#DoSomethingNearby Explore Beacon Hill, Columbia City & Vashon Island
Explore Beacon Hill & Columbia City
If you asked any one of my friends to describe me, they would probably mention my love of travel, good wine, and fabulous vegetarian food. When the news reported extreme lockdowns in China, it seemed like one of those things that “could never happen here.” Then they announced a two-week lockdown in Washington. Then it was extended to May, and here we are in January 2021, still in lockdown. I now have a mask collection that lives in my drawer next to my socks. I coordinate my masks with my outfits like it’s a fashion accessory. I now am intimately aware of how long six feet is, with an ever-present reminder of little x’s stretching from registers at every store. I’ve also learned some new vocabulary such as social distancing, COVID party, quarantine bubble, and flattening the curve. While I like to emphasize education when setting goals, a pandemic vocabulary was never on any of my vision boards!
As a social butterfly with a new work team to get to know, I learned to adapt and overcome the unique challenges COVID presented. I learned how to find restaurants that offered outdoor seating and gained a new level of patience as I waited in lines to stores at capacity.
As a Seattle transplant during quarantine, I have taken the time to explore these neighborhoods. While our options are limited, the Do Something Nearby campaign aims to support our local businesses. Take a break, and try outdoor dining or takeout. Take a day trip to the many Island options that the Pacific Northwest has to offer or plan a staycation. I am grateful that I’ve been able to have the opportunity to enjoy these experiences. Stay safe, everyone and cheers to a prosperous New Year! #WeGotThis
Eat & Drink
Island Soul Rum Bar & Soul Shack – Caribbean inspired cuisine. The collard greens, fried catfish, and shrimp salad was my favorite. Open for outdoor dining and takeaway.
Columbia City Bakery – They offer fantastic baked goods, pantry items, and delicious coffee. Pick up and walk-up available Thursday and Saturday.
Geraldine’s Counter – Known for their breakfast with the finest and freshest ingredients, they offer outdoor dining, online ordering, and curbside pickup. Breakfast served all day.
Café Selam – Offering Ethiopian cuisine, loved their gluten-free and vegetarian options, my absolute favorite! Open for online and takeaway.
The Station Coffee Shop – Black and Latinx owned business that employs POC and LGBTQ people from our community. Adorable cafe offering coffee, various teas, and wine too! The café is located next to the Beacon Hill light rail station. Open for online and takeaway.
Do Shop
Valerie Madison Fine Jewelry – Using recycled materials to create fine jewelry and conflict-free diamonds, offering heirloom quality jewelry featuring styles and stones not seen in traditional pieces. Drop-in shopping and appointments are now available.
Andaluz - They have a new location at 4908-B Rainier Ave S in the heart of Columbia City. Find unique jewelry, gifts, fragrance, cosmetics, and women’s clothing created by local designers.
Jacob Willard Home - Vintage, mid-century, collectible store. Black-owned: Karl Hackett (really cool story/leader! Visit Thurs-Sat 12-6 pm by appointment 5600 Rainier Ave South Seattle, WA 98118.
Do Explore
Columbia City Gallery - The gallery is kicking off 2021 with a silent auction from local artists, located in the historic part of Columbia City.
Northwest African American Museum – Although the museum is temporarily closed, you can still experience several virtual programs.
Do Stay
Need to switch things up a bit with your work from home routine? Try a staycation. Do stay at a local hotel, perfect for a Bae Valentine’s Day weekend. Check out their list of offers for one that fits your needs!
Looking for more options, check out Visit Seattle’s Hotels & Accommodations full list.
Explore Vashon Island - Eat & Drink
Gravy – American with Southern and French influences meet husband and wife team Dre Neeley and Pepa Brower. They are taking a break for January but will be back in February. Be on the lookout for unique pop-ups while on their hiatus.
May Kitchen + Bar – Amazing food and beautiful surroundings. Enjoy authentic Thai cuisine, offering takeaway only.
Palouse Winery – Family owned and operated. Located on the north end of Vashon Island, Palouse produces 1400 cases yearly of handcrafted wine. Tastings are by appointment only Sat-Sun: 12-5 pm. Online shopping is available.
Vashon Island Baking Co. – Enjoy house-made pastries and island-roasted coffee. Takeaway only.
Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie – Historic in-house coffee roasterie and store. The Roasterie 9 am-3 pm Tues-Sun Closed: Monday. Minglement 9 am-4 pm Tues-Sun Closed: Monday. Takeaway only.
Do Shop
Country Store & Farm – Vashon’s Original Nursery & Farm Store – Cute store offering local products, name brand clothing & shoes, home, garden, and farm. Shopping is also available online.
Vashon Bookshop – In-store shopping is currently closed, but their order window will be open with a staff member to assist you, and hallway pickup is still available. The store will reopen Monday, February 1st.
Kronos Boutique & Gallery - A cute boutique & gallery store where you can find unique jewelry, clothing, housewares, crystals, and art. They have been part of the Vashon Island community for over 20 years. Online shopping is available.
Do Explore
Point Robinson Lighthouse & State Park – Enjoy the day exploring this 10-acre shoreline park/historical and marine conservancy. Perfect for a walk along the beach and enjoy taking photos in front of the lighthouse!
Vashon Adventures – Pedal, Paddle, Camp, or Glamp with creature comforts. Open for 2021 booking. Adventure Gift Cards are also available.
~Happy Travelling