Holiday Time -- Molbak's Nursery at Christmas -- Woodinville, WA

    Molbak's Nursery in Woodinville was not the first place we thought of when we were looking for a holiday-related adventure this December. My husband's mother, who is a garden designer, was the one who suggested we make the trip to the nursery this year to fill ourselves with some good-ol' Christmas spirit http://www.molbaks.com/.
    For many years we thought that Molbak's was a place that only garden enthusiasts could truly enjoy. But our preconceived notions were put to shame when we arrived and walked into their winter-time paradise at the nursery.

Molbak's has stunning displays of holiday colors, plants, and decorations

    For those who haven't been before, Molbak's is huge--they've connected dozens of greenhouses together to create a warm environment with flowers and plants of all varieties. Their holiday arrangements are fantastic--we couldn't stop snapping pictures next to all of the snowmen, poinsettias, and elaborately decorated Christmas trees.

 The jolly snowman wishing everyone Happy Holidays, with vibrant colored plants all around him

    One of Molbak's traditions for the last 40 years has been to serve free Danish Kringle that's from Larsen's Dansish Bakery in Ballard http://www.larsensbakery.com/ and coffee to all their customers. Yes, we really do like free things. The best part is...this Danish Kringle is the most amazing pastry either of us had ever tasted! They'll be serving the Kringle and coffee from 11am to 3pm every day until Dec. 23rd.

 Danish Kringle--the most incredible pastry we've ever had (get a box for $13)

    You can also buy your Christmas tree at the nursery. They have lots to choose from. If you get inspired you can even create a display that looks something like this at your house...

 Another beautiful holiday scene at Molbak's

    There were more free samples--this time of Ice Apples. Ice Apples are harvested after the first frost to give them an even juicier and sweeter taste. These are Fuji apples that are left on the trees until late October and harvested in Wenachee, WA.

 Samples, samples, we love free samples

    The nursery has an extensive gift shop, full of lots of holiday items. We've always been enchanted by the miniature Christmas villages. This one had the set up of the town from "A Christmas Story", thus the leg lamp in the background.

 "A Christmas Story" village--Molbak's had an extensive collection

    Molbak's is a very kid friendly and dog friendly store, other than dogs aren't allowed in the in-store cafe. It seemed as though everyone was enjoying their time there. 

    Take note that Molbak's has lots of events that happen at this time of year. Many are free or are less than $10 per person for admission http://www.molbaks.com/events.html. 

    What caught us most by surprise was to find a plethora of tropical plants at the nursery. Banana plants, hibiscus flowers, orchids...we have family that lives in Hawaii so it made us feel a little like we were back in a tropical place for a few seconds to walk through this section of the store. It was fun to mix the tropical feeling with the Christmas-time experience. Thank you Molbak's for having variety.

A hibiscus plant--just one of the many tropical plants at Molbak's

Things To Know:

• Definitely a fun place to come, walk around, and take some good holiday pictures
• They have free Danish Kringle and coffee served from 11am to 3pm everyday until the 23rd of December
• Bring your camera and get your picture taken with Santa from 11am to 3pm on weekends
• Molbak's is a dog-friendly business
• You can get your dose of paradise by walking through their tropical plant section
• There is a cafe with lots of seating
• You can find lots of holiday gifts at the gift shop
• Learn more at http://www.molbaks.com/

Love those winter-time scenes!

Happy Holidays to one and all!
Head on out Around Puget Sound...and Beyond

Hiking -- Twin Falls -- North Bend, WA

    If your looking for a hike for this weekend that isn't too far from the city, Twin Falls is the hike for you. The waterfalls will knock your socks off...no joke...

    The trail begins next to the Snoqualmie River as it winds along the river's path. Giant boulders are fixtures in the rushing water as you travel along. The first 1/2 mile of the hike is flat and easy-going. After that, you'll begin to climb up a tall bank in the forest only to find that you're walking back down on the other side. Be on the look- out for the old growth Douglas fir tree that you'll soon find beside the trail. The tree must be a few hundred years old (if not older) and is truly a spectacular sight. Take Note: This hike is great at any time of the year, but Autumn allows you to enjoy the fall colors of the maple trees in this mostly evergreen forest.

The hike begins along the Snoqulamie River, where you'll have several chances to get down by the riverside

    After another hill climb (where you'll be right next to I-90 for a short stretch), you'll have the opportunity to take a set of wooden stairs down toward a look-out perch to see the falls or continue along the higher ground to another vantage point. We suggest going down the stairs first to get to the jaw-dropping view of the main falls. When we reached the platform at the bottom, our friend, that we were hiking with remarked, "Well, this is definitely more than I was expecting!" And it's true, it's difficult to capture Twin Falls with a camera. This is a must see in-person kind of place.

The view of the 150ft Twin Falls from the platform that stands high above the river

    The water comes cascading down the rocks and plunges into the river pool at the bottom. There you'll see a cave filled with water that should only be appreciated at a distance (this is some icy water). It's amazing to look down from the platform at the river and realize just how high up you actually are.

The main falls is so large that you can't quite capture it all in one shot--it's a stunning drop

    Head back up the wooden stairs and along the upper trail. There you'll reach a bridge where you'll get to see the river water just before it plummets down the waterfall. You'll also see two smaller falls higher up. The atmosphere here is so relaxing--rushing waterfalls, cool mountain air, and inspiring sights...it doesn't get much better than this...and only 1/2 hour from Seattle!

Things To Know:

• You need a Discover Pass to park in the lot or $5.00 for a day pass at the trailhead (checks accepted)
• The hike is 2.7 miles round-trip
• This is a great hike for any time of the year
• We saw a bunch of kids on this hike from toddler age up
• As long as your dog is on a leash, you're good
• The pay-off is incredible!

Directions:

    Take I-90 East toward Spokane

    Take exit 34 and turn right onto 468th Ave. S.E.

    Drive for 1/2 mile and turn left just before the bridge

    Continue on S.E. 159th St. for 1/2 mile until you reach the end of the road 

    The trailhead will be right there

The extra prizes you'll find if you walk above the main falls: more waterfalls!

Enjoy the falls!

Head on out Around Puget Sound...and Beyond

October -- Bob's Corn and Pumpkin Farm -- Snohomish, WA

Finding Bob's Corn and Pumpkin Farm
    Over the last couple of weeks we've been looking for the best pumpkin patch around to find this year's Halloween pumpkin. We've looked all over, and found what we believe to be the holy grail, not just for pumpkins, but all harvest time festivities--Bob's Corn and Pumpkin Farm a place to go rain or shine.
    Bob's Corn is located just beyond Woodinville and only 30 minutes northeast of Seattle. The farm has everything you can imagine a fun country setting having, and more...roasted sweet corn, a giant corn maze, pumpkin patches, hay rides, cow-train rides (where a tractor pulls trackless train cars that are in the shape of cows--not just for kids)...and trust us, this is only the beginning. We met with Bob, the 4th generation owner of the farm, and got the complete tour of this agri-tainment operation. (Agri-tainment: that's agriculture/entertainment mixed together--the word was new to us too.)

Welcome to Bob's Corn and Pumpkin Farm--here you'll find pumpkins and more pumpkins; take your pick!

 Arriving at the Farm
    When we got to the farm, we checked in at the Country Store, located just up from the kettle corn stand that you'll see when you enter. The first surprise you will encounter is that there is NO admission charge! Prepare to be surrounded by wholesome goodness--it'll be hard to decide what to get first. Should you buy some of those fresh pears and Honeycrisp apples you saw on your way in, the barbecue sauce or peach syrup for sale on the shelves, or if you should purchase the tickets for the corn maze?...

The Country Store, located in an old calving barn that was built in the late 1800s

Take Your Time

    Here's our advice, don't feel like you need to be in any kind of a rush; take in the country atmosphere, check out the cow train and the roasted corn being made, and then go find your pumpkin or have an adventure through the corn maze. Look for the playground on the hill, with the incredible view of Lord Hill and stop off at the concession stand for a roasted peach dessert with ice cream on top (this is by far our new favorite dessert!)

Enjoying roasted corn with the choice of  regular, garlic, or jalapeno butter--yum

Headed to the Pumpkin Patch and Maze

   When you are ready to venture to the 8-acre pumpkin patch or the maze, you'll get to board a hay ride, yes a hay ride (and it's free!). They have huge tractors that pull these hay wagons around, don't worry, there's plenty of space for everyone.

The giant John Deer tractor pulling the covered wagon hay ride

The Maze

    Once aboard you'll be on your way to the maze and pumpkin patch. Bob told us that the corn maze's elaborate design was created with nothing more than a 200ft tape measure and marking posts. While some farms use GPS systems to find their way to create their design, this one was made purely using human imagination and excellent follow through. The maze's shape this year is of a medieval castle. 

    Take note, that something unique about this farm is you can rent fire pits in the maze and have bonfire with a group of 2-80 people. Bring your own s'more equipment or get it from the farm when you get there--you can hang out at the bonfire until midnight. Check out more details here: http://www.bobscorn.com/bobs-corn-bonfires-firepits.htm.

The aerial view of this year's corn maze--a medieval castle! Learn more about the maze: http://www.bobscorn.com/bobs-corn-corn-maze.htm

The Valley

    Also, on the hay ride, you may notice a couple of ponds that are  in the same valley as the crops being grown. We learned from Bob, that during the winter months this whole valley floods with water from the Snohomish River--the water rises as high as 17 feet. When we heard him say this, we responded with, "Oh no!" Bob smiled and said that they welcome the flood because it brings all kinds of new minerals into the ground, enriching the soil, and we personally believe that this probably brings out some of the best corn and pumpkins around. When we asked Bob if he ever takes a boat out onto his winter flood lake, his responded with, "Definitely."

The valley next to the Snohomish River: The hay ride's end point and the beginning of pumpkins galore and the entrance to the maze

The History of the Farm    

    Bob's great-grandparents homesteaded this land in Snohomish, WA in the 1880s. In the 1960s, the 500 acres of land became a dairy farm with over 225 cows that were milked 3 times each day. Bob started selling sweet corn as a kid in the 1980s--as he puts it, "Some kids sell lemonade, well, I sold corn." And he did pretty well. In 2001 the farm made a transition from dairy farm to pumpkin patch and corn maze, and officially got into the agritainment business. Since then Bob's Corn and Pumpkin Farm's popularity has exploded with more and more visitors every October.

    This is a true family run business. During the other 11 months of the year, Bob and his family are prepping for the upcoming October visitors--they are determined to give you the best possible experience. Not only do they go the extra mile to bring you a great time, they go miles beyond. The farm's motto is, "Bob's Corn and Pumpkin Farm, where family memories grow." Bob says, "This is your farm--bring your kids." 

    Everything said here is true, we'd only like to add...this is not only a place for kids and families, but a place for couples, friends, seniors--everyone is bound to have a memorable time here.

The October sunshine high above the corn fields

Making It a Tradition

    After finding the perfect pumpkin for us (the funkiest looking pumpkin is our favorite kind) we headed back to the Country Store for some fresh apple cider and found out that the store is open year round. We plan on making this our resource for fresh seasonal fruits and veggies throughout the year and the maze and pumpkin patch an annual tradition every October. 

The view out from the Country Store; crates and crates full of fresh produce

    Head on out to this one-of-a-kind local business any day in the next few weeks before Halloween--they're open every day, with extended hours over the weekends and get ready for fun http://www.bobscorn.com/. 

Things To Know:

• This is place to go rain or shine thanks to the covered eating areas
• Free admission! 
• There's plenty of parking, including handicap parking near the Country Store
• There will be greeters to help you figure out where to go when you arrive
• Feel free to ask the staff any questions you may have, they're extremely helpful
• There's a free playground for the kids with a stellar view of the valley
• You can get roasted apples, pears, and corn at the concession stand...
• There you are: Have a great country adventure

There's so much to enjoy at Bob's Corn and Pumpkin Farm!

Thanks Bob for creating an incredible farm!
Head on out Around Puget Sound...and Beyond

News -- Glass Blown Pumpkins -- King 5's Evening Magazine

    It's October and that means it's time to start getting in the harvest time mood. Some people are celebrating in more classic ways, by buying candy and figuring out what costume to wear for the 31st; while others have been experimenting and creating new ways to have fun with yearly traditions, like going pumpkin picking...Tacoma Glass Blowing Studio will be sponsoring 7 "pumpkin patches" in the Seattle area with real glass blown pumpkins this year.
    In the last 10 months, the studio has produced over 6000 unique glass blown pumpkins.  Kim Holcomb from Evening Magazine reports:

Watch this to learn more about the artistically created glass blown pumpkins that are becoming the new craze in Seattle

    A portion of the proceeds will be donated to an amazing organization called, Kidstown International, which helps supply at-risk or orphaned youth in Romania, Nepal, and India with some of the basic necessities of life. http://www.kidstowninternational.org/. 

Where to Find Upcoming Pumpkin Patches:

• Sat. Oct. 8th 9-2pm Issaquah's Pickering Barn (1730 10th Ave. NW Issaquah, WA 98027)
• Sat. Oct. 15th 9-4pm Tacoma's Pagada at Point Defiance (5400 N. Pearl St. Tacoma, WA 98407)
• Sat. Oct. 22nd 9-4pm Bellevue's Northwest Art Center (9825 NE 24th St. Bellevue, WA 98407)
• Sat. Oct. 29th 9-4pm Puyallup's Pioneer Park Pavilion (330 S. Meridian Puyallup, WA 98371)
• Sat. Nov. 5th 9-4pm Olympia's Port of Olympia Plaza (704 Columbia St. NW Olympia, WA 98501)

    Thank you Tacoma Glass Blowing Studio for this amazing art!  
    http://www.tacomaglassblowing.com/
     Head on out Around Puget Sound...and Beyond  

News -- Autumn Loop Drive -- Seattle Times Newspaper

    Thanks to the story by Brian J. Cantwell, from the Seattle Times, we learned about the Chinook Pass/White Pass Autumn Loop Drive in the Mt. Rainier National Park. We're looking forward to checking this out this fall.
                     http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2016345603_trsouthcascades02.html

    The scenery looks absolutely beautiful--prepare for autumn leaf colors and panoramic mountain vistas. Check it out this weekend and send us your experiences and photos.
    We'd love to post them!
     Head on out Around Puget Sound...and Beyond