West Edge: Stroll Beyond Pike Place Market and First Avenue

Part of downtown’s dubiously named West Edge neighborhood still bears a few small signs of the street’s history as Seattle’s seedy strip (a pawn shop here, the Lusty Lady there). But today, these five blocks play host to top international designer clothing lines, some carried exclusively in Seattle by the small boutiques located here. Shops and restaurants along this easy walking slope cater to high-end fashion and worldwide dining while retaining their Northwest flavor. With choices from so many countries so close to home, you may never have to pack a suitcase again.

SHOP >>
Step into the blushing interior of Sandylew (1408 First Ave.; 206.903.0303; sandylew.com), where women of all sizes and ages will find funky fashions from international designers from Turkey to Iceland, hand-picked by owner Sandy Lew-Hailer. Urban styles for men and women—including wild print tops by Desigual—imported from Spain, France and Italy are at sleek Encanto Barcelona (1406 First Ave.; 206.621.1941; encantobarcelona.com). Find exclusive Finnish fashion at Tuuli (1407 First Ave.; 206.223.1112; tuuliseattle.com), where a rocking ’60s interior features Marimekko designs (bright, retro textiles) and modern Iittala glassware from Finland. Find sophisticated styles at The Finerie (1215 First Ave.; 206.652.4664; thefinerie.com), a luxurious parlor rich with emerging local and European lines for men and women that can be worn from day into night. Even the casual browser will feel at home in Tulip (1201 First Ave.; 206.223.1790; tulip-seattle.com), whose warm interior showcases classic and contemporary styles for women with ready-to-wear pieces, from cashmere sweaters from Lutz & Patmos to high-end denim. Discover cutting-edge designers from Japan exclusive to Atsui Tokyo (90 Madison St.; 206.264.2728; atsuitokyo.com), including oversized logo tees from Cookie Fortune and unisex cardigans from Stodja for the Seattleite who loves to layer. A Mano (1115 First Ave.; 206.292.1767; shopamano.com), which translates to “by hand,” stresses the Old World craftsmanship behind every European shoe displayed in the brick-walled shop, along with leather totes and Jamie Joseph jewelry.

EAT AND DRINK >>
Continue your international crawl with bites from around the world. At Ipanema Brazilian Grill (1225 First Ave.; 206.957.8444; ipanemabraziliangrill.us), carnivores can get their fill of wild boar, buffalo and lamb served rodizio style (tableside skewers). Wash it down with a caipirinha, the Brazilian national drink made with muddled limes, sugar and cachaça (sugar cane liquor). Beat the heat with a scoop of gelato made fresh with seasonal fruits from Pike Place Market stalls at Bottega Italiana Gelato Cafe (1425 First Ave.; 206.343.0200; bottegaitaliana.com). Stop in for daily tastings at Vital Tea Leaf (1401 First Ave.; 206.262.1628; vitaltleaf.com/) and choose from a varied selection of Chinese loose-leaf teas to sip on, like sweet Lychee Black or calming Jasmine Pearl. Chef Ethan Stowell’s Union Restaurant (1400 First Ave.; 206.838.8000; unionseattle.com) satisfies guests with adventurous palates with small dishes that change daily, such as geoduck crudo. Get a new impression of taste @ SAM (1300 First Ave.; 206.903.5291; tastesam.com), the Seattle Art Museum’s restaurant, which recently debuted its revamped dining room. Hotel 1000’s Boka Kitchen & Bar (1000 First Ave.; 206.357.9000; bokaseattle.com) provides an artistic amuse bouche with its displays of illuminating glass art installations, to be enjoyed during an upscale lunch or dinner. Grab a 20-oz. imperial pint of Guinness at Fado Irish Pub (801 First Ave.; 206.264.2700; fadoirishpub.com/seattle), where live music from Irish and modern cover bands is featured on Fridays and Saturdays, and European soccer fans are always welcome.

PLAY >>
New to the Seattle Art Museum (1300 First Ave.; 206.625.8900; seattleartmuseum.org) is SAM Remix, where KEXP DJ Kid Hops provides urban beats while you tour the galleries and sip on cocktails from the Taste Bar (next date is August 1, 6–9 p.m.; free with museum admission). Check out the current Inspiring Impressionism exhibit, featuring 100 works from master Impressionist painters and the artists who inspired them. Popular music venue The Showbox (1426 First Ave.; 206.628.3151; showboxonline.com) showcases local and big names like Weezer and Death Cab for Cutie; coming up this month is local late-90s fave Goodness (8/9). From 11 a.m. to noon weekdays, explore different coffee flavors during tastings at Seattle Coffee Works (111 Pike St.; 206.340.8867; seattlecoffeeworks.com), featuring single origin blends. Take your favorite lunch to-go and head to The Harbor Steps (1221 First Ave.; downtownsummer.com) for the 2008 Out to Lunch Concert Series with Chocolate (8/5), LeRoy Bell (8/6), The Paperboys (8/7), Billy Joe & The Dusty 45’s (8/8) and a dramatic view of Elliott Bay.