Bellevue WA: "Boomburb"
Today, I am sharing a weekend guide to my favorite city in the Seattle area. Bellevue is a beautiful city located east of Seattle, with sweeping views of Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish for a backdrop.
It doesn't get any better! It's no wonder the city's name is derived from a term that means " beautiful view". This vibrant and growing city, is high tech central and the core of retail for the eastside. As you probably know already- Expedia, T-Mobile, and Eddie Bauer, and many more companies are based out of Bellevue.
Even though city continues to boom with business, it still has a small town feel. What I love about it most, is it has a California vibe. If you've been reading my blog for any amount of time- you know I am CA obsessed, ha! I love Bellevue so much, and I love to sneak away there when I can.
I'm sharing the bestspots for a fun weekend in Bellevue
Where to Shop
Bellevue Square is one of the largest shopping malls in the Seattle area. It has two floors loaded with amazing shops, a fashionista's paradise! The square is my favorite place to find exactly what I'm looking for. Whatever your taste is in style, there is something for everyone. In addition there is amazing shopping and eateries located in every direction of the mall.
- Lincoln Square
- Thrift Culture
Lincoln Square is the newest addition to the Bellevue Collection. The Collection also includes Bellevue Square, and Bellevue Place. This sprawling retail complex is connected by two beautiful sky bridges made from glass.
Thrift Culture is up on the 3rd floor of Bellevue Square. It is a boutique you shouldn't miss! I was so thrilled I was able to collaborate for their grand reopening, last summer. They have trendy styles for everyone in the family, and housewares too.
I love to shop here, because 100 percent of the proceeds are filtered back into the local community to help children in need. You can read more about this amazing cause here.
I love to shop here, because 100 percent of the proceeds are filtered back into the local community to help children in need. You can read more about this amazing cause here.
Where to Eat
Let's just say, Bellevue is cuisine central, the selection for yummy eats are many! I always have a hard time choosing, because there are so many amazing choices. Lincoln Square just opened last August, and new restaurants of every kind continue to open. Just this past week a food hall, called the "Market Place", opened for business. I have not made it there yet, I can' wait to check it out!
Also located in Lincoln square is the Lakehouse. If you are looking for a more sophisticated dining experience, this is the place! This restaurant has a farmhouse concept inspired by Bellevue's vibrant, and evolving scene.
The menu includes dishes made from the highest quality produce, meats, and seafood. Also , all the pasta selections are homemade. Check it out for the best of authentic craft cooking. I love the decor and ambiance of this eatery.
Where to Stay
The W Hotel is also part of Lincoln Square, and provides boutique style accommodations in the heart of downtown Bellevue. I have attended several fashion and networking events at the W, since it opened. Although I have never checked in, I feel like I have- after exploring it from top to bottom!
Relax and unwind here in luxurious comfort. In this hotel experience glamour, and a throwback to the rustic lake house of yesteryear. Other features offered:
- Pet friendly accomodations
- A gym
- A library
- 9 state of the art meeting rooms for events
- Whatever & Whenever Service
- Two cocktail lounges
The W's amazing concierge is always there "whenever, and for "whatever" you need. ( As long as its legal- they say!)
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I love Bellevue! I lived near Seattle for a few years and loved shopping and eating in the Bellevue area. I’ll definitelh save this for next time I’m in the area and need a city reference!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it great..?! I love it...my fav place to escape life..ha ha! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteBellevue is great, but I haven't spent much time there in the last few years. I'm glad I read this so I have a few more ideas for our next trip through!
ReplyDeleteGlad it was helpful, it is growing like crazy and love all the new additions lately!
DeleteI'm going to Seattle next month, so I'm so glad I saw this! Some great tips - I can't wait to go!
ReplyDeleteHI Katherine,
DeleteI am so glad it will be helpful for you, enjoy!
Washington is on my travel list. Thank you for sharing your experience in Bellevue! SO helpful for trip-planning!
ReplyDeleteHappy Travels! xoxo
Thank You Tami, you will have so much to see here!
DeleteWe still have so much of the US to explore and Seattle is still on the list. Great tips for when we visit.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for stopping by I hope you have a great visit !!!
DeleteI visited Seattle last summer, but since I was only there for a day(ish), we didn't have much time to venture out of the downtown area. I'll have to stop by Bellevue next time I'm in the PNW! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYes I hope you can visit again and check out the amazing city of Bellevue!
DeleteI lived in Seattle in the early '00's and it's crazy how much Bellevue has grown. I always thought of it as just another suburb with chain restaurants, but now there's a "W" hotel?! Will have to check it out next time I'm out there!
ReplyDeleteYes it has grown tremendously, especially the past year..I hope you can go again!
DeleteOh, Seattle! One of my favorite cities in the US. Lovely recap of Bellevue! Must visit soon!
ReplyDeleteYes its a great city with so many places to explore, if only the sun was here year around..ha, then it would be another CA!
DeleteOMG, I love your embroidered flower shoes! These are such a wonderful splash of colour.
ReplyDeleteI never considered travelling to Bellevue, so these tips made me rethink. It seems that shopping is all conveniently located in one area.
Thanks so much, they are my favs for sure! I hope you can visit there soon!
DeleteOmg I love Bellevue! Though I haven't been back in over 10 years and it looks like a lot has changed! I would need to go back and refer to your list to get an updated version of Bellevue!
ReplyDeleteIt has changed tremendously in the last few yrs, I hope you get back there!
DeleteWashington is one of the few states I haven't visited yet! Bellevue looks like a great place to start. The W Hotel looks amazing too. I love unique places like that that don't look just like every other cookie cutter chain hotel.
ReplyDeleteYes for sure, the W is very unique, I cant get enough of it...ha ha. I hope you visit soon, so much more here to see!
DeleteNow I understand why my friend loves the city very much. Bellevue Square is her home. ;-)
ReplyDeletewow lucky her, she lives in the heart of it all, I would so love to!
DeleteI've never been to the Seattle area or Bellevue but it looks like an interesting spot and definitely one I would never have heard of so thanks for sharing! I will have to make a stop if I ever reach the area :) I especially love the look of the W hotel, so cool!
ReplyDeleteThank you.I hope you visit the area sometime, so many amazing spots to check out!
DeleteI have yet to visit Seattle or Bellevue. Hope to make it to the region this year. Looks like a great area to explore and check out. Thanks for showcasing the place!!
ReplyDeleteYou got that right..its fabulous and beautiful, but save it for summer, lol the weather sucks this time of year!
DeleteLovely recap of Bellevue! We love hopping down from Canada for a quick shopping weekend away. Mostly to get a Target fix! ;) Have not stayed at the W in Bellevue before, will definitely consider that for the next trip. Especially if we can bring the fur babies!
ReplyDeleteHello, so glad you stopped by! I was raised in Vancouver and born in Alberta, I miss My home so bad! Hope you check out the W..its awesome! I am headed up that way soon!
DeleteI've heard so many good things about Bellevue and this pretty much puts it in perspective. Looks like a foodie's paradise plus lots of things to do there. I'll consider whenever I am in the Seattle area.
ReplyDeleteIt is a great place and yes does certainly live up to its reputation, hope you can swing on by sometime!
ReplyDeleteThose wall murals are so beautiful. I've always wanted to go to Washington! One of the only states I've never been to. But now that I'm in Korea it seems very hard to go... Love the advice. I'll try to check out everything if I ever visit!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sarah..well you are in a wonderful place to explore, i wish I was in Korea right now!! Enjoy and hope you make it here sometime!
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