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Real Stepmoms. Biased Reviews.

Our Summer picks for Seattle

So, now that my therapist has encouraged you to get away, I’m going to ask you to be patient (Don’t pack your bags and abandon the family just yet). We’re still compiling all the best escapes for Seattle.

Remember, your top picks make the list!

BEST SALON: Rudy’s Barbershop

They have locations all over the city and may have one of the coolest Web sites I’ve seen on the subject. My Austin friends Trey and Tracy stumbled upon Rudy’s on a recent visit and call it a “really cool, hip salon.” I know they market themselves as a barbershop, but they do both women and men cuts. Lots of funky and contemporary art with old-school charm. Ladies, haven’t you always wanted to sit in a traditional barber’s chair. Or is that just me?

BEST LUNCH DATE: Etta’s Seafood

I have a hunch that this restaurant is a tad on the tourist side, but I’ve been advised to try it for lunch and order the crabcakes. My step-sister has a theory that a really good crab cake can offset (even if just temporarily and only for the person eating it) the hardships of life. She is always searching for the next, best cake.

BEST BRUNCH WITH YOUR GIRLFRIENDS: El Camino

Get a group of girlfriends and meet for brunch at this Queene Anne Mexican restaurant. I’m told it’s “unbelievable.” Isn’t it time you let the family get their own Sunday breakfast (Flax 500 will suffice), so you can indulge in two hours of conversation with your girls over Bloody Marys and Huevos Rancheros?

BEST DINNER OUT WITH YOUR MAN: Boat Street Cafe

A girlfriend from my book club and a recent transplant to Austin from Seattle says, “I love the Boat St. Cafe. It’s French and in the NW Lofts building in Belltown. Quaint, tucked away, great food and wine.”

BEST CAFE: Uptown Espresso

It’s kinda tough avoiding Starbucks in the City that birthed the movement, but sometimes we need to take a hard stand and say, “I’m doing things my way!” If you want to express your S-mom defiance with a hot cup of rebellious Joe, give this place a shot. Show em who’s boss!

BEST BOOK STORE: Elliot Bay Book Company

Kathryn recommends Elliott Bay Book Company down by the stadiums for its “creaky hardwork floors, great new and used selections.” She also suggests a visit to the cafe in the basement for a hot cup and a quiet moment with your favorite author.


BEST LOCAL JEWELER: Pike Place Market

If you can stand making it through the hordes of tourists and flying fish, Pike Place is a great site for original and inexpensive jewelry. Artists are often willing to bargain and listen to you drone on about visitation rights and the latest encounter with “bio-mom.”

BEST PLACE TO WALK AND COOL OFF: Burke Gilman Trail

Kathryn likes Burke Gilman trail for the great views of Lake Union. “The trail is on Puget Sound with a great new outside sculpture museum and views of the water, mountains, downtown and islands. Any hiking trail is at least 45 miles outside the city and in the mountains. Mt. Si is very popular and a hard workout, but worth the view at the top.”

and what about you? What are your picks for:
BEST TRAINER
BEST BOUTIQUE
BEST DAY SPA
BEST OVERNIGHT STAY

Check back often and if you have a suggestion of your own, send it to izzyrose@stepmothersmilk.com with a brief description of why it’s your top choice.