today’s city guide belongs to one of my favorite metropolitan areas- seattle, washington! i traveled out to seattle this past spring to host a biz ladies meetup and fell in love with the city instantly. so i’m thrilled to post a guide (organized by neighborhood) to the area written by cassandra of coco+kelley. you can click here for the full guide or just click “read more” below. enjoy and as always, please feel free to add your suggestions and favorite shops below. [thanks to cassandra for her hard work!]
Ballard:
Until a few years ago, Ballard was most well known as Seattle’s ‘Scandanavian’ sweetheart, with a history rich in fishing and industry, and there was little reason to make the trip out to this area. These days, however, Swedish and Norwegian flags fly alongside up and coming restaurants and established community boutiques. About 20 minutes (or more) from Downtown Seattle, it’s worth a half -day visit just to discover the unique and still-growing list of locally owned shops and dining, including these picks:
-Lucca*: With dramatic black walls, and wonderfully unique items, Lucca is a must see for Ballard. Their selection includes new and vintage curiosities, apothecary, cards, and home décor.
-Camelion Design: With classic and contemporary designed furniture and accessories, owner Nicole has built an eclectic mix of goods. They offer customized furniture pieces, interior design services and have a small children’s section as well.
-Collective*: A favorite for mid-century modern vintage pieces, Collective is an amazing addition to the Ballard neighborhood with reasonable pricing and a knowledgeable staff. They’ve just moved to a new space which promises to be even better than the first.
-RE Store: If you’re in the market for salvage pieces, this is your place. With everything from schoolhouse chairs and rows (and rows and rows) of old windows and doors, antique hardware, and great vintage lighting, this is a treasure hunt worth going on!
-Romanza: A little of this and a little of that is the best way to describe this home accessories and gifts store. Some generic and some original pieces grace this larger space on Ballard’s main drag. It’s worth a pop in to browse through some fun little pieces.
-Tableau*: Another favorite spot, Tableau has grown from a small little shop into an original store featuring gorgeous case pieces and accessories for the home that mix the trendy, glamorous, and classic. Mostly focused on tabletop décor, they carry beautiful linens from John Robshaw and Le Jacquard Français. A wall of ribbons, a small baby section add a nice touch.
-Space Oddity: This shop is just what is sounds like – an odd mix of vintage pieces collected with a keen eye and a touch of cool. A great spot for mid century modern.
Other must sees/tastes:
-Cupcake Royale* Before cupcakes were the next big thing, there was Cupcake Royale. Try their award winning Lavender or go with a classic Red Velvet. You can’t go wrong.
-Dish D’Lish: Kathy Casey is a celebrated local chef. Pop into her café and shop for some local flavor and take home some of her yummy marinades.
-Portalis: A wine shop and bar all in one, this is great place to stop and do some tasting. You’ll find the perfect bottle (or two) to take home with you.
-La Carta De Oaxaca* : Most locals will agree - good Mexican and Latin fare in Seattle is hard to come by. This is the exception. If you love the real deal. Go now, but be prepared to wait as they don’t accept reservations.
-Olivine*: The most fabulous clothes in Ballard. Beautiful pieces from assorted designers as well as a few beauty lines.
-The Palm Room: If there is such a thing as a plant boutique, this is it. They specialize in Palms and Cacti (perfect for sustainable gardens). If you’re in the neighborhood you might as wells stroll in just to get a dose of green.
-Swansons Nursery: If you’re really looking for great healthy plants, a helpful staff, and a great way to spend a sunny Sunday morning, Swansons is it. You can grab a latte (of course!) while you stroll their expansive selection of plants AND shop their sweet little boutique.
-Archie McPhee: Kitchy ridiculousness is the way to describe the inventory at this infamous novelty shop. Pop in and feel like a kid again.
Fremont:
This neighborhood’s motto is: “De Libertas Quirkas,” or “Freedom to be Strange,” which pretty much sums up the area nicely. Fremont has gone from artsy and hippie, to hipster and urban, and now settles for something a bit in between. You can still feel true roots of the city in the form of street art and statues, unique shops, and the (sometimes nude) parades and fairs. For a true taste of one side of Seattle culture, this area is the perfect place to explore, and here is where we’d start:
-Burnt Sugar*: Bright and retro styles for the table, selective books, a whole section devoted to shoes, bags and fun cosmetics, and a variety of other fresh finds make this little shop in Fremont the go-to place for fun gifts and unique items.
-Portage Bay Goods: An eclectic mix of candles, recycled goods, cards, and other things you never knew you needed for your home all crammed into this cute little spot. The variety of wares encompasses the kitchy artsy side of Fremont.
-Deluxe Junk:* The name says it all. Deluxe Junk has everything from fabulous chandeliers and retro furniture to kitchy and hard to find items like clown shoes and stork statues (perfect for a baby’s room!) A Fremont staple, this is not one to pass by.
-Sunday Market*: If you’re a treasure hunter, then this is your mecca. Over 150 vendors with great antiques, vintage finds, and estate treasures fill the streets every Sunday.
-Fremont Antique Mall: With a focus on “collectibles and popular culture” this Antique mall has a more retro modern feel than most, and features tons of great selections in home accessories, as well as a small variety of furniture.
-Capers: A wide variety of goods with a selective taste, Capers is a bit more upscale than the rest of the Fremont shops. You can find a focus on the culinary mixed among simple furniture and other home goods, as well as a great children’s section.
-Bitters: A mix of home accessories from artisans around the world.
-Willow & Bloom: This sweet flower shop not only boasts beautiful bouquets, but also has a small selection of papers, ribbons, and small home accessories.
Other must sees/tastes:
-Les Amis*: The most gorgeous collection of clothes you’ve ever seen with plenty of independent labels and carefully selected pieces.
-Frank & Dunya: The packed walls at this funky little shop feature local artists.
-Essenza*: Stunning original jewelry, perfumes, beauty products and baby clothes.
-Kimberly Baker Jewelry: The flagship store from Baker features her curiosity inspired line.
-Bellefleur Lingere: Come home with something femme or frilly.
-El Camino: An outdoor patio combined with the best margaritas and plantains in Seattle make this a must in the summer.
-Caffé Ladro: You’ll find a few of these coffee spots around Seattle, but while you’re in the neighborhood, stop by the locally owned coffee shop for what might be one of the best lattes in the city.
-35th Street Bistro: An adorable neighborhood café with simple décor and a fabulous menu.
-Rialto: I have to put in a shameless plug for my father’s own restaurant where he cooks up simple southern Italian fare, makes the best meatballs you’ve ever tasted, and has an outdoor patio for the summer. Just ask for Rudy!
Belltown/Downtown
Every great city should have a great downtown, and Seattle has one of the best. Perched on Puget Sound, where you can see (or catch!) a Ferry to the local islands, you can’t beat Seattle when the sun is shining. Belltown is the area just North of Pike Place Market, and is the ‘trendiest’ neighborhood in Seattle. Look here for some great shops and lots of nightlife. Downtown encompasses so many blocks that it’s hard to cover it all! These are some of the best and most established spots we love:
-Great Jones Home*: The best mix of the ‘modern traditional’ look (think Kelly Wearstler) that Seattle has to offer comes with a price to match, but this space is worth a look simply for the inspiration. Vintage and antique furniture from all over the world is reupholstered with unexpected fabrics and mixed with high end home décor.
-Velocity*: THE stop for modern home décor, this shop recently expanded into a larger space to accommodate their mix of pieces from popular designers of today. (Pssst – if you miss the store, don’t worry - the website is even more extensive!)
-Maison Luxe*: Gorgeous case pieces from Oly mixed with vintage and antique home goods and furniture, as well as new décor make for a beautiful airy space to get lost in! They are also a full service interior design company and one of our personal favorites.
-Watson Kennedy*: Owner Ted Watson has some of the most exquisite taste and style in Seattle, and it shows in his stores – one located just blocks from Maison Luxe and the other smaller store by Pike Place Market. The shop has a French flea market feel, and boasts a fine selection of tabletop, paper, art, jewelry, and candles.
-Urchin: A mix of modern and contemporary accessories for every aspect of living awaits you at this downtown shop. Candles, jewelry, home accessories, lighting and furniture are all featured here.
-Western Ave – Furniture Row: This is a whole shopping day in itself! If you’re looking for serious pieces, take a nice long stroll starting at Antiques at Pike Place, then make your way to Western where it meets up with Pike Place Market, and walk all the way down to the ferry docks. You’ll encounter every kind of furniture store you can imagine, so there’s sure to be something in your style!
Other must sees/tastes:
-Fireworks*: You’ll want to spend hours at this store with all the Indie treasures they feature - unique art, jewelry, pottery, furniture and more! Always a great place to find an original gift.
-Alhambra: Clothes here are more like works of art. Indie and well known designers alike are featured at this beautiful store.
-Sur La Table*: THE Seattle kitchen store, Sur La Table is a must for any chef. A large variety of cookware and tabletop items, cooking lessons, and a very helpful staff.
-Sway & Cake: This collection of clothing boasts current trends and names on everyone’s list of must-haves.
-Tulip*: Carefully selected pieces that are sure to add a bit of originality to your wardrobe.
-Twist: A divine selection of jewelry and unique handmade items for the home.
-Flagship Nordstrom
-SAM (Seattle Art Museum)
Pike/Pine & Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill is the cultural beacon of Seattle. During the ‘grunge’ movement, this area was Mecca. It has helped to establish local coffee houses and breweries, serious nightlife, a healthy indie music and arts scene, and is home to Volunteer Park and other Seattle landmarks. The Pike/Pine corridor is what connects Capitol Hill to downtown, and has become it’s own ‘neighborhood’ in itself. The dining and nightlife list alone would require its own guide, but luckily there are a few standout shops that we can easily recommend:
-Area 51*: New and vintage modern furnishings in a huge space with a great selection. Definitely a stop for those looking for clean and stylish home décor.
-Retrofit Home: You’ll find cool pieces from modern designers like Angela Adams, Kartell and Philippe Starck in this little space accessorized with fun books, tabletop, bags and more.
-Kobo*: A focus on northwest and Japanese style and décor sets this shop apart from the rest. Expect some very original finds in by real craftsmen in organic materials.
-Square Room*: A mix of fabulous indie art, jewelry, ceramics and other home décor and delights, this place is easy to miss, but you really shouldn’t.
Other must sees/eats:
-Le Frock*: Vintage and consignment clothing for those with fun and discriminating taste. A true treasure hunt!
-Crave*: Comfort food done up, this neighborhood hot spot is a must! Breakfast, lunch or dinner – you can’t go wrong.
-Joe Bar: The best spot for fresh crepes, coffee and local artist displays.
-Café Presse*: A newer local favorite for coffee and gourmet lunches during the day, a full bar and ever changing menu at night.
-Lark: If you’re looking for some simple yet amazing dishes, Lark is the best. While their small plates come with high prices, they’re so tasty we can’t really resist. Check out their sister bar next door Licorous for delish cocktails and more tempting dishes.
Madison Valley/Madison Park:
Madison Park is one of the oldest and most established neighborhoods in Seattle. Right on the shores of Lake Washington, this area sets itself apart from the buzz of the city with smaller shops and a mellow energy. Madison Valley continues into Capitol Hill, and therefore picks up the trendiness a bit with some great dining spots. For a relaxing day, here are the best spots:
-Red Ticking: Another spot with a French flea market feel, this sweet space carries fabulous vintage linens and other beautiful Parisian finds, both old and new.
-Veritables*: Another hands-down favorite, this store has the most stunning collection of lighting, furniture and accessories. The showroom is dramatic, and so well put together, you’ll want to take home everything!
-Pearson & Gray: A mix of antique goods that won’t break the bank, you never know what you’ll find, but it’s sure to have lots of charm.
-Apogee: More antiques! These are even more selective, and the store has odd hours, but swing by it if you can.
-Real Card Company: Original designs by Real Card as well as other regional artists fill the walls of this sweet little paperie.
Other must sees/eats
-City People’s Garden Store: A great local stop with fresh plants, helpful staff, and a small home décor and garden shop.
-Tricoter: For sumptuous yarns and knitting accessories, this is the spot.
-Café Flora: Yummy vegan dining in a great atmosphere.
-Harvest Vine: Basque dining and an amazing wine list with an organic conscious.
-Crush: There’s a reason this notable chef has received so many awards. Wilson uses local ingredients to create modern Northwest cuisine.
-The Seattle Arboretum: Beautiful grounds featuring a notable Japanese garden and northwest plants. It’s especially beautiful in the fall!
Georgetown:
Georgetown is the new kid on the block. This area is just south of Downtown and the stadiums, in a fairly industrial neighborhood. Its rawness gives it an edge and attracts the true Seattleites – those of us who are always trying to find the next hidden spot before it gets too big. While dining in the area is still catching up a bit (don’t get us wrong, there are a few places to pop in for a casual bite), the shopping is just what we crave:
-Pacific Galleries Antiques: Go straight to the source for beautiful wood antique pieces, and a few more modern goods as well.
-Revival Home & Garden*: Refurbished vintage pieces get glammed out. Gorgeous finds with modern and trendy twists make this a must see!
-24 Karat Antiques & Vintage Interiors*: Another must stop for extremely unique vintage and antique pieces
-Great Stuff: Truly unique finds like oversized antique signs, vintage school lockers, and more.
-Earthwise Salvage*: Salvage from craftsman style homes to church windows. The huge variety of pieces at this warehouse is staggering!
-Ornamo: A selective showroom of some of design’s best and more innovative pieces including BDDW, Malm, Flocks, and more.
Other Neighborhoods:
-Greenwood: A small area in between Ballard and Greenlake, there are some great antique shops and coffee spots to pop into.
-Greenlake: A manmade lake that attracts the masses on sunny days, and includes paddle boats, a kiddie wading pool, public golf course, tennis courts and restaurants that surround the lake. You can walk or bike the nearly 3 mile path around the entire lake and see it all.
-Wallingford: In between the U District (University of Washington) and Fremont is this forgotten neighborhood that has a few treasures left, like Paper Delights and Zenadia, as well as an abundance of Thai restaurants and local bars.
-University District: If you like that college town feel, this is the area for you. Surrounding the University of Washington are lots of funky coffee shops and bars, vintage clothing stores, and University Village which houses a few shops that are great locally owned spots: Ravenna Gardens, Miller-Pollard and Mercer.
-Queen Anne: Similar to Madison Park, Queen Anne takes you up and above Downtown Seattle to a quiet neighborhood where everyone knows everyone and you can catch some of the most beautiful views off the city and sound while browsing the few blocks of adorable boutiques and small restaurants.
-The Eastside (Kirkland & Bellevue): Many Seattle visitors end up on the Eastside, where suburban culture rules. If you want to get a little beach town feel, though, you can pop over to Downtown Kirkland where there are a few stores, like Liberty123, that are worth popping into. You can also find Sur la Table here, and the eastside’s Watson Kennedy in Bellevue. For a dining delight, head over to Café Juanita, one of the most acclaimed restaurants in the Northwest. Need an art fix? The Bellevue Art Museum usually boasts an interesting exhibit.