Downtown Shopping Spree
Mid-morning
Stop at
Westlake Center
and grab an espresso and pastry at the stand in the plaza before window-shopping Westlake’s indoor mall. Inside, Made in Washington offers a large and creative inventory of regionally produced merchandise. Walk across Pine Street to find
Nordstrom’s
spacious flagship store, stocked with top designer brands and the absolute best of everything. Splurge in
Pacific Place
mall, where you can choose from
upmarket stores including Tiffany & Co., Coach, Ann Taylor, Cartier,
and Williams-Sonoma. Exit the mall on Pine, turn right, and then left
on 5th Avenue to University Street for pricey boutiques and fine
jewelry, such as Fox’s Gem Shop (1341 5th Ave).
Descend into the cavernous indoor mall at
Rainier Square
, underneath the white high-rise that
rests on a narrow pedestal. The base of the building opens up for a city
block’s worth of shops, galleries, and restaurants. Look for fine art
in the Jeffrey Moose Gallery and imported Swiss chocolate from Neuhaus.
Walk downhill on University to 4th Avenue, where you can board a number
of non-express buses for a free ride back to Pike Street, or stay on
the bus a few more blocks to Virginia Street for a superb Italian lunch
at
Assaggio
. Ask the driver for help if you need it.
Around Belltown
Lenora Street Bridge
This
elegant footbridge leads from Western Avenue to the Elliott Bay piers,
providing stellar views of West Seattle and the Olympic Mountains.
Whiskey Bar
This
trendy yet comfortable bar in Belltown offers a large variety of
whiskey. Good for pre-concert gatherings due to its proximity to the
Moore Theatre.
Belltown Billiards
A
mix of professional-quality billiard tables with sumptuous Italian
fare, DJs, and live music creates a hopping late-night scene.
Rendezvous
This
bar houses the miniscule Jewel Box Theater, a 1926-era private movie
screening room, while the remodeled bar draws hipsters and condo
dwellers.
TopPot Doughnuts
Take
a hiatus from healthful dining and grab a few doughnuts from this
stylish cafe’ that welcomes loungers sipping coffee and dipping tasty
treats.
Sub Pop World Headquarters
The
local record label created by Jonathan Poneman and Bruce Pavitt in the
mid-1980s signed bands such as Nirvana and Soundgarden that put Seattle
on the rock music map worldwide.
Waterfront Station
For
a picturesque journey while heading to Pioneer Square or the
International District, board the waterfront streetcar. There’re
stations near Belltown at the foot of Vine and Bell Streets, near Piers
66, 67, and 69.
Waterfront streetcar
Austin A. Bell Building
Elmer
Fisher, Seattle’s foremost commercial architect, designed this handsome
building that reflects Richardsonian, Gothic, and Italianate styles. It
houses pricey condos and a nightclub.
Austin A. Bell Building
Art Institute of Seattle
The institute offers programs in graphics, fashion, and culinary and media arts.
2323 Elliott Ave
206 448 0900
Millionaire’s Club
This social service agency helps potential laborers find temporary work.
|
As a general rule, keep your distance from transients, panhandlers, and strangers with drunken pleas. |
