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Shopping Puyallup’s Main Street district

Cute local shops and cafés abound downtown

Debbie Torgerson points out the collection of Christmas broaches she has for sell in her shop Kings Row Antiques & Collectibles. Photo credit: Marguerite Cleveland

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Puyallup's quaint downtown isn't far from the historic Meeker Mansion, and unique antique shops, cafés and pubs abound in this easily walkable district.

Start your day early with breakfast at the Rose Restaurant. This cute, vintage café is where the locals eat. It's nothing fancy, but the food is good and plentiful, and the whole place has a homey feel. Try the Rose Scramble, which is a delectable mix of ham, egg, bacon, green peppers and hash browns. You can jazz it up by adding cheese and switching out the hash browns for country fried potatoes. So good.122 W Main, Puyallup

After breakfast, plan to explore the surrounding area, with its many eclectic second-hand shops. Especially this time of year, it's worth combing through to check out fun, individual ideas for gifts.

You don't even have to walk far for finds, as there are several stores located on the same block as the restaurant.

Kings Row Antiques & Collectibles is on Main Street. Owner Debbie Torgerson said, "I've been here 16 years, and just love talking to people. I offer a military discount, but the amount depends on how the business is doing that week. I get quite a few military families visiting my shop." Her place has a mix of antiques and vintage collectables. Make sure to look behind the counter at the hanging cape which has a darling collection of jeweled Christmas brooches. 110 W Main, Puyallup

Liv & Rory Boutique is owned by military spouse Olivia Harrell. She carries a great mix of clothes, which includes an oh-so-cute Mommy and Me collection. She also offers products such as soap and jewelry, which are made by military spouses. Harrell also has an online shop, and free shipping makes it a good option for gifts. 116 S Meridian, Puyallup, livandrory.com

The Pink Chandelier is a girly shop that just grabbed my heart with its huge pink Christmas Tree. It is a wonder to behold.

Owner Letha Grapenthin has an eye for lovely feminine items. We are surrounded by so much military stuff day to day that it was so nice to walk into this haven filled with home décor and gifts that will be the perfect fit for the ladies on your shopping list.

Ideas range from elegant, fuzzy slippers to jeweled writing pins. Your purchases are nicely wrapped in tissue, and then placed in a decorative bag, so you don't even need to wrap your gifts.

It is the little touches like that, along with great customer service, that make such a difference when shopping at small, local businesses. 121 W Meeker, Puyallup, thepinkchandeliers.com

If you need Christmas decorating ideas, make a visit to the nearby Meeker Mansion. It will be decorated for Christmas beginning Nov. 29. On Nov. 30, a $6 fee benefiting the mansion will get you into the Craft Bazaar. Check the event schedule for holiday teas and a breakfast with Santa, both of which are a good way to get in the holiday spirit. 312 Spring St., Puyallup, meekermansion.org

The holiday season is a great time to visit and shop the smaller downtown areas surrounding Joint Base Lewis-McChord and support local businesses that depend on your shopping dollars.

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