Welcome to Seattle Close to Home — a weekly round-up of ideas for time-crunched Seattle-area residents, who want to get outside, volunteer, and eat good food, but don’t necessarily want to drive far (or at all).
Help out at “Tuesdays in the Garden.” If it fits into your schedule, stop by Kubota Garden near Rainier Beach (9817 55th Ave S) on any Tuesday morning from 10am to 12pm and assist the gardeners with planting, pruning, raking, or weeding. Or visit on another day for a serene and scenic stroll (admission is free!).
Join your fellow flower fans. The annual Georgetown Garden Walk is a self-guided exploration of this eclectic southend neighborhood. Maps are available on the day of the walk (Sunday) at the Georgetown Bank of America parking lot (1112 South Bailey St) from 10am-5pm. In addition to gardens, there will be live music, plus brew pubs and artist studios to visit.
Get Out! on the Chief Sealth Trail. This rolling bike and pedestrian path spans the Beacon Hill and Rainier Beach neighborhoods, beginning just south of Jefferson Park and ending a couple of blocks from Kubota Garden. The terrain is hilly, so riding the entire 4.5-mile trail (9 miles roundtrip) offers a short, but good, workout with a view. The trail is also accessible from several light rail stations: Beacon Hill (with an additional 3.3-mile ride), Othello, and Rainier Beach (northbound towards Beacon Hill or southbound to Kubota Garden).
Fuel up at one of Georgetown’s many eateries. Get some ideas on the Garden Walk or visit seattle.eater.com for recommendations. There is no shortage of great food and drink in Georgetown.
If you’re at the Garden or the south end of the Trail, check out King Donuts (9232 Rainier Ave S), where you can eat donuts, Thai food, and teriyaki — and also do a little laundry. Open from 7am most every day, including weekends.
Leaving the car at home? In addition to the light rail stops mentioned above, Metro buslines 106 and 107. And the 124 runs from downtown Seattle to Georgetown.
Weather forecast: Temps in the 70s/low 80s with cooler weather and the possibility of showers on Saturday.
Seattle Close To Home 