ABOUT SEATTLE:

Seattle combines a stunning natural setting and vibrant metropolitan center with world-class arts, entertainment and cuisine. Seattle excels in livability with a mild climate, a wide range of housing options, arts and culture, sports, entertainment, an abundance of shops and restaurants and easy access to outdoor recreational activities in any season. Seattle was named the Most Educated city in 2006; it ranked #6 among the 2006 top-ten arts destinations in the U.S; was labeled the 'Most Unwired City' for access to wireless Internet connections in 2005, and named the #3 Best Walking City for its walker-friendly environment. Our diverse cultures bring life, vitality and economic growth to the City. Whether you live, play, work or visit here Seattle offers a unique community filled with vibrant people. Seattle is a commercial, cultural and advanced technology hub of the US Pacific Northwest and a major port city for trans-Pacific and European travel and trade. Surrounded by mountains and water, the greater Seattle area features picture-perfect views and abundant recreational opportunities year-round. 

Seattle is surrounded by water and mountains, offering spectacular views from most of its many and varied neighborhoods.  

Seattle is considered a gateway city to the Northwest, along with Vancouver, British Columbia and Portland, Oregon. It is also a transportation, commercial, and cultural hub (although don't expect the level of energy of big cities like Chicago and San Francisco). 

Fremont
 

Fremont is probably the best known of the northern neighborhoods, and while its days as a haunt for starving artists and all members of the counterculture from hippies to bikers may be drawing to a close, it's still extremely laid-back and quirky. Exploring the shops along N. 36th Street and up Fremont Avenue makes for an immensely enjoyable afternoon.  

Ballard 

Ballard used to belong mostly to Scandinavian fisherfolk, but is now the domain of hipsters. Ballard Avenue has an almost European or Old New York vibe, and great shops, pubs, and restaurants. On weekends, a mellow farmers' market pops up on one of the empty lots. The Seattle neighborhood of Ballard is a "city within a city" with a decidedly Scandinavian accent. Located in the northwest part of the city, it is a maritime center. Salmon and Shilshole bays on Puget Sound form its southern and western boundaries, and Phinney Ridge rises to the east. Ballard incorporated as a city in 1890, and its citizens voted to annex to Seattle in November 1906. Today sightseers visit the Hiram Chittenden Locks on the Ship Canal to watch salmon begin their spawning journey or they tour historic Ballard Avenue. Ballard's increasingly diverse residents enjoy the district's small town pace and easy access to downtown. 

Wallingford
 

Wallingford, east of Fremont, has a spate of specialty shops along N. 45th Street: Nowhere else in the city can you pick up gourmet Belgian beers, handmade stationery, an authentic aloha shirt, and a racy cake from the resident erotic bakery all within a few blocks. North of Fremont and Wallingford, Green Lake's main draw is its namesake, a beautiful lake whose ring road is thronged with joggers, bikers, in-line skaters, and happy dogs. The cozy triangle around N. 56th Street and Kenwood Place (off the southeast corner of the lake) has the best eateries, namely the excellent Eva Restaurant & Wine Bar and Zoka Coffee. 

Laurelhurst 

Laurelhurst is a high-end community close to the University of Washington with easy access to downtown. It is also the home of the Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, which moved to the neighborhood in 1953. 

The University District 

The University District, home of the University of Washington since 1895, is located in the northeast section of the city, north of the Portage Bay part of Lake Union. It is a neighborhood of restaurants, cafes, a renowned street fair, a farmer's market, and a few venerable institutions such as the University Book Store, University Inn, and the Meany Hotel. 

Phinney Ridge 

Seattle’s Phinney neighborhood lies mostly on a high ridge that rises from the western shore of Green Lake. It owes its name to Guy Phinney (1852-1893), a wealthy immigrant from Nova Scotia who developed a private estate that became Woodland Park (later Woodland Park Zoo). The neighborhood is largely a bedroom community that on the east spills off the spine of Phinney Ridge down to Green Lake's shores, and on the west runs to the edge of Ballard at 8th Avenue NW. 

Queen Anne Hill & Magnolia 

Topping off at 450 feet above sea level, Queen Anne is the tallest of Seattle's legendary "seven hills" and took its name from the ornate architecture of the large homes erected on its slopes beginning in the late 1880s. Magnolia was named by an early explorer who misidentified the red-barked madrona trees that line its bluffs above Puget Sound. The two hills are divided by the Interbay valley running between Salmon Bay on the north and Smith Cove on the south. Queen Anne's attractions include Seattle Center at its southern foot, numerous historic homes and buildings, a lively business district along Queen Anne Avenue, and Mt. Pleasant Cemetery on its southern crest. Magnolia is home to Discovery Park (carved from Fort Lawton to create Seattle's largest tract of natural open space) and busy Fishermen's Terminal on Salmon Bay. 

Belltown 

Belltown is the area of Seattle stretching north of the central business district from Stewart Street to Mercer Street is usually dubbed the Denny Regrade, acknowledging the area's forcible flattening by city engineers early in the twentieth century. It incorporates the older Belltown district, originally west of 2nd Avenue but today more broadly defined by its various denizens. The area today combines artist lofts and hangouts with new high-rises where condos and apartments are providing close-in housing. Following the new, mostly affluent residents, a number of upscale restaurants and clubs have established a brisk trade in the area. The result, at least for the time being, is a yeasty combination of the bohemian and the trendy, with a significant nightlife. 

Chinatown-International District 

The international district is an important neighborhood for new immigrants and their American-born descendants. It is located southeast of Pioneer Square and due south of the central business district. The International District's character derives from entrepreneurs of various Asian backgrounds and the community's strong family ties. Its diverse ethnic restaurants and shops attract tourists as well as locals. 

Capitol Hill 

Capitol Hill is adjacent to downtown with US I-5 as its western boundary. A good combination of residential streets (with distinctive, turn of the century bungalows and classic apartments), shopping, and nightlife. Home to a diverse population, including a strong gay community. By the way, you will look in vain for a Capitol on Capitol Hill. 

West Seattle 

West Seattle’s central attraction is Alki Beach. The two and a half miles of beach access is popular with teenagers and families in summer. A narrow park with paved paths for inline skaters, cyclists, runners and walkers, follows the shoreline. Views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, Queen Anne Hill, Magnolia and downtown Seattle. 

Seattle Icons:
Every city has those people, places, and things that are recognizable the world over, and Seattle is no different. From the Space Needle to Bill and Melinda Gates’ home and Microsoft to Starbucks to the troll under the Freemont Bridge, Seattle is rich with icons. 

Seattle Area Communities 

There are many smaller communities and incorporated cities in the Seattle area, but here is some information about a few to give you a flavor of the Greater Puget Sound Area: 

Shoreline

Located amid the natural beauty of Western Washington 15 miles north of downtown Seattle, the City of Shoreline combines urban opportunities with suburban convenience and comfort. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Shoreline boasts a rich history, abundant and spectacular parks, strong neighborhoods and a highly-respected school district.  

Parks and Recreation
From breath-taking views of Puget Sound to tennis, indoor swimming to nature trails and beach access to skateboarding, Shoreline's more than 330 acres of park land offer a variety of enriching recreation and outdoor experiences. The Shoreline Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department not only acts as stewards of the City's 25 parks through maintenance and planning, but provides recreation, aquatic and cultural experiences to the community through a wide range of programs. 

Shopping
Shoreline is home to some large chain stores that are a must for every day life, and smaller specialty stores where fun, one of a kind items can be found. With the basics such as: Ace Hardware, Costco, Home Depot, Target, and Best Buy close by, not to mention the newly remodeled Northgate Mall within city limits or nearby, Shoreline offers everything you could need. 

Hiking and Biking
The Interurban Trail in Shoreline is now complete and ready to be enjoyed by pedestrians and cyclists.  

The Interurban Trail is a three-mile non-motorized transportation system developed along the former Interurban Rail Line. Owned by Seattle City Light and used as an electrical power transmission corridor, the 100-foot-wide former rail corridor runs from Seattle to Everett, roughly parallel to Aurora Avenue. 

The Interurban Trail’s close proximity to Aurora Avenue and the economic core of Shoreline will provide access to nearby shopping, services and employment, plus access to transit centers at Aurora Village and the Shoreline Park and Ride. The trail project includes rest stops, trailheads, interpretive historical and natural features, and directional signs. A new signal installed recently at Linden Avenue N and N 145th Street (Seattle/Shoreline city limits) improves trail user safety. 

Schools
Students in the Shoreline area are served by the highly acclaimed and desired Shoreline School District. Whether you have students in elementary, middle, or high school, you’ll be pleased with the programs, test scores, and activities the school district offers its students and families. 

http://www.shorelineschools.org/ 

Restaurants
Shoreline offers you a wide variety of restaurants, with many ethnic foods represented. 

Kidd Valley, Shoreline
Restaurant popularity: #1 in Shoreline
Cuisines: Hamburgers
Average price: $20
Special features: Child-friendly 

Debbie's Roadside Cafe, Shoreline
Restaurant popularity: #2 in Shoreline
Cuisines: American, Seafood, Steakhouse
Average price: $12 

Old Village Korean Restaurant, Shoreline
Restaurant popularity: #3 in Shoreline
Cuisines: Korean 

Country Harvest Buffet, Shoreline
Restaurant popularity: #4 in Shoreline
Cuisines: American 

Suni's Pizza & Burgers, Shoreline
Restaurant popularity: #5 in Shoreline
Cuisines: Hamburgers, Pizza 

Leena's Cafe, Shoreline
Restaurant popularity: #7 in Shoreline 

Spiro's Pizza & Pasta, Shoreline
Restaurant popularity: #8 in Shoreline
Cuisines: Italian, Pizza
Average price: $20 

TNT Seafood Restaurant, Shoreline
Restaurant popularity: #10 in Shoreline
Cuisines: Chinese, Seafood 

Black Pearl, Shoreline
Restaurant popularity: #12 in Shoreline
Cuisines: Chinese 

Aoyama Japanese Restaurant, Shoreline
Restaurant popularity: #13 in Shoreline
Cuisines: Japanese 

New Delhi Restaurant, Shoreline
Restaurant popularity: #16 in Shoreline
Cuisines: Indian 

Pizza MIA & Spaghetti House, Shoreline
Restaurant popularity: #20 in Shoreline
Cuisines: Pizza 

Maddox Grill, Shoreline
Restaurant popularity: #24 in Shoreline
Cuisines: American 

Museums
Housed in the historic Ronald Elementary School, the Shoreline Historical Museum preserves, records and interprets the history of the Shoreline area and its relationship to the Northwest. 

The archive of 6000 photos and the collection of 5000 artifacts tell the story of local neighborhood development. 

Edmonds

One of Washington’s most picturesque waterfront communities, Edmonds offers visitors a seaside ambiance and residents an appealing, small-town quality of life. 

Established as a logging camp over 100 years ago, Edmonds is now home to a marina and fishing pier, a senior center, and numerous beaches, parks, shops and restaurants. Other amenities include a well-respected school district, comprehensive healthcare through a regional hospital and associated services, churches, and a growing community college. 

Edmonds is known regionally as an active arts community. Year-round festivals and events showcase the community’s sense of pride and involvement. 

From Edmonds, you can take the train 15 miles south to Seattle or 150 miles north to Vancouver, BC (2010 Olympics). Or ride a ferry across Puget Sound to the beautiful Olympic Peninsula. 

Parks and Recreaction
Edmonds' parks have something for everyone! Get outdoors with your family and friends and have some fun! Play on the toys, swing, fly a kite, discover the public art, take a walk and enjoy the scenic views of Puget Sound. 

Edmonds values its natural environment. The city has more than 325 acres of parkland, more than 1000-feet of waterfront shoreline, and 20,000 square feet of flower bead, all maintained by the Parks Department. 

Edmonds' Parks are one of the many positive reasons you and your family enjoy visiting and living here in the Pacific Northwest. 

Family fun at City Park! There's something for everyone at this popular park. The wading pool delight children on a hot summer day while the play toy offers year-round fun. You don't have to be a kid to have fun at this park. Throw horseshoes, play ball, sit and listed to a Sunday summer concert, picnic, or relax on the open lawn. 

Visit Yost Park! Enjoy a swim in the great outdoors all summer long. Experience nature on the trails and footbridges. The play toy, basketball court and two full-size tennis courts provide ample opportunities for fun. 

Stroll Marina Beach! See the Olympic Mountains, fly a kite, sculpt a castle, and explore the marine life at low tide. Spend the day at this spectacular waterfront park, which includes a play toy, volleyball, picnicking, car top boat launch, off-leash dog area and walking along the waterfront. 

Seaview is a gem of a park! While your kids play, take a walk on the pathway, play tennis or shoot hoops. Afterwards, relax on the lawn and enjoy a picnic with your family. 

Shopping
Edmonds excels in specialty retail carrying edgy American designers, as well as classic good looks, the romantic era, children's clothing, and great selections of get-away apparel. Jewelry and gift shops present an array of unique NW products. Housewares, furnishings, soaps and lotions, candles, jewelry, lace and hand crafted items welcome browers. Bookstores, art galleries and antique shops featuring French, Italian, English, Chinese and Scandinavian treasures are all within strolling distance. An old-fashioned hardware store with a barn and Old Milltown, a turn of the century 20 shop complex, juxtapose rural with micro-urban. Global travelers find guidebooks and luggage just down the street from knowledgeable travel agencies offering escorted adventure treks. 

Edmonds Arts Festival
For three June days, over Father’s Day weekend, the charming waterfront town of Edmonds will be the site of one of the Northwest’s premier arts festivals. This year art-lovers will immerse themselves in a rich array of visual and performing arts. Great food and special activities for children round out this annual event.
 

Hiking and Biking
The Yost Park Memorial Trail offers picturesque forested trails to enjoy all year round. The beaches that border Edmonds to the west also offer great places to hike, explore, and enjoy a day or an hour outside all year round.  

Schools
The Edmonds School District is home to the schools Lynnwood residents attend. With 5 high schools, 4 middle schools, 3 K-8 schools, and 21 elementary schools, Edmonds School District serves its community well. The district has a clear and specific mission statement and goals: 

http://www.edmonds.wednet.edu/staff/ 

Our Mission and Vision
To ADVOCATE for all students by providing a learning environment which EMPOWERS students, staff and the community to MAXIMIZE their personal, creative and academic potential in order to BECOME lifelong learners and responsible world citizens. 

District Goals
Goal 1 - Create engaging learning experiences that provide all students the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to experience post secondary success, meet personal goals, and become productive community members. 

Goal 2 - Support a diverse, highly-skilled, professionally involved and fairly compensated staff. 

Goal 3 - Expand community support and engagement by increasing the number of parents and community members participating in district decision making and playing a role in student achievement. 

Goal 4 - Maximize resources to support the district's mission and goals. 

Restaurants 

Fresh as in fresh herbs, fresh fish, fresh greens, fresh ideas. Sidewalk cafes offer superb Continental, French Nouveau and Asian cuisine, mom's meatloaf, authentic tacos and the best in pub burgers. Stroll the waterfront boardwalk and savor the view and the seafood. High tea and Micro-brew are both available though not at the same establishment. Evening entertainment encourages lingering. After your sunrise beach walk, stop by the old fashioned bakery or wander into the finest in old-world bistros for espresso and pastries.
 

Museums
Edmonds is home to The Edmonds- South Snohomish County Historical Society. The museum building has two floors. The upper floor features an exhibit gallery which offers temporary rotating displays, a diorama depicting the 1910 Edmonds townsite and waterfront, and the Cook Victorian Parlor. The upper level also houses the administrative office, work rooms, a local history library and an extensive photography archive. The public is encouraged to use the research library, with an advance appointment.  

The ground floor consists of the long-term exhibit conceived to commemorate the centennial of the incorporation of the City of Edmonds 1890/1990. "The Changing Face of Edmonds" is an encapsulated, thematic, and chronological history exhibit, interpreting the many changes that have taken place, from the age of exploration and discovery, through the founding and growth of the city, and up to the 1950s when the last mill closed. Highlights of the exhibit include a reconstruction of a room from the 1894 Stevens Hotel, and a working model of a shingle mill, representative of the mills that filled the waterfront at the turn of the century.  

Lake Forest Park

The community of Lake Forest Park constitutes three square miles at the north end of Lake Washington. To the south, Lake Forest Park begins at the city limit of Seattle. To the north, Lake Forest Park ends at the Snohomish county line. To the east, the city is bounded by Lake Washington and at 55th Avenue NE where the city of Kenmore begins. The city's western boundary is at the city of Shoreline's city limit. Lake Forest Park is a distinctly forested environment,a green oasis just 12 miles from downtown Seattle. The City has been designated a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation. 

Parks and Recreation
There are parks and playgrounds, wetlands and streams within the city limits. Active citizen commissions help shape recreation and conservation efforts. There are two beach clubs on Lake Washington offering access to the lake and boat ramp facilities. The popular Burke Gilman Trail, linking the Puget Sound to the foothills of the Cascade range, runs along Lake Forest Park's lakeshore. 

The Burke-Gilman Trail runs more than 18 miles from Shilshole Bay in the City of Seattle to the City of Bothell where it intersects the Sammamish River Trail. Part of the “Locks to Lakes Corridor,” the BGT is a paved, off-road facility over its entire length with the exception of an on-road segment in Ballard. The trail crosses Ballard, Fremont, Wallingford, the University District and View Ridge within the City of Seattle, as well as the cities of Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and Bothell. The trail is managed by Seattle within the city limits south of Northeast 145th Street and by King County outside Seattle. The trail follows a historic railroad route near the Lake Washington Ship Canal and north along Lake Washington to the Sammamish River. Along the way it passes the Hiram Chittenden Locks, Fremont Canal Park, Gas Works Park, University of Washington, Magnuson Park, Log Boom Park in Kenmore, Wayne Golf Course in Bothell and Blyth Park in Bothell. King County’s best-known regional trail, the BGT is highly popular with cyclists, joggers, skaters and strollers. It is also an important non-motorized route for weekday bicycle commuters between Seattle and the Eastside. The trail provides great access and views of the Ship Canal, Lake Union, Seattle neighborhoods, suburban cities, Lake Washington, and points east via other regional trails. 

Shopping
Shopping in Lake Forest Park is anchored by Third Place Books. More than a book store, it really is a mini mall in and of itself with a gift department, a café, and plenty of cozy corners to curl up and read on of the thousands of books, both new and used available. Tucked inside Third Place Shopping Center, residents can also find essentials such as shoe stores, drug stores, and grocery stores.  

Lake Forest Park is also in close proximity to Northgate and Alderwood Shopping Malls, offering all the retail outlets available.  

Hiking and Biking
Hiking and biking in Lake Forest Park is defined by the Burke Gilman Trail.  

The Burke-Gilman Trail runs more than 18 miles from Shilshole Bay in the City of Seattle to the City of Bothell where it intersects the Sammamish River Trail. Part of the “Locks to Lakes Corridor,” the BGT is a paved, off-road facility over its entire length with the exception of an on-road segment in Ballard. The trail crosses Ballard, Fremont, Wallingford, the University District and View Ridge within the City of Seattle, as well as the cities of Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and Bothell. The trail is managed by Seattle within the city limits south of Northeast 145th Street and by King County outside Seattle. The trail follows a historic railroad route near the Lake Washington Ship Canal and north along Lake Washington to the Sammamish River. Along the way it passes the Hiram Chittenden Locks, Fremont Canal Park, Gas Works Park, University of Washington, Magnuson Park, Log Boom Park in Kenmore, Wayne Golf Course in Bothell and Blyth Park in Bothell. King County’s best-known regional trail, the BGT is highly popular with cyclists, joggers, skaters and strollers. It is also an important non-motorized route for weekday bicycle commuters between Seattle and the Eastside. The trail provides great access and views of the Ship Canal, Lake Union, Seattle neighborhoods, suburban cities, Lake Washington, and points east via other regional trails. 

Schools
Students in the Lake Forest Park area are served by the highly acclaimed and desired Shoreline School District. Whether you have students in elementary, middle, or high school, you’ll be pleased with the programs, test scores, and activities the school district offers its students and families.
http://www.shorelineschools.org/ 

Restaurants
With the picturesque Lake Washington bordering part of Lake Forest Park, there are some elegant restaurants with beautiful views, such as the Sailfish Grill. In addition to many fast food options, Lake Forest Park also hosts Kito Japanese Noodle House, Burney Brother’s BBQ, and Papazzi Pizza. 

Lynnwood

Lynnwood, formerly known as Alderwood Manor, has grown from an intersection of two dirt roads at the turn of the 20th century to a thriving economic, business, and cultural hub. Home to more than 34,000 residents, Lynnwood offers a wide variety of parks and recreational facilities and programs for the youngest of children to seniors. The newly remodeled and expanded Alderwood Mall is a corner stone of the shopping district. Nestled nicely between Seattle and Everett, Lynnwood is a convenient, yet comfortable place to call home. 

Parks and Recreation
The City of Lynnwood operates and maintains 17 public parks, 110 acres of open space, an 18-hole public golf course, 7 miles of trails, a recreation center, senior center, Heritage Park, and 2 athletic complexes. Lynnwood's parks offer a wide range of active and passive recreation opportunities, including innovative playgrounds, spray pools and a Skate Park, as well as hiking trails, forests, streams, wetlands and wildlife habitat. 

Hiking and Biking
Lynnwood offers connection to much of the greater Puget Sound through the Interurban Trail. Starting in Seattle and reaching to Bellingham, this non-motorized trail offers a place to cover some serious ground on your bike, or take a walk. Additionally, Lynnwood is also home to smaller, more wooded trails such as The Mesika Trail and the Scriber Creek Trail. 

Schools
The Edmonds School District is home to the schools Lynnwood residents attend. With 5 high schools, 4 middle schools, 3 K-8 schools, and 21 elementary schools, Edmonds School District serves its community well. The district has a clear and specific mission statement and goals:
http://www.edmonds.wednet.edu/staff/ 

Our Mission and Vision
To ADVOCATE for all students by providing a learning environment which EMPOWERS students, staff and the community to MAXIMIZE their personal, creative and academic potential in order to BECOME lifelong learners and responsible world citizens. 

District Goals
Goal 1 - Create engaging learning experiences that provide all students the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to experience post secondary success, meet personal goals, and become productive community members. 

Goal 2 - Support a diverse, highly-skilled, professionally involved and fairly compensated staff. 

Goal 3 - Expand community support and engagement by increasing the number of parents and community members participating in district decision making and playing a role in student achievement. 

Goal 4 - Maximize resources to support the district's mission and goals.  

Restaurants
Literally, there are hundreds of restaurant options in Lynnwood, but of course there are some classics and specialty restaurants that stand out. Buca Di Beppo offers family style Italian, while Patty’s Eggnest is a locally owned gem renowned for “the best breakfast in Seattle. Marco’s Restaurant offers a family owned and operated touch, as well as Sparta’s Pizza and Pasta. Some nationally known favorites you’ll find in Lynnwood are: Red Lobster, Olive Garden, PF Chang, Macaroni Grill, as well as IHOP.  

Museums
In 1991 the area of Alderwood Manor (Lynnwood, Washington) had grown and looked very different than it had some 70 years earlier after the Puget Mill Company had logged this land. Concerned about these changes and the thought that soon the once proud Community of Alderwood Manor would be gone, 32 current and former residents met and formed the Alderwood Manor Heritage Association. 

Bellevue

The City of Bellevue is a great place to live, with nearly 100 parks and vibrant neighborhoods. The government continues to make it easier and safer to get around the city, whether you're in a car, riding a bike or walking. Citizens help make the city a good home by participating in homeowners associations and choosing neighborhood improvement projects worthy of government funding. The Neighborhood Outreach team works closely with residents to connect them with programs, services and resources. 

Parks and Recreation
Bellevue, with Lake Washington to the west, and plenty of open green space, has beautiful parks to entertain every citizen, regardless of your relaxation needs. Whether you enjoy a leisurely walk or a long bike ride or a twisting slide, you will find them all in the vast Bellevue parks system. 

Shopping
Between the luxurious Bellevue Square Mall with every major and specialty retailer you could imagine and the newly opened Lincoln Square right across the street and connected by a sky bridge, you will find everything you’re looking for in the downtown shopping district. 

Hiking and Biking
In the heart of Bellevue, Bridle Trails State Park is like stepping into a vortex. As busy shoppers crowd into the nearby shopping mall, a small oasis of lush forest crisscrossed by miles of trails offers a peaceful getaway. 

In the heart of Bellevue, Bridle Trails State Park is like stepping into a vortex. As busy shoppers crowd into the nearby shopping mall, a small oasis of lush forest crisscrossed by miles of trails offers a peaceful getaway. 

Luther Burbank Park, the recommended starting point, has plenty of parking space. Riding this loop in a counterclockwise direction permits convenient stops at several vantage points along the way. At Slater Park, views are toward the I-90 floating bridges and the Mt. Baker district of Seattle. Harry and Loretta Slater, strong advocates of sensible bicycle trails and legislation, bought the property and built their home on it many years before bridges connected Mercer Island to Seattle. The couple passed away in 1985 and the property was willed to the City of Mercer Island, to be developed as a park. It is now a beautifully landscaped picnic area and viewpoint. Seattle's Seward Park appears directly across the lake from Mercer Island's Groveland Park. A steep hill leads down to this park, which is popular for swimming and picnicking. Clarke Beach Park, at the south end of the island, offers hard-surfaced paths down through the trees past grassy glades with picnic tables to an expansive beach and swimming area. Mt. Rainier, the Boeing Renton plant, and the city of Renton fill the horizon on the southern end of the lake. East Mercer Way curves in and out of the densely wooded gullies that form the east side of the island. 

The views again open up on the approach to I-90. Of the many buildings that once composed Seattle's former Luther Burbank school for boys, only the administration building remains. This fine brick building is the focal point of the park, overlooking the soccer fields and shoreline. The park contains many acres of land to explore; a well-maintained trail leads to the beach at the northern tip of the island. Canada geese and other migratory waterfowl find a haven along the uninhabited lake shore. An open-air amphitheater provides an attractive backdrop for thespians. A uniquely designed play area for the young set buzzes with activity, while players of all ages fill the nearby tennis courts. Extensive docking facilities provide access to the park for the boating fraternity. 

Schools
We have a great school system and every year we have new evidence that it continues to get better. Our "Great by any Measure" motto is derived from measurable results that show more students are mastering basic skills at the elementary level, and more students are taking challenging courses in middle and high school. Over the past seven years, Bellevue has worked hard to put into place an academically rigorous curriculum that connects from subject to subject and grade to grade across the district. 

Restaurants
There are literally over one thousand restaurants to choose from in Bellevue, so here are the top ten by customer ratings. 

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