original photo credit: Julia Manchik @ Moorea Seal
Live in Seattle and love the idea of supporting small, local business owners? Today, you’re in for a treat if that’s the case because there are so amazing places of healthy inspiration sprinkled everywhere in this town.
So if you’re looking for a gift to compliment a healthy lifestyle [a current one or a wish to have one], check out these amazing places and my reviews on each. Plus, no need to wait for shipping- just pop by their store or space and pick something out in person!
[Work It Out]
These truly amazing local lady business owners are so inspiring, and will have your recipient feeling the best they have in their body, mind and soul.
Fly Fitness [carillon point]- disclaimer: this is the one stop shop that I will drive 30 minutes to get to, multiple times a week. So many great classes, but even better is the kind of people it attracts- it’s an instant happy, healthy community of amazing people which exercise using exercise balls amazon which are great for yoga and other fitness classes. Gift picks: buy a 5 class pack so your loved one can try their amazing variety of classes. My favorites are their Fly Cycle Flex, TRX Playground, Yoga and Bike Boot Camp classes!
Live Love Flow [capitol hill]- a heated [but not too hot] flow yoga studio with lots of classes and varying teaching styles. It is a stunning and energizing studio with great light, and class times at almost all hours of the day. Gift Pick: the new student 1 month unlimited pack or their yoga class 5 pack.
Strala Seattle [lower QA/Elliot]- have you ever tried a yoga class but are mortified 3 minutes in by how much you don’t know? That everyone knows what they are doing and it’s so fast and confusing? Not here. This brand new little studio is the perfect place if you are intimidated by yoga or need a more relaxed style (hello, injuries anyone?). It’s a hidden gem tucked into a rustic warehouse with amazing light, more personal attention if you are just beginning, and a stunning view of Elliot Bay. Gift Pick: a 10 pack for their Relax or Energize yoga classes.
Pure Barre [university village, queen anne, greenlake, bellevue + redmond]: This is such a great low impact workout without losing that faster pace. Definately check out one of these barre classses -and those locations! There’s bound to be one near the gift receiver. All of the Seattle and Eastside locations are locally owned.
[Clean Up Your Act]
Live Simply by Annie [seattle]-Know that you should be a little more organized but just haven’t gotten to it yet? Half angel and half whip-your-sweet-butt-into a more organized and functional life, this little lady will turn your house, your garage, your kitchen, your closets or other war zones into instagram-worthy things of beauty.
The Pantry at Delancy [ballard] One of a kind cooking classes have never been cooler- for novices or seasoned pro’s alike. I’d pay to just sit in the space and just be. Ah. Phenomenally designed and run too. Book a class to give as a gift or grab a gift certificate. Warning, you’ll have to act fast once the seasonal schedule is released- they usually book up within an hour. So worth it for any aspiring foodie. Direct link to create a gift certificate is here.
[To Toast]
Depth Cacao Liquor [Elliot Ave]- pick up a bottle of this amazing liquor from Sound Spirits tasting rooms for cocktail bar affectionato’s or chocolate lovers. Made with Theo’s Chocolate, this liqour is perfectly paired with eggnog, whiskey, rum or sipped on it’s own instead of dessert.
Juicebox [capitol hill]– if a juice bar and your favorite cap hill restaurant had a baby, this is what you’d get. Creative and hand-crafted foodie food that also happens to be healthy for you. Great daily soups, juices, smoothies, seasonal salads and treats in a cozy urban spot.
Caffe Fiore [ballard, queen anne, sunset hill, west seattle]- hands down, the best coffee and coffee shop vibe I’ve had in Seattle. And I’ve been to almost all at this point. Worth a gift card or two. Or three, even just to buy up their beans to make at home.
[To Taste]
My newest (and some favorite classics) of places to snack and eat for your favorite [healthy] foodie:
Westward [lake union]- best in the summer with the open deck and patio, but worth a try for their amazing drinks and snacks that are always on rotation. Go early if you can. It’s always packed, but so worth it.
Pink Door [pike place]- you can actually never go wrong here. I love their patio and back bar area. Order the Antipasti plate to start no matter what you do.
Theo’s Chocolate [fremont]- the only chocolate I’ve found that doesn’t use cheap soy lecithin as an emulsifier. Bonus points to visit the factory and taste hundreds of their amazing flavors and combinations.
The Gerald [ballard]- a phenomanal cocktail and wine list, great lighting, and and entire gluten free menu, thanks to their GF general manager. A serious hidden gem amongst the bigger restaurants that surround it.
The Walrus and Carpenter [ballard]- just go. It’s magical. MAGICAL. Worth the inevitable wait out the door.
Hot Cakes [ballard]- When someone can master a few gluten and dairy free treats that don’t taste like it, you’ve got a true gem of a dessert shop on your hands. There’s something for everyone at this Seattle classic. Great stocking stuffers as well like homemade infused chocolate and caramel sauces and gift certificates available.
Bar Cotto [capitol hill]- the perfect spot for a drink and a snack before the evening begins. A huge assortment of locally made chartuerice and cheeses and creative artisan bartenders that take their job seriously. Great for date night!
Artusi [capitol hill]- a great little appertif bar with an ambiance that feels far outside of Seattle. Start here before a Harvard Exit Theater movie, complete with real popcorn.
Marjorie [capitol hill]- a cozy, latin inspired restaurant with a continually packed house of neighborhood locals, the food and drinks are always spot on, no matter the season.
Queen Anne Olive Oil Company [queen anne]- pop by and test over 50 different kinds of pure olive oils and infused vinegars on the Queen Anne Ave shop. The perfect gift for any host, foodie or cook in your life. I love the truffle oil and sage and mushroom infused oils for salads, popcorn and finishing veggies before serving.
Deru Market [kirkland]- a hidden, unexpected gem that’s worth the drive, this locally owned cafe and restaurant brings the seasonal dishes with a bit of French charm. Great for lunch dates, cake orders, or to pick up a variety of their treats to go!
The Simply Real Health Cookbook [duh] Any healthy cook (aspiring or seasoned) will love this collection of never before seen (with a few classic favorites thrown in) of recipes for a healthy life, made simple. Books arrive this February, but all purchases come with a printable gift certificate to wrap up this season. 385 beautiful pages of food photography with a photo for each of the 150 recipes, perfect for your coffee table or kitchen.
[To Adorn]
Moorea Seal [belltown] this darling store has so many great, well designed gifts. Jewlery, cards, art, you name it. I don’t know a single girl that wouldn’t love this stuff.
Olivine [online only]- a local parfumerie with such creative scents (all natural too)! Try their Amongst The Waves scent or the full sampler pack. Divine. divine.
Pipe N Row [fremont] have a trendy fashionista on your list? No questions asked, anything in this store (or a gift certificate) will be her new favorite thing. Sneak into Flying Apron Bakery across the street for a hot bev and treat, or lunch at Agrodolce and make a date out of it.
Are there any other great spots I’m missing? Please leave a comment below- I’d love to know you own local Seattle favorites.
Annie says
Ohhhh youuuu!! Smiling from ear to ear. THANKS girlie!!! xx