Craving something cold and sweet? Perhaps it’s fresh style, art, or insights you’re dreaming of? Look no further. Here are five favorites that will quench your search for refreshment of body, mind, or garden this summer.

1

COOL OFF. Indulge in Bingsoo, the milk-based Korean shaved ice dessert, handcrafted at Snowy Village in the University District. Try the traditional toppers: red bean, Korean rice cakes and injeolmi (rice) powder, or fresh mango, strawberries, and whipped cream. If dairy disagrees with you, ask for oat milk instead. This boutique cafe draws a crowd and seating is limited, but sweet milky ice will be a delicious antidote to the summer heat. University District and Bellevue locations.

Photo courtesy of Snowy Village

2

GET LOST. Explore the tightly curated selection of printed titles at Arundel Books, a seller known best for finding rare and out of print works. While book collectors will feel at home here, plenty of new, notable titles across familiar genres will take you away this summer. Yes, you can search through thousands of options and purchase on the website, but you’ll miss that unexpected pleasure of discovery that happens while browsing underneath the historic, white fan-vaulted ceiling.

3

GO BIG. Search for the six giant trolls hidden across the Pacific Northwest this summer in an outdoor art installation titled, “Northwest Trolls: Way of the Bird King,” part of a global exhibit of 120 troll sculptures. Each tells a different “underlying environmental story” found in one of the following locations: Ballard, Bainbridge Island, West Seattle, Issaquah, Vashon Island, and Portland. The exhibit is conceptualized by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, who worked in collaboration with the Coast Salish tribal communities to design and implement the Washington collection. Dambo is known as an environmental “art-activist,” and for 20 years has created all of his works reusing existing materials. Look online for details.

4

DRESS UP. Put on a strand of giant pearls clasped with a gold-plated safety pin at House of Hitchcock. This tiny jewel box of fashion in Madrona feels like a kept secret. The owners have specialized in bespoke jewelry for 18 years, and recently expanded their vision to include one-of-a-kind clothing design mashups, launching crisp boxy striped button-down shirts, customized with colorful ribbon pockets that add an edge to the classic look. The style reads ‘80s prepster meets oversized, industrial glam. Make an appointment, visit during (limited) shop hours, or take a peek online anytime.

5

DIG IN. Wander the wide selection of gardening goods and home decor at City People’s Mercantile, where you’ll find everything from cards to sundries, bathroom accessories, coffee table books, hardware, children’s toys, house painting supplies, jewelry, socks, outdoor furnishings, and more. The petite plant nursery provides all you’ll need to restore your city flower box or vegetable garden. Walking through the selection here is delight inspiring. When you leave you may discover you’re happier than when you arrived.