Bellevue

With Lake Washington to the west and Lake Sammamish to the east, Bellevue is a thriving metropolis just a floating bridge away from downtown Seattle. In fact, the bridges connecting Seattle and Bellevue — the Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge and Governor Albert D. Rosellini Bridge — are the two longest floating ones in the world.

Spend an evening downtown and experience world class fine arts performances at the Meydenbauer Convention Center, which features the Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra, the Cascadian Chorale and the Bellevue Opera. Or wander around town and discover the more than 50 sculptures placed throughout the community.

For a glimpse of the area’s culture, the Bellevue Arts Museum displays contemporary art with regional and national significance.  The unique Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art boasts one of the largest doll collections in the world.  Or take the kids to the KidsQuest Children’s Museum where young and old alike can learn about art, science and technology in a fun, hands-on environment.

The bustle of downtown Bellevue is complemented by the serenity of the city’s nearly 100 parks, which offer an array of amenities — from indoor swimming pools and lakefront beaches to golf courses, skate plazas and tennis courts.  And of course, the area’s bountiful nature trails make Washington’s natural beauty accessible from just about anywhere.

For shopping and dining, check out the variety of major shopping centers and malls.