Summer deals put family first
After my grandmother died, my grandfather would sometimes get a scheme in his head and – with no one there to talk him down – it was all he could think about. And he figured everyone else should be thinking about it, too.
One day he called a bunch of us to come over without delay. We of course dropped everything, fearing some emergency.
The crisis? He had stumbled across some photographs of my mother when she was a little girl and he wanted everyone to see how cute she was.
He said when people got a look at her back then, “The whole joint went bananas.”
Another time he got a great deal on some cantaloupe in season. So to celebrate, he had the whole family over for a “melon party.”
Sitting around on the lawn scooping ice cream out of a half a cantaloupe with your grandpa seems like all anyone could ask for out of summer, but if you want options, here’s the roundup:
“The “Family Vacation Unplugged” package at Alderbrook Resort & Spa, on the south shore of the Olympic Peninsula’s Hood Canal, offers a “back to basics” getaway with popcorn, a puzzle for all-family fun; a waterproof disposable camera and picture frame; a $50 credit for the Restaurant at Alderbrook; and a coupon book for the spa, boat rental and gift shop.
That all comes with overnight accommodations in a creek view guestroom or a two-bedroom waterfront cottage starting at $199. Plus, you get a $25 discount toward a second night’s stay.
The package is available until Sept. 30. Learn more at alderbrookresort.com or (800) 622-9370.
“If time with the entire family isn’t what you’re after, leave the minors behind and try the 2007 Auction of Washington Wines, Aug. 16 to 18.
The event kicks off that Thursday at a picnic with the winemakers and barrel auction on the grounds of Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville.
I presume this is no potato-salad-and-cupcakes sort of affair, as it costs $125 per person. Then again, they’re offering “nostalgic lawn games” and “nifty entertainment,” so that may explain the price tag.
Friday’s winemaker dinners up the stakes with a $225 “swanky soiree” featuring a gourmet meal and Washington wines in “spiffy homes and winsome wineries” around Seattle.
(Whoever issued the event’s news release was having an awfully good time with the thesaurus.)
Saturday, the eponymous auction finally appears, along with the Peacock Ball, also at Chateau Ste. Michelle. The Brian Nova Orchestra will accompany both your spending and dancing.
The evening rings in at $500 per person. To find out more, visit www.auctionofwashington wines.org or call (206) 667-9463.
“”Free” might be more your speed, and the 20th Annual Moss Street Paint-In will accommodate you.
The July 21 event in Victoria, B.C., lines the entire length of Moss Street from the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria to the Pacific Ocean with professional and emerging artists. You’re welcome to simply browse their wares, although they’re not opposed to selling them to you, either.
You can take a break at the food and beverage garden and wrap up your day with dancing at the gallery. Try www.aggv.bc.ca or (250) 384-4101 for details.
“Continue your walking and gawking in Portland at the Oregon Zoo, again offering its “Behind the Scenes Encounters” for animal lovers who want to get off the beaten path.
The one-hour family tour – $30 per person for nonmembers – introduces you to what’s involved in caring for the animals.
You’ll meet Mochica, the “penguin with personality,” in the Penguin Family Encounter on July 29, and on Aug. 11 and 25 you’ll learn about wolves and bears, respectively.
The Sept. 15 Savanna Family Encounter shows you how the zoo takes care of its tallest and smallest critters, and you’ll also make a treat for one of the African animals.
There’s a two-person minimum for Family Encounters. Children (ages 8 to 13) must be accompanied by an adult.
For even more hands-on activity, you can help bathe an elephant or feed the sea lions with a 90-minute VIP Behind the Scenes Encounter.
Steller Cove on July 21 and the Elephant Wash on Aug. 11 each runs $100 for nonmembers. Participants must be 14 or older.
The schedule is on the zoo’s Web site ( www.oregonzoo.org) or you can call (503) 226-1561.
Regional events
“Central Montana Horse Show, Fair and Rodeo, July 25-29, Lewistown. You’ll find 4-H and open exhibits, a carnival and more, all in the view of three mountain ranges. ( www.visitmt.com/ 406-538-8841)
“Jazz in the Valley, July 28-30, Ellensburg. Twenty-three acts will play in 10 venues in the historic downtown. ( www.visitellensburg.com/ 509-925-2002)
“33rd Annual Vintiques NW National, Aug. 2-5, Yakima. More than 600 pre-1972 street rods, trucks and roadsters will be on hand. ( www.vintiques.com/ 509-248-7160)