Emerson Apartments are situated in Seattle’s First Hill area, very close to the International District as well! There are so many amazing places to shop while putting your dollar back into Seattles' small businesses. What better time to do that than this holiday season, including Small Business Saturday? We are lucky to be in such a great location where we can support our neighborhood downtown Seattle businesses without having to go too far from home. 


King County is home to so many districts and neighborhoods with amazing small business owners. We love any opportunity to amplify small businesses in the city of Seattle. Holiday season shopping can sometimes require strategic planning, especially while we’re still in lockdown here in our section of the Pacific Northwest, due to COVID-19 (coronavirus). However, you still have the opportunity to support the development of local businesses. 


Whether you’re one of our fantastic local Seattle residents, visiting Seattle, or simply looking for ideas to support small business in this blog you will find some of our favorite shops in the Seattle neighborhood. 

Small Business Shopping Options in First Hill & International District

Looking for a carefully curated store with the best in stock? Check out Glasswing Shop in Pike Place:


Located just a few miles from Emerson Apartments, you’ll find Glasswing, an amazing small business to support. Are you looking for the perfect gift for someone in your life? Glasswing is the spot for you! Clothing, jewelry, and accessories, oh my! It's starting to get chilly out here in the Pacific Northwest, grab a scarf for your loved ones and bundle up. Or with so many options, you can also always play it safe with a gift card. https://gtma.co/33eabIW 


The Purple Store is home to everything PURPLE in Pike Place Market! Right in our Seattle neighborhood, this store is a perfect example of Seattle small business owners. We all have people in our life who love purple (maybe you’re that person). This store is a great place to look for gifts for holidays. So, stop in to The Purple Store and pick up something...purple. https://gtma.co/3fs7qIM

 

Our next stop is Melrose Market! Like the other shops listed here, Melrose Market is home to amazing products. It’s hard to enter without leaving with something! From home decor to essentials for an at home happy hour. Bring the ingredients of a Seattle restaurant to your home this holiday season!

Do you have someone in your life who has everything? Check out Melrose Market for gifts they didn’t know they wanted, but that they will be sure to enjoy. You’ll find fun, fashion, food, and more! https://gtma.co/3l2lYjt 


Looking to reduce, reuse, and recycle this holiday season? 

Check out Bon Voyage Vintage for pre-loved threads in Downtown Seattle! They are still open and taking precautions against Covid-19 (Coronavirus). You’ll have a great customer experience here! Find one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories. It’s the holiday season and local businesses like these need your support! https://gtma.co/2L1zVBT 


Don’t forget to participate in Small Business Saturday on Saturday, November 28th 2020 by visiting a local shop or shopping them online! Shopping locally boosts economic and business development. If you were inspired to take a visit to one of these businesses in Seattle, snap a photo and share it with us on  Facebook or Instagram! Be sure to visit our blog next month for more food, fun, and shopping in downtown Seattle, Washington


Seattle Skyline

Your Guide to Local Holiday Shopping in and Around Seattle’s First Hill / International District

Best places to shop in First Hill / International District

Here’s your guide to the best places to shop in Seattle’s First Hill / International District. Tis the season to shop! This guide will show you the best local spots to support.

New to Seattle’s First Hill neighborhood, or just curious to learn more about its highlights?  We’ll discuss where to eat and where to shop. Consider this your neighborhood guide for life in First Hill.

Major Employers In Seattle’s First Hill

We’re lucky to be living in this Seattle neighborhood, where we’re close to amazing Medical Employers (that's why we're nicknamed Pill Hill), tech hubs, and more! 

Here are just a few of our Medical Employers in the ‘Pill Hill’ area:


Where To Eat In The First Hill Neighborhood:

We all have to eat, so let’s eat well! What are you hungry for today? 

Our neighborhood of Seattle is home to so many different amazing restaurants, here are some of our favorites!

Ramen:

954 E Union St #102, Seattle, WA 98122

Betsutenjin Ramen will be your new go to. People recommend their Miso Ramen and Hakata Ramen, try it for yourself! They’re offering takeout and no contact delivery.

Pizza:

1321 Madison St, Seattle, WA 98104

Mad Pizza has been locally owned and operated since 1995! One person on Yelp said, “Mad Pizza makes hands down the best vegan cheese pizza I've ever had. I like the crust because it isn't too hard or crunchy, and the pizza is generally delicious.”

They’re open for takeout and no contact delivery. 

P.S. They’re known for their fast delivery! 

New American:

1100 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122

Jimmy’s on Broadway is your new favorite restaurant! Currently offering curbside pickup and no contact delivery. 

Quick and Easy:

905 8th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104

Just craving a cup of coffee? Try out Coffee Tree, First Hill residents favorite! They have breakfast and lunch sandwiches too. Yum!


Shopping Near First Hill Seattle, WA:

701 E Pike St Seattle, WA 98122

Our Seattle guide continues with  Standard Goods, located in between Capitol Hill and First Hill!

Head in and look around! You’ll be glad you did, and you’ll likely leave with a new favorite item, or two.


670 S King St, Seattle, WA 98104

Need some new threads? Check out Moksha! Located just outside the First Hill in the International District., a nearby neighborhood.


When you’re living at Emerson Apartments none of these options are far, as we are situated in such a convenient location near downtown Seattle. Public transportation is always an option when you live in First Hill however, so many great locations are walking distance from your door. So go out and get some fresh air today!


We hope this was a helpful introduction to Seattle’s First Hill Neighborhood. If you try out any of our recommendations be sure to tag us on Facebook or Instagram! Enjoy and explore First Hill!

Rendering of Emerson Seattle Apartments exterior

Basics of Living in Seattle’s First Hill Neighborhood

Living in the city of Seattle, shopping, eating, and things to do

A guide to living in Seattle’s First Hill Neighborhood, where to find places to eat, shop, and more!

Seattle, let’s redecorate our spaces this year! We’re in 2021 now, your home should reflect your personality and your space should be filled with things you love and things that inspire you. Seattle shops are brimming with a wide variety of furniture and decor. Whether you’re looking for something bold and colorful or something muted and neutral we’ll provide you with the resources to find great furniture and home decor items in Seattle!


Cost Plus World Market:2103 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98121



Do you need some home decor ideas? Well, you’re in luck! Cost Plus World Market has decorating ideas on their website. Looking to stay in the same color scheme for your items? You will be sure to find that at Cost Plus World Market, in a comfortable price range. They are currently offering curbside pickup! This amazing market is just 10 minutes away from Emerson Apartments



Retrofit Home1103 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122


Are you looking for statement pieces and home accessories? 

Retrofit is the store for you! Retrofit has vintage furniture, mid century modern styles, and so much more! Bring out your inner interior designer and get some new home decor and furniture. 

One person on Yelp said, “Colorful and quirky furniture, fantastic gift items, and one-of-a-kind home decor are just a few of this shop's specialties.” Retrofit has decorative accessories that will make your space feel like home.


Watson Kennedy Fine Home1022 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98104


Your next statement decor piece is just 7 minutes away from your home at Emerson Apartments.

Watson Kennedy Fine Home has a wide variety of home decor. This is a great spot to get your home accents, they have beautiful and unique throws, pillows, baskets, and containers. 

Make sure to stop by Watson Kennedy Fine Home for your home decor needs.


Seattle Antiques Market1400 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101


This Seattle staple has been open for over 40 years on the waterfront. Seattle Antiques Market is home to vintage, antiques, and mid century modern furniture. Make sure to visit Seattle Antiques Market, it’s only 9 minutes away! Plus, they offer local delivery services right to your doorstep, so there’s no need to rent a truck or hire help to get your new antique furniture home.



Target:1401 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98101


Target is likely not a new name to our readers. Maybe you’re used to visiting Target for grocery trips or getting new clothes. But just an 8 minute drive from Emerson Apartments is your local Target. 

This is a great place to buy bold, colorful, and modern furniture. 

Need a new lamp? Target has it.

How about a rug? Target has that too!

You’ll be hard pressed to find something Target at Pike Place doesn’t have. Visit them in-person, have your items shipped to you, or pick them up with their contactless delivery. 



If you visit any of these home goods shops be sure to tag us on Facebook or Instagram! Happy redecorating Seattle!


Level Up Your Home Decor with These Local Home Goods Shops Cover Image

Level Up Your Home Decor with These Local Home Goods Shops

Whether you’re looking for something bold and colorful or something muted and neutral we’ll provide you with the resources to find great furniture and home decor items in Seattle!

Winter is present in the Pacific Northwest, the weather has been getting colder and colder lately. We want to provide you with some activities to do in your Emerson apartment where you’ll be nice and warm! 

Here are some of our favorite places to buy puzzles, games, and books galore around our Seattle neighborhood:


Kinokuniya Seattle: 525 S Weller St, Seattle, WA 98104


Kinokuniya Seattle is 5 minutes away from Emerson Seattle. Kinokuniya Seattle is home to a diverse selection of books and stationary. We love to visit this shop, it’s filled to the brim with books you’ll definitely want to check out.  



Globe Bookstore: 218 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104


We’re just 6 minutes away from Globe Bookstore. 

This iconic shop is a used bookstore, so if you’re in the mood to reduce, reuse, and recycle the Globe Bookstore will be your go to shop. 

One person on Yelp said “Great selection--especially given the small size of the bookstore-- beautiful local cards, and a wonderful, knowledgeable proprietor...I appreciate the owner's commitment to books and to Pioneer Square! If you need to buy, sell or find any book, this is your place!”. 

We hope you visit the Globe Bookstore to get some new books and sell some old books!


Magic Mouse Toys: 603 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98104


This Seattle staple is home to puzzles, games, and toys oh my! Magic Mouse Toys has been serving Seattle toy and game lovers since 1977. From jigsaw puzzles to party games, Magic Mouse Toys is a great place to shop for super fun activities. You’re only 9 minutes away from the incredible Magic Mouse Toys!



Pink Gorilla International District: 601 S King St #101c, Seattle, WA 98104


Take a 4 minute drive today to visit Pink Gorilla in the International District. Pink Gorilla is a game store that has popular console, computer & board games, plus books! It’s a one stop shop. 



Show off your puzzles, games, and books with us on Facebook or Instagram! We hope you enjoy our suggestions and try these great stores out for yourself. Many of the shops listed offer online shopping as an option as well, if you don’t want to leave the comfort of your Emerson apartment home. 

Until next time, stay safe Seattle. 


Puzzles, Games, and Books Galore: Where to Find COVID-Safe Fun in Seattle Cover Image

Puzzles, Games, and Books Galore: Where to Find COVID-Safe Fun in Seattle

Winter is present in the Pacific Northwest, the weather has been getting colder and colder lately. We want to provide you with some activities to do in your Emerson apartment where you’ll be nice and warm! Keep reading to learn about some of our favorite places to buy puzzles, games, and books galore around our Seattle neighborhood.

Spring is right around the corner and we are just as excited as you are to explore the vast outdoors and scenery. Whether it’s a hike up a mountain, yoga in the park, or a drive up to a viewpoint, Seattle’s got you covered. Here we’ll be sharing some of our favorite trails and viewpoints for you to enjoy and take advantage of the upcoming season!


Frink Park Trails

If you’re looking for a trail nearby, Frink Park is a short 10-minute drive away. Take in its dense and luscious greenery as both a walk or a drive, and take a moment to stop and admire the creek. The best part is that the Frink Park trails will also connect you to the adjoining Leschi Park. 


Leschi Park

With its 18 acres, Leschi Park park offers ample space to play fetch with your pets, do some yoga, or have a relaxing outdoor picnic. As it borders Lake Washington, you can explore the lake by boat or kayak, or simply enjoy the view from land. Leschi Park offers a playground and tennis courts available through reservation.


Coal Creek Trail

If you venture across Lake Washington, just a 15-minute drive away you’ll find yourself at the beautiful Coal Creek Trail. Surrounded by endless towering trees and lush foliage, this trail is perfect for families, and you can even bring your four-legged friends along! Enjoy this hike on a hot day, as you’ll be sheltered with canopied trees and accompanied by a running creek along the way.


Living in the Emerald City is a gift, and we hope you can enjoy the many beautiful trails, hikes, and views Seattle has to offer. For more hiking recommendations, visit the Washington Trails Association, and browse their hiking tips and guides. Finding some favorite outdoor sites? Share them with us on Facebook or Instagram! Hope you have fun exploring, and remember to be responsible and practice social distancing. Stay safe, Seattle, we’ll see you soon!


Fresh Air, Scenery & Exercise: A Guide to the Seattle Outdoors Cover Image

Fresh Air, Scenery & Exercise: A Guide to the Seattle Outdoors

Spring is right around the corner and we are just as excited as you are to explore the vast outdoors and scenery. Whether it’s a hike up a mountain, yoga in the park, or a drive up to a viewpoint, we got you covered with Seattle’s best hikes and parks near you!

Fuel, java, cup o’ joe, coffee, cafe? Whatever you call coffee you’re never far from it when you call Seattle home. The Seattle, Washington coffee scene is alive and well, from Capitol Hill to Pike Place there are amazing coffee shops in Seattle. In this blog we will be focusing on the First Hill area! Seattle's coffee is well known throughout the nation. We’re so lucky, our fuel/coffee is always just around the corner. Are you a cold brew fan? Does your latte need art?  Do you like to know about the brewing method? We’ve got you covered with all the best coffee spots around First Hill!


Are you in the mood to stretch your legs? You’re in luck! Emerson Seattle is walking distance to great coffee shops in First Hill:


@ The Peak Cafe: 401 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122


This coffee roaster is just a 9 minute walk from Emerson Seattle. Enjoy the fresh Seattle morning air and head down Broadway to get your morning cup of coffee. They’re currently open for takeout. @ The Peak Cafe also serves food and regularly has lunch specials, yum!


QED Coffee: 512 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122


Just a little further down the road you’ll find QED Coffee. It’s only a 10 minute walk from Emerson Seattle! This coffee roaster is a Seattle favorite. QED Coffee also serves delicious pastries, you’ll love pairing their pastries with their fantastic coffee. 


Diva Espresso: 502 9th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104


If you’re up for adding an extra minute to your coffee commute take the 11 minute walk to Diva Espresso. Or take a 5 minute drive to another Diva Espresso location on 5th Ave (401 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104). Diva Espresso has a few coffee shops in Seattle, never fear Diva Espresso is here!


Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram to let us know where you go for your morning cup of coffee. We hope you enjoy our suggestions and try these great coffee roasteries out for yourself. Make sure to check online before visiting these coffee shops for the most updated information and procedures, due to COVID-19. We’ll be back next month! Stay safe Seattle. 


The Best Coffee Choices Near Seattle’s First Hill Cover Image

The Best Coffee Choices Near Seattle’s First Hill

Fuel, java, cup o’ joe? Whatever you call coffee you’re never far from it when you call Seattle home. The Seattle, Washington coffee scene is alive and well. We’re so lucky, our fuel/coffee is always just around the corner. We’ve got you covered with all the best coffee spots around First Hill that you can walk to!

After a long day of hard work, when that clock hits three o’clock, we’re all thinking about happy hour. And with the rich culture here in Seattle, finding your favorite happy hour spot won’t take long! With so many pubs, bars, and beer gardens you could choose from, you may find yourself at a new place every week. Here we will list some of our favorite hotspots to start you off on your search for the best happy hour!


Fremont Brewing

For all beer lovers alike, Fremont Brewing calls your name. With a wide selection of year-round beers, rotating IPAs, a barrel-aged series, and many more specials, you’re sure to find something that hits the spot. Feel like trying more than just one? Order a flight and sample up to 5 different beers of your choosing. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available, but be sure to reserve your spot because a place this good is always popping! Visit their website to learn more about their beers, hours, and Covid-19 guidelines.


Perihelion Brewery

Sticking a bit closer to home, we have Perihelion Brewery, known for its delicious beer and especially their eats. A great one-in-all brewery, find a fine selection of beers and a mouth-watering menu of appetizers and entrees that will have you coming back for more. Pair your favorite ale or lager with their famous Beacon Burger or try a flight of favorites with a side of sweet potato fries. Visit their website to see a full menu and their dining guidelines!


Heyday Restaurant & Bar

If bars are more your style, Heyday is the place to go. Ready with a wide list of draft beers, ciders, wines, and cocktails, you’ll want to try a bunch of ‘em! Popular for their delicious menu items, you’ll find many options to pair with your drink of choice. Try one of their specialty burgers, you may be going back just for those!


The Velvet Elk

Enjoy a more intimate setting at the Velvet Elk as they’ve recently reopened for indoor dining on Fridays and Saturdays. If you prefer to social distance at home but would still like to try their cocktails, order one of their to-go cocktail kits! With a tantalizing array of options and new creations, you can try something new every week.


With such a rich community of great businesses here in Seattle these recommendations only scratch the surface of all the bars, pubs, and beer gardens you could try.  If we could talk about bars for longer we would, but it’s probably best you go and explore for yourself! Let us know what you think of these places, and if you have any recommendations to share, please let us know on our social media! Wherever you take your happy hour, we hope you enjoy it. As always, stay safe and happy, and we’ll see you next time!


Enjoying Happy Hour: Bars and Beer Gardens in Seattle’s First Hill Cover Image

Enjoying Happy Hour: Bars and Beer Gardens in Seattle’s First Hill

With so many pubs, bars, and beer gardens you could choose from, you may find yourself at a new place every week. Here we will list some of our favorite hotspots to start you off on your search for the best happy hour!

Summer has arrived and now is the perfect time to start creating your summer reading book list! With so many great new reads to check out, you’ll have no trouble finding new titles to start or add to your collection. As you think of what’s going on your list, your book hunt is also a great opportunity to explore Seattle’s First Hill! If you don’t know where to start, don’t worry, because we’re going to share with you some of our favorite spots to find great reads right here.


Globe Bookstore

This small bookstore may not have the largest number of books, but their collection is full of gold. The variety of genres and their unique selection is unlike most other bookstores. If you’re not sure what to look for, the staff are quick to offer any help, suggestions, and recommendations you’re looking to find!


Lion Heart Book Store

Another one of the best spots for used books, Lion Heart is home to an eclectic selection of new & used titles. You could get lost exploring the aisles and may find some great picks by the staff in different corners of the store. The perfect place to find great reads at great prices! 


Lamplight Books

Also in the heart of Pike Place Market, Lamplight Books is a cozy and intimate bookseller with a great selection of classics and new volumes. You’ll feel right at home in this laid back atmosphere and if the stories in the books aren’t enough, you’re sure to get some good ones from the shop owner!


Kinokuniya Seattle

For all manga lovers, this one’s for you. Kinokuniya is the one-stop shop for Japanese and other asian media including books, magazines, DVDs, and stationery. Their library is vast and regularly updated, so it’s a great place to visit time and time again! And if you can’t find the issue you’re looking for, they can even ship it to the store or to your home for you!


Hopefully these bookstores offer a good place to start building your summer reading list. If you enjoy reading with friends, you might even want to start a local (or virtual) book club so you can talk about each read as you go through them. If you read anything good, be sure to share it with us!


Summer Reading: Best Bookstores in Seattle’s First Hill Cover Image

Summer Reading: Best Bookstores in Seattle’s First Hill

Summer has arrived and now is the perfect time to start creating your summer reading book list! With so many great new reads to check out, you’ll have no trouble finding new titles to start or add to your collection. As you think of what’s going on your list, your book hunt is also a great opportunity to explore Seattle’s First Hill! If you don’t know where to start, don’t worry, because we’re going to share with you some of our favorite spots to find great reads right here.

Summer is in full swing and that means new growth for you and for your home, and we’re talking literal growth! Yup, if you’ve been looking to get some greenery into your home, house plants are thriving this summer and can be the perfect addition to any home. Even if you’re a beginner to plant care, many indoor plants are actually quite easy to take care of, especially for first-time plant owners! In addition, plants offer many benefits for you and your home in more ways than one. Here we’ll share some of our favorite beginner-friendly plants and where you can find them in Seattle!

Snake Plants: Every first-time plant buyer’s first on the list, snake plants are one of the easiest plants to own. Very similar to succulents, the best way to take care of them is by barely doing so at all! Though they do best in bright light, these plants will sustain in almost any lighting situation. They can also last quite long without water and have great air purification qualities that remove toxins from your air.

Rubber plant: A great plant choice, the ficus elastica (rubber plant) is great for beginner plant parents, especially those who may have a tendency to forget about their plants. They thrive in indirect, medium lighting, but you can pretty much place them anywhere and they’ll do fine.  This is another air purifying plant, so it also brings great benefits to your home.

Pothos: Another popular plant is the pothos! Beautiful leafy plants that grow into trailing vines, these beauties are a great addition to any home. They are very forgiving to both under and overwatering and can also thrive in a variety of lighting conditions. The best part is that if they grow too long, you can cut off the ends and propagate them into a new plant!

Hopefully, these options give you a good place to start, but you can always visit a local nursery and talk to the experts to find which plant is right for you. We’ve got you covered with some of our favorite plant nurseries in Seattle’s First Hill in the list below:

We hope you find taking care of plants to be less intimidating, especially with some of our suggestions. If you find any favorites, share them with us on social media, we’d love to see them!


The Best House Plants and Where to Find Them in Seattle, WA Cover Image

The Best House Plants and Where to Find Them in Seattle, WA

Summer is in full swing and that means new growth for you and for your home, and we’re talking literal growth! Yup, if you’ve been looking to get some greenery into your home, house plants are thriving this summer and can be the perfect addition to any home. Even if you’re a beginner to plant care, many indoor plants are actually quite easy to take care of, especially for first-time plant owners! In addition, plants offer many benefits for you and your home in more ways than one. Here we’ll share some of our favorite beginner-friendly plants and where you can find them in Seattle!