Summertime and the Seattle livin’ is easy (+ delicious).
Aside from all the obvious reasons the PNW shines at this time of year, we’re thrilled to constantly discover new reasons to celebrate. Here are some ways to treat your body, soul and palate, too.
DOWNTOWN SKINCARE GOES ZEN
Summertime self-care is made super simple by the lovely folks at The Urban Studios, who recently moved their soothing oasis into a roomier space in the heart of downtown. Whether you’re craving a massage, scrub, custom body bronzing service, lash lift, tinting or one of their many facial/peel offerings, you’ll leave feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to take on the world.

The incredibly kind and welcoming esthetician Heidi Tripple brings more than 15 years of experience to the practice; her specialty is lash lifts, brow waxing and microdermabrasion. Talented massage therapist Rebecca, with 10 years of experience, offers a proprietary custom bronzing treatment and aromatherapy body scrub. Looking for the ultimate treat? Their two services go hand in hand in—resulting in smooth skin, relaxation and a glowing complexion.
KOMBUCHA GETS CANNED
Brew Dr. fans will be thrilled to learn that their drink of choice now comes in a more portable format. This truly organic and 100% raw beverage (with only naturally occurring live and active cultures) can be found in aluminum cans nationwide, becoming the first kombucha brand to offer its products in cans, the company says. Try four refreshing flavors at Whole Foods Market stores nationwide: Clear Mind, Love, Mint Lemonade and Ginger Turmeric.

MASLOW’S BY FARESTART TURNS ONE
If eating well and doing good are things you value, why not attend to both at once? As part of Maslow’s by FareStart incredible job training program, the airy venue in South Lake Union provides opportunities in the food industry to folks who have barriers to employment (for many different reasons).
If you’re keen to support their admirable cause (and eat delicious food while at it!), we’d recommend taking advantage of Maslow’s all-day Saturday happy hour menu (try the tots and curried cauliflower, not to mention amazing drink deals). Also check out Burgers+Brews pairings that make Mondays extra enticing by featuring rotating local brewers every month. The vibrant restaurant, about to celebrate its first anniversary at the end of the month, features small and large classic American plates that are made in-house daily and locally sourced whenever possible.

A GIN DISTILLERY OPENS
In an unexpected industrial zone by the Ballard Bridge (on the Queen Anne side of the canal), Big Gin x Flagship Distillery Tasting Space has opened its doors. Founder and third-generation distiller Ben Capdevielle began distilling gin as a hobby with his father. After 10 years working behind bars and in kitchens, Ben started making Big Gin® , aptly honoring after his father’s nickname “Big Jim.”
Distilled in Seattle, the juniper-forward gin comes to life in three 100-gallon Vendome pot stills in the company’s new home in the Coastal Transportations shipyard (1138 Ewing Street Suite C). The sleek space welcomes visitors Thursdays through Saturdays from noon to 6 pm. and Sundays during the Ballard Farmer’s Market, and from noon to 5 p.m.
THE WATERFRONT COMES TO LIFE
This summer Friends of Waterfront Seattle works with numerous community partners to bring free live music, soccer, dance and other fun-filled gatherings to the existing waterfront, as everyone anxiously awaits the new-and-improved waterfront park. The organization also hosts events at their project showroom, Waterfront Space, covering a variety of subjects related to the waterfront and future park.
JUICE GETS THE FREEZE
Stay chill all season-long with the help of cold-pressed juice brand Pressed Juicery (located in Capitol Hill, Queen Anne and Bellevue Square). Choose between more than 25 fresh juice options ($6.50), a selection of ‘wellness shots’ and cleanses “custom-built to appeal to personal tastes, habits and needs.” Freeze, a new fan favorite, is Pressed’s answer to fro-yo. This soft-serve, all-natural frozen yogurt alternative is vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free, and consists only of juices from fruits, vegetables, almonds and coconuts.
ICE CREAM TAKES A TWIST
Seattle’s mama restaurant group and Nutty Squirrel recently introduced a unique ice cream brand: nutty booza, “the Northwest’s only artisanal ice cream that brings your sweet tooth happiness and fun while exploring the complex flavors of the Levant.” Created with love by two families who cherish their Middle Eastern roots, nutty booza (“booza” is the Arabic word for ice cream) can be found at mamnoon, mbar, anar and mamnoon street. The nine intial flavors include: Mahlab Stracciatella, Lemon Orange Blossom Sorbet, Mastic Rice Pudding, Chocolate Aleppo, Tahitian Vanilla, Turkish Coffee, Yellow No. 5, Raspberry & Beet Agave Sorbet*, Date & Hazelnut Sorbet* (*vegan and zero processed sugars).

PIGS MEET PINTS
Rhein Haus Seattle hosts Pig & Pint Nights in its biergarten on Thursday, July 19, and Thursday, August 2. The festive gathering features a whole roasted pig, seasonal sides and a featured beer of the night. The food goes quickly, so be sure to join the fun early on!