In response to requests from its field program participants, the North Cascades Institute has started a new program this summer called Base Camp. The idea is make the Institute’s LEED-certified lodging campus — including dorms and dining — available to visitors by the night, without any commitment in regard to specific field excursions or learning…

It’s a jacket, it’s a tent—it’s the JakPak! Leave it to our resident crazy-busy working mom, Rachel Hart, to spot a time-saving innovation when she sees it. Case in point: the JakPak, a locally made wonder product that merges the essential camping gear—jacket, sleeping bag and tent—into a single waterproof package. Too good to be true?…

I recently hopped into a Tesla Roadster with Seattle magazine’s managing editor, John Levesque, author of the July Trend piece on the city’s newest in sleek electric cars (“Plug ‘n’ Play“). This battery operated car might be the size of a handicapped bathroom stall and made of plastic, but it still had the look (and…

Hankering to spend time outdoors this summer? Chances are your four-pawed friends could use a nice stretch, too. We’ve compiled a list of furry-friendly establishments that are willing to keep you smiling and Fido’s tail a-waggin’. Beginning this month, Kirkland’s elegant Woodmark Hotel launches Yappier Hour hosted by the resort’s newest “guest experience manager,” Woody,…

MUST HEARCocoRosie6/25 (Friday) – Paris-based indie-poppers CocoRosie are touring in support of the new album, Grey Oceans, released on Seattle’s Sub Pop Records in May. These eccentric sisters meld electro-pop, hip-hop and ambient beats with a vocal style reminiscent of Bjork and Joanna Newsom—which has earned them a place in the hallowed “freak folk” genre….

MUST GARDENAmy Pennington at the University Bookstore6/18 (Friday) – Seattle garden guru and writer Amy Pennington’s new book, Urban Pantry: Tips and Recipes for a Thrifty, Sustainable and Seasonal Kitchen, offers tips on canning, pickling and preserving, economic recipes using local ingredients, and lessons in reducing kitchen waste. Now you can meet the gardener and learn…

Do you know someone who has made a significant impact on our community in the past 1-2 years? Nominate them for one of Seattle magazine’s annual Most Influential People of the Year Awards. Past winners have included leaders in the world of politics, arts, business, educuation, activism, music, dining, and much more. The nomination process…

With the summer solstice upon us, my thoughts this time of year turn to Alaska, which is currently bathed in midnight sun for the next month or so. With travel bookings still down as a result of the economy, cruise lines large and small still have spots for those looking to set sail for southeast…

How often does an emerging Seattle artist get selected by a national corporation to produce work for a global sports event? Well now we can say at least once. I’m so thrilled for local artist (and Seattle magazine 2008 Spotlight Award winner) Diem Chau, who was tapped to carve 66 of her signature Crayola crayon…

MUST WALKBlitz One Year Anniversary6/10 (Thursday) – Capitol Hill’s monthly arts walk celebrates its one-year birthday with a neighborhood-wide party, complete with fake mustache walking tours. Explore more than 50 venues, covering visual arts, musical performances, artist receptions, tastings, food and beverage specials, movie screenings, book readings, DJ performances, and more. Visit blitzcapitolhill.com for more…

There are ballets out there that everyone knows—chestnuts, like The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, etc.. Then there are the ones that aren’t so well known. As a more-than-casual (but not hard-core) ballet follower, Coppélia falls into the latter category for me. I imagine these must be the toughest to sell for ballet houses. PNB’s Coppélia, which runs…

Forget to buy tickets to the Seattle Art Museum’s sold-out Remix tonight? There’s still hope. The first 100 guests at the door donning wigs get into the party for free. So if you absolutely cannot stomach the idea of missing out on the opportunity to hang at SAM after hours, swing by the costume store…

MUST MINGLESAM RemixFriday (6/4) • If you didn’t have plans Friday night, you do now. Seattle Art Museum’s Remix is literally mixing it up with its always fun, late-night party for 20- and 30-somethings. From guided tours, to a live DJ set, to a fashion show courtesy of the folks at Ballard’s New York Fashion…