Bellevue, Washington is the perfect place to get yourself some retail therapy. This city is a nice break from the hustle and bustle of Seattle. It’s also ideally located to explore the Puget Sound region. Bellevue is known for its fun attractions, energetic downtown scene, family-friendly entertainment, natural outdoor spaces, and the public market. You may not think of shopping as the first thing you’d do there, but that’s why we made this guide!
Start Out Strong:
You’ll need a good, centrally-located hotel to set out from for all your Bellevue adventures. The Hyatt Regency Bellevue on Seattle’s East Side is located in the heart of downtown Bellevue. It provides you with all of the comforts of home in a modern oasis. Its spacious rooms allow you to stretch out in between shopping trips and events. Amenities include concierge, business services, meeting facilities, an on-site restaurant, and more. It’s the perfect home base to get the most out of your shopping trip to Bellevue.
Go on a Shopping Spree:
The first thing you should do when you arrive in Bellevue is to go on a shopping spree. Make a day or a whole weekend of it. Bellevue has some of the best shopping centers around. While most of the stores are located downtown, when you check out the city’s neighborhoods, you’ll see many choice eateries and local shops spread throughout. The Bellevue Collection is a shopping center that includes Bellevue Place, Bellevue Square Mall, and Lincoln Square.
The Bellevue Collection is truly a must-visit. It’s home to high-end stores such as Macy’s, Nordstrom, Pottery Barn, and Williams Sonoma. It’s not your typical shopping center. After a long day of shopping, you can meet up for inventive cocktails, get a bite to eat, and check out a movie.
Lincoln Square also has its share of art galleries and salons, if you’re in need of a new hairstyle. The Bravern is another shopping that’s located downtown and includes shops such as Brooks Brothers, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton, and Neiman Marcus.
Hike Through the State Park:
When you’re tired of shopping, you can take a restorative hike at many of the state parks in the area. Bellevue has plenty of activities and parks for outdoor enthusiasts. Situated between lakes is Lake Sammamish and Lake Washington. You can take a stroll along the water or take a hike through the forest.
Mercer Slough Nature Park is one of the largest parks in the area. It includes some of the largest wetlands you’ll ever see. This park has seven miles of blueberry farms, canoe launches, hiking trails, and picnic areas. It’s also the perfect area to have an impromptu camping trip or canoe trip where you can also purchase blueberries from a nearby farm.
See a Show at Meydenbauer Center:
The Meydenbauer Center hosts many art shows and educational programs from a wide variety of cultural organizations. This 410-seat theater has an active calendar that’s filled with ballet recitals, dance programs, classical music concerts, documentaries, films, musicals, and plays. You can watch a show at the Attic Theatre, Bellevue Chamber Chorus, Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra, or the Lyric Opera Northwest.
Check Out the Bellevue Arts Museum:
If you’re in the mood for art, then head over to the Bellevue Arts Museum. This downtown museum is known for its arts, crafts, and designs from a plethora of artists located in the Pacific Northwest and across the globe. You’ll see exhibits that are centered on ceramics, jewelry, sculptures, and textiles that change regularly throughout the year. You can also check out a talk, take a tour, or participate in a workshop or kids program. If you’re in the mood for some more shopping, check out the bookstore before you leave.
Shop at the Local Public Market:
Need to do some last-minute shopping? The Crossroads Bellevue is known as the city’s local public market. This center offers authentic and international cuisine in a casual atmosphere. Check out the boutiques and national restaurant chains that take place on these premises. Or, you can get your adrenaline pumping at Stone Gardens, the rock-climbing facility. Meanwhile, the Bellevue Farmer’s Market opens up shop on Tuesday afternoons through the months of June through September.