The only plans I had for the whole three-day weekend were to go to the Naturalization Ceremony at the Seattle Center, where I watched over 500 people from over all over the world turn a page in history by becoming American citizens. It’s one of my favorite things to do on the 4th of July. After it was over, I talked to some of our new fellow Americans and when asked how they felt about becoming US citizens, they all expressed joy, many proclaiming it “the happiest day of my life”.

While I was at the Center, I decided to pop into the Seattle International Beer Fest. This is another event that’s always fun, trying out different beers from all over the world. It was a greyish day but the temperature was absolutely perfect for hanging outside, talking to people, watching dogs play, listening to musicians perform, and drinking beer. As a bonus, I discovered that if you hang out near the exit, sometimes people who are leaving will give you their unused beer tickets, thus allowing you to try even more beers. I particularly enjoyed the cranberry mead and I’m not typically a mead fan.

Since I was on Queen Anne, anyway, I went with a friend over to Ozzie’s. Despite being from here and spending as much time (a lot) in Queen Anne as I do, I think I’d only ever been there once before, years ago. The later in the evening it got, the more I understood why it has a reputation as a “meet market” of sorts, but the staff were excellent, the drinks were well-made and the crowd was fun and lively without being totally obnoxious. Bartenders Derek and Luke were particularly awesome, quick to check on your need for a drink without being overly obtrusive or pushing drinks you didn’t really want to order.

After some movies on Saturday, I impulsively decided to take the ferry over to Bainbridge Island to visit the Clearwater Creek Casino. The casino (which also includes a hotel and a spa) is actually located in Poulsbo, just on the other side of the bridge to Bainbridge but for Seattle residents it’s an easy trip on the ferry from downtown Seattle to the Bainbridge dock where a shuttle picks you up and takes you out to the casino. Even if you’re not much of a gambler, I would totally recommend the casino for their buffet alone. At $23.95 it’s a little more expensive than some of the local buffets, but all the hot King Crab legs, cold King Crab legs, Dungeness crab legs, oysters, mussels, clams and more, much more, you can eat in a beautiful room with a gorgeous view of the water is definitely worth it. Plus the area around the casino is perfect for a post-dinner stroll.

The only regret I had about randomly hopping on the ferry was that I didn’t have my camera with me. It had been ages since I’d last been to Bainbridge Island so I’d forgotten how nice the water crossing can be. This morning I decided to make up for it by taking the ferry yet again and this time bringing my camera with me. It seemed like the perfect day to be out on the water.

Plenty of people agreed.