Seattle is home to several businesses that are household names the world over. But in addition to behemoths like Amazon, Boeing, Microsoft, and Starbucks, the Emerald City has hundreds of wonderful businesses you can’t find anywhere else. Check out these prize shops and galleries and get more into shopping locally with homegrown businesses.
Archie McPhee
Seattle-based novelty shop Archie McPhee is a purveyor of fun for people of all ages. If it’s not already your go-to destination for gag gifts and costumes, visit the next time you’re in a pinch to find something. The shop, featured in Scientific American and Time Magazine, is a mile’s drive from AMLI Wallingford.
Big Picture
Located beneath legendary steakhouse El Gaucho, Big Picture is a fashionable movie-theater-cum-restaurant that screens old classic and new hits. The food and drinks prepared in the theater’s kitchen have a great rap. Named one of the “Top 20 Movie Theaters in the World” by Men’s Journal in 2014, the Big Picture’s main theater and meeting rooms can be rented out for private and corporate events. This downtown Seattle entertainment venue is less than ten minutes’ drive from AMLI South Lake Union.
Book Larder
There aren’t many dedicated cookbook shops in the world. Book Larder, in Fremont, carries and sells cookbooks from around the world and across generations. A-five minute drive from AMLI Wallingford, this unique Seattle business also hosts cooking classes, seminars, and culinary demonstrations.
Do The Extraordinary
Former Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander and Do The Extraordinary owner Justin Kercher collaborated to bring this downtown clothing shop to life. Considered a paragon of Seattle fashion, Do The Extraordinary sells mostly black, grey, and white clothing as well as handmade jewelry. The Westlake Center clothing shop is a 15-minute walk from AMLI 535.
Eighth Generation
Coast Salish activist, artist, and educator Louis Gong started customizing shoes in his living room in 2008. Today, his business Eighth Generation does a roaring trade in Pike Place Market. Eighth Generation sells native artisan crafts and goods, including intricately handcrafted wool blankets.
Frye Museum Store
The Frye Art Museum’s gift shop sells art, toys, books, and household wares celebrating Pacific Northwest culture and tradition. Unlike with many museum gift shops, you’ll find few mass-produced trinkets and replicas here. The Frye Art Museum and museum store are a five-minute drive from AMLI’s South Lake Union apartments.
Hot Tub Boats
The Puget Sound’s beauty is unparalleled during summer, but its waters are still frigid. Hot Tub Boats makes it possible to soak in next-level comfort on the sound or one of its sources any time of year. The Seattle business, a 15-minute walk from AMLI 535, rents and sells easy-to-maneuver hot tub boats that hold up to six people.
Old Ballard Liquor Company
Aquavit and cherry bounce are two libations this nano-distillery produces that celebrate Ballard’s Scandinavian heritage. This Seattle business also sells frozen, pickled, salted, and smoked herring. The shop and tasting room are a 20-minute waterside walk from the Ballard apartments at AMLI Mark 24.
Old Seattle Paperworks
Step back to the early 20th Century with a visit to Old Seattle Paperworks. Most of the vintage advertisement prints, newspapers, magazines, and postcards you’ll find here are original. The shop’s striking vintage design perfectly matches its inventory.
The Handmade Showroom
Another Pacific Northwest art and design celebrant, The Handmade Showroom showcases work from hundreds of Seattle artists and artisans. Stationery, paintings and drawings, candles, hot sauce, and much more can be found in this downtown Seattle shop. The Handmade Showroom is a short drive or 20-minute walk from AMLI’s South Lake Union apartments.
Sugar Pill
If you subscribe to the powers of Ayurvedic, Chinese, or another brand of herbal medicine, you’ll find a sanctuary in Sugar Pill, Capitol Hill’s well-stocked herbal apothecary. Owner Karyn Schwartz is known for her passion and dedication to her professional field and the Seattle community. On site consultations are available with knowledgeable staff members at Sugar Pill, a 20-minute walk from AMLI South Lake Lake Union.
Totokaelo
The selection of fashion forward clothing and accessories available at Totokaelo is rare in a city of Seattle’s size. The collection includes pieces from internationally renowned labels and up-and-coming designers little known outside the industry. You might find similar-feeling clothing stores in New York, Paris, or Milan, but Totokaelo is both unique in and to Seattle.
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View All Posts by Jason Ernst