Sweets & Sweats at The Village at Totem Lake

   <--James Cox (district sales) & Cindy Hodo (Lynnwood See's Mgr)

    <--Teeniest See's fan Elliana & mom Hayley

Did you go to See's Candies' Grand Opening last Saturday? They have quite an enthusiastic following! Even after having their soft opening a few weeks ago, people lined up down the block to get in the door for the free-flowing tasty treats and goody bags.  The LWHS Kangs cheerleaders were there energizing the crowd under the balloon arch along with some of our city council members, See's Candies' management from all over, and sweet-toothed citizens.  It was definitely one of the most fun openings I have been to, and I'm still thinking about that dark raspberry creme chocolate.  Doesn't chocolate put everyone in a good mood? I love the 'answer key' to the flavors you can find here. Go check them out, their hours are 10-7 Mon-Sat and Sunday is 11-5.  Don't forget Mother's Day is just around the corner! Speaking of the mamas, you should also check out the Mom's Escape packages at Still Spa at the Woodmark (you're welcome ladies).

photo cred: The Village at Totem Lake 
As I come down from my sugar high, in the back of my mind I start thinking I should probably hit the gym.  Maybe? Those chocolates aren't going to work themselves off my thighs. Don't worry, The Village has you covered there too! On Saturday 5/20 the Totem Lake Run Club and lululemon are hosting a FREE "Run & Flow" event at 9 am. Everyone will meet in the plaza in front of lululemon and embark on a 30-minute run (or walk if you prefer) together on the flat trails near Totem Lake followed by a 30-minute "Yoga for Runners" class that is appropriate for all levels.  Just show up with your yoga mat and enter to win some awesome raffle prizes too!  Reward yourself with a fresh juice at Pressed or perhaps brunch at Hanoon afterward. 

 

The 20,000 Foot View

Ready?  Here we go, rapid-fire bullet points, my fave:

• Arleana's at 312 Central Way is open! I haven't been to experience this Carribean-style cuisine yet, so please share your experience if you've been. Only a few Yelp reviews so far.
• L and L Animal Urgent Care opened in Houghton across from Met Market, and Veterinarian/Owner Stephanie Stoegbauer is focused on helping pets and supporting vets by bridging the gap between general practice and emergency rooms. More on her story here.
• 
  Earth Day at Kirkland Urban is 4/19 from 4-6 pm (free) where you can recycle your electronics and styrofoam and also learn about ForestNation and enjoy a free tree planting kit. #PlantwithKU. 
• 
  See's Candies is open at the Village at Totem Lake. Their grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting starts Sat 4/22 at 10:30am.  Expect FREE SAMPLES, raffles and special gifts with purchases.  Sweet!
• After 40 amazing years, Penny Sweet and Larry Springer have transitioned ownership of The Grape Choice to longtime manager Desirae Ballard.  A sendoff and celebration will be at The Grape on 4/29.  Follow here for updates and congrats to Des, Penny, and Larry ...you're always a fave place for a glass of wine on the patio!
• A "Pedestrian Scramble" will transform our main intersection at Lake St and Kirkland Ave with a required 8-week closure expected in late July (yes you read that correctly). Questions? There's a meeting on 4/24 at 9am in City Hall's Council Chambers to chime in and learn more.

Is this Farewell to the Kirkland Blog?

<--mushroom burger on The Slip's new patio

I hope not! But maybe?  ARGH!  I'm having some technical issues with the blog and contact mgmt platform which is super frustrating. I've also been traveling a bit lately and maybe I'm old and tired too?  You guys are so sweet, though, I really appreciate the notes I've received asking what's happened or where I went and encouraging me to keep blogging.  I haven't forgotten you, I promise.  

I do have bunches of things to share................like the fact that Forge Pizza delivery/takeout just launched inside Coastline Burgers on Central (and hello handcrafted canned cocktails too!).  And Arleana's on Central is working hard to open soon and there's a menu posted already.  After being closed for 3 months,  The Slip has re-opened with its new patio offering 50% more seating.   Sparrow just announced their full menu will be available for lunch too, starting at 11am,, and happy hour is 3-5.  And yes, our beloved Stavros sold Santorini Greek Grill ( we all miss that big smile!), but you shouldn't notice much change in the restaurant.  He left it in the capable hands of his good friend that owns other Greek eateries in Seattle, and of course, Hector and the guys making those amazing gyro salads I crave will keep the food experience consistent.

On the events side of things, there's a Kirkland Job Fair coming up on April 1st that will help get our teens out of our hair this summer. Hooray! The (free!) Kirkland  Easter Egg hunt is April 9th. And we can almost start thinking about Wednesday Market and what's new there this year.  Spring/summer programs through the City of Kirkland open on 3/22 at 7am and Aquatics reg opens 3/29 at 7am on KirklandParks.net (this is when 4082 Kirkland moms all try to sign their kids up for swim lessons at the very same time). Better be logging in at 6:59!

Lucky me, I just had a treatment at Butter Massage Spa and an upcoming post will tell you all about it and share a special offer for readers.  And there's also a new animal urgent care in Houghton I have some scoop on.  It looks like the sales office for the new Continental Property apartments called Vela  (old Hector's spot) is open.  I'm so curious, anyone been in? 

Sorry, that's a lot of info.  That's what happens when I don't share for a month or two, I'm all pent up with Kirkland gossip.  Be sure you are following KirklandWeblog's Facebook and Insta, it's way easier for me to post quick updates there as they're happening.  

PS- what is with all of the new pay parking signs at Juanita Village? #superannoying

 

January Happenings

You can still squeeze a few more things on your calendar in these upcoming weeks, right?  Here we go..

Before we get to the fun stuff, we'll start with a little 'biz' about Park Lane, because if you have opinions to share, now is your chance to do so.  The debate of whether to close this award-winning street permanently to vehicles and parking is back on the front burner.  There's plenty of history to catch you up on right here, and I welcome you to get involved in upcoming meetings on January 26th and 27th.  There are consultants doing a study right now, and results and decisions will be made in the coming months.  

Sat Jan 28th, 12-2 pm in the Fountain Court at Kirkland Urban: “Come Together” to Kirkland Urban for the second annual (free and public) musical celebration inspired by the original surprise Beatles Rooftop concert in 1969. The event will feature a musical performance by one of Seattle’s favorite Beatles music experiences, Good Day Sunshine, who will perform every song from the original Beatles Rooftop Concert. Attendees will enjoy photo moments with Beatles-inspired costumed characters, themed Instagram-able moments, and groovy giveaways (while supplies last.) 

 

Aprés-Ski Patio Pop-Up at The Heathman's Hearth Mon-Sat 5-9pm through Jan 28th- Experience Aspen vibes in downtown Kirkland with alpine fare and comfort classics paired with hot cocktails.  It's like a little staycation- crab deviled eggs, hot toddies, table-top smores and even a shot-ski for you adventurous peeps! Reservations recommended 425-284-5900.

 

 

Feb 10th 5-9 pm is the Downtown Kirkland Wine Walk: It's 90's themed, so get your half shirts and mullets ready (which weirdly are sort of back in style). Tickets are $30 in advance or $40 at the door.  This is always a fun stumble around town to see what's new with your favorite friends, or just meet new ones there.

 

If you haven't booked your Valentine's Day adventure yet, you'd better hurry!  How about a little relaxing? The Woodmark Hotel & Still Spa is doing a "Love is in the Air" package that includes luxury accommodations, $250 credit towards a 60 min couples massage w/aromoatherapy, a bottle of sparkling wine, and rose petals with signature Bath Butler (that would be a little strange if that were actually a person?! LOL) Promo code: LOVE23 to find out. 

 

 

Kirkland Polar Plunge 2023: Calling All Crazy People

It doesn't feel like that many years ago that I was chipping ice off the boat's windshield to waterski in early December.  I must have been crazy. Just like all of you polar plungers!  The City of Kirkland's official "January Jump" scheduled for  January 7th was canceled due to a lack of sign-ups.  But I have a feeling you die-hards don't want to plan that far ahead and pay $15 to jump in a public lake.  So go ahead and do what you always do, the ole regulars and the newbies can all bond in their skivvies as they charge into 2023 AND Lake Washington at Marina Park at 1pm on January 1st.   A bathing suit/towel, hat, shoes that can get wet, and your defibrillator is all you'll need for this unsanctioned and invigorating Kirkland tradition.  The water temp of Lake WA is around 40 degrees now, which seems balmy compared to this crazy lady in Antarctica.  Stay warm friends, and happy new year! 

 

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like...Christmas?

The last Halloween Snickers bar had barely hit our treat bags this year when everyone flipped on their holiday lights! Turns out, this is really helpful since it's dark by 4 every day now and I'm in my jammies by 6.  COVID struck me down last week, which is entirely un-fun, so I'd recommend staying rested, boosted, and properly liquored up to fight off any potential incoming infections.  Holiday happenings are starting to crop up, so I thought I'd share these few with you now...

Fri Nov 18th is the Ugly Sweater Kirkland Wine, Beer, & Spirits Walk. You start at the Heathman Hotel and troll around to various local merchants from 5-9pm while sipping and laughing at each other.  Always a fun time! Tickets are $30 now or $40 at the door.  Or you could always volunteer to be a door monitor if that's more your style (we appreciate you!). 

Frostival at Kirkland Urban- Every Saturday from 11/26-12/17.  This is a free community event that includes snaps with Santa, a gingerbread selfie suite, snow on the promenade, holiday pop caroler, caffe ladro coffee + cookies, and festive giveaways from 11-2.  And from 10-2 you can enjoy the KDA's winter market where you'll find artisan crafts, gifts and seasonal delights.  Who doesn't love a delight?

 

Kirkland Kiwanis Tree Lot- opens Nov 25th at 10am and sticks around each day until they're all gone!  Same prices, same spot with fresh trees, wreaths, garland, and candy at Juanita Beach Park.  

The Village at Totem Lake- keep an eye on their event page for upcoming carolers, ladies night out gingerbread house-making (11/30, 12/7, 12/14), and photos with the big guy in the red suit. 

Winter Wellness at Woodmark Hotel- Get prepared for the holiday stress, and use PROMO code "WINTER" on your luxury accommodation + 60 min massage with white cranberry back scrub (must stay between Nov 1-Dec 30). Also, 12/13 is the Still Spa's Passport event from 3-8pm where you get 2 express spa treatments, expert skin/beauty advice, discounts, and more. You can get your tickets here.  And don't forget Thanksgiving, where Carillon Kitchen can help you with their to-go options (pretend you cooked!), you must order by 11/17. 

Have you been to the Kirkland Downtown Association office in Kirkland Urban? Ziply Fiber is sponsoring a Toys for Tots Box, so there's a great excuse to drop by and bring along a new toy donation.

(photo cred: Google)
On Friday, December 2nd,  Google’s Annual Musical Holiday Lights on the Cross Kirkland Corridor (CKC) will be back, with a free family-fun celebration that includes a petting zoo and hot chocolate.  Google Kirkland engineers have programmed a show featuring 10,000 LED lights and holiday music.

And somehow we seem to have glossed over Thanksgiving, which should never be the case. Always take those moments to be grateful and relax with friends and family.   If you don't feel like cooking, you can order your Thanksgiving to-go meal from Carillon Kitchen ($75/pp).  Just order by Nov 17th and pickup Thurs 11/24 between 10am-2pm. Hearth at The Heathman is also doing to-go ($70/pp)  or dine-in for your Thanksgiving fixings.

First Annual Market St Holiday Stroll 11/5

Greet Kirkland (formerly Kirkland Living) is working with 6 businesses on Market Street for a Holiday Stroll. Participants include Crown Linen Designs and Arte Italica, Kirkland Arts Center, Found Interiors, Oscar & Co., Book Tree, and FrogLegs. 

Come help bring awareness to these neighborhood businesses and boost holiday sales!  This is the First Annual Event and we hope to continue the tradition. There will be gold balloon bouquets at each participating establishment and raffle prizes and festivities at each participating business.

Let's Go, Punkins....

First, let's give ourselves a high five because Money Magazine recently ranked Kirkland the 3rd Best Place to Live in the U.S. After this sunny October, I cannot disagree.  And, of course, our community events make this an incredible place to be. Such as these coming up where there are plenty of treats for all ages :

Zombie Wine Crawl- Better hurry if you don't already have your ticket ($30) for Friday 10/21 to meander through participating local merchants in downtown Kirkland while sipping on wines and spirits at each stop.  5pm at The Heathman and costumes are encouraged. Always a good time. 

(photo cred: The Village @ Totem Lake)
Villains in the Village- Sat 10/22 11am- 1pm. This is a free event for all ages at The Village at Totem Lake (meet near Salt & Straw) where you can expect a wicked fun costume contest, craft station, caricature artist, fun photo ops, and meet/greets with some of the most nefarious and notorious villains. Costumes encouraged. Rain or shine (no registration needed).

Pumpkins in the Park- Get ready for this 3rd annual at Marina Park from 10-2 on Oct 29th.  There's a pumpkin patch, a pet costume competition, a fall-themed selfie station, a petting zoo, a Blue Grass band, and even "Pumpkin Wars" (no, we don't get to throw them, boooo..) where enormous pumpkins will be carved.  Don't forget the downtown merchant Trick-or Treating extravaganza from 1-2. 

Treat Street at Kirkland Urban- Sat 10/29 3-7pm.  After Pumpkins in the Park, roll on down to K-Urban for more seasonal celebrating.  Treat Street will have live pumpkin carving, Halloween tunes, kids games & activities, a giant candy shoot, a live DJ, and tasty treats provided by local businesses.

Kirkland Waterfront Car Show 8/14

         

This Sunday Aug 14th from 10 am - 4pm is the Kirkland Waterfront Car Show at the Marina Pavilion. Expect to see over 300 cars and 30 vendors to chat with about classic, antique, muscle, and high-performance vehicles.  And as you can see, I am a part-time racecar driver now, so I'm sure you will see me down there.  Vrroooooom!

Expect road closures in the downtown core from 5am to 6pm that day.  And maybe ride your bike? They are expecting over 10,000 car enthusiasts throughout the day.  This event helps raise money for the Kirkland Downtown Association, and you can donate here if you like. 

Summa Summa Summaaaa ....time! (you're supposed to sing that)

Let's go summertime! Kirkland is popping this season, so grab your calendar and fill it up with some fun outings. You know I've got you covered with a list of ideas.

     

 

On July 13th from 5:30-8pm, Google is celebrating the expansion of Kirkland's Feriton Spur Park in the heart of Google's 6th street campus and you're invited. FREE.  This park has doubled in size, and renovations include a new 16-foot-wide paved trail, a pickleball court, an urban vegetable farm for Hopelink, bathrooms, a splash area, and an amphitheater.  there will be live music, food trucks, pickleball, lawn games, and refreshments.  Sounds magical. The photo is the new Chainline Station followed by a map of the park's layout (photo cred: SRM Development).

Kirkland's famous Summer Evening Concerts and Kids Concerts are in full swing.  Evening concerts are Thursdays: July 7, 14, 221, 28, Aug 4, 11, 18 from 7-8:30 pm in Marina Park.  And the Kids' Concerts are Tuesdays at Juanita Beach Park July 12,19, 26, AUg 2, 9, 16 from 10-11am.  Details on performers are here.  And yes- FREE again. I expect to see you dancing as if you've been stuck in your house for 2 years.  

The City of Kirkland is hosting an outdoor summer movie series sponsored by Ziply Fiber on July 16th on their brand new LED movie screen that will be featured at the north end of Juanita Beach Park.  First, will be a showing of "Moana" at 3pm followed by "Captain America: The First Avenger" at 6pm.  Bring your blanket or chair. F-R-E-E.  Snacks for purchase will be available.  And my girls work at the SUP rental/snack shack at Juanita Beach, so feel free to say hello and embarrass them for me. 

You can't forget the Wednesday Market every Weds 3-7 pm thru Sept 28th at Marina Park.  Always a go-to for fresh veggies/fruits, flowers, creations, and crafts.

And the Juanita Friday Market every Friday June thru Sept 3-7pm at Juanita Beach Park. 

Photo cred: Beach Cafe

Bummer, no outdoor movies at Carillon Point this summer,...BUT... the good news is the Beach Cafe is now open for lunch from 11:30-2:30 Tues-Sat. and they're also featuring a recently launched Happy Hour beverage/desserts from 2:30-4 on those same days. 

Photo cred: Village at Totem Lake
"Village Fun Days"  and "LIVE at The Village" at Totem Lake (sponsored by Cinemark) are a few great ways to enjoy some fun and free activities for the whole family. Village Fun Days are for ages 1-12 years (Wednesdays 11:30 am-1 pm),  and The LIVE music days (Thursdays 6pm-8 pm)  are for everyone.  Both kickoff the week of July 13th.  Check out the details on these and other events at The Village here.

OK- now go! Enjoy!