Locally sourced reasons for them to love you: Valentine’s Day shopping on Capitol Hill

by Nicole Lisson
- The Capitol Hill Times -

If you haven’t already realized, Valentine’s Day is next Thursday, which is pure insanity. Wasn’t Christmas like yesterday? I have no idea where the time goes but it flies by. Don’t freak out just yet, though. When it comes to gifts, Capitol Hill has a ton of cute shops to meet your needs. The five I have listed below don’t even cover half of them. And when your sweetheart opens his or her present with squeals of delight, get ready to be showered with kisses. It is the holiday of love after all.

Babeland 
707 East Pike Street
(206) 328- 2914
A hot pink storefront welcomes you into an open space that is anything but sleazy. Honey colored hardwood floors and soft yellow walls don’t scream sex shop. If the wide assortment of toys is overwhelming, the helpful staff will lead you in the right direction. Or better yet, take one of the two classes offered in February.  Intrigued by the bondage scenes in the Fifty Shades of Grey series? Friday, Feb. 22 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Midori is teaching an Easy Bondage class ($60 per couple). Not your cup of tea? Sunday, Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Sensual Massage for Couples ($50 per couple) taught by David Longmire combines massage and communication.   Student and low-income tickets available, just ask.

Poetry section at Elliott Bay Books. Nicole Lisson / The Capitol Hill Times

Elliott Bay Book Company
1521 10th Avenue
(206) 624-6600
This is my dream bookstore. It is not only beautiful with its high ceilings and expansive skylights; it also has an incredible collection of books. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, I would recommend picking up “Love Poems” by Pablo Nerudo.  With a glass of wine in hand, recite “Your Laughter” to your significant other and watch them fall a little bit more in love with you.

Cotton candy at Marigold and Mint. Nicole Lisson / The Capitol Hill Times

Marigold and Mint
1531 Melrose Avenue
(206) 682- 3111
Marigold and Mint is a farm along the Snoqualmie River as well as a retail shop in Melrose Market. What you wouldn’t guess is that they sell high quality chocolates, soap and other little knick-knacks. My favorite find in their retail shop was the cotton candy made by a local woman on Capitol Hill. Flavors like rose and blood orange are an unexpected treat. If you want to order flowers, you can do so online or in the store. You can’t go wrong with an impressive bouquet and a snazzy Valentine’s Day card saying, “Hot damn, we’re good together”

Paris Eastside storefront on Pike. Nicole Lisson / The Capitol Hill Times

Paris Eastside
816 E Pike
(206) 425- 3622
Instead of dinner at a fancy restaurant that is packed to the gills, why not join in on the fun of learning how to make a romantic meal at Paris Eastside? A Seattle version of the cooking school, which originated in Paris with owner, Muriel–Marguerite Foucher, now offers a special Valentine’s Day class Feb. 14 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The session includes a three-course menu with wine pairings. You can register online at www.pariseastside.com

Balsamic vinegar at The Shop Agora. Nicole Lisson / The Capitol Hill TImes

The Shop Agora 
346 15th Avenue
(206) 322- 1103
This small specialty food shop on 15th Avenue has all the ingredients you need to take your home cooked meal from good to great. Truffle honey, balsamic vinegars that put supermarket brands to shame and the largest selection of Greek wines imaginable are just a few of the many uniquely wonderful delicacies. The Agora Aceto Balsamico ($21) is aged for two years and contains a fruity aftertaste. Drizzle it on top of vanilla ice cream for dessert or dip a crusty piece of bread in it for an appetizer. Don’t feel like cooking? The Shop Agora also has a full kitchen that churns out small plates in an intimate setting.