Belles of the Sound

With Bike to Work Month well underway, Redhook Brewery is doing it’s part as host of the 17th annual Haul Ash Redhook Tour De Brew which commemorates the 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens. Over the years, Haul Ash has become a great tradition for local cyclist and Redhook beer enthusiasts alike.

Registration is open now for the Sunday, May 20 ride.

So pull out the padded spandex shorts and your rain slicker (just in case) and register to ride roundtrip from Redhook Brewery in Woodinville to Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood – the birthplace of Redhook – along the scenic Burke-Gilman Trail. Once in Fremont head into downtown to quench your thirst with a cold pint at the midway point at LTD Bar and Grill, or hold onto your drink tickets for the Haul Ash After-Party. The party will be held in the grassy Bowl at the brewery, complete with a BBQ and Redhook beer garden.

The Deets:

DISTANCE 42 miles roundtrip, flat course
EST RIDE TIME 2.5-4.0 hours
PARKING Available at Redhook, neighboring ball fields, and the business parks on Hwy 202 north of Redhook. No parking at Columbia Winery.

On-Site Registration: You can pre-register with no processing fee in the Forecasters Pub. $30 through May 16. $40 on the event day.

Packet Pickup: Wednesday, May 16 from 4pm to 7pm

May 20, 2012

• Registration & Packet Pickup: 8:00 AM
• Riders Depart: 9:00 AM
• After Party: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Some of you may be like me and are mourning your busted NCAA bracket and the end of college basketball season. Or maybe you’re like Belle Kara and are relishing your mastery of picking the teams! Either way, if you’re looking for a second chance to pick a killer bracket and win some aweome prizes, you NEED to enter KJR AM’s Bigger Dance.

Going on 16 years now, local Seattle sports radio station KJR AM has been hosting the Bigger Dance, their take on the NCAA basketball brackets. And the bracket contestants? They are compiled from sexy, celebrity women both locally and around the world. Before you smirk at that, consider the prizes. The winner wins two tickets to the sporting event of their choice anywhere in the world… surfing competition in Australia anyone?? The top 30 finishers will win a host of amazing prizes, including trips, sports tickets, free pizza and more.

Here’s how it works: Each morning during the competition, there will be four lady match-ups live on the air at 8:50am, 10:50am, 1:50pm, and 4:50pm. Listeners are invited to call in during the match-up and “vote” for their favorite. Votes will be tallied for 3.5 minutes, and the lady with the most votes at the end of the time will move on. The final four match-ups are done live, in-person at a party hosted by The Parlor.

It doesn’t cost to enter, but you only have the rest of the day to do so!! The Bigger Dance kicks off tomorrow morning at 8:50am, so get your bracket in ASAP. And, best of luck to you all!

The latest in the our ongoing series “Belles’ Man on the Street,” profiling new Seattleite Henry Fitzgerald’s adventures in getting to know our great city.

Are you new to the Seattle area and trying to meet friends? Like many college grads, Seattle may have offered the perfect career opportunity for you, but moving hours from friends and family has probably been taxing. However, just as you and your guys spent every free minute during college watching March Madness, the NFL season, and Opening Day and on in the Spring, the guys in Seattle obsess over sports as well. With the young MLB season, throwing a Mariners viewing party for co-workers and maybe some guys from the gym could be your first step to finding a group for weekly poker nights and after-work drinks.

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Congrats to the Mariners! Today the team won it’s Opening Day game versus the Oakland Athletics. And get this, the first pitch was at 3 a.m. PST! Wowza. This was due to the fact that both teams traveled to Tokyo for the game. I know some of you are hardcore and were up for the game, but I still love the M’s, even if I couldn’t get myself out of bed that early! Sorry team.

With the home opener just over two weeks away (April 13, FTW!), it’s time to change your gears and start purchasing tickets! I already have my opening day seats (I’m going with ex-Belle Cathy), and I have blocked a few weekends throughout the summer. Pick up you tix here. Don’t forget that there will be King Felix days too…

This year, the M’s are testing out a new dynamic pricing system, as outlined in this Seattle Times article. Basically, this means that tickets in the same seats may not cost the same on different game days. Tickets will be priced according to popularity of the day, opponents, and several other factors. I love this idea! It makes the tickets much more accessible to a broader group of people, and it will encourage folks to attend the mid-week games. Afterall, is it fair for people who go to a Tuesday game to pay the same as people who go to the Saturday Yankees game?

All in all, I’m excited for another season of baseball. I love this team and I can’t wait to see how we look this year! For those of you who love the Mariners’ commercials, here is my personal favorite:

The latest in our “Man on the Street” series featuring manly tips from new Seattleite Henry Fitzgerald.

Like any big metropolitan area, Seattle and its surrounding suburbs are clustered with golf courses. Seattle’s courses, however, are some of the best. There are both private and public courses, big courses and small — but they all have one thing in common: 18 holes of golfing greatness.

Before we get to the best courses in the Seattle area, it’s important to note that the weather in Seattle can turn a golf outing into quite the adventure. It’s not uncommon for the “Emerald City” to experience rain for the majority of nine months out of the year, which can potentially put a damper on golf plans.

That is, if you’re unprepared.

Water Hazards

All any hardcore golfer needs is the right gear. Make sure to bring your umbrella along with your rain gear if it’s looking a little wet outside. Perhaps most importantly, do not forget your waterproof shoes. At most golf stores or clubhouses, you will be sure to find a solid pair of waterproof golf shoes. Puma golf shoes are very reliable some of the most comfortable. As an added bonus, many come with extensive waterproof protection.

Now that all your golf apparel needs are covered let’s figure out which Seattle course you will try on. Below are a few options for golfers of all skill levels.

The Courses

Seattle Golf Club is mainly an exclusive course. If you wish to play here you must be a member or the guest of a member. However, if you do get the chance to play on this course, don’t be fooled by its beautiful appearance — it’s also quite challenging. One of Seattle’s more classy courses, the Seattle Golf Club has some of the best views in the city and not just skyscrapers.

West Seattle Golf Club is likely the best bang you will find for your buck. Moderately priced with a great urban feel not found in many other courses, the West Seattle Golf Club is one of the best affordable courses in the greater Seattle area. It lies in the heart of the West Seattle neighborhood and can get a little weather dampened at times. While it is best played during a dry spell, you can certainly bring your rain gear.

Greenlake Golf Course is on the low end for green fees. But, that’s not to say it is a low quality course. The course is definitely worth the cheap price to play. It is, however, smaller than most courses and a little out of the way if you are coming from the heart of the city. If affordability is your aim, this course won’t do you wrong.

Broadmoor Golf Club, like the Seattle Golf Club is a bit ritzy, but equally as beautiful and well maintained. It is located in the heart of Seattle with beautiful greens and fairways. If you would like to play here you do need to be a member, or invited by one. If you can manage that, then the beauty of this pristine course will be yours for 18 holes.

Don’t be afraid to brave the unpredictable Seattle elements and get your golf game going. Rain or shine, these courses are a great way to spend an afternoon.

Read on for the latest in our Belles’ Man on the Street series extoling the adventures of Henry Fitzgerald as he moves from Florida to the Emerald City. 

Five months ago I moved from the Sunshine State all the way across the country to Seattle to start a new job. I had recently graduated from UCF and was looking to get out into the real world and make it on my own.  I didn’t know much about Seattle aside from the fact that it rains a lot and the SuperSonics moved from there. Still, I hired some movers, packed up my few possessions and set off to meet my future.

Once I arrived in Seattle and settled into my apartment, I figured it was time for me to get out and explore. Of course I didn’t exactly know where I should go since I had only been there briefly for an interview and I didn’t have much time to find anything.

This next part might take away from the excitement of the story, but it definitely came in handy for me. Instead of going out and just wandering around town, I decided to get on social media and see what I could find out about Seattle. I figured I could find some nice spots to eat at and different spots to check out on the weekends. I was right.

Seattle Restaurants @searestaurants

I found a Twitter account dedicated only to posting information about different places to eat in Seattle. It was love at first Tweet. I love to eat and to tryout different cuisines from various cultures. I was able to find a spot to eat that first night at a diner that was mention in a post and the food was great.

After that I decided to try this out again and see if I could learn more about the Seattle nightlife.

Seattle Places @seattle_places

The Seattle Places Twitter account posts about spots around the city that have events or parties going on. Another great thing about it is many of the posts list discounts for various places. It has something for everybody too. I saw a post with 87 percent off of a massage and another one for 55 percent off of guitar lessons. They post about various bars and clubs too. I’ve been to a couple of spots the account recommended to get some wings and watch the college football bowl games and some NBA action.

Daily to do list

I also came across a page on Facebook called 365 Things to Do in Seattle. This turned out to be another great resource for me to find different activities that are taking place here. If I have a question, I can ask right through the site and get an answer right back from other locals. I have come across some really helpful and friendly people through the Facebook page who keep me posted on different events that they hear about, which makes the service even better.

Social media has made my transition to a new state and city much easier. Not only was I able to find places to go that I enjoyed, but I also save money in the process and met some cool people. I’m not sure I could have adjusted as well to a cross-country move before the Internet and sites like Twitter and Facebook.

A Smash Putt obstacle. Photo via SmashPutt.com

Do you enjoy putt-putt, but are maybe looking for a little change of pace? If so, Smash Putt may be for you! Smash Putt is a seasonal mini golf experience unlike anything you’ve seen before. This year’s theme is “2012: The Final Apocalypse,” which sounds like an absolute blast to me. It features unbelieveable obstacles such as the golfball cannon or a new one featuring scratch and sniff technology according to the website.

Once you are done putting, feel free to stick around for cocktails. Smash Putt has an on-site lounge, as well as a viewing room so you can watch others tackle the putting elements. The also have group rooms for rent if you want to through a private Smash Putt event.

You MUST get tickets in advance. Every night sells out. The catch is that they only sell tickets for the upcoming weekend, so you have to be on top of your game. Go to this website to select your tee time and purchase tickets. Note that some times are strictly 21+. Tickets cost $12 or $15 depending on your tee time.

Smash Putt is located at 2764 6th Ave. S in SoDo. It’s open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting this weekend through the end of February!

Don’t miss out on this wacky putting adventure.

With our summer sadly winding down, there are still a few ways you can take advantage of the outdoors, while giving something back to your community. There is a wonderful volunteer opportunity for women in King County and the surrounding areas called Girls on the Run. Girls on the Run is an after school program for elementary school girls in 4th-6th grade. The girls gather together with their “team” two days a week for ten weeks to learn about being healthy, positive young women, all while getting excercise and training for the end of the year 5k!

There are still a few coaching opportunities available for women in the North Seattle area, or those who are willing to travel there. I’m actually coaching this year up in Lake Forest Park!! HOWEVER, if you are like most people, and don’t have a ton of time to give, I’d like to suggest you sign up to be a Running Buddy!

A Running Buddy’s commitment is very low. The duties simply involve being paired with one of the young participants and running (or walking in some instances) alongside them during the 5k. This is a rewarding volunteer opportunity, as you’re able to personally ensure these girls complete their goal that they’ve been working toward for the past 10 weeks, and make sure they have a great time doing it! The program has approximately 350 girls participating this season, and needs that many Running Buddies to accommodate!

If this sounds like something you are interested in, please go to the following link and sign up. And who knows, maybe you’ll just have so much fun that you’ll decide to coach in subsequent seasons.

If you have any questions, visit their website, or feel free to shoot me an email. I look forward to seeing some of you at the 5k!

Read on for our semi-regular feature that follows new-Seattleite Henry Fitzgerald and his adventures in discovering our Emerald City!

I am an unconventional sports fan. I love pretty much every sport, from football, soccer, basketball and ice hockey to cycling, volleyball, swimming and baseball. I even got into curling during the Winter Olympics. And I’m a venue snob. I can’t fully enjoy a football game in Grandma’s basement on a 20-inch tube TV from the 1990′s. Sorry.

I moved to Seattle a few months ago and I’ve since found some pretty awesome places to watch my favorite sporting events. They’re a lot better than Grandma’s basement. I promise.

Home “Stadiums”

Watching games at home comes with substantial perks. No belligerent drunks, overpriced food, traffic, expensive tickets, crying babies or big-headed families blocking your view.

That being said, I recently transformed my living room into the ultimate home stadium. My dad, disgusted with my 32-inch flat screen, bought me a huge LED for Christmas last year. With that under my belt, I called a local Seattle electrician recommended to me by a friend. He came out and installed a legit home theater system, good for movies, sports and the occasional dance party.

Whenever I host a viewing party, I put my sofa up on cinder blocks to make it sit higher, trot out some camping chairs and put a few blankets down on the floor. Stadium seating made easy.

Real Stadiums

If I have money to spend, I love seeing a game (or two) live and in person, at a local stadium.

I’ve seen the Sounders once at CenturyLink Field and plan on seeing the Seahawks there. CenturyLink is amazing. It’s clean, well maintained, easy to access and navigate, has great seating and good parking. I saw the Mariners play at Safeco Field and loved it. Baseball is my favorite sport, and the stadium was phenomenal. The roof opened up, and the hot dogs – and sushi! – were delicious. I’ve also seen a horse race at the Emerald Downs, got invited to a Disney-on-Ice production at the KeyArena and caught part of a field hockey game at the Starfire Sports & Entertainment Complex. I would suggest not spending money on Disney on Ice, but everything else is a go.

Sports Bars

I find sports bars to be the happy medium between hauling in the cinder blocks in order to build my home stadium or shelling out money and effort to head out to a real stadium.

Auto Battery is my favorite sports bar. It’s totally awesome–cheap drinks and food, pool, skeeball, laid back atmosphere, and great specials. But, it gets crowded. If you plan on catching a Seahawks game on Sunday afternoon, get there Sunday morning. But hey, that’s part of the fun – being around all the fans give the bar a stadium-like feel.

The Victory Lounge is a close second. Its food and drinks are even cheaper than Auto Battery and the bartenders are more attentive. I like it because it’s cleaner, and there’s a wide selection of beer and liquor, games and a sweet patio. It’s a little less crowded on game days, too. Plus, it’s called the Victory Lounge: automatic indicator of good times.

Tickets and Tips

I usually try to save money on buying tickets. I’ve found some good deals on Craig’s List, StubHub and TicketLuck. I also suggest buying tickets in groups, since most sites offer discounts for multiple ticket sales.

I’d advise that you show up early to beat both car and foot traffic. Bring cash so you don’t end up losing track of things and accidentally charging $150 on your debit card. And, if you’re hosting viewing parties at home, encourage others to bring snacks, so you don’t end up pulling the weight all the time. It adds up.

Happy trails, sports fans!

That’s right folks, it’s going to be 80 degrees + this coming Labor Day Weekend and if you’re not one of the groupies heading to the Gorge or Bumbershoot you may be looking for a nice beach, body of water and people watching to enjoy.

This last Sunday I did some park hopping on the Eastside to check out the digs around Lake Sammamish and was impressed with Idylwood Beach Park (3650 West Lake Sammamish Parkway NE) for two reasons: excellent parking options in the overflow lot across the street and rent-able water activities including canoes, standup paddle boards and kayaks. And that rental desk was busy! Also, standup paddle board instruction was offered later in the evening to a group of about 10. Here is one outfit that offers lessons out of the park.

Photo courtesy of Redmond Parks and Recreation

If you can handle the people watching, and I say this because it will without a doubt be at it’s best, you cand handle Idylwood Beach Park.

Just one more place to dip your toes this weekend and cool off.

Take it easy and have a great holiday weekend!

K