As (official) summer dangles her temptation right in front of our eyes, we’re focusing on fresh finds and enticing festivities to bring some joy and calm as the world swirls in our midst. Whether you’re planning far-flung adventures in the months ahead (perhaps taking advantage of Lufthansa Group’s increased direct flights to European hubs, with Edelweiss debuting its new route from Seattle to Zurich!) or sticking closer to home, there are plenty of ways to brighten your days.

Summer truly arrives Saturday, June 21, with the Fremont Solstice Parade, and other upcoming community-minded events range from the Seattle Pride Parade on June 29 to the Daybreaker sunrise dance party on July 19.

Here are some other items currently catching our eye, too.

FOR THE HOME

Nothing says summer refresh like gorgeous new linens from The Modern Dane. We’ve been longtime fans of the Seattle-based company founded by Jacob Andsager, who grew up in the small town of Broager, Denmark. While bringing Scandinavian quality and design to the PNW, Modern Dane produces ultra-soft, hypoallergenic linens made from organic European flax. “Artfully designed, carefully crafted,” their beautiful duvet cover sets and cozy-chic sheets — that come in a variety of soothing hues — are all you need to give your bedroom a seasonal makeover that’ll no doubt boost your spirits and perhaps help you sleep better, too.

TRAVELING IN STYLE

As we prep for upcoming adventures, we’re happy to learn about Northwest brands like Portland Gear that understand this region’s specific needs (and aesthetic!). The company’s sleek weather-proof bags come in compact and larger sizes that promise to streamline all carryon needs for planes, trains and summer roadtrips, too. These sturdy bags come with perks like “easy-see” grey lining for improved interior visibility, hidden security pockets for valuables and laser-perforated water bottle sleeves that won’t collect water.

We love when favorite skincare products come up with travel-sized options, and that was recently the case with Alpha Skin Care Travel Renewal Body Lotion 12% Glycolic AHA. This anti-aging lotion has been specially formulated with 12% Glycolic Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) to “thoroughly hydrate and gently exfoliate, leaving skin soft, smooth and younger-looking.” The three-ounce size is idea for any carry-on bag or purse, and makes it easier than ever to stay hydrated on the road.

PATIO BEVVIES

Picking up provisions for your next alfresco gathering feels better when supporting local businesses. Take globally-awarded PNW whiskey brand Doc Swinson’s, for example, who just opened their first public tasting room, The Barrel Lab, in Ferndale. When it comes to high-quality cocktail ingredients, let the accolades speak for themselves; in May, Doc Swinson’s earned one of the industry’s highest honors — Double Platinum at the 2025 ASCOT Awards, a distinction shared by only two other Pacific Northwest whiskey brands. (ASCOTs also recognized Doc’s as National Independent Bottler of the Year in 2022 and 2024.)

We also love finding redeeming reasons to support local companies like Seattle-based Schilling Hard Cider, who recently wrapped their annual KEEP IT WILD campaign with impressive stats. This year, thanks to consumers continuing to choose brands that prioritize sustainability, they raised more than $105,000 for their non-profit partners working to preserve wild spaces in 11 U.S. states — far surpassing last year’s number. Their long-time partner, Washington Wild, received $33,000 of the funds. Some flavors like Moon Berries are an ideal complement to summer picnics and porch sits, too!

We recently discovered another regional gem that will prove the perfect addition to any soiree you’re invited to this summer. Wines from The Walls in Walla Walla are not only delicious, but also come with fun monikers like Lip Stinger (“a bright and beautiful Southern Rhône blend with luscious texture and fresh acidity”) and 2021 Wonderful Nightmare (a Rocks District-grown Tempranillo they claim to be unlike any other in the state).

On June 27 from 4-7pm, The Walls Vineyards (1015 W Pine Street) will host their inaugural Family Reunion, bringing together some of Walla Walla’s most innovative winemakers. The Walls has invited an impressive lineup ‘home’ to showcase distinct wines and food, and “to bring together the spirit of creativity and community that gives this little town such a big heart.” Tickets cost $25, including pours from all wineries, with proceeds going to VITAL Wines, who’s dedicated to ensuring vineyard and winery workers are recognized, valued and have access to healthcare and other important resources.

This also seems a good time to explore the newest branch of The Walls’ family tree: Stanley Groovy Wines. In a region typically known for “old world” Bordeaux-style wines, The Walls is shaking things up by experimenting with Portuguese varieties and unexpected blends — sustainably farmed, affordably priced (under $45).

SUMMER FARE TO SAVOR

Picnic season is our favorite season, mostly for the BYO spreads we get to assemble on the shores of beaches and lakes around town. And now, there’s the addition of our new favorite sandwich (or “sando”) sauce from Ayoh!, which makes perfectly dreamy “mayo gone wild” options in flavors like dill pickle and tangy dijonayo. (Put it on DIY hoagies, veggies, you name it.) You can shop for their 4-bottle packs here; we promise you’ll thank us later.

We feel lucky to have first discovered this mayo brand (bonus: all sauces are both dairy- and nut-free) by Molly Baz when her company teamed up this spring with a local favorite — Seattle’s woman-owned premium charcuterie brand Coro Foods. Coro’s salamis are another must-have for alfresco feasts, with brilliant flavors like mole, lemongrass and orange cardamom always stealing the show of any charcuterie board.

For all summer salad needs, consider picking up FareStart’s “Mighty Croutons” from PCC that are part of a collaborative, full-circle food rescue effort. The project evolved when the owner of Macrina Bakery and PCC’s manager of community food systems met at a food waste event and began talking about how they could turn leftover bread into something more. The end result: Any unsold loaves of Macrina bread at PCC’s 15 stores now get retrieved by Macrina drivers on daily delivery runs and then frozen and stored in their Kent facilities. FareStart then picks up the bread twice weekly for their culinary students and staff to cube, season and bake into crisp, flavorful croutons. (The process was carefully planned to avoid increased use of fossil fuels.) These paprika-and-marjoram-seasoned croutons represent a good cause — and brighten salad creations in the most tasty way!

With Seattle’s Firefly Kitchens having been around for 15 years, we’re revisiting ways to work them into this season’s menu. Their offerings (think raw, vegan, probiotics) not only support digestion, strengthen metabolism and boost immunity, but are delicious too. Firefly’s kimchi flavors range from Ying Yang Carrots and Salsa Viva to Caraway Kraut and Classic Kraut, and they can be enjoyed a variety of ways. Blend some in your smoothie or salsa, chop it up to add to a salad, sandwich and soup, or scoop some on top of your eggs, tacos or Buddha bowl.

Barbecue season wouldn’t be complete without the flavors of Sibeiho Sambal (“A Taste of Singapore, Crafted in Oregon”), which continue to fill our kitchen with so much joy. These spicy sauces, made using all-natural ingredients and absolutely no added colors or unnatural preservatives, feature cherished family recipes passed down through the generations. Check out their offerings here, and get grilling tips on how to incorporate Sibeiho into your summer spreads; the marinade proves delicious for just about any protein you choose to throw on a grill.

Recent travels to Iceland are still inspiring our kitchen creations, thanks to finds like Saltverk — a crunchy, mineral-fresh product produced with 100 percent geothermal energy that can found in local stores like Central Co-op, Hilltop Red Apple and West Seattle Thriftway. The prodcut’s also available on Saltverk.com as well as Amazon, and we’re enjoying experimenting with flavors like lava, licorice and seaweed.

OUTDOOR PREP

As nature beckons, it’s time to prep for camping and hiking excursions near and far. You’ve likely seen ads for Bug Bite Thing (first seen on Shark Tank) — an award-winning suction tool that extracts insect saliva/venom from under the skin to alleviate the itching, stinging and swelling brought about by insect bites and stings. This chemical-free and reusable tool solely uses the power of suction, making it safe for anyone to use. (In between uses, simply clean the removable cap with an alcohol wipe.)

On that note, we’re off to explore the great outdoors and get this summer started!