The birds have become even chattier and flowers are in full bloom, as the world — and our city — gradually return to a swifter pace. If you’ve already gotten your jabs, celebrate with colorful “vaccinated” pins sold at Fremont shop Sfingiday. (Those who already received their vaccinations in 2020 or 2021, can take advantage of a one-time store coupon code: YAYVACCINE.)

Highlights this season include visits to Tulip Town (find tickets to the magical Tulip Festival here), the reopening of our favorite museums like Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience and MOHAI (buy timed tickets ahead of time) and Independent Bookstore Day (which takes place April 24th).

In honor of the season, teatime has temporarily returned to Salish Lodge & Spa. From April 12 though 16 (1 to 3 p.m.), attend the Salish Lodge Spring Tea to drink in the sights of the Snoqualmie Valley, as you sip and savor tea sandwiches, biscuits and other sweet treats. Make reservations here. ($59 per person | $19 per child 10 and younger, 5 and under free.)

Whidbey and Camano Islands Tourism recently launched a new “Discover Your Islands” guide to support small, island-owned businesses. The guide spotlights local insights for spring travel and beyond, along with ways to shop island businesses for upcoming holidays like graduation, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

Order a delivery box from Ciao Food & Wine, or plan the perfect seaside picnic party on the island. Gift minimalist jewelry from Langley’s Foamy Wader, including custom-engraved rings. The female-owned business spearheaded #LiteralWindowShopping with contactless QR Code technology, meaning you can glimpse a piece in the window, and then simply scan to make a purchase!

We recently discovered another great gift idea (above): Bite Society, founded in 2020 (a pandemic-era pivot) by Lendy Hensley, Katy Carroll and Shana Hicks. Bite Society offers a modern spin on the classic gift basket — featuring a variety of high-quality housemade foods in tins, jars and boxes that showcase Americana tattoos, alongside thoughtfully sourced products. The company currently offers more than 34 gift basket options that range from $39 to $395. (Custom baskets and single products are available as well.)

Fremont’s Uneeda Burger has finally launched delivery services, meaning homebodies in Seattle neighborhoods can have some of the city’s tastiest burgers, hand-dipped shakes (try flavors like huckleberry!), wine and beer dropped off at their front door. Add sweet potato fries, veggie tempura, Buddha bowls and buffalo chicken sandwiches to your order, too. (Uneeda is committed to using hormone- and antibiotic-free meats and fresh, local ingredients.)

Throughout April, the 2nd annual Walla Walla Valley Wine Month, invites oenophiles to join in the fun via social media happenings, wine specials and limited in-person experiences, too.

To coincide with MLB opening day, Elysian Brewing announced three beers that will help elevate game days. Salt & Seed (pictured above) is made with 100% natural watermelon and kosher salt; it offers easy drinking with lemon-lime tartness, herbal characteristics and mild saltiness. (This gose is made with an even split of pale and malted white wheat, plus a dash of acid malt.) Other crowd pleasers include Elysian’s Space Dust (8.2% ABV) and Contact Haze (6.0% ABV), described as “a tangled chemistry of mild haze, low bitterness and an explosion of hop aroma.”

Looking to reclaim missed 2020 life events in pampered style? Downtown’s LOTTE HOTEL SEATTLE has rolled out Re-Do Menu offerings, ranging from reinstating wedding vows at The Sanctuary and personalized dining menus to refreshing spa treatments and in-room celebrations with artisan cakes.

Slowly but surely, it seems the world is gradually, cautiously opening back up.