The warm summer months have finally arrived in the beautiful Seattle-Bellevue area, Washington State’s famous East Side. Although health and safety remain a priority, don’t let COVID keep you from making the most of it. We’ve found the best ways you can have a great time this summer, particularly if you’re lucky enough to live or spend time in the Bellevue-Seattle region. Read on to find out how.
Visit Bellevue Botanical Garden.
Immerse yourself in the splendor of nature when you visit Bellevue’s 53-acre Bellevue Botanical Garden. Its expansive grounds allow you to walk safely while you take in the gorgeous summer days. Or if you want to be sure to avoid the crowds, take advantage of Bellevue Botanical Garden’s online webinars offered in July. You’ll find exciting summer classes, from painting flowers to making “Botanically Inspired Zentangle Art.”
Have a picnic at one of Seattle’s parks.
Groups of five or less can enjoy picnics under a shelter or around a barbeque pit in one of Seattle’s beautiful parks. Gardens, paths, hiking areas, and fishing are also open to groups under five that practice social distancing. The schedule and available amenities for Seattle Parks and Recreation are subject to change, so make sure to check for changes before you go.
Plan a weekend getaway.
Explore the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington. Snug Harbor resort on Mitchell Bay, located on the west side of San Juan Island, provides access to the finest shops, restaurants, fishing, crabbing, and other waterfront activities. You’ll want to take several weekends to explore Orca and the other islands as well. Additional getaway options not far from the Seattle-Bellevue area include:
- Walla Walla: The historical town of Walla Walla has received accolades in recent years for its historical preservation and is known for its Native American cultures. You’ll find quaint hotels and romantic bed-and-breakfasts, as well as ample opportunity to explore Walla Walla’s finest wineries and vineyards.
- Suncadia: Washington State’s premier Suncadia Resort lies in the Cascade mountains in Kittitas County, just 80 miles east of Seattle. Try out the area’s horseback riding, biking, golfing, water slides, and fitness centers while you’re there.
- Lake Chelan: Lake Chelan has lodging that ranges from quaint romantic getaways to upscale accommodations, as well as shopping, cafes, and abundant lakeside water activities. You’ll also want to try Lake Chelan’s world-famous apples grown on its shores and explore Chelan’s exquisite wineries.
Enjoy local activities.
Support your local businesses by ordering curbside at one of the East Side’s fine restaurants, or look for outdoor drive-in movies sponsored by your local cinema. Visit one of Bellevue’s farmers markets or take a walk through the beautiful, 21-acre Bellevue Downtown Park or another one of Bellevue’s 10 best parks. If you really want to connect with nature, use Bellevue as your base camp to go hiking in one of the many trails on the Great Cascade Mountains. Don’t forget the golfing opportunities: Bellevue has four golf courses and two municipal courses — plus, you’ll find 42 golf courses within 22 miles of the city. In addition, each year, the East Side is home to a multitude of craft shows, art fairs, festivals, and other events. Some activities on the East Side that are still scheduled at this time are:
- The Boeing Seafair Air Show in Genesee Park and Playfield, Seattle
- The Seattle Art Fair in Century Link Field, Seattle
- Renegade Craft Fair, Magnuson Park Hanger 30, Seattle
- Bellevue Arts Museum Arts Fair (known as the BAM Arts Fair), Bellevue
Final words
Even though traveling abroad isn’t an option right now, you can choose to make the very best of your summer. Take a look around your home and community, and find ways to invest in your local businesses. If you’re in the Bellevue-Seattle area, have a wonderful time exploring the safe, splendid options that the East Side has to offer. And above all, enjoy your summer!