The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Bellevue, Washington Now
BY TRIPVEEL EDITORIAL STAFF | December 2019
Nestled between the Cascade Mountains and rooted in the spirit of the Pacific Northwest—Bellevue, Washington offers a curated collection of elevated experiences that puts you on the edge of creativity, innovation and style. Miles of nature trails, public parks and beaches for swimming are walking distance from downtown Bellevue.
Image courtesy of Visit Bellevue
1. THE HIKING
Crystal Mountain offers a variety of trails from easy to strenuous that afford breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier. For a moderate hike try the 2.5-mile Crystal Mountain Trail to the Silver Creek Trail. The trail meanders around ski runs, Henskin Lake and an old mining area, Jim Town. At the Jim Town junction, take the Silver Creek Trail for a 1-mile walk back to the base area.
Image courtesy of Visit Bellevue
Take a ride on the Mt. Rainier Gondola to the summit of Crystal Mountain. At the summit, disembark from the gondola and pause for a moment to enjoy the wide-angle view of Mt. Rainier’s 14,410 ft. summit and the surrounding Cascade Range. Hike along the ridge or back down to the base area via one of the many trail options. The hiking trails and gondola are pet friendly.
Image courtesy of Visit Bellevue
Snoqualmie Falls is one of Washington state’s most popular scenic attractions. View the 270-foot waterfall up close and personal while hiking the Snoqualmie Falls Trail, an easy 1.3 mile trail good for all skill levels.
2. THE ART
Soaring sculptures, engaging exhibitions, unexpected art pieces and vibrant glass formations—you will find public art around every corner in Bellevue.
Image courtesy of Visit Bellevue
The Bellevue Arts Museum provides a public space for the community to contemplate, appreciate and discuss visual culture.
Arts and culture in Bellevue is best experienced through a walking tour and the Downtown Bellevue Art Walk is a great way to see popular spots, as well as hidden treasures.
3. THE COCKTAILS
Basked in natural light and reveling an energetic atmosphere in the lobby of the Hilton Bellevue, Solarium Kitchen & Bar is inspired by local farmers—the locally-sourced menu focuses a spotlight on the best Pacific Northwest ingredients using simple, fresh, craft cooking. For your handcrafted cocktail fix, try the Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned, concocted with local whiskey, maple syrup, citrus bitters and fresh peeled orange.
Solarium Kitchen & Bar in Bellevue, Washington
This is seasonal Pacific Northwest cuisine at its best. Favorites dishes include Northwest King Salmon with red rice pilaf and citrus beet coulis, Dungeness Crab Cakes with fennel and sweet sriracha aioli—as well as Lamb Lollipops with harissa, fresh whipped hummus and naan.
Casual. Fresh. Local. These are the three main ingredients that make Solarium Kitchen & Bar the place to be. Hungry yet?
4. THE GARDENS
Bellevue Botanical Garden is an urban refuge encompassing 53 acres of cultivated gardens, woodlands and wetlands. With their technology-based interactive garden, you can scan markers for plant identification using your smartphone.
Image courtesy of Visit Bellevue
Made up of many smaller gardens, each has its own focus and character.
Gardens to explore at your leisure include the Fuchsia Garden, Waterwise Garden, Rhododendron Glen, Rock Garden and Iris Rain Garden, Native Discovery Garden, Yao Garden and more through multiple loop trails. Be sure to stop and see “Night Blooming,” a sculpture on the Lost Meadow Trail.
5. THE ARCHITECTURE
Constructed in 1929 and designed using a mix of the popular Spanish Eclectic and Mission Revival styles, the Frederick W. Winters House is the only nationally designated historic property in Bellevue.
The Frederick W. Winters House in Bellevue, Washington
