During these in-between weeks — when the evening light gradually begins to fade, and much of the world returns to school and routine — we’re seeking out bright spots in the form of fabulous new finds and exciting events to add to the fall calendar.

UPCOMING TUNES

Culture abounds in this season, whether you visit the towering Northwest Trolls or take in a show at The Fifth Avenue Theatre, Benaroya Hall or any of the STG venues around town.

If you’re looking for an excuse to road trip (across the border, no less), the inaugural Between the Peaks Music Festival at Red Mountain Resort is taking place on September 15 and 16. In British Columbia’s “small town with big personality” nestled amid the breathtaking Kootenay Rockies, this brand-new fest will feature award-winning Canadian bands like The Strumbellas, The Sadies, Yukon Blonde and Jesse Roper.

Other concerts on our radar:

~Bahamas a.k.a. award-winning Canadian singer/songwriter/guitarist Afie Jurvanen at Neptune Theatre on October 3, in support of the upcoming album “Bootcut” (out September 15 via Brushfire Records)

~Say She She with Nicky Egan October 4 at the Tractor

~Renee App October 7 at Paramount Theatre

~Joshua Radin (pictured) in Kirkland on October 14

~Stephen Sanchez at Showbox on October 28

~John Craigie at The Neptune November 16, as part of his Keep it Warm 2023 Tour

AUTUMNAL FLAVORS

We’re excited to dive into new fall recipes with products from Georgia-based, artisanal oil brand Fresh Press Farms, which recently expanded its presence in Costco stores throughout the PNW (with their Classic Olive Oil). This pure, cold-pressed oil, from the largest contiguous olive oil grove in the country (with 3,500-plus Georgia acres with more than 3.2 million trees), can be used for salad dressings, sautéed vegetables, pastas, preserving fresh herbs and more.

In other good news: the oil comes in recyclable aluminum bottles that keep fresh for longer, and the company falls in the 10% of farms in Georgia providing employer-paid health insurance to all employees. They also use drip irrigation, which uses less water via natural techniques, and no chemical fertilizers (only micronutrients).

Looking for healthy snacks for the whole family? We were also happy to learn about Sweet Nothings, a company that prides itself on the simplicity of its plant-based products (with no ingredients you can’t pronounce) and the nutritious blend of natural, organic superfoods.

Their product line includes: Spoonable Smoothies – a frozen, ready-to-eat smoothie cup with flavors including mango, tropical greens and dark chocolate (3.5oz cups for $2.99 each); Squeezable Smoothies in grab-and-go pouches with flavors like pineapple spinach, strawberry beet and mango carrot (6, 2oz, pouches for $6.99, available at Whole Foods) and tasty Nut Butter Bites with flavors including chocolate & peanut butter, chocolate banana & peanut butter, and apple cinnamon & peanut butter ($2.99 per pack).

CHEERS-ING THE SEASON

Nothing says autumn around the PNW like Elysian Brewing’s pumpkin offerings. Elysian has a storied history with these seasonally appropriate beers and is even the creator of the world’s first Imperial Pumpkin Ale, The Great Pumpkin. This year they’re also debuting Odd Water, a sparkling hop water that marks Elysian’s first-ever non-alcoholic offering.

We were delighted to recently try the latest creation of Fast Penny Spirits , a woman-owned and operated, award-winning amaro distillery and Certified B Corp based in Seattle. The brand’s first ready-to-drink cocktail comes in a petite can; the delicious Amaricano Shakerato combines Amaricano Amaro, Map Cap coffee and Scrappy’s Bitters.

We’d also recommend sweetening up the season with Chocolat-e (“born in Oregon, made in France”), which serves up award-winning, single-origin chocolate that comes in compact portions ideal for a wee, post-meal treat or autumnal s’mores fixings. Try the individually-wrapped dark chocolate bites from Mexico, Dominican Republic, Madagascar or Ecuador, or the dark milk bites from Brazil or Belize. 

The Portland-based company is doing great work in the world as evidenced by their brand-new designation as a Benefit Corporation For Good — ranging from the recyclable, compostable, refillable packaging to recipes overseen by renowned French pastry chef Frederic Cassel.

DESIGN DREAMS

Home designers with an affinity for Scandinavian decor will want to learn about Audo Copenhagen’s fall furniture and lighting sale — meaning 20% off through September 19. Audo works with esteemed designers and craftsmen from around the world to develop its high-quality and sleek-looking products.

Some Seattle businesses (RidgeWood Bottle & Tap, Sabine Café & Market, Camp Opal) are now using Vestaboard — a chic, modern smart display board that was designed “to connect and inspire from wherever you are in the world.” Since debuting in 2020, more than 7,000 Vestaboards have been sold, becoming a staple in trendy coffee shops, bars, restaurants, offices and some homes, too.

FASHION + SELF-CARE

Getting ready on the road just got a bit easier for those staying at Kimpton hotels, thanks to a recent partnership with Anthropologie that offers a complimentary collection guests can ‘check out’ — featuring trendy Anthro travel accessories like sunglasses, belts, purses, etc. – from the front desk. When done using the item, you can simply return it, or, if you love it enough to take it home — you can buy it directly from Anthro’s virtual storefront. (Photo above by Brittany Ball.)

Among recent skincare discoveries, we’ve been happily using products by Futurewise, the skincare brand centered around maintaining a strong skin barrier. The Futurewise Slugging System, found at Target, is the perfect way to keep your skin hydrated post-summer sun; the three products (Slug Boost, Slug Cream and Slug Balm) are available to purchase both individually and as a set of three. We’re instant fans!