Earthworks Gem Design Studio

If you haven't visited Earthworks on the corner of First Avenue South and Titus Streets in downtown Kent, make time to stop by. This jewelry boutique, owned by Steve & Donna St. Louis, is one of my favorite jewelry stores. I bought a gold & silver ring designed by Steve there a few months ago, and I just love it. It's pretty, funky and different. They have unique jewelry, hand created by several different artists. They have a great selection, particularly of wedding jewelry. I stopped by last week to check out wedding bands for my fiance and they had a good selection ranging from affordable to pricey. What I liked is that there were unique choices...not just your usual gold and silver bands with the occasional diamond tossed in. In addition to their inventory, they also do customized designs, jewelry cleaning and appraisals - your one stop jewelry shop, I guess you could say. Stop in next time you're downtown and make sure you tell them Dana said, "hi!"

Reminder - First Ave Block Party is Tomorrow!

If you haven't already made plans for tomorrow night, check out the First Avenue Block Party in downtown Kent. On First Avenue South between Gowe and Titus Streets, merchants and artists are setting up booths for selling their wares, local restaurants are offering drink and meal specials, Earthworks Gem Design will display the beautiful work of several artists, and new store Cypriana will open its doors. Check out the gourmet snacks at Bella home & garden, enjoy a glass of wine from the wine garden, and stick around for the live music! It's the fourth year for the block party and it sounds like a fun neighborhood event. See you there!

First Avenue Block Party - Friday, September 12

On Friday, September 12, the merchants of First Avenue South are holding their annual Block Party from 4 to 9 p.m. Stop by and see what the night has to offer.

The evening will feature special menus from The Wild Wheat Bakery, Bittersweet and Spiro's Greek restaurants as well as specialty food samples at Bella home & garden.

Stop by Earthworks Gem Design Studio and see jewelery designs from artists Holly Yashi, Tivi and Vinosus.

Watch Auburn Mountainview High School jewelery arts program make hand made glass beads, sip vintage wines in the wine garden, and enjoy local music.

Music by Debra Page will start off the evening, followed by Brazillian musician Eduardo Mendonca who will perform from 6:00 - 7:30. Sponsored by 4Culture by the Kent Arts Commission.

Wrap up the evening with the music of local band Grey Sky Falling sponsored by The Wild Wheat Bakery, Kent Downtown Partnership and The Merchants of First Ave South "...The Block that's really Happening!" See you there!

Check out Shindig on First Avenue South!

Yesterday a friend and I met at Shindig in downtown Kent for drinks. I had heard about the new martini bar from several friends and was anxious to check it out. Nestled in the middle of First Avenue South, Shindig is a simply-decorated, chic little neighborhood martini bar. The view of the charming neighborhood struck me as did the contrast between the all black interior and the sunlight streaming in from the wall of windows that creates the bar's storefront. The owner, Dave, was a charming Al Pacino-like man - but better looking - who clearly loves his bar and is proud of his specialty drinks. Making a friendly host, Dave seemed to know everyone who walked in. I sampled the Pink Lemon Drop which was deliciously different and a tad sweet - just the way I like them! We also ordered an antipasto plate from the tapas menu. It was more than enough for two and was quite tasty! The place could use some artwork and perhaps a woman's touch in the restroom - but I hope Shindig is here to stay. It adds a touch of class for those of us who are tired of the usual sports bars and neighborhood pubs. It was a welcome change of pace!

Cypriana - The Natural Home Store

First Avenue South is about to get a new tenant - Cypriana, a natural home store featuring organic bedding and home bath items, custom made home decor (slipcovers, duvets, etc.), baby items and more. I just met Susan Thomas, the owner, yesterday and she is very excited about her new shop. She said there is such a need for one location where people can buy organic products, and she promises her store will feature mostly organic items! Cypriana is tentatively planned to open the week of September 9th, and Susan plans to participate in the First Avenue Block Party on Friday, September 12th. More details coming soon!

Bella home & garden

One of my favorite downtown shops is Bella home & garden. Owned by Marci Wainhouse, this flower shop now has two locations: one on First Avenue South and the other at Kent Station. Marci has a fantastic eye for design, and she puts together the most beautiful floral arrangements I've ever seen. She also has a unique selection of indoor and outdoor plants. Her shops also feature fun home decor items and accessories like wine glasses, serving dishes, pasta, dips, soaps, lotions and more. It's a great place to pick up a gift for the friend who has everything or to buy something fun for yourself. I love visiting Bella - every time I go I discover something new!

Shindig - Kent's new martini bar!

The Kent Downtown Partnership announced last week that Shindig, a new martini bar, has opened at 222 First Avenue South in downtown Kent. I hope to visit soon and post a review. If you beat me to it, please leave a comment!