Things to do while you're here

A walk in the park: Carkeek Park, 950 N.W. Carkeek Park Road, is a nearby alternative to the residents-only beach in Blue Ridge. Just around the corner to the north is the beach at Carkeek Park, a great story of rebirth. Years of work by volunteers and neighbors have improved the park, including bringing the salmon runs back to Pipers Creek. The views that Blue Ridge residents have to pay big bucks for are free here. The park has trails, an environmental education center and picnic areas. Call 206-684-0877 or look on the Web at www.ci.seattle.wa.us/parks/parkspaces/Carkeek.htm for more information.

Plant yourself: Just south of Blue Ridge is Swanson's Nursery and Greenhouse, 9701 15th N.W., one of Seattle's pre-eminent nurseries. In addition to a diverse collection of flora, the nursery features a large choice of landscaping materials for beautifying a home. It also is a nice place to eat lunch or hold special events (e.g., get married in a greenhouse). 206-782-2543.

Y'all come: Blue Ridge's Fourth of July parade is a real community event, with hundreds of participants and not enough spectators. Come join in. And the December holiday period can be a good time for an evening stroll through decorated Blue Ridge, but don't be offended if the security force asks you what you're doing there.

	A walk in the park: Carkeek Park, 950 N.W. Carkeek Park Road, is a nearby alternative to the residents-only beach in Blue Ridge. Just around the corner to the north is the beach at Carkeek Park, a great story of rebirth. Years of work by volunteers and neighbors have improved the park, including bringing the salmon runs back to Pipers Creek. The views that Blue Ridge residents have to pay big bucks for are free here. The park has trails, an environmental education center and picnic areas. Call 206-684-0877 or look on the Web at www.ci.seattle.wa.us/parks/parkspaces/Carkeek.htm for more information.
	Plant yourself: Just south of Blue Ridge is Swanson's Nursery and Greenhouse, 9701 15th N.W., one of Seattle's pre-eminent nurseries. In addition to a diverse collection of flora, the nursery features a large choice of landscaping materials for beautifying a home. It also is a nice place to eat lunch or hold special events (e.g., get married in a greenhouse). 206-782-2543.
	Y'all come: Blue Ridge's Fourth of July parade is a real community event, with hundreds of participants and not enough spectators. Come join in. And the December holiday period can be a good time for an evening stroll through decorated Blue Ridge, but don't be offended if the security force asks you what you're doing there.