Wallingford resident and former business owner of Open Books (from 1987-2016), J.W. Marshall wrote to Wallyhood telling us that:

“I happened to be walking by the Guild a little after 1 PM today and saw this happening and took these pictures with my phone. I intended to film it but failed. I don’t know if this is just the end of that lovely, iconic sign or the end of the theater(s) altogether. I’ve owned a home and/or business in W’hood since the late 1970’s and this is another push of a dagger into an agéd heart”.

The recent removal of …

The sadness our neighborhood feels today over the recent destruction of the iconic Guild sign conjures in me (by contrast), the celebration I felt when the abandoned theater was so cheerfully and cleverly painted last spring.

Several months ago, I had the chance to talk with Paul Nunn, Project Lead at Urban ArtWorks and CreaturePanic, the artist who transformed the rundown site of the former Guild Theater into a PNW fantasy, using bright colors, provoking imagery and cheerful, squiggly Beso Bears.

The empty space had been growing increasingly rundown as the months without occupancy flipped by. Knowing that graffiti and …

Young Tea announced its soft opening today, December 16th – December 18th by saying:

We are having a soft opening for our WALLINGFORD LOCATION this Thursday to Saturday from 12pm to 6pm. Currently, we are only accepting in-store and takeout order only. Our online ordering system will be ready in the future. Please come by to check out the new store and don’t forget to tag us when you take pictures. Stay tuned on our social for the next few days to win surprise prizes as well!…

Open Books has been in Wallingford for 25 years, and it’s now time to say goodbye. In the letter below, sent today to friends and customers, they are asking for some assistance as they bid the Wallyhood farewell. I will miss the world’s most perfect armchair and the soothing knowledge that poetry-loving people were just blocks away.

Best of luck across town, Open Books!

Dear Friends of Open Books,

We’ve found a new home!

After more than 25 years in our current location, Open Books will be moving into the Good Arts Building in Pioneer Square, one of Seattle’s most …

Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, you may find yourself looking to purchase last-minute holiday gifts. The many shops, salons and restaurants make Wallyhood feel as festive as a Christmas market (but sadly without the mulled wine). I spent Sunday afternoon walking the length of 45^th Street from Thackery to Stone Way and was able to satisfy much of my shopping list. In case it helps any other neighborhood elves, here is a detailing of retailers I encountered along the way:

Hawaii General Store: Spread some aloha this holiday season! Lots of great items that celebrate the best of …

An Uncertain Future

On Wednesday, the owner of Open Books released a letter discussing the future of the business.  More than a business, Open Books is a shop that curates a community of poets, readers and literature lovers. It’s a place to sink deeply into the perfect reading chair with a stack of books by your side and transform your afternoon. The letter, posted below, details how Open Books is looking for a new home upon learning that their lease expires on March 1st with no option to extend.

Owner, Billie Swift, was a customer just completing an MFA in …

Hokkaido-Style Soft Serve Opens on 45th Street

They say “hunger is the best sauce.” After an enjoyable 40 minutes in queue waiting for Hokkaido-style soft serve at Indigo Cow, this is proven to be true. Like the old days of waiting for concert tickets, a new album to drop or a limited release craft beer, being in line for ice cream was almost as great as the final product.

Ready for a treat, folks came from all around the greater Seattle area. Standing in a line that wrapped around the building, we shared stories of what getting ice cream felt …