Great Escape: Exploring Woodinville's Hilltop Plaza

This week, we encourage you to visit the new(ish) Hilltop Plaza on NE Woodinville-Duvall Road. If your kids attend public school then they are home this week during the district's mid-winter break, which means you are in need of a break yourself. Here it is, we’ve scheduled a mini-day for you that will reset your buttons and keep you together until the school bell rings on Monday. 

1 p.m.: Mercurys Coffee Co – As a coffee snob, I can attest that Mercurys has it down. It’s a small stand open for walk-up and drive-thru and serves one of the best vanilla lattes on the Eastside. Wander over for a handcrafted espresso drink as you make your way over for a little girl-pampering.  

1:30 p.m.:  – Featuring a solid A+ French Mani-Pedis, French Nail feels more like a spa than a regular nail place. The technicians really take their time and the attention to detail is not to be missed.

2:45 p.m.: Better Off Threads – Once the nails have dried, it’s time to shop. If you haven’t been into this consignment store yet, you need to go. It’s amazing. Well laid out, without the cramped, cluttered feeling you’ve come to expect from boutiques, and open until 4 p.m. The owner carefully edits the selections and features high-end clothing for men and women. The accessories alone are a reason to stop by.

5 p.m.: Early Dinner at – Now that you’ve gotten yourself all sorts of relaxed, pampered and accessorized, head over to the best Italian Restaurant in Woodinville. The pasta is made fresh in the kitchen, the wine selection is vast and reasonably priced, and the service is fantastic. Stay until 7 p.m. and have dessert in the bar…they have live music until 9 p.m.