Not too much has remained the same when you look at downtown Mercer Island these days. However, there are a handful of establishments that haven't changed much and evoke great memories from the past. Don't ask how it is that my first visit to Island Books was just a week ago. Testimony to the fact that neighboring businesses help draw new clientele. I was having lunch next door at the new deli, Stopsky's. I had a little extra time and thought I'd check it out. It turned into more than just a browse as I discovered much more than books. Great little gift opportunities and greeting cards came in handy and saved me another shopping trip to Bellevue.
What really struck me was the owner with his warm welcome and personal touch. When I mentioned it was my first visit but that my husband grew up on the island, he asked if I had checked out the play area for the kids in the back. In chimed a twenty-something young lady who, with great enthusiasm, said she spent many a day playing there as her father had owned the coffee cart that was located right outside. It became clear that these two people had more to reminisce about.
I loved the feeling of being a part of a community with a history full of great memories. What do you remember about "the good old days" of growing up on the island?