sprout their new green leaves.
This summer, don’t miss Bicycle Saturdays and Sundays just off Mercer Island in Seattle, a time when Lake Washington Boulevard is car-free between Mt. Baker Beach and Seward Park. On June 14 and 29, July 12 and 20, Aug. 9 and 17, and Sept. 13 and 21 (the two May dates have already passed), between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., grab your bicycle and head over to the Group Health Cooperative and Cascade Bicycle Club-sponsored ride.
For a refreshing swim in Lake Washington, an especially pleasant beach is at Chism Park in Bellevue, just three miles from Mercer Island. Sloping green lawns, a sandy beach and swimming area with a sturdy raft make this a great summer outing.
