Gardening- Get Local this Spring

As soon as Christmas is over, I start looking forward to Spring. The bulbs that I planted this fall will soon bloom and my garden will once again come to life. I get itchy fingers to plant and work in my yard this time of year.

When this happens I know it is time to start visiting the Duvall True Value. If you haven't been, you are missing a tremendous resource for local plants and flowers. All Spring and Summer (and even in the fall and winter months) True Value has items for your garden from our local growers. The selection is more varied and robust than many garden centers twice its' size. And, because most of their items are locally grown, they are strong and always flourish in my garden. I got rosemary there a few years ago that became a staple in my garden. And the Laventura! Truly beautiful.

The True Value garden center is known among the Snoqualmie Valley Farming community as loyal and true to the valley and its' products. Supporting our Valley's farmers and beautiful strong plants for your garden? That is worth a visit.

Duvall Cafe - Skip the chain restaurants!

In many communities, especially "the burbs," a night out on the town with the family calls for a visit to the local Applebee's, TGI Fridays or Chilis. These restaurants advertise their offerings of food and fun as they spend their large advertising budgets to entice us. And there is no doubt that you can always find the typical fare- fajitas, chicken strips, nachos and burgers - and you can make sure to take in your annual salt requirement for the year.

If you live in Duvall, you need to leave town to visit these chains. If these restaurants are your normal Friday night out, let me make a suggestion - try something new. Stay in town and visit a local restaurant, with seasonal fresh menus.

Tonight my husband and I visited the Duvall cafe; one of our favorite places in town. I had the Pork Loin with Applesauce, mashed potatoes and steamed veggies, just what I needed on this rainy evening to warm me up. Kurt had salmon with saffron sauce, potatoes and veggies. The owner served our dinner and we had personal service, without any over the top bells and whistles (TGIFridays suspenders and buttons and flare annoy anyone else?)

In the morning, the Duvall Cafe has delicious breakfasts, country size platters with eggs or pancakes or warm bowls of Snoqualimie Falls oatmeal. Lunch is fresh salads and sandwiches.

The Duvall cafe may not be flashy, and doesn't look anything like the chains we are all so used to, but the food is great, the menu interesting and the location right on Main Street. Step out of the norm and stay in town this week to visit the Duvall Cafe!

Welcome to Duvall, WA

If you live in Duvall as I do, then you know what a wonderful place it is. If you don't - come visit us soon to learn about our town. This blog is a chance to talk about Duvall, places to visit and current events.

My husband and I moved to Duvall 5 years ago. I was raised near Lake Sammamish in the 70s and 80's when Redmond was actually a small town. Now Redmond is crowded enough to overwhelm me at times and things have really changed in King County. More cars, more people and more traffic! Driving across the Snoqualmie Valley toward Duvall releases the stress of the day and opens up my mind and heart. I breathe a huge "ahhhh" driving across the valley.

Duvall is more than just a small town. We have terrific shops, restaurants and an amazing arts community. Get out and shop Duvall - get to know the shop owners and learn the benefits of buying from our local merchants.

Don't know where to start? How about taking a Yoga class at Primalux Yoga? Cathy is an incredible instructor for yoga students from beginner to advanced. Then, once you have built your body and spirit in yoga, walk across the street to CC's Espresso for an ice cream, coffee or for my favorite - a Willy Wonka bar. (chocolate and graham cracker combo - yum!)