A Real Charmer -- Gilman Village Has Retained Its Character Over The Years

Small, medium and large shopping centers have mushroomed around Gilman Village since it opened more than two decades ago, but none have surpassed it on the charm meter.

In 1972, businesswoman Betty Konarski convinced developers Marvin and Ruth Mohl that unwanted buildings in Issaquah could be moved and refurbished into a shopping village. Many merchants have come and gone since those early years, but Gilman has grown and retained its character with an eclectic mix of about 50 retail businesses, connected by board and brick walkways.

The Issaquah destination is a great Saturday trip, and with only 17 more shopping days until Valentine's Day, you're more than likely to find the perfect gifts for loved ones here.

AN ISSAQUAH LANDMARK

Most of the shops open at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday, but you can get fueled earlier - for either a day of farm labor or power shopping - at The Feedstore, where one of the breakfast specials is Buttermilk Biscuits with Sausage Gravy and Home Fried Potatoes. The two-story structure with its traditional frontier false front was an Issaquah landmark from 1910. For many years it was the supplier of grain and hay to local farmers and dairy workers. After its move to the village, workers removing siding over the false front discovered the original Fisher Feed sign, which remains.

Or, on a cold morning, your glasses will steam as you enter the warmth of The Art House Cafe, a bakery and gallery where the Whole Wheat Cinnamon Rolls are served heated. Return later in the day for grilled Italian-style panini sandwiches on foccacia bread.

Now, to the shops. The Red Balloon Company has plenty of its namesake red balloons, valentines and party supplies. Prefer to make your own valentines? Personalize them with a few rubber stamps from Make An Impression.

The Battenburg Lace Store has a variety of linens and gifts in heart designs. If someone on your romantic list more than makes time stand still, visit Watches by Gosh, where they sell the Backward Goofy Watch. The Disney character's hands run counterclockwise and the numbers are backward.

Grass Roots is a natural stop for gardeners. Check out the squirrel-proof bird feeder. Myken's specializes in gifts and supplies for lovers of cats and dogs. Zunlee Ltd. is a gift shop with a good collection of Junior League cookbooks.

SHOPS WITH A THEME

Need to spruce up your home interior with a theme? Consider Jig's Camp for the lodge look. Lots of trout on everything from platters to canvas bags. Or Canyon Collection for the Southwestern and Western looks to your homestead. Here you can get that literary masterpiece "Don't Squat With Yer Spurs On! - A Cowboy's Guide to Life" by Texas Bix Bender.

Grandmothers probably need superhuman willpower to walk away from Gilman Village's temptations empty-handed. At Sprouts Baby Shop they may need the jumpsuits with matching hats in bold dinosaur patterns. At Cottontail Corner it's The World of Beatrix Potter. At Boardwalk Games & Puzzles there's a "What's Hot" notice posted on the door, helpfully informing customers that such favorites as Pipeline, Double Talk, Spinner and Amazing Labyrinth are inside. This shop also has a sign that illustrates some of the character of the village: "Door Sticks - Push Hard." Understandable, when you learn that this used to be the Wold house, built in 1908. The family's two daughters were active in the community. One was a bookkeeper and raised police dogs. The other was a nurse in World War I.

Another favorite destination is The Country Mouse, where gifts fill shelves and counters and a sign at the entrance proclaims: "The Country Mouse is dedicated to the belief that the item handcrafted by an individual is a special unique statement from one person to another. In an often impersonal world, it is a showing of one's self by entrusting a part of you to another. Friendship in its truest sense."

Hungry again? The Boarding House, established in 1973 and one of the village's original businesses, offers a sampler meal, including cup of soup, half a sandwich and salad. Or Tantalus Restaurant, a Greek bistro, for roast leg of lamb.

Before heading to the parking lot, make one last stop at Sweet Addition for a slice of Mocha Butter Crunch Pie or some candy for your valentines. Perhaps a bag of Jellied Cinnamon Lips or Red Hot Cinnamon Hearts.

-------------- GILMAN VILLAGE -------------- -- Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Restaurant hours vary. -- Directions: From I-90, take Exit 17. Drive south in Front Street. Turn right at Northwest Gilman Boulevard, continue across the railroad tracks and turn left into Gilman Village. Free parking. -- Metro: Bus routes serving Gilman Village are 210, 211, 213 and 274.