By: Amy Evans
Olympia Arts Walk 2012 is the perfect opportunity to get out and go shopping! There are lots of new businesses to check out and old ones to rediscover. As you wander around taking in local music and art, here is a shopping guide featuring a few creative, locally owned businesses.
First, before you head downtown, stop by Spruce Skin and Wax Shoppe and Bon Lemon (2938 Limited Lane, Suites C1 & C2) for their annual spring party from 3-7. At Spruce, get color matched with Colorescience mineral makeup and snag a great deal on Somme and Peter Thomas Roth skincare. Next door, Bon Lemon has the perfect accessories for heading out on the town, so you can find a fabulous trio of bracelets, sparkly earrings or a statement necklace to top off your outfit.
Now that you are fluffed and sparkly, head downtown to The Cupcake Gallery (728 4th Avenue East) for nourishment. This weekend is The Cupcake Gallery’s grand opening. They are committed to offering real food cupcakes (strawberries, lemons, oh my!) and supporting the arts in our local schools. Each month, The Cupcake Gallery selects a local school and features the art of six of their students in the shop. The Cupcake Gallery will then donate 10% of net profits for the month to the selected school’s art program. This month, they are supporting Nisqually Middle School. Support the arts. Eat a cupcake!
Once you have satisfied your sugar craving, head over to Matter (113 5th Avenue SW). Have you been to Matter? It is so cool! They exclusively feature artists creating fine and functional art made from recycled and reclaimed materials. They represent more than 100 artists creating sculpture, paintings, furniture, lighting, jewelry, garden art, and metalwork. Everything from hilarious cards to funky, teacup chandeliers. It is a must see.
Next, head down to Hot Toddy (410 Capitol Way S) for a frock to be reckoned with. Hot Toddy has a collection of dresses (as well as swimsuits, tops, skirts, and more) that combine all of the allure of vintage, with the hemlines, proportions and fabrics of today. Picture, something Marilyn Monroe or Rita Hayworth would have worn, with a little bit of “now” sprinkled on top. Perfect for prom, an upcoming wedding, or dinner out with your sweetie.
Ginger Street is just up the road (509 Capitol Way S). Ginger Street is run by a husband and wife team and carries all sorts of things you never knew you needed. Joe Cattuti (the husband) sells his hand blown glass creations alongside aprons, wine gifts, umbrellas, art, curios, and lots of cute things that “put a bird on it.” Whatever you are looking for, Ginger Street is sure to satisfy your craving for unique, fun gifts for yourself or someone you love.
After all of that shopping, a girl gets hungry. Just next door, you will find Basilico (507 Capitol Way S) which offers true Italian food and wine presented by a first generation Italian family. The atmosphere feels equally festive and comfortable. The handmade pastas are delicious. (Try the lasagna. Yum!) And they even have a gluten free menu. Seriously, have you ever found an authentic Italian restaurant with gluten free options? Celiacs unite!
Phew. That was a busy day. And we didn’t even talk about the art! I hope you had fun and enjoyed a few of the things Olympia has to offer. We are a unique community with lots to find outside the box. Shop small. Be happy.
Amy Evans is an attorney, lover of life, and the proprietress of Bon Lemon, a jewelry shoppe. when life gives you lemons… put on something sparkly.
