Olympic Theatre

Can you smell the fresh popcorn?

Myself and another Savvy Mommy took the kids to see a movie this past weekend. We hit the JACKPOT when we discovered the Olympic Theatre in Arlington. Not only did we catch a matinee showing of the current Disney hit 'Brave', we also indulged in movie favs including; popcorn, candy, and soda, all in a very cool historic theater AND at a bargain price! We saw a matinee for only $4.50 per person! It was pretty busy when we arrived 15 minutes prior to show time but had no problems finding good seats for the 5 us. The lobby is small so the line appeared much larger than it was. The seats are probably original (not sure) and reclined slightly for a comfortable view. There are no cup holders in the armrests but you can by soda in a reusable pop-top container to help prevent spills. You can also purchase a reusable plastic bucket for popcorn. Not sure what they charge for a refill but they do offer a discount and I'm sure it's a great price. Like any theater, no outside food or drink is allowed but keep in mind, this is how small theaters stay in business so making snack purchases at this theater contribute positively and are priced affordably-- especially compared to larger theaters! Overall, the theater is small and intimate yet clean and well-maintained along with friendly service and an unbeatable overall value.

Check their website for current show times and prices as it changes frequently. Also, if I'm not mistaken, the matinee price is only on Saturdays and Sundays for the 2pm showing which is also a great idea for a rainy day weekend! Sorry I only got a few pics but there are a few more on their website.

Spencer Island

Spencer Island is a beautiful island tucked deep in north Everett near the Everett sewer treatment facility.
Getting there: Located near the Everett Animal Shelter just continue along that road, you will enter the water treatment plant, which makes you feel like you went the wrong way, but KEEP GOING, you will come to a sign that says 'No Parking Beyond This Point' but again, KEEP going. The road will turn to gravel and down a bit further there is a parking lot on the right side along with a small brown sign identifying the island. If you park here it is still about a quarter mile walk to the island. When I first read about Spencer Island on The Herald website and various parks and rec sites, they mentioned car break-ins, which can happen anywhere, but on both visits I saw small piles of window glass shattered in the lot. They weren't kidding so don't leave any valuables in the car! You can continue driving down the gravel road towards the bridge and there is an area to turn around but there isn't enough room to park. I think it serves as an access road for the plant which is on both sides of the road. We saw lots of birds on both visits and according to the website, the island is home to deer, coyotes, river otter, and much more! The entire island is an easy and level hike but keep in mind dogs and bikes are not permitted on the south end. There is a port-a-potty near the entrance towards the left after you cross the bridge. We have not seen the entire island so I am not sure if there are more. We also saw a few picnic tables along the way. Depending on the weather and which way the wind is blowing, it may be smelly (like the slough you occasionally smell while driving on I5 between Everett and Marysville.) It was pretty stinky on our first visit but the smell faded away as we got closer to the island and there was no smell on our second visit.

 

The island is divided into 2 areas. We went on 2 separate occasions and were able to see a little bit of each end.

This first group of pictures are from the 'south end'

This next set of pics are from the North end of the island which is where dogs are allowed.  

On the bridge over the Snohomish river.

Castle Park

Kid's Oasis Playground or "Castle Park" is hidden in Snohomish county in the city of Lake Stevens. The playground is at an elementary school but is open to the public when school is not in session. Parking is good but I did not see a public restroom nearby. There is a Frisbee golf course next door to the school so maybe there is a bathroom there? The playground is huge and is a hit for all ages!

Carkeek Park

This is our very first review of a park in King county and it does not disappoint! When one Savvy Mommy lives in Snohomish county and her BFF (another Savvy mommy) lives in King county, you meet somewhere in between! Windy, but warm temperatures along with rain-less afternoons made it a perfect time to fly our kites.

So on Monday April 23, 2012 we met at Carkeek Park to soak in a little bit of vitamin D and fly a kite. This park is breathtaking and the pictures on their website do not do it justice! Featuring acres and acres of all things 'northwest', this spot captures a bit of everything that defines our area. From the tress and grass, to the ocean waters and beaches, from the the playground to the picnic tables, this place has it all! Parking was decent considering we were there on a Monday afternoon, but I'm sure it fills up very fast on weekends.

Windy enough for kite flyin'

grassy area near the playground with a beautiful view

This fish "slide" is SO Seattle and the kids loved it

Can't wait to come back and explore the trails!

To say that she can 'fly' is an understatement

Pedestrian bridge from the park over the railroad tracks to the beach. Not stroller or wheelchair friendly (not sure if there is an alternative route or not).

YES, that is really sand in Washington

Which becomes pebbles and rocks as you get closer to the water

Tulip Festival '12

Located north of King and Snohomish counties in Skagit County, the Tulip Festival is a must see for all ages! It runs during the month of April and there are all sorts of events going on during that time. The first year we went we just drove around the fields and parked on the side of the road then got out to take pictures. Doing this is free (unless you park in someone's private pay lot), but not very convenient. There is almost no parking on the side of the road so it's hit and miss to see the tulips for 'free'. This was our third year attending and we stumbled upon Tulip Town. Parking was abundant (and free), then it was $5 for adults and free for children to enter. They had acres of tulips of multiple colors to view.... BINGO! They also had vendors selling various tulip related items, a small cafe and tractor rides (for a fee). The day we went it was not raining but the pathways were still pretty muddy. It was difficult to walk in some parts because of puddles and slippery mud, which would make bringing a stroller nearly impossible, so come prepared! If you and/or your kids have rain boots, wear them! I wish we had some and will definitely have them next year. This is also one of the few places (that we know of) with somewhere to go potty BUT it's inside the gate (after paying the entrance fee) and they only have port-a-potties. Not a big deal to most, but some kids are very picky at certain ages so this is good to know before hand! :)

WARNING: picture overload! BUT with tulips this pretty and kids so cute-- who could blame me?

She didn't get the memo but DON'T pick the tulips!!!

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Almost done blooming for the season!

Tulips as tall as my 3-year old-- WOW!!