Experience the perfect blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty
By Stefanie Michaels
Known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and Indigenous cultures, the Pacific Northwest also boasts urban centers such as Bellevue, Washington which is less than a thirty-minute drive from Seattle. The Coast Salish people have lived here for more than 12,000 years and have reserved treaty rights to the land to this day. Still, companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, and T-Mobile also call this beautiful place home. What’s more, it is the Pacific Northwest’s premier resort shopping destination with hundreds of well-known department stores, specialty retailers, and unique boutiques. So, with the snow-capped Cascade Mountain Range as its backdrop, and Lake Washington at its front door, consider Bellevue for your next weekend getaway.
If shopping is your idea of therapy, you’ve come to the right place. The Bellevue Collection consists of more than 200 stores such as Chanel, Nordstrom, and Timberland along with three hotel properties – Hyatt Regency, The Westin, and W. The Shops at the Bravern features one of the largest collections of luxury brands in all of the Pacific Northwest with stores such as Hermès, Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Moncler. Or, opt for a little window shopping in Old Bellevue where the famous hand blown Glassybaby calls home. There’s also the option to shop at Bellevue’s newest shopping destination – The Avenue Bellevue which boasts the new Intercontinental Bellevue as its prime accommodations.
When you’ve had your fill of retail therapy, soaking up the views is a must. Known as the “City In A Park,” the town has nearly 100 parks including Meydenbauer Bay Park which opened in 2019. Here you can reserve an electric-powered Duffy Boat to cruise the state’s second-largest natural lake, and the stately homes that surround it – including Bill Gates’ 66,000 square-foot mansion.
In Old Bellevue, the 21-acre Bellevue Downtown Park is a hub of activity for you to enjoy skyline views and Mt. Rainier. Or, head to Snoqualmie Falls where the Salish Lodge and Spa awaits. A Native American-owned luxury hotel in Snoqualmie, Washington, and just a short drive from Bellevue, the property is an immersive cultural experience through the use of traditional Salish artwork and design elements.
And, when it comes to food, the dining scene is quite the splurge. Bis on Main explores northwestern cuisine in a fine dining setting, while you can “dine in the sky” at Ascend Prime Steak and Sushi which offers panoramic views of downtown, Mt. Rainier, and Seattle’s skyline. Carmine’s Bellevue offers the finest in Italian dining. And, Michelin-recognized Farzi Café traverses the best in Indian molecular gastronomy.
Locavores will swear by The Lakehouse which features the region’s best farmers, producers, and fishermen. And, if you can snag a seat downstairs for late night cocktails, Civility Unrest is a cozy little speak easy you’ll love. Still, you’re in the Pacific Northwest where coffee is king. A couple of buzz-worthy shops to try are Bellden Cafe and Third Culture.
To get around town, call on BellHop – Bellevue’s first 100% electric on-demand shuttle service. And, it’s free! And, if you go, there are five airlines from LAX to SEA offering non-stop flights: American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta, United, and Spirit.
Did you know?
Bellevue, Washington, is home to the Bellevue Botanical Garden, a 53-acre area featuring diverse flora, walking trails, and seasonal events. Additionally, the city hosts the Bellevue Arts Museum, which focuses on contemporary visual art, craft, and design.
A little history:
The area was originally settled in the late 19th century and grew rapidly after World War II, evolving from a small farming community into a bustling suburban city. Its name, which means “beautiful view” in French, reflects its scenic surroundings and the city’s early emphasis on its picturesque landscape.
