Insider's Guide to #DoSomethingNearby in Seattle's Southside

The holidays are here and local businesses are eager to help you shop, dine, and experience the magic of the season in a safe and responsible way. Visit Seattle recently launched a "Do Something Nearby" campaign to encourage locals to get out and do something to support local businesses. This season, every little bit helps, so whether you're ordering take-out from your favorite neighborhood restaurant or stocking up on gifts from local boutiques, we can each do something to make a difference in our community. Here's your Insider's guide to #DoSomethingNearby in Seattle's Southside. 

Eat

Burien Press - Since 2009, Burien Press has been keeping the South Sound hydrated with coffee, natural wine, and craft beer. They also serve light bites like house-made biscuits with strawberry jam, sticky buns, and scones. Open for takeaway every day until 7 p.m. 

Spice Bridge Global Food Hall - Home to Seattle's Food Business Incubator program, Spice Bridge helps women of color in South King County start and grow a thriving food business. At Spice Bridge, you'll experience foods from around the world. Check out the featured food stall vendors here. 

Classic Eats - Self-described as a "low-key diner" with classic American staples, Classic Eats has everything from meatloaf sliders to pulled pork sandwiches and chicken pot pie. There's something for everyone on the menu and you can even order online. 

Pigfish - Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Pigfish is located in the center of Old Burien and the menu features fish and chips, classic burgers, and hot sandwiches served with hand-cut fries. During the holidays they're offering daily specials for take-out or delivery. 

Burien Fish House - This month Burien Fish House is celebrating 5 years in business. The menu includes cod, salmon, and halibut fish & chips, fish tacos, po-boy sandwiches, and seafood chowder. Digital gift cards are also available and make great stocking stuffers for the seafood lovers in your life!

Anthony's Home Port - If you're craving seafood, you can't forget about Anthony's Home Port in Des Moines. They are a Pacific Northwest staple in my book and the food is consistently delicious and fresh. The menu includes award-winning clam chowder, salmon tacos, fish & chips, lobster fettuccini, and more. Order online for takeaway or eat outside on the heated patio. 

Copperleaf Restaurant -  Located at Cedarbrook Lodge, Copperleaf Restaurant is currently offering an outdoor "Camp Copperleaf" dining experience, daily from 5-9 p.m. The menu includes salads, sandwiches, burgers, and warm soups. They even have camp desserts like Mason Jar Creme Brulee and Dark Chocolate Pot Au Creme. 

Shop

The Shoppe Seahurst - Locally owned by Beka Atwood, The Shoppe Seahurst has a perfectly curated assortment of gifts, home goods, and accessories that are PERFECT for the gift-giving season. The selection includes custom prints, neighborhood blankets, candles, pillows, tote bags, and more. Beka is also offering curated gift boxes and curbside pick-up to make shopping easy and efficient. 

Three Tree Books - Perfectly nestled in Burien on 152nd street, Three Tree Books is open for shopping appointments and online order pick-ups. In addition to books, the shop also carries gifts like mugs, candles, puzzles, journals, teas, and more. They even have Obama's new book, A Promised Land, which I recently started reading and I can tell you, it's really good! 

Paper Delights - Locally owned and operated by stationary connoisseurs Kathy Perkins and Alicia Olsen, Paper Delights stocks a wide range of unique cards, high-quality stationery, and gifts. You can also see what's new in the store on the @PaperDelightsBurien Instagram page and call the store to place an order. If you live in the Burien area, the team will even deliver your purchase straight to your door, for free. 

Sitka Living - Specializing in local art, gifts, and bespoke furniture, Sitka Living is locally owned by Lori Glynn and Rebecca Zielinski. Located in Downtown Burien, the shop has an amazing assortment of giftable things including vintage glassware, handmade jewelry, scented candles, throw pillows, books,  ceramics, and more. 

Macadons - Technically this should be in the "eat" category but I'm making the executive decision to include this in the "shop" category because these cookies are so cute you'll want to gift them to your friends and family. For a limited time, they have a BTS Holiday Set available for pre-order. This holiday collab is in partnership with Magic Shop in Seattle, which is basically Seattle's BTS army.  Macadons offers free local delivery and they also ship nationwide. 

Play

It's a Wonderful Burien - The City of Burien is hosting a series of holiday-inspired events to celebrate the season. The line-up includes a gingerbread man-themed scavenger hunt, imaginative story walks for kids, dance parties for the whole family, and more. There's even an adorable Santa Mailbox in Town Square Park. 

Highline Seatac Botanical Garden - The holiday season can be a stressful time and that's why escaping to the Highline Seatac Botanical Garden is a must if you can carve out the time. Admission is free and the gardens are open every day from dusk until dawn, offering up the perfect excuse for a leisurely afternoon stroll. 

Stay 

Cedarbrook Lodge - Located less than five minutes away from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Cedarbrook Lodge is perfectly situated on eighteen acres of restored wetlands and is a great place to stay if you're visiting Seattle's Southside. The scenery is beautiful, the rooms are comfortable, and there's even a spa on-site offering massages, body treatments, and nail services. If you decide to visit, I highly recommend dinner at Copperleaf Restaurant. 

Today officially marks *two weeks* until Christmas but there's still time to #DoSomethingNearby to support local businesses in the community. Seattle's Southside is home to an array of amazing businesses, from restaurants to retail, there's truly something for everyone. As you get out around town, tag me in your posts @Sydlovesfashion and use the hashtag #DoSomethingNearby. Be sure to include @VisitSeattle too! We're all in this together and together we can make a difference for businesses in our community. Oh, and don't forget your mask!

Header photo credit: Demri Rayanne Photography 

Insider's Guide to #DoSomethingNearby in Woodinville

This year it's more important than ever to support local businesses and Woodinville has so many amazing places to shop, dine, and help get you into the holiday spirit! Visit Seattle recently launched a campaign that encourages Seattleites to get out and "Do Something Nearby". Whether you're visiting the neighborhood boutiques in your own backyard, enjoying a socially-distant glass of wine, or ordering take-out from one of your favorite restaurants, your support this year means the world to businesses in King County. While there may be modifications to your usual holiday activities due to COVID, there's still something for everyone to enjoy around town. Here's your Insider's guide to #DoSomethingNearby in Woodinville. 

Eat

Barking Frog at Willow's Lodge - There are a lot of things I love on the Barking Frog menu at Willow's Lodge but if I had to pick a few must-haves, the beignets with huckleberry cream cheese frosting and mac & cheese with truffle oil would be high on the list. Brunch is available daily from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. which basically means that even if you're a late riser (hello, me!) you can still enjoy huckleberry pancakes and Vermont maple syrup until late in the afternoon. The take-out menu is available for brunch or dinner and you can also order room service if you're staying at the hotel. 

The Commons - Open for outdoor dining, take-out, and delivery, The Commons is well-known for cozy comfort food and handcrafted cocktails like "The Local" which features Woodinville Whiskey Co. rye, brown sugar simple syrup, and Scrappy's aromatic bitters. They also have blankets, seasonal soups, and hot drinks, ready and waiting for you! 

Vivi - Family-owned and operated, Vivi serves up authentic Sicilian Italian food in the heart of Woodinville Wine Country because pizza and wine are a pretty perfect pairing. The menu includes calamari, classic bruschetta, spaghetti carbonara, gnocchi with pesto, and a wide range of wood-fired pizzas. During COVID, Vivi is offering outdoor dining service, take-out, and delivery. 

The Coop - If you love Detroit-style pizza, be sure to add The Coop to your list of must-visit places in Woodinville. The pizzas are made fresh from locally sourced ingredients and the menu includes the usual suspects like pepperoni and cheese, plus adventurous favorites like the Marketplace Sotheby's which has pepperoni, bacon, and jalapeno. 

Hollywood Tavern - You can't visit Woodinville without making a stop to the Hollywood Tavern, which was originally established in 1947 by Mabel Nieman. She was a fixture in town who loved to dispense drinks and advice to the local farmers, loggers, and mill workers. The menu features classic comfort food including tater tots, a drive-in style burger with American cheese, a half-rack of baby back ribs, and even fried pickles.  

Heritage Restaurant - Great for date night or family dinner on the town, Heritage Restaurant is locally-owned and operated by Chef Breanna Beike. The menu includes butternut squash bisque, Dungeness crab hushpuppies, honey citrus brined chicken, herbed farro risotto, and more. Currently open for pick-up or delivery orders, Heritage Restaurant is also offering Wine Gift Packs for the holidays. 

Pasta Nova Italiano - You can never go wrong with gorgonzola bruschetta, homemade meatballs, or lemon rosemary scallops, and that's exactly what you'll find at Pasta Nova Italiano, alongside other authentic Italian dishes. Dine outdoors, or place an order for curbside pick-up or delivery. 

Shop 

Elegant Details - Designed as a lifestyle boutique for women, Elegant Details in Woodinville offers women's fashion, accessories, home accents, and gifts at affordable prices.  Check out their Instagram page to see what's in stock right now including new arrivals and holiday gift ideas. 

Molbak's Garden + Home - Located just across the street from Elegant Details, you'll find Molbak's Garden + Home. Founded in 1956 by Egon and Laina Molbak, both immigrants from Denmark, Molkbak's is a great place to shop for holiday gifts, plants, and of course, fresh-cut Christmas trees. Make an appointment to shop in person, or shop online and do curbside pick-up. 

Miyar Adventures - Founded out of a passion for climbing, Miyar Adventures will help you plan your next outdoor adventure and get you geared up, too. Locally-owned and operated by Sandeep Nain, Miyar Adventures offers gear rentals and training for outdoor climbing activities whether you're a beginner looking to get out in nature or a serious climber ready for high-altitute trekking. The shopping assortment includes gear from Outdoor Research, The North Face, Thermarest, Osprey, and more. 

Play

Spa at Willow's Lodge - Good news, friends! You can safely enjoy a visit to the Spa at Willow's Lodge and let's be honest, we could all use a little break after the year we've had. Soak in the serene atmosphere as you enjoy an indulgent massage, soothing facial, or detox seaweed wrap. Right now the spa is doing a special "24 Days of Blissmas" promo featuring a rotating list of weekly spa specials. Gift cards are also available for those on your list who could use a little rest and relaxation. 

Métier Brewing - Fun fact: Métier is *the only* Black-owned brewery in Washington state. Their mission is to brew good beer and build community to inspire bigger dreams for all. The current assortment available on tap and to-go includes the Trail Blazer Pale Ale, an award-winning American Wheat, an Imperial stout made with blackstrap molasses and fresh ginger, a New Zealand IPA, and more. Reservations can be made online for visits Thursday through Sunday. 

Damsel Cellars - Locally owned and operated by Mari Womak, Damsel Cellars is a boutique winery that specializes in red blends and crisp whites. In addition to single bottles, they are also offering mystery boxes and digital gift cards. The tasting room is closed due to COVID, but you can still order online and use the "Damsel Drive Thru" Saturday and Sunday from 12 - 4 p.m. 

Woodinville Whiskey Co. - Specializing in small-batch, handcrafted spirits, Woodinville Whiskey Co. is locally owned by best friends Orlin Sorensen and Brett Carlile. They deeply believe in the time-honored traditions of bourbon production and all of their grain is grown exclusively on the Omlin Farm in Quincy, Washington. Shop online for holiday gifts including custom-etched bottles of whiskey. 

Stay 

Willows Lodge - Located on five acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, Willows Lodge is the place to stay in Woodinville. The spacious guest rooms feature beautiful Pacific Northwest details including oversized soaking tubs and cozy fireplaces, allowing you to completely relax and unwind. They even have a DIY "Do Not Disturb Bath & Bubbles" amenity which features bubble bath, epsom salt crystals, champagne, candles, and Fran's Salted Caramels. That sounds like the PERFECT night to me. 

We're just about two weeks away from Christmas, but there's still time to #DoSomethingNearby this holiday season. Woodinville is eager to welcome you as you shop, dine, and take in the festivities at local businesses. Tag me in your posts @Sydlovesfashion using the hashtag #DoSomethingNearby and be sure to include @VisitSeattle so that they can see what you're up to around town. You can also tag @visitwoodinville and #woodinvillewinecountry in your posts! 

We're all in this together and together we can make a difference for businesses in our community. Don't forget your mask!