Things to Do in Union Hill-Novelty Hill

Founded by Floyd Remlinger, Remlinger Farms first began as a wholesaler of fresh strawberries. Ten years later, his son Gary Remlinger made sure to keep up with the ever-changing times, opening up the fields to the public to pick their own. When he and his wife, Bonnie, got married, they planted pumpkins—the first crop of their new life together. When groups of children visited the farm, curious about animals and harvests, Bonnie found new ways to teach them about how simple seeds sprout into giant trees to escape from worms' constant requests for directions.

Today, the family's farm stretches across 200 acres of land and attracts 200,000 visitors annually to its home in the picturesque Snoqualmie Valley. The third and fourth generations of the Remlinger family have kept adding their own personal touches and new features, while still keeping true to the farm's original vision. Though visitors can still pick their own berries by the pound, crates of fresh fruits and veggies overflow at the market, demonstrating the abundant yields possible through the Remlingers' use of organic fertilizers and sustainable-farming practices.

Beyond the agricultural attractions, a theme park with more than 25 family-friendly rides lets young guests frolic among the grounds, whether watching live children's entertainment or hopping aboard a pint-sized steam train to chug along the Tolt River and past the homes of barnyard animals. Elsewhere, families can replenish their energy levels at the full-service Country Kitchen Restaurant, or corral treats from the bakery or ice-cream parlor before enjoying them at one of the spacious picnic areas. Aside from stocking home refrigerators and igloo garages with all-natural goodies, Remlinger Farms consistently gives back to the community by hosting fundraisers throughout the year.

The son of a Navy officer, Mike Ainsworth spent much of his childhood island-hopping across the South Pacific. Regardless of the shore on which he landed, the budding fisherman celebrated the opportunity to test its surrounding waters for fish. Now, Ainsworth shares his passion and expertise for fishing on his guided trips. He tailors expeditions for beginners—teaching tricky maneuvers such as fly-casting and testing fish’s ability to grant wishes—and whisking groups to the best fishing spots in Washington State in his stable Hyde Professional Series drift boats.

Over the years, Ainsworth has helped tykes reel in fish that matched their height and watched amazed as a 78-year-old guest singlehandedly reeled in a 4-foot-long king salmon. Despite his own quest to mark off elusive prey from his personal fishing list, Ainsworth maintains that his favorite part of his fishing expeditions is the look on guests' faces when they reel in their very first catches, a moment he often captures on film.

Backed by 30 total years of experience that includes teaching kayaking and selling equipment for REI, Barbara Gronseth shares her passion for the outdoors through Issaquah Paddle Sports. Profiled in the Issaquah Press, Barbara and her team—which includes husband George—rent stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and NuCanoe Kayaks to all ages of outdoorsmen. Since Issaquah Paddle Sports is located within Lake Sammamish State Park near Tibbetts Beach, its protected beach affords visitors a relaxed setting for launching into the lake.

Beyond supplying guests with equipment, Barbara's team also leads programs that range from guided tours to experiences designed exclusively for women and kids. Additionally, the staff arranges lessons in kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding through parent company Kayak Academy. Back at the clubhouse, attendants dispense replenishments such as Clif Bars, SmartWater, and caviar cupcakes.

BAMignite celebrates the closing days of Bellevue Arts Museum's Think Twice: New Latin American Jewelry show with music, performances, and art demonstrations. Guests draped in their own provocative jewelry wander through the drifting grooves of a DJ set and the Brazilian melodies of ChoroLoco. A sultry tango performance stirs up enough heat to fuel the do-it-yourself jewelry-crafting station. Meanwhile, artist Cathy McClure helms a live artist demonstration that highlights the inner workings of her fantastical toy robots and offers insight into life as the lost Jetson. An art-in-motion presentation shows the mobile sculptures of Michael Cooper in action, and fictitious, limited-edition passports made by Erika Harrsch are up for grabs during a wheel-spinning contest. Guests can corral refreshments (not included in this Groupon) at a cash bar before whispering their own creative ideas into receptive empty glasses.

Today’s Groupon gets you $30 worth of beer tasting, a pint of your favorite house beer, and a nifty T-shirt at Two Beers Brewing Co. for $15. Beer tasting will incorporate your hands, torso, and palate for a full-sensory tastezone.China, 5,000 BC: Alcohol was used in China to celebrate a variety of important events like births, conference championships, and the invention of gunpowder.

When it was built in 1914, the Smith Tower was the tallest building west of the Mississippi. Though it lost that designation a mere 17 years later, the tower still captivates Seattle visitors with the Smith Tower Observation Deck. The open-air deck wraps around the tower's 35th floor and grants panoramic views of the city's modern downtown and Puget Sound. Seattle's gorgeous surrounding landscapes are visible from the tower as well, with the majestic peaks of Mt. Rainer and the Olympic Mountain Range creating a stunning horizon. And the journey to the observation deck is a treat in and of itself. Passengers ride in one of the last manually operated elevators on the west coast, which is caged in brass and copper in the style of the early 20th century. In the lobby itself, 22 Indian head sculptures watch over the onyx and marble paneled room, acting as precursors to the grandeur of the tower's top floors.