Gilman Village, Issaquah

In the early 70s, Marvin and Ruth Mohl opened their mall built from salvaged buildings, including old shops, houses, barns and granaries. They encouraged independent businesses with favorable rental agreements and continue to do so today. In the shadow of the Cascades, customers walk the cedar boardwalks and the brick sidewalks, shopping for shoes, snowboards and clocks among myriad other items at the more than 40 upscale retail shops. The shopping experience provides counterpoint to the glitter of the big malls. Restaurants such as Nicolino offer respite from the pace, which even here can get frenzied.