It's about that time of year when people start day-dreaming about hitting the road and going far, far away for summer vacation. But with the gorgeous weather we've been having (not to mention gas prices) it's hard to want to leave the city. May we suggest some highly social arts events around the City fringes that will get you out of your regular stomping grounds. When the living is easy, it's time for adventure. And nothing says adventure like West Seattle. more ›

• The train tracks near Carkeek Park on were shut down for nearly four hour Saturday evening, after a California-bound train struck and killed a 25-year-old Seattle man.
• It will be tough to finding your favorite Scandinavian treats of pickled herring, lutefisk and svinneribbe. After 49 years of business, Ballard's Olsen’s Scandinavian Foods announced over the weekend that they will have to close their door. Sales have already begun.
• Fremont was certainly the "Center of the Universe" for everyone painted head-to-toe in body paint this weekend. Once again, the annual Fremont Fair and the Solstice--naked people--Parade did not disappoint.

• Sometimes we can't help but love Ballard and how, despite all the changes, the neighborhood is trying to retain it's heart and soul. My Ballard's coverage of the annual and epic Ballard Seafood Festival reminds us of all that we love about Ballard--long lines for salmon barbecue (with copius photo evidence), coverage of the couture cover-all contest, and the crowning of a record breaking lutefisk eating champion.
• Blogging Georgetown reports of repeated break-ins at the working urban organic oasis that is Marra Farms. Not only is Marra this amazing farm in the south of the city, where one would imagine nothing would grow without care or love, the folks at Marra do good work with Seattle Youth Garden Works and local food banks. So, double or triple shame on whoever is breaking in and tagging up the place.
• And Lights & Sirens, the Northwest's finest crime blog (sorry Seattle 911--y'all are just getting started--but we really like you) shares a sad local loss from the continuing wildfires in California. The Fire Chief of East Pierce County died battling the Panther wildfire in Northern California this weekend. Early last week, a firefighter from Port Townsend also died fighting the California blazes.

FREE BALLARD DAY: It's been over a century, but maybe today's the day that Ballard will finally secede from the city. Stranger things have happened. Anyway, in celebration of Free Ballard Day, the fine folks at Archie McPhee will be giving a free gift to anyone who enters their store saying the secret word: "lutefisk." They'd also like you to know that you'll get a free gift if you spend more than $25. So go get your free remote-controlled yodeling pickle. (We can't guarantee that your free gift will be a remote-controlled yodeling pickle. It's just our favorite thing at Archie McPhee, and we couldn't resist giving it a shout out.) more ›