Experience Bellevue
Bellevue Area Attractions
Join NHRMA this September in the clean, green and wildly sophisticated frontier of Bellevue and the Pacific Northwest. Nestled between two mountain ranges on the shores of glittering Lake Washington, Bellevue is just 9 miles east of Seattle and 17 miles from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. A cosmopolitan urban center where 30+ languages can be heard on the tree-lined pedestrian corridors, Bellevue is surrounded by innovative global corporations and three national parks. The city also boasts the most upscale shopping experience in the Pacific Northwest. Safe and easily accessible, downtown Bellevue is a vibrant fusion of shopping, restaurants, nightclubs and culture, all in about six square city blocks.
Downtown Bellevue
Bellevue is one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier shopping and dining destinations, with hundreds of well-known upscale stores and unique boutiques, dozens of sit-down restaurants and take-out treat shops. Enjoy shopping at locally founded retail legends like Nordstrom and Eddie Bauer at The Bellevue Collection (Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square), and world-renowned Neiman-Marcus, Hermés, Jimmy Choo and other designers at The Bravern. Stroll Old Bellevue’s restored Main Street, with its variety of homey cafes and restaurants, upscale boutiques, and fine art and antique galleries housed in restored, turn-of-the-century buildings.
Miles of nature trails and public parks are within walking distance for a workout or unwinding. Centered in the middle of the shopping district lies Downtown Park, 20 acres of greenery and waterfalls, perfect for a picnic or a stroll on the circular promenade. Situated on 36 acres of display gardens, woodlands, meadows and wetlands, the Bellevue Botanical Gardens received Sunset Magazine’s “Best of the West” designation.
Several museums, libraries, performing art grounds and art galleries reside in Bellevue. Emphasizing regional artists, the Bellevue Arts Museum allows attendees to delve into the exploration of art, craft and design.
Nightlife in Bellevue is safe, walkable, and diverse including an array of nightclubs, a 16-screen luxury cinema, an upscale billiards parlor, a comedy club and boutique bowling at Lucky Strike. Over 300 delicious dining establishments offer choices to please every palette.
Around Bellevue
Visit nearby Woodinville wine country, currently home to more than 70 wineries and microbreweries, as well as the area’s premier organic restaurant, The Herbfarm. This year’s evening event, Experience Woodinville, will enable NHRMA attendees to enjoy this unique area as a group.
Tiger and Cougar Mountains are full of hiking trails from flat to challenging, with Mt. Si providing training ground for Mt. Rainer Climbers. Mount Rainier National Park contains vast expanses of pristine old-growth forests, subalpine flower meadows, spectacular alpine scenery, and great opportunities for invigorating outdoor activities.
Don’t miss Snoqualmie Falls and Salish Lodge, with its famous 270-foot waterfall, observation deck, gift shop, restaurant and full spa (the hiking trail to the base of the falls is closed until 2013). Or relax and play at the newly opened Snoqualmie Casino.
Downtown Kirkland is just six miles away from downtown Bellevue, and is home to dozens of art galleries, restaurants, Lake Washington’s sightseeing boats and a vibrant nightlife. Kirkland is often described as the Eastside’s most romantic town, and its location on Lake Washington affords dramatic views of sunsets, the Seattle skyline and the Olympic Mountains.
Seattle
Take in some of the region’s landmarks, quirky characters and must-do activities in Seattle, beginning with a visit to historic Pike Place Market. Founded in 1907, Pike Place is the oldest continually operating farmer’s market in the country. It has 200 businesses operating year-round, 190 craftspeople and 120 farmer booths, plus street performers and musicians.
Over 36 museums reside in the Seattle area, with collections as varied as rock & roll, science fiction, Asian art and aircraft. The Seattle art scene has been called “forgiving and inclusive, whimsical, with the attitude of giving it a shot, but not taking itself too seriously.” This is evident everywhere in the abundant public art and Seattle Art Museum, as well as architectural wonders like the Space Needle, Experience Music Project, Seattle Library and Olympic Sculpture Park. Walking, free downtown buses, street cars and monorail make getting there a fun adventure. Explore Seattle’s wild side with Seattle’s Underground Tour, the Seattle Aquarium, Woodland Park Zoo, or watch a Seahawks or University of Washington football game.
