I got a 10-minute back massage at Lemon Drop, a $5 brow wax at Blanc ‘n Schwartz, Brooke got a henna tattoo, Nadia & Kira had caricatures done, and we all got free face painting (think artsty, fun, colorful!) at Blanc ‘n Schwartz. We also met Miss Cornucopia, Lauren Vermilion, enjoyed a little ice cream and did a bit of shopping! Thank goodness for the nearby Wells Fargo ATM.

One of my favorite vendors had historic photos from around Washington. I bought three that were Kent-specific, one of the old Kent High School and two of the downtown area. They’ll look great in my office where most of the “iLoveKent” action happens.  : )

There was so much we didn’t have time to do though – we may go back again today for the Farmers’ Market and to see the booths and downtown friends we missed yesterday.  I would also like to swing by Lake Meridian today to see the Dragon Boat Races. I’ve never been to them before and this year is the 10th anniversary for the dragon boat races at Kent Cornucopia Days!

Hats off to Bill Westcott and the Kent Lions’ Club for putting on such a fun, family-friendly, all-volunteer event. Great job!

For more pix, visit our iLoveKent Facebook page.

This weekend downtown Kent shops are kicking off the holiday season with their annual Holiday Open House. With extended hours, stores are showing off their holiday finest. Shop local this Christmas…

Friday, Nov. 13: 4 to 8 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 14: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 15: 12  – 5 p.m.*

(Hours may vary by store so call ahead to be sure you’re favorite business is open first!)

A few of our favorite stores:

• English Cottage Collection
• Nature’s Vignettes
• Cheryl’s Unique Boutique
• Rainy Day Treasures
• Maggie’s on Meeker
• Children’s Bookstore
• Spiro’s Greek Isle
• Lemon Drop Skincare & Massage
• Humanity Salon
• Treasures
• Earthworks Gem Design Studio
• Pat’s Bar & Grill
• Bittersweet Restaurant
• City Frame
• Shindig
• Salon Ivoni
• Wild Wheat Bakery & Restaurant

Community volunteer:  Sue Froyd

Insurance agent:  Bob Wagner

Doctor:  Dr. Twe

Dentist:  Dr. Rich Hayashi

Firefighter:   John Robbins

Police Officer:  Paul Peterson

Public Official:  Mayor Suzette Cooke

Realtor:  Marti Reeder, John L. Scott

Teacher/School:  Mrs. Carchedi – Glenridge

Automotive:  Kent East Hill Tire Factory

Fitness Center:  24 Hour Fitness on Kent-Kangley

Bank/Credit Union:  Bank of America

Spa Services:  Lemon Drop Skin Care & Massage

Green Business:  REI Corporate

Nail Salon:  Peridot Nail Salon

Hair Salon/Barber Shop:  Salon Ivoni

Plant Nursery:  McLendon Hardware

Senior Living Facility:  Arbor Village

Winery:  Castle Bridge Winery

Asian Cuisine:  Archa Thai Bistro

BBQ:  Cave Man Kitchens

Breakfast:  Maggie’s on Meeker

Lunch:  Bittersweet Restaurant

Coffee Shop:  Starbucks on 4th

Family Restaurant:  Golden Steer

Mexican Cuisine:  Mexico Lindo

Pizza:  Pizzeria Fondi

Italian Cuisine:  Paolo’s Italian Restaurant

Fine Dining:  Paolo’s Italian Restaurant

Waiter/Location:  Rebecca at Maggie’s on Meeker

Pet Groomer:  Soggy Doggy

Veterinarian:  McMonigle Veterinarian Hospital

Flower Shop:  Bella home and garden

Jewelry Store:  Bonaci Fine Jewelers

Antique Shop:  Mad Hatter Antiques

Gift Store:  Marie Haggin Accessories

Grocery/Convenient Store/Location:  Top Food &  Drug

Clothing/Shoe Store:  Just the Thing

Furniture/Home Decor:  Chair & Trellis

Bookstore:  Children’s Bookshop & Teaching Supplies

Consignment/Thrift Store:  Meeker Street Emporium

Best View of Kent:  Grandview Off-Leash Dog Park

Most Romantic Spot:  Lake Meridian Park

Favorite Family Destination:  Kent Station

Congratulations to all of the “Best of Kent 2009″ winners and to all of the honorable mentions and nominees! We’re proud of Kent, and it shows!

Earthworks Gem Design Studio: Steve St. Louis has some beautiful, unique pieces of jewelry that your sweetheart will love.

Heartbeat Yoga & Healing Arts: Consider a gift certificate to treat a loved one to a yoga or tai chi class or a massage treatment.

Balanced Athlete: This First Avenue shop has a great selection of running gear including exercise clothing, shoes and more. Owner Eric Sach can hook you up with something perfect for the athlete on your gift list.

Cypriana: This natural home store features wonderfully natural and organic products for home, bath and baby. In addition, owner Susan Thomas is an expert at designing custom slipcovers and embroidery for your home.

Lemon Drop Skin Care & Massage: Treat yourself or a friend to a delightful massage, facial, skin care treatment or waxing. The personal care boutique also has some great stocking stuffers including make-up bags, eye masks, make-up, brushes and more.

English Cottage Collection: This darling shop on W. Meeker St. has different items every time I stop in. Filled with home decor, baby and gift items, this store has something for everyone in every price range.

American Charm: American Charm, also on W. Meeker, has a wide variety of fun, trendy and eclectic gift items, including home decor, children’s gifts, stuffed animals, purses, jewelry and more. You’ll love this shop’s American charm.

Children’s Bookshop: I love this lively children’s book store which is full of great books, learning tools, games, toys, teaching supplies and more. Find the ideal gift for the child or teacher in your life.

Renaissance Yarns: Now at Kent Station next to Dave’s MiniHobby Shop, Renaissance Yarns has a beautiful selection of yarns, patterns, knitting tools and other gift items for the creative one on your list. Not sure what to buy? Ask Nancy or her helpful staff to make some suggestions.

Just the Thing: For the fashionista in your family, check out Just the Thing at Kent Station. This charming boutique specializes in custom jean fittings. Buy a gift certificate so your fashionable friend can pick out her favorite jeans.

Marie Haggin Accessories: Now next to Chico’s at Kent Station, Marie Haggin Accessories has hundreds of gift ideas including unique purses, handmade jewelry, wedding crystal, fashion accessories and more. You’ll never find the same thing twice.

Peridot Nail Salon: Tired from your holiday shopping? Stop by Peridot at Kent Station and enjoy a manicure or pedicure. Afterward, you’ll feel refreshed and ready for your next holiday task.

Topaz: If you’ve got trendy, young shoppers to buy for, visit Topaz, next to Road Runner at Kent Station. This new fashion boutique has great, affordable pieces you won’t find anywhere else in Kent.

Other possibilities for last minute gifts include: Bella home & garden, City Frame, Discovery Shop, Goju Karate & Pilates, Salon Avoni, Howell’s Religious Books, Distinctive Images Barber Shop and Styling Salon, NW Electrology & Permanent Makeup, Nature’s Vignettes and more. To learn more about these businesses, visit Kent Downtown Partnership or Kent Station online.

If you’ve worked up an appetite shopping, try one of downtown Kent’s many restaurants for lunch, dinner, coffee or a cocktail:

Wild Wheat Bakery & Cafe, Kona Kai Coffee, Spiro’s Greek Island Restaurant, Shindig Martini Bar, Bittersweet, Maggie’s on Meeker, Vibe Bar and Grill, Bev’s Cucina, Pat’s Bar & Grill, Zephyr, Zao Noodle Bar, Johnny Rockets, Pizzeria Fondi, Duke’s Chowder House, Chipotle Mexican Grill, The Ram, Dillettante Mocha and Espresso, Jamba Juice and more.

Happy Holidays,

Dana Blozis
Virtually Yourz

Earthworks Gem Design Studio
Bella home and garden
City Frame
Heartbeat Yoga & Healing Arts
Vibe Bar & Grill
Cypriana
Wild Wheat Bakery & Cafe
Spiro’s Greek Island Restaurant
Shindig Martini Bar
The Balanced Athlete
Discovery Shop
Bittersweet Restaurant
Goju Karate and Pilates
Salon Avoni
Howell’s Religious Books
Distinctive Images Barber Shop & Styling Salon
NW Electrology & Permanent Make-up
Perk Up Place
Lemon Drop Skin Care & Massage

This weekend the historic district and businesses on Meeker Street are celebrating with their annual Holiday Open House. Visit www.kentdowntown.org for details.