Date ideas for the long weekend!

This Monday is Labor Day, which for most of us Seattleites means a long weekend! Yippee!

I have had several requests from readers to suggest some fun Date Night ideas for those staycationing for the long weekend. Here is just a small sampling of some fun things to see and do with your extra time.


Bumbershoot!

Of course, most of you are probably aware that this weekend is Bumbershoot, Seattle’s biggest music and arts festival that happens every year on Labor Day.

Brett and I live one block from the Seattle Center, so when Bumbershoot hits, we tend to get the heck out of dodge (if we’re not attending), to avoid all the riff raff that drifts into our neighborhood and decides to use our front porch as their personal party pad… (at least pick up your beer cans when you’re done, okay??).

But if you are willing to brave the crowds, there are certainly fun times to be had at this weekend event. Featuring music (bands like Sheryl Crowe, Cold War Kids, Katy Perry, the Long Winters, De La Soul, Spearhead, Helio Sequence, Black Eyed Peas, Modest Mouse and Franz Ferdinand), visual arts, comedy shows, dance, and my favorite Seattle Center treat: ROASTED CORN! Yum.

I’d suggest Monday. Click here for a full schedule!

Evergreen State Fair

Why not take your sweety-kins down to the Fair in Monroe, where you can share a smooch on the Ferris Wheel? There’s really nothing more romantic than feeding each other sweet’n’sticky cotton candy after winning your girl a stuffed monkey at the ring toss! There’s a pie-eating contest, a Rodeo, and even an ice sculpting competition that you WON’T want to miss! Click here for more information! (Monroe not your thing? Puyallup Fair starts September 11th! Believe you me, Brett and i will BE there!)

Wicked

Hit up the Paramount for a night at the theater! Back by “Popular” Demand. The New York Times calls WICKED “Broadway’s biggest blockbuster,” and when it first played in Seattle in 2006, it broke box office records and sold out in record time. Why not take advantage of this Encore performance while it’s still here? Grab dinner at the Metropolitan Grill to make the evening complete. And, to save you a bit of cash, check out THIS amazing offer, good until the 9th of September! How can you pass up a FREE entree at the Met? i know i can't! (Big thanks to Megan Hedman for this awesome tip!)

Chris Issaac at Chateau St. Michelle

Speaking of Wicked: if the lyrics from Wicked Game (“Now iiiiiiiii, don’t want to fall in love, with you”) don’t do it for you, DON’T go see this guy. If they do, which means you’re human, DO GO SEE HIM. Can you imagine a day full of wine tasting at various Woodinville wineries, followed by a romantic meal at the Herbfarm (I’m DYING to go here!), and then listening to those lyrics while snuggling up with your sweetie? Make a night of it by getting a room at the Willow’s Lodge and brunching at the Barking Frog. Yum!

Murder Mystery Cruise

Every Friday night, you can join Argosy cruise lines for their weekly Murder Mystery Cruise from 7.30 to 10pm. If you like to be a part of the show, then this is for you! Your evening of "who-done-it" intrigue is set in an interactive theater-type atmosphere, full of improvisational comedy and audience interaction. Your evening includes a cruise, seated-served, pre-set three course meal, coffee, tea and soda, and a great evening of murder and mayhem! Friday night not work for you? Check out their schedule for additional weekend cruise options!

Dave Matthew’s Band

Hit up the Gorge in George, Washington to see one night (or all 3!) of Dave Matthew’s 3 day concert extravaganza, held annually every Labor Day. Make a romantic night of it by finding a nearby campground and sleeping out under the stars, bringing life to the lyrics of Crush or Crash Into Me. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 6pm. Find tickets here, or on Craigslist for some sweeter deals.

Theater Sports

This one is close to my heart, as it was Brett's and my first official date. We started at his house in Belltown and pub crawled all the way down to Post Alley for the show. We fell in love somewhere along the way. I highly recommend this plan to ALL. OF. YOU. It made for an amazing night (Two years ago September 28th)! Theater sports, with shows Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, is ALWAYS a fun time. It's basically Whose Line is it Anyway, but better, because it's live, and you're there, part of the show. For more information, click HERE.


WHAT!? That's not enough ideas? Okay.



Here is a list of some other options to consider – whether you’re looking for a day trip, or you want to spend a couple days away, you’re bound to have fun visiting some of the Pacific Northwest's most raved about weekend getaway locations!

• Victoria Clipper up to Victoria, BC for the night
  
• Amtrak up to Vancouver, or down to Portland for some tax-free shopping! (round trip tickets as low as $50/pp!)
  
• Drive over the mountains into Leavenworth and spend a day in the village tasting chocolate and wine (steer clear of the hot sauces-they'll getcha)!
  
• Take the Mukilteo Ferry up to Whidbey Island for some R&R at this B&B
  
• Snoqualmie Falls is always a great day trip, or spend the night at the Snoqualmie’s Salish Lodge (after winning some cash at the casino!) for some added romance. This little B&B would make the perfect romantic spot if you’re on a tighter budget!
  
• Port Townsend is only 2 hours from the city, and is of the finest examples of a Victorian Seaport in the United States. With cute shops, farmer's markets, and romantic bed and breakfasts, it’s a relaxing and romantic getaway to help you recharge for the work week.
  
• Get your heart rate going while you get to see one of the most beautiful active volcanoes in the country—Mt St. Helens is quite a drive, and quite a hike, but I’ve heard it’s worth every minute. If it gets too late and you want to stay the night, you will find a wide range of camping facilities in Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Seaquest State Park (you can even rent a cabin!).

Hopefully there is at least one activity on this list that will inspire you this long weekend. Remember, i can't give away ALL our ideas... why else would you keep reading?? ;)

If you have any suggestions for other fun things to do around the city (or the PNW!), feel free to drop me a line and i can add it to the list. Or, even easier, leave a comment below for all to read!

Hope you all have an enjoyable long weekend--if you want to find us, we'll be spending this week's Date Night at the Puget Park Drive-in Friday night, snuggling up while watching Brad Pitt go nutzo on some Nazi's! (Post to come this weekend!)

Happy Dating!

xo,

B&M