I am a major fan of my downtown neighborhood. Here are a few of my favorite businesses and neighbors within a few blocks of my downtown home:
ANCIENT GROUNDS: I buy superb coffee from Roland Crawford (and occasionally some of his amazing art) at Ancient Grounds on 1st Avenue just south of University Street. Here’s a short Youtube video of my friend:
FLYING SHUTTLE: I regularly purchase scarves, jewelry and jackets from Anna and Joanne Williams at Ragazzi’s Flying Shuttle on 1st Avenue near Yesler. They have an amazing eye for color and fabrics, both local and abroad.
Anna Williams Flying Shuttle. She chooses AMAZING textiles and scarves. Seductive colors.
Owned by two local runners, Cindi and Ben, Sound Sports on Madison between 1st and Western offers great shoes, clothes and athletic stuff you wouldn’t expect.
SOUND SPORTS: My husband and I buy our running shoes and the reflective and flashing safety gear for my bike at Sound Sports on Madison near Post Alley.
Shopping within walking distance is a pleasure and helps keep my local businesses’ doors open too. I’m not the only one. The Only in Seattle Initiative works with businesses, property owners and other community leaders to organize around a common vision for a business district and attract investments. With support from the Small Business Administration, Only in Seattle supports neighborhood business districts on “Small Business Saturday” and every other day of the year.
Think Local is another resource for supporting local businesses (large and small). Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs has a great lineup of activities and art for everyone on their Holiday Arts Gift Guide.
After last weekend’s walk through Pike Place Market, believe me, I did my bit for Buy Local.
Shop the Square — Pioneer Square that is.
Thanks to the Pioneer Square Alliance and inspired business owners in that neighborhood, twenty-three shops in Pioneer Square are offering holiday gift deals on the next two Saturdays, December 6, and December 13, from 11 am to 5 pm. They invite you to print out a Shop the Square passport and explore the neighborhood’s participating shops, collecting stamps as you go. Collect five (5) stamps and enter your passport into the weekly raffle for gift cards and other prizes from Pioneer Square retailers.
I’ve already Shopped the Square this holiday season — once again I was inspired by Anna Wililams’ scarf colors.
If light rail or transit doesn’t meet your needs, up to 2 hours of free parking is available at the First & Columbia garage, validated at Milepost 31 (211 1st Ave. S). during the event. Sign up on Facebook to learn even more.
And for our furry friends: On Saturday 12/13 the annual Howlidays event is back. Dress up your pup in his/her holiday best and enter the dog costume contest and show off the skills in the dog agility course. You’ll also find a For Pets & People holiday market. Find the fun from Noon – 4 pm in Occidental Square Park and Pedestrian Mall.
GIFT WRAPPING: Lastly, the Pioneer Square Residents Council will offering gift wrapping by donation at the SR 99 tunnel project information center Milepost 31 (211 1st Ave S) during the event. I’ve offered to be a guest gift-wrapper, too. Thanks to experience gained as a high school gift-wrapper, I have the requisite experience. I make great bows.
