Shopping Small in Pioneer Square…

November 30, 2013

Are you planning on shopping small today? There are a number of great neighborhood villages where one can “shop small” in Seattle but if you haven’t been to Pioneer Square lately, it is well worth a visit.

This beautiful brick bastion has been going through quite a revival lately, historical store fronts are now home to an expanding collection of hip little boutiques and restaurants. If you are hoping to find unique and special gifts, these stores are a perfect choice for Shop Small Saturday, Cyber Monday, or any other day of the week.

I haven’t been down to Pioneer Square for years, so I was delighted to walk through the tree filled brick square again recently, to meet a friend for a tour. Here are some of the highlights….

E. Smith Mercantile back bar opens at 4 for small bites and hand~crafted libations

I could browse around E. Smith Mercantile for hours, it’s a small store filled with the most interesting array of objects, or as as the mother~daughters team who have created this special space call it “a curated collection of adventures, delights and wild imaginings for a salt of the earth kind of people”

They offer a fascinating assortment of beautifully packaged food items including Small Batch Tonic for those who are craving that bright quinine boost that Tonic Water used to offer, and Grenadine Concentrates to give a richer, deeper tropical touch to beverages.

Artfully packaged crackers, waffle mixes, rich maple syrups and such

can be combined with confections to make a useful gift for anyone who loves great foods.

Uniquely scented and packaged candles will bring an air of loveliness to your lovelies homes {my favorite is Field of Grass… so FRESH!}

They offer designer denims {Levi’s refined}, silky wraps,

and an eclectic selection of new and vintage boots and handbags.

If that’s not enough, they also provide a line of in~house blended apothecary items to take care of the body and soul.

Around the corner Ebbets Field Flannels is a shrine to the all American sport. This store is stocked with traditional baseball clothing that can be customized, as well as plenty of items that are ready to wear. I think the classic Stick Ball sets would be a refreshing gift to give to the kids on your list.

These cozy vintage sweatshirts, recreated in the spirit of the original minor league baseball teams are something anyone would love to live in. They’re the type of shirt that gets softer and softer each time it’s washed.

Those who want to wear something a bit more vibrant would be proud to own these limited edition polos and vests, made in America by Alial Fital.

London Plane is a bright new wine bar on the square furnished with long, welcoming community tables.

Surrounding the tables is a quirky collection of books, wines, garden tools {yes, like very nice snippers},

plants, jewelry,

and art

Secret Garden

to be admired or purchased.

Rain Shadow meats is a delicious place to stop in for a sandwich along the way. Or step up to the butcher counter to order fresh meats or charcuterie to bring home for dinner.

Another interesting looking eatery is Alstadt, a German style beer hall.

where they make their own sauerkraut in hearty stoneware vats in front of the kitchen.

Bar Sajor offers an elegant other~worldly dining experience for lunch or dinner. Meats and vegetables are cooked in wood burning ovens at the front of the house.

The beautiful light, blazing fires, antiques, and home cooked goodness of this place makes it a great location to revive ones spirits at the end of the day.