Chophouse Row is a mix of office space, shops, restaurants and residential penthouses. Although it has garnered a lot of outside applause its location is quietly tucked away from the bustling streets of capitol hill. Once you walk down its narrow alley, you feel as though you have made your own little discovery. Chophouse Row is unique in how to combined a historic auto row building with a new steel and concrete loft office building. The pedestrian alley and courtyard host a variety of retail shops and restaurants and it is the perfect spot to sit and read, eat your lunch or rest your feet while exploring the city.

The second Thursday of each month Chophouse Row participates in the Capitol Hill Art Walk. In the center courtyard from 6-9pm they host a variety of pop up shops and feature live music. Even though Chophouse Row has been around for a couple of years, we finally made it a point to visit last week during art walk. The reason for this visit aside from checking out this architectural gem was to visit of my favorite shops on Whidbey Island called edit. I was on a mission to find the perfect Summer dress and I knew Holly would have several wonderful linen pieces with her that evening.

I am happy to announce my shopping trip was a success along with a fun filled night of listening to live music while we enjoying grilled cheese and ice cream cones from Kurt's Farm Shop. Their ice cream is amazing and currently come in unique flavors like Jersey Cow (think cheesecake), Lemon Verbena, Rhubarb, Thyme and Mint (as in the leaf) just to name a few. Each flavor was fantastic in its own right, but the rhubarb really spoke to me that evening. I cannot wait to come back and try all their other flavors. The thyme might not sound delicious, but it was the most interesting flavored ice cream I have ever had.

Setting out on an adventure after a long day of work is always a daunting prospect. From searching for a parking spot, to being stuck in traffic, and eating a late dinner all contribute to reasons why we typically stay home during the week. But as Jasper's face light up as he made friends with one of the shopkeeper's dogs, the way he swayed back and forth to the music or how he thoroughly enjoyed his ice cream I was reminded breaking out of our routine is necessary and invigorating for all of us.

I love architecture, especially when there is a bridging of old and new elements.

I have always been a big fan of cheese and ice cream, so Kurt's Farm shop is right up my alley.

Jasper is at that wonderful age where he likes to do what he wants to do when he wants to do it. And so you will find him running around, acting crazy at times as we beam with pride by his independence and fret he will hurt himself or someone else. One thing is for sure, he is his own person and we can either like it or not.

Jasper completely captivated by the music and the ice cream.

“With housing and office space above, the ground floor is home to a handful of restaurants and tiny shops built around a pedestrian alley that leads to a courtyard. Part of the appeal — as in cities like London and Paris — lies in discovering what’s tucked away.”

— NEW YORK TIMES