2012 Farmer’s Markets Summer Season Updates

If you weren’t out enjoying this lovely turn of the weather this weekend you were one of few; as the sun starts to come out, so do the summer crops and the local farmers markets will open in a few weeks with a ton of fresh new produce. The 2012 farmer’s market season took off running this year, with some markets already up and others soon to follow in the next few weeks. The surrounding Seattle areas will have a few new faces like the Shoreline Farmer’s Market that will open June 16th and will close down others like the

Photo Courtesy of Zachary D. Lyons, copyright from the 2011 Wallingford Farmer's Market

Georgetown market, who didn’t see enough foot traffic the last few years, but hopes to return in the fall with more people coming in and out of the neighborhood. Keep in mind the U District and West Seattle Markets run year round; here is a list of openings to look out for when you’re in the neighborhood:

Burien: 11am-6pm Thursdays

Columbia City: 3-7pm Wednesdays ( and will open early to chefs only to check out the loot before the crowds, from 2-3pm)

Lake City: 3-7pm Thursdays, beginning June 14.

Phinney: 3-7pm Fridays, starting June 3rd.

Madrona: 3-7pm Fridays beginning May 18th.

Magnolia: 10am-2pm, Saturdays starting June 9th.

Queen Anne: 3-7:30pm Thursdays, beginning June 7th.

Wallingford: 3:30-7pm Wednesdays beginning May 30th, (opening early for chefs only from 3-3:30)

 

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Rights to Sell Alcohol From Queen Anne’s Liquor Stores Sold

According to Komo News, the rights to apply to sell Alcohol from Queen Anne’s two liquor stores (Uptown & Interbay) were sold via the state’s online auction for a combined $376,200.00.  With the Uptown store at 515 1st Ave. N. receivng the higher bid of the two at $250,100.00.  The winning bidders now have exclusive rights to apply for a liqour license at the Queen Anne store locations.  Who were the successful bidders?  Click here.

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Metro Bus Riders Have Big Changes But #2 Spared

Metro BusI have written several blogs on the proposed changes to the #2 Metro Route between Queen Anne and Madrona, but it always good to see the Seattle Times confirm that the #2 Route has been spared any major changes.  Read the article if you want to find out about the changes to Metro bus routes, and if you do, take special note of the last several paragraphs.  While the #2 Metro Route is still intact from Madrona to Queen Anne, as the Seattle Times suggests, there is always danger for future changes:

A more visible case was Route 2, an electric trolley bus from Queen Anne Hill to First Hill. Metro wanted to break it into two lines — and shift a section one block from Seneca to Madison Street — to create a frequent super-corridor where the 2 and Route 12 constantly run along Madison. But the change would have forced Queen Anne users to switch buses on Third Avenue.

“Every time a senior has to get on a bus, get off a bus, it’s dangerous for them, especially in inclement weather,” said Uptown resident Jane Couchman, 75, who rides the 2 to medical appointments.

Last week, she thanked Metro leaders for keeping the line intact, at least for now.

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Best Easter Events Around Seattle This Weekend

The Easter Bunny has been heavily sought out, and spotted at several locations around Seattle, such as the Westfield Mall, Northgate Mall, Bellevue Square, and even Yuen Lui! Spring has finally snuck up on us, and with the beginning of the season comes  a heavy influx of pastel cardigans, and alot of tooth aches from too much jelly beans, and impulse cadbury egg purchases. We all love watching the little ones run around filling up their baskets with eggs on a wild goose chase, but here is a hand full of activities for the whole family to partake this Easter weekend.

Snohomish Easter Parade
The Parade kicks off at 11am, with ample time for church goers to stop by on their way home.

Egg Hunt at Woodland Park Zoo’s Bunny Bounce
9:30-2pm, Along with the egg hunt, there will be Easter arts & crafts, events are free with Zoo admission, or membership. Guests can also watch zoo animals receive their own Easter basket of treats!

Seattle Easter Swing Dancing

West Coast swingers will be flocking to the spring Easter swing dance event this weekend, filled with dancing, $20,000 in prizes, and private lessons!

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Picture Perfect Queen Anne Keeping the Avenue Beautiful!

Ever notice the flower beds and the pavers at the Galer and Queen Anne Avenue intersection?  Or how about the flowers at McGraw intersection along the Avenue?  Those are only a couple of the contributions of Picture Perfect Queen Anne, a volunteer-powered neighborhood alliance working to revitalize the streetscape of Queen Anne Avenue from Galer to McGraw Streets. PPQA’s goal is a pedestrian and family-friendly, safe and vibrant main street that everyone in our community will enjoy.  Like Picture Perfect Queen Anne on Facebook to keep updated on the latest commumity project, receive gardening tips and much more!

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3 Generations In 1 Home

What’s the average family living under 1 roof look like today? Three generations under 1 roof is becoming a common theme around America; as today’s economy continues to hammer down on consumer finances, an influx of 20-30 year old offspring are moving in with mom and dad to help with the costs of living. According to CNN Money, 4.4 Million US Homes have 3 generations or more living under the same roof, a 15% increase from 2008.

Photo Courtesy of Wallpaperfx

Multi-Generational homes, while not the ideal living situation for many, does have it’s pay offs. Everyone typically saves money, and it’s an advantage to have multiple wage earners in the same household. This can cut child care expenses, and duplicate costs, and can give older children the opportunity to go back to school while job opportunities are down. Builders are also acknowledging this as a lead after the recession, as these families will want  to move into larger homes, with more bedrooms to accommodate everyone. They can rest assured that this is true, because they are already beginning to build add-ons for already existing homes to accommodate multi generations.

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Mixed Signals in January-February Queen Anne Sales

The first two months of 2012 showed fewer sales of residential and condominium units in Queen Anne than in Jan.-Feb. of 2011 according to the Northwest Multiple Listing Service.  Sixty-five units in 2011 as compared to 52 units in 2012.  However, the price per sq. ft. average raised substantially in 2012 for residential dwellings, to $268 from $198.

Condo per sq. ft. average was lower than in 2011, $257 from $340.  However, in the 2011 period 5 condos sold for over a million from $518-$733 per sq. ft., which sort of skewed the numbers.

I am confident future numbers are going to show an upward trend. The market is definitely improving based on a number of recent multiple offer situations in the residential market plus the fact that a lack of inventory is actually becoming an issue in Queen Anne.

 

 

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Queen Anne Rental – Available

Queen Anne Real EstateThis Seattle rental sits on prime Queen Anne real estate with a sweeping view of the city’s magnificent skyline.  The home has been remodeled in keeping with the craftsman style.  The basement is finished with an extra kitchen, bedroom, and family room.  The main floor has hardwood floors, a fireplace, a dining room open to the gourmet kitchen, and an extra bedroom.  The upstairs has three bedrooms.   The property also has a private yard that is fenced.

Click the link for more pictures and information on this Queen Anne Rental.

Status: For Rent
Bed/Bath: 5/2.5
List Price: $3,400/mo

If you have any questions on this Queen Anne home or any other Seattle real estate questions, please do not hesitate to contact me – the local real estate expert.

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Metropolitan Market Leaving Upper Queen Anne

As reported by Queen Anne News, Metropolitan Market will be vacating its Upper Queen Anne location at 1908 Queen Anne Ave. N. effective August 1, 2012.  The property in which Metroploitan Market was located is part of the development project of Emerald Bay Equity.  Ironically, it was known as the Metropolitan Market Development project.  Apparently the costs associated with the new space were just not feasible for Metropolitan Market, leaving the store in Lower Queen Anne at 100 Mercer St. as the company’s lone remaining presence in Queen Anne.

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King Tut Exhibit at Pacific Science Center

Starting on May 24, 2012, Queen Anne residents (among others) will be able to travel to the Pacific Science Center to view the unique King Tut Exhibit entitled “Tutankhamen:  The Golden King and The Great Pharaohs

The exhibition features more than 100 objects from King Tut’s tomb and other ancient sites.  Many of these objects have never toured in the US and this will be the last Exhibition of the objects in North America!

 

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