Ferry to Bainbridge Island

Looking to get out of the city for a day? Day trips can be expensive, and take a lot of gas and money. Don't worry! There are lots of options close to Seattle that don't take a lot of travel, so you can waste less time while spending less money. Bainbridge Island, a 35 minute ferry ride from Seattle is a great location for a day away over the weekend with your sweetheart. This date is perfect for those wanting an afternoon spent exploring the island's beautiful scenery and enjoying the great cafes and boutiques. To keep the spending down, we recommend leaving the car behind and going on foot, as many of the main attractions are easily reached and within walking distance. Car fares can range between $15 - $20, an extra cost that can easily be avoided. If you do feel like exploring a little more, bikes are free to take on the ferry, and can be a great way to be active and enjoy having a little more mobility to explore the island's back roads and great views. If needed, bikes can also be rented right off the dock at Classic Cycles Bike Barn.

The ferry ride itself is worth the trip to the island. Out on the water the scenery is breathtaking, with a view of the islands, Olympic Mountains, and the Seattle skyline. The cost for a round trip fare is $6.90 per adult, and there are boats going back and forth between Seattle and Bainbridge frequently (fares, as well as full ferry schedules can be viewed online at www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries). Once on the island, the town of Winslow is only a short walk up from the ferry dock. There you will find charming shops, and trendy cafes and restaurants. Another island gem is the Bloedel Reserve, a historic landmark featuring an expansive spread of gardens and natural woodlands for exploring and enjoying a vibrant, yet tranquil setting. Admission to the park is $12 for adults, but the cost is well worth it (tour online at bloedelreserve.org).

Ladies:
As you know, when going outdoors in the Seattle area you will want to check the forecast and be prepared so you can dress for your day according to the weather. We all know that with this climate, the key is layering. Start off with a lightweight, chambray top that will serve as a comfortable, breathable base layer for the rest of your outfit. Pair this with a splashy spring skirt, or if you choose to bike, a pair of cuffed denim capris will be the best choice. A lightweight sweater will keep you warm on the ferry, as well as a bright, spring scarf. A comfortable pair of shoes like some TOMS will be perfect for either walking or biking, and look great with just about any outfit. Keep accessories minimal but do bring along some sunglasses for the ferry ride as well. A simple cross body bag will work well for biking so you can throw in your scarf, camera, wallet, and all the extras.

Guys:

Don't worry about dressing up for your day. Feel free to keep it casual and comfortable as you will be walking, biking, and basically on your feet for most of the day. A simple tee or button down will start it off, combined with a cut-off short or cuffed pant. Denim is ok, or for a pant go with something a little different and nautical. A comfortable pair of sneakers or Sperry's will be great for walking. Bring along a light jacket or windbreaker and you're all set!

Catch a Comedy Show

They say that laughter is the best medicine. Well, it is certainly true that laugher is extremely healthy for any relationship. Whether it is laughing about situations and the environment you are in, past memories, or jokes, it can add so much to build and sustain a relationship. Instead of staying in and watching Comedy Central and SNL, try getting out into the city to catch a comdey show at one of the many local comdey clubs.

One popular destination to experience Seattle comedy is at Comedy Underground, located at 109 S. Washington Street. Additionally, there is a Tacoma location for those of whom this would serve better. It is always hard with dating to find opportune things to do at a time that fits both of your busy schedules. However, Comedy Underground offers shows every night of the week, and tickets prices commonly are only $5! Try a Wednesday night, meet up after work, and get some comic relief together in the middle of a hectic week. The environment is completely uplifting, and even if the performers are not big-name well known comedians, you will undoubtedly have a great time. Check out the venue's website, http://www.comedyunderground.com/ for more details.

Ladies: If you are meeting up after work it is assumed that you will be wearing your professional best. Luckily, so many stylish pieces these days can be great day to night looks. Your suit can easily be transformed by removing tights. Trade your blazer for a cropped cardigan to reveal a cute frilly or silky business top tucked into a form-flattering pencil skirt. Or, try wearing a dress with that blazer in tights that would be able to stand on its own. Let your hair down and if you've already been on your feet all day you might want to consider a second pair of shoes!

You can see here the progression of a professional to play day to night look. The left are those work must-haves, the middle pieces can work for both, and the right are your date night items. Trade that briefcase for a cute handbag and add a bit of a darker, more bold makeup statement for a night look.

As for you, businessman, it is pretty simple to convert your everday business look into an appropriate date night look. Get rid of that briefcase, ditch your jacket, and loosen up the tie. It will feel like a relief after a long day and you will still look great for your lady.

Golden Gardens Bonfire

Summer is coming soon and one of the best ways to celebrate summer is finally being able to go to the beach! But, instead of going in the water (since it probably is still extremely cold!) why not cozy up by a warm fire instead. A great place in the Seattle area is Golden Garden Park that covers almost 90 acres in Ballard on the coast of Puget Sound. The park stays open pretty late for a beach, until 11:30 p.m.! Pack up some hot dogs and some stuff for smores, grab a few blankets, some firewood, & lighter fluid and head out to build a bonfire, lay under the stars, eat some food cooked over the fire, and watch the beautiful sunset with a great panoramic view of the Olympic Mountains in the background. If you head out to the beach before you are ready to eat, pack bocce ball, frisbee, or a football to play while the sun is still out. Then eat and spend the night catching up on life in the midst of both of your busy & crazy lives. Spend time sharing memories, talking about friendships, or laugh about the crazy dog that may have just run by. It will be a wonderful time to “escape the city” a little bit and just relax…

What to Wear:

Ladies: When going to a bonfire, always make sure to wear clothes you won’t need in the following days – once you return from the beach and bonfire you will need to get the sand out and wash all your clothes before putting them in your room – otherwise you won’t be happy when you wake up to the smell of smokiness. So, wear layers in case it gets chillier once the sun is down, or in case the fire gets too hot. Bring shoes that can easily be slipped off if you want to run down to the water or run after the frisbee. Use the big bag to store all the games and food that you bring along to the beach. Having a hoodie is always a good idea at the beach to keep your neck warm if the wind picks up.

Guys: Throw on something really basic and you’ll be good. All you need is a short-sleeve t-shirt, some jeans, and a hooded sweatshirt. Add some tennis shoes and you will be set for the night!

Sail Away With Me

It is a well known fact that Seattle is a port city—anywhere you go in the surrounding area there will be water! However, with the more mild temperatures and less than ideal beaches, it can be hard to enjoy the waterfront in a real hands-on manner; wakeboarding and boating are so seasonal! Plus, not everyone has access to a boat or other recreational water equipment. However, lucky for you and your sweetheart, we have overcome this with an idea for you that can get you out on the water and having fun together!

The University of Washington is host to many recreational sports programs including waterfront activities. Through this Waterfront Activities Center, row boats and canoes are available for rental to the general public. Rentals are only $8.50 per hour on weekdays, and $10 on weekends (unless you are a UW student, faculty, or alumni—then it’s even cheaper). Cruise around on Union Bay and the Montlake Cut and you will soon realize that when out in the middle of the water on a boat with your partner, the rest of the world seems to disappear. If you get tired—no big deal, just pause for some great conversation in an out-of-ordinary setting that can be both playful and uninhibited.

Ladies: let’s give you a sailor-girl inspired outfit for this date! We’re not exactly thinking J Crew, white, or sundresses—you need something a little more sporty since you will be sitting in a small boat. The sun will feel great on your legs so show them off with a nice pair of high waist shorts. This style is a hot look right now, and they tend to be a bit looser and longer in the leg which will be comfortable and flattering when sitting in the boat. Layer up on top—as you work to row you might get warm, but being out on the water means you will usually encounter a breeze. The nautical stripe sweater is a great choice paired with some coordinating basics. Navy and black together? Yes. The red and white help balance it out and give it that sailor-esque quality. Notice for the shoes you have two options—try a preppy pair of Keds or any white sneakers while you are actually in the boat. The wedges are more suitable for turning this look into a dressier evening combination for a waterfront dinner or stroll. Don’t forget the sunglasses and sunscreen—the bright sunlight reflecting off the water can be your enemy if not prepared!

Men: begin your look with a linen button-down. It can be worn open over a graphic, patterned, or plain t-shirt, or also buttoned up. Roll the sleeves up for a casual look. Linen is lightweight and comfortable yet also provides coverage so it’s a great fabric to wear when outdoors. As for the bottom half, add a little variety by straying away from the jeans. The occasion doesn’t exactly call for slacks, either, but something a little more lightweight and loose-fitting would be good. The model shown below has a nice pair of easily cuff-able pants that would work great—cargo shorts are a great alternative as well. Shoe options can consist of anything from flip flops to a preppy sneaker—use your best judgment here! Like your lady, don’t forget to bring along your shades and some sunscreen, maybe even a hat if it is going to be a bright, sunny day out there!

Ballard Sunday Market

Want a fresh, fun way to try something new together on a beautiful Sunday afternoon? Spend a lovely afternoon out at the Ballard Sunday Market any Sunday of the year – rain or shine! From 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. the old historic road is lined with vendors and all of the small boutiques and restaurants that already line the streets are open as well! Head down together (& bring your dog if you have one) and walk up and down the vendors enjoying everything from handmade soaps, juices, fruits & vegetables, meats, jewelry, hats, flowers, & more! Head to Ballard (or their more recent sister market in Fremont) with just a little bit of money in hand. Figure out how you can make a meal with the money you have, then buy some vegetables, meat, & some pasta and get your creative juices flowing by spending the evening cooking back at home. Cooking for a few hours can be really fun & a way to have some quality time together talking. Buy a new type of cheese while you are at the market and snack on that while you are cooking as an appetizer. Have fun working together, laughing together, & doing dishes together. It’s something fun to do that doesn’t cost much. Maybe even set up the table with a few flowers that you purchase & put on some fun music in the background! Eat up!

What to Wear:

Ladies: Be comfortable! Wear something that works for

being in the sun, but since you are close to the canal plan for a little wind as well with the scarf (and that is why I am recommending a knee-length skirt or longer!) Add a little color with an easy-to-carry cross body bag. Put on some boots that can keep you a little warm and also be comfortable to walk in. This outfit will be comfortable for working in the kitchen as well!

Men: Be casual & comfortable as well. Throw on some boat sho

es with your jeans & a short-sleeve shirt so you can be comfortable outdoors and indoors. A jacket that can be thrown overtop might be a good idea for when you are at the market incase it’s chilly in the shaded areas! Try some of these neutral shades – brown is really a great color!