Just a few blocks long, Old Bellevue is a whimsical place with brick lined sidewalks, floral planters, and cafes that spill onto the street. The water is just a few minutes away by foot, and the views of Lake Washington are especially stunning after a scoop of Molly Moon's ice cream - a woman owned business that defines the regional ice cream culture. In the mornings, Main Street is quiet with a few early walkers, coffee in hand. By late afternoon, the doors open, music dances from the windows, and the neighborhood comes out to play. Here, a growing number of women-owned and women-led businesses are shaping that experience into a great time out in Bellevue.
A little history..
The Old Bellevue Merchants Association (OBMA) unofficially began in the 1980s, when business owners on this main stretch of town began a culture of collaborating. In 2012, OBMA officially formed and the group of business owners gather weekly to ideate and curate fun community events, such as wine walks and holiday entertainment. And increasingly, it’s a place shaped by women. Listen to our podcast episode hosted by our marketing manager Trey Jackson with guest Anthony Mackay of OBMA, featuring all these spaces:
Valentina's Wine Bar
Valentina Montag loves wine, makes some delicious flatbreads, and curates a mean wine list with super aesthetic surroundings. Her father has a boutique pour shop out by the coast, and Valentina chose Main Street's charming facade. When the weather is nice, Valentina's Wine Bar opens out onto the sidewalk and it's time to grab a glass of wine and some snacks outside. In the evenings, the space sometimes transforms into elaborate tasting events led by master sommeliers and winemakers. To get on the list, you'll want to follow her on Instagram @valentinaswinebar.
T'Latte
Vivian Lee makes breakfast goodies, coffees, and smoothies behind the counter at T’Latte, her bright and playful café that has quickly become a social hub on Main Street. The space is often filled with students, friends catching up, and people settling in with their laptops for a few hours. Drinks lean creative and colorful, with a menu that makes it easy to try something new each time you visit. Between the music, the artwork, and the steady flow of regulars, this is the perfect stop for snacks and a pick-me-up.
Gin & The Banker
Rachel Nov's travel calendar includes trips to Fashion Week in New York and abroad. She uses those trips to scavenge for beautifully crafted jewelry with engaging stories, and stocks them at Gin & The Banker. Named after her grandparents, the store welcomes distinguished guests with ornate florals, precious metals, and radiant gemstones by appointment. This isn't her first business in Old Bellevue - Rachel opened her successful luxury clothing boutique LaRee over 15 years ago. Soon, she'll plan to expand her retail footprint as she continues to be a pillar of the community.
Whisk Cooks
Along Main Street, Whisk hosts regular cooking classes with a rotating roster of esteemed chefs behind the counter. Inside, the cooking and home goods shop is filled with tools that mirror what's used in class. Ann Perinchief and her husband custom built the expansive kitchen that sits in the back of the shop, where people gather to cook, learn, and spend a few hours doing something that is so natural to the human existence. From Asian dumplings to French pastries and delicious pastas to holiday spreads, a class at Whisk reinvigorates the joy of cooking.
House of Hebe Salon
At House of Hebe, guests arrive into a Gucci Garden inspired beauty palace for a whole range of services. Aleeta Hinton is a Bellevue native with a decades of experience in turning out looks, and now a proud owner of a stunning salon inspired by Hebe, the Goddess of everlasting youth and beauty. From hair extensions to color and texture treatments to blowouts, this salon will certainly make you feel like a Goddess ready to take on any soiree Bellevue has to offer.
Fran's Chocolates
At the Bellevue location, manager Kayla Doty helps shape the day-to-day experience and enduring legacy that Seattle chocolatier Fran Bigelow began building in 1982. At Fran's the salted caramels became especially famous as President Obama favorite candy, which was served at the White House during his administration. Bellevue was Fran's second store ever, first opened in 1996 and relocated to its current Main Street location in 2004. As one of the brand's most important locations, this flagship location makes the perfect stop for a sweet treat.
Reprise Boutique
Bora McAteer's boutique consignment shop is full of treasures. From vintage designer goods to fresh contemporary finds, every pre-loved luxury item at Reprise Boutique is carefully curated from the local community. From Gucci wallets and Louis Vuitton pochettes to fabulous Valentino pumps and Burberry coats, there's a lot to shop for.
Vanity Pham Salon
Van Pham Choe specializes in lashes, permanent makeup, waxing, and natural nail service and has an expansive knowledge in beauty salons. Vanity Pham Salon sits among Old Bellevue's locally owned boutiques and shops and is a staple of the community. For travelers, Van's salon becomes the perfect respite for a refreshed look, particularly for any finicky lash extension touch ups or a new set of nails.
Smith & Main
Chanel Smith opened Smith & Main in 2018, bringing over a decade of experience in fashion and retail to Main Street. Her boutique reflects a refined but approachable style, with a mix of established designers and emerging brands that she personally curates. Each piece in the shop is selected with intention, creating a collection that feels both elevated and wearable. Beyond her storefront, Chanel is also an active member of the Old Bellevue Merchants Association, helping shape the community that defines this neighborhood.
Explore Bellevue
Keep exploring Bellevue all year round. Check out our events calendar, arts & culture offerings, and local dining and shopping guides to discover more ways to experience the city’s vibrancy. Stay a while longer and explore all the outdoor adventure that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Learn more about Bellevue's various experiences designed for accessible travel. Stay connected with Visit Bellevue for upcoming festivals, programs, and insider ideas.
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Planning Your Visit to The Pacific Northwest
Located just across Lake Washington from Seattle, Bellevue is easy to reach. Our free electric shuttle, BellHop operates year round in our downtown core, and there are plenty of transportation options. Explore seasonal events, restaurant guides, and more at VisitBellevueWA.com, order a free visitor guide or culinary guide, and follow @VisitBellevue on social for the latest itineraries and travel inspiration.
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