It’s officially the first day of summer, and I love that we’re welcoming it from the water this year.

Today also brings Father’s Day, and that always carries its own mix of celebration, reflection, and tenderness. Whether you’re celebrating someone special, remembering someone you’ve lost, or simply taking the day slowly, I hope it brings a few quiet moments of peace.

I lost my dad 13 years ago, and I know how heavy this day can feel. Some years it arrives lighter than others. Some years it doesn’t. I hope today allows space for a favorite memory, a smile, or just permission to feel whatever you need to feel. You’re not alone.

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and father figures out there.

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From the Water

Bainbridge Island

Our first stop was Bainbridge Island.

We anchored in Eagle Harbor, with a view of the Seattle skyline and right across the way from the Washington State ferries.

We tied up the dinghy and walked up to Winslow Way, which is one of my favorite little stretches of shops anywhere on Puget Sound.

This is where we parked the dinghy and headed up the boat launch ramp towards town.

The first stop for shopping was Salt + Pine Mercantile.

Here you’ll find candles, Handmade La Conner lotions, and skincare products. I bought a ‘PNW’ candle, which I can’t wait to light.

Pillows and bags.

Colorful bowls and wooden outdoor furniture pieces.

Their dish towels are perfect for our beach house. How cute is that vintage bench? I think it was a display-only piece, but I didn’t check.

This is Quinn. He is the sweetest thing.

Next up… we went to a store called Olson’s. They opened in March, and it was crowded!

I love this place! Kitchenware, candles, cookbooks, tablecloths, and napkins.

They had beautiful bedding and also things for kiddos.

I ended up taking home some fish napkins for the boat and a couple of home decor books to enjoy on the long boat rides.

Details Home and Garden will be familiar to anyone who’s heard me talk about the Poulsbo location.

For lunch, we decided to try something new.

We usually end up at Docs Marina Grill or Harbour Public House, both of which we love, but this time we tried Sweetwater Tavern.

And we absolutely LOVED it! Their food was delicious, and the staff was incredibly friendly. It was off the beaten path, but someone in town recommended it.

We sat on the small but cute patio. We will definitely keep this on our list for future visits.

La Conner

La Conner is one of those towns that just gets better every time we visit.

We walked First Street, let Jax and Ollie lead the way, and took our time.

My favorite stop is always Homemade La Conner.

It’s so fun to watch the staff actually make the lotions and skincare products right there in the shop. It’s the kind of place you can’t rush through.

Another must is Restless and Refurbished, which took over the space that was Nasty Jack’s for many, many years.

It is the cutest mix of antiques, imported European goods, home decor, and gifts. I absolutely love it.

The furniture pieces are gorgeous, which is a little dangerous when you arrive by boat. Logistically tough, let’s just say that.

For breakfast, we found our usual table at Calico Cupboard, outside overlooking the waterfront when the weather cooperates, which is exactly how a summer morning should start.

And for dinner, COA Mexican Eatery and Tequileria has become our go-to. If you haven’t been, we completely recommend it!

One of the things we love most about La Conner is how walkable and bikeable it is with the dogs.

Good town energy, good food, good shopping… it’s easy to see why this charming town is always on the regular stop list.

Back Home: Garden Updates from Afar

There’s something a little strange about being away when the garden is hitting its summer peak.

Our housesitter has been sending photos, and it’s beautiful and slightly torturous at the same time.

The lilies are blooming.

The first sunflowers have opened.

The coneflowers and sedum Autumn Joy are also starting to bloom. There are so many of these plants around the cottage garden. They will be making a huge statement soon.

The cut flower garden looks like it’s right on the edge of bursting, and I know it will be there waiting when we get back.

As we settle into the first official days of summer, I know the garden at home will keep changing.

More blooms opening, bigger bouquets waiting, and probably a few surprises from flowers I forgot I planted… that happens more than you would think.

That’s always the best part of coming home.

On the Blog This Week

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

I’m loving this “Brenham” home from Marie Flanigan Interiors’ portfolio.

How to make a refreshing sweet peach iced tea.

This lemon parmesan sesame salad is the perfect meal for summer.

You’ll absolutely love this “Stone Lake House” from the Bria Hammel portfolio.

Cool down with this homemade lemon sorbet recipe.

These quick-and-easy pineapple chicken salad cups.

Looking Ahead

More water, more harbors, more of whatever summer decides to bring.

The garden will keep growing. We’ll keep going. And next week, Saltwater Sounds comes to you from further north.

Wishing you a beautiful first week of summer.

Until next time,