Blue Bottle Art Gallery & Store

Friendly felt creatures, robots, two-headed plush fawns, monkeys—every quirky eyeball confection you can imagine is here at the Blue Bottle on Pine. Browse whimsical pieces by local artists on the first floor (a show in itself) then follow the spiral staircase up and you're in the the itsy-bitsy art gallery, currently hung with Tiny Portraits by Amy Hevron. Loved her work and many pieces were under $50...very shoestring. More info...

Vegan It In Georgetown: Squid & Ink

You don't need to be vegan to have a killer nosh at Squid and Ink. The mad-scientist veggie alchemists behind the scene have managed to make all kinds of traditional dishes from delicious plant-matter...calamari, chicken-fried steak, fish-n-chips and more. Don't let the slightly divey hippie vibe throw you—excellent food, friendly folks and shoestring prices. More info...

Chucky Art: The Puppet Show

When it comes to free fun, Frye Art Museum is on the Seattle short list. Took in the current exhibit of The Puppet Show and a few pieces from the Frye archives. And I gotta tell ya, not too into puppets—on the scale of Things That Make Me Uncomfortable they're right up there with mimes and compliments. But the Frye is always worth a look-see in my book, so no complaints. Save yourself the embarrassment: no photography (or be a lot stealthier than moi). More info...

Dick's Drive-In: The Scoop on Summer

Sunshine's by the day round here, so when it hits, you gotta get out and enjoy. And this is my new favorite way to cool off: ice cream treats at Dick's. Shakes, floats, sundaes, cones...nothing's over two bucks...very shoestring. Plus, I like their old-timey vibe, the fact that they're local, and that they pay 100% of their employees health insurance. Sweet. For more info including locations...

Jesus Take The Wheel: Chapel Happy Hour

Okay, the Robleto exhibit is kinda morbid, so why not continue the macabre theme and hit the former mortuary-chapel, The Chapel Bar, for happy hour afterwards? It runs 5 -8 p.m. You can walk there (questionable whether you can walk out). And the bartender Joe is about as nice as they come. I like sitting at the bar...just be prepared to climb. All martinis are $5 and I can't think of a bigger selection in town: Rosemary's Baby, Roman Holiday, Edie Sedgwick...the list keeps going. And did I mention these cute little icy cold infused treats with clever names and ingredients will seriously knock you on your butt? Be warned...and ready to make a Dick's run. The Chapel Bar, 1600 Melrose Avenue, Seattle. 206.447.4180.