Bellevue's Old Main Shopping District Lights Up for the Holidays

Sometimes you want a break from the high energy shopping taking place nonstop at Bellevue Square, and that's the day you head for Old Main, only just a block away but taking you away from the rush into the eternal. This is shopping as it used to be, and as it always should be, both dreamy and sparkley, timeless and very now.

This was a low key day weather wise, but the streets felt dressed up and holiday excitement was in the air as I browsed my way down Main Street in the Bellevue downtown, known for it's ambiance and flair. Old Main is a two block prominade between Bellevue Way and 100th Avenue NE. There are quaint, delightful shops and upscale eateries, as well as day spas, a yoga studio, and even creative energy bodywork (Health Wise), in fact more than 40 business's signs bedeck the streets. (Anyone who knows where the apostrophe goes in that, don't hold back, by all means let me know at your first opportunity!)

Ladies, you will want to stop in Posh on Main for shoes, especially if you like fluffy pink trees and yummy accessories. The rich perfume scented air will transport you to a distinct fashion flash and that is, as you know, often better than a 10 day vacation, especially at this time of year when no one can leave anyway, as we're all too busy wrapping packages. But wait, what about Christi's on Main, La Ree Boutique where you find.beautiful.style, or Title 9 where Sporty is so seductive you'll fill your entire closet with chocolate-and-leaf-green or misty-blue outerwear with an edge and the ultimate running-around running shoes, mandatory to go with your SUV, and equally at home with your lime green superbeetle. And don't forget Ottica, eyewear was never this delicious, and I love their little snowmen gazing wistfully through the glass onto the wet streets (but wait, I'm told we'll have snow tomorrow...).

And speaking of delicious, there's restaurants you won't want to miss. Like Bis on Main, Salute of Bellevue Restaurante, 520 Bar and Grill, and the popular La Cocina del Puerco (try the carnitas) with the amazing colorfulful flags, streamers, signs, and fun stuff hanging in the ceiling space...how to chose? I guess it's what you're in the mood for. Or for coffee and desert it could be Belle Pastry with a scrumptious selection in a bakery case, or it could be Amore Chocolate on Main for Italian coffee and the best Espresso Dark Truffles I'VE personally ever had. The propriator explained that the freshness makes the difference...wow! This calls for some serious Christmas shopping NOW. They will soon have a website where you can order these goodies, too, I'm told.

You may also want to consider your table's desire to be elegant and drop in at The Sophisticated Swine for silver, antiques and collectables (The Sophisticated Swine). Next door is Patina Collections (for the home) with amazing can't-leave-without-it everythings. Or Veritables, home decor...fantastic furniture. Or Ming's Asian Gallery. Or Villa for "fine kitchen and bath cabinets." And you will certainly spend time at the windows of several fine jewelry stores...ok, you get the idea! Let me know how you like it...

Edy Kizaki
Realtor & Team Leader
http://www.seattlepowersearch.com/