Holiday (shopping) tradition: Best of the Northwest

For some people, the holidays begin after Halloween; for others, it's after Thanksgiving. For me, it's whenever Best of the Northwest happens. (Nov. 12 - 14 this year.)

It's without a doubt the highest concentration of top-quality arts and crafts in the region — the stuff not only looks dazzling, it holds up for years. (My favorite evening bag, made from the shaft of a designer cowboy boot, with beaded fringe and a beaded, strap is a Best of the Northwest find, as are my copper pine-cone earrings.)

This year I'll catch only the tail end of it (on Sunday afternoon). Save something for me!

(Note: it's moved yet again. This year Best of the Northwest is at Pier 91, near the Magnolia Bridge.)