A Morning at Alki Beach
Experience scenic Alki Avenue via an easy bike ride along a waterfront bike trail (about 3.5 flat miles each way). Begin at Danny’s Leather & Bikes (3422 Harbor Ave SW) where you can rent beach bikes. Facing Danny’s, head left. Near the 1100 block of Harbor Avenue, you’ll notice Don Armeni Park,
where wedding parties and professional photographers often congregate
to snap pics of the city skyline. The road curves and becomes Alki
Avenue, where you can take in great views with telescopes set up above
the sea wall. Public Restrooms appear at the intersection of 57th Avenue SW.
As you reach the central part of the beach community, Puget Sound and
its ships and sailboats recede from view to the north, and the Olympic Mountains to the left.
At 60th Avenue, Alki Beach Park begins and supine bodies populate the sandy stretch. At 61st Avenue SW, look for the miniature Statue of Liberty
on the right, built in 1952 on the strip of land early settlers had
dubbed “New York Alki”. At 63rd Avenue SW there’s a monument erected to
celebrate that landing party’s arrival. Sweet tooths will get
justifiably woozy at
Alki Bakery
, and you can have lunch in the inhouse restaurant. As the street narrows and curves again, you’ll see the Coast Guard Station (3201 Alki Ave), which offers tours of the Alki Point lighthouse on weekends from May to September.
Shops
Avalon Glass Works Find
blown-glass vases, bowls, sculpture, ornaments, garden floats,
paperweights, and seasonal items in myriad shapes, colors, and sizes in
this exciting workshop. Carmilia’s Along
with assorted jewelry and accessories for women, the boutique sells
apparel manufactured by Nanette Lepore, Ella Moss, and Hanky Panky. Quid’nunc The
technical staff at this computer store are as friendly as they are
savvy. You can buy software or hardware, or solve problems with whatever
digital personal assistants you may have. Admiral Metropolitan Market This
neighborhood supermarket and gourmet purveyor of prepared food offers
customized salads, pasta dishes, and panini (grilled sandwiches) cooked
to order, and creative side dishes galore. The store also sells quality
kitchenware. Morton’s United Professional and personalized service upholds the values of this small-town drug store. Maggie’s Cookbooks The serious gourmand will need to save time to browse in the area’s only bookseller dedicated to used and vintage cookbooks. Easy Street Records Shop here for the latest in Indie Rock then stop off for a spot of lunch and an espresso in the café. Sweetie Take
your sweetie pie to Sweetie, for latest designer wear by such
distinctive designers as Diane von Furstenberg, Rebecca Taylor, Wendy
Hill, and Trina Turk. Impress your friends with a great selection of
cool chandelier earrings, handbags, and belts. Electric Train Shop The
eponymously named Electric Train Shop is Puget Sound’s main depot for
train aficionados. Stop in to relive your childhood memories. JF Henry Kitchen & Tableware This
is the best resource for quality china, silver and stainless flatware,
and crystal. The store carries hundreds of patterns displayed
beautifully with great discount offers.
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Browse Avalon Glass Studio’s website for updates and a great selection of art glass for sale. Go to www.avalonglassworks.com
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Places to Eat
La Rustica Dine on exquisite Italian classics such as spaghetti with garlic, large prawns, polenta, or pizza with mushrooms and prosciutto. 4100 Beach Drive SW 206 932 3020
Alki Bakery Specializes
in decadently tall cakes, irresistible cookies, éclairs, berry pies,
and cheesecakes. Also serves tasty salads, homemade soups, and
sandwiches. 2738 Alki Ave SW 206 935 1352
Luna Park Inside,
the decor and kitschy artifacts reflect the styles of the 1950s.
Popular basics include the BLT and club sandwiches, hand-dipped malted
milkshakes, and spinach salad. 2918 SW Avalon Way 206 935 7250
Azuma Sushi Insiders return often for their fix of professionally prepared sushi and sashimi, sake, and teriyaki at very reasonable prices. 4533 California Ave SW 206 937 1148
Capers A
home furnishings and gift store with a sit-down café. Savor epicurean
delights such as blackened breast of chicken Caesar salads, Moroccan
stews, and sumptuous sandwiches on peasant bread. 4521 California Ave SW 206 932 0371
Misto A perfect bistro for fine espressos, grilled sandwiches, soups, and salads. 4541 California Ave SW 206 935 8924
Jak’s Grill This
steakhouse prepares the best beef, chicken, and fish dishes that are
not only superbly done, but the price includes several side orders. 4548 California Ave SW 206 937 7809
Salty’s on Alki Specials
reflect the freshest seasonal fish and seafood, and picture windows
offer diners the most breathtaking views of Elliott Bay. 1936 Harbor Ave SW 206 937 1600
Chelan Café Dine on typical American truck-stop fare; burgers, fries, meatloaf, or eggs. 3527 Chelan Ave SW 206 932 7383
West 5 Munch on comfort food like BLTs and burgers at this hip eatery. 4539 California Ave SW 206 937 1966
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