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Inspo

Story Ideas

An accessible, vibrant city located on the shores of Lake Washington, Bellevue is commonly known for its thriving business community and world-class shopping. However, it might just surprise you to find a delightful combination of both urban and outdoor adventures to suit a range of travelers.  Below are some general story ideas as well as seasonal activities that reflect the varied events and activities throughout the year. Please let us know if we can help you with your story ideas.

BELLEVUE, WASHINGTON BECOMES NEWEST HOST CITY FOR ROCK ‘N’ ROLL RUNNING SERIES

The St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Washington is scheduled to take place on September 3 - 4, 2022, with distances including half marathon, 5K and KiDS ROCK event. Registration and more information for the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Washington will open Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021 featuring lowest prices of the year by visiting, www.runrocknroll.com/washington.

July 4th Weekend Celebrations

Bellevue is a perfect destination for an Independence Day Weekend. Starting with our Epic 2021 Fireworks display, enjoy unmatched weekend shopping and entertainment packages, enjoy some live MLB action, enjoy outdoor water recreation on Lake Washington at REI’s Boathouses or perhaps a hike, or Zipline adventure? Most importantly, plan a picnic at our City in a Park. More Information and Ideas

 

Puget Sound Craft Beer Passport

The Puget Sound is full of delicious craft beverages and craft beverage artisans. We want to share these local flavors. Sign up for the FREE Puget Sound Beer Passport and begin your journey to the best breweries in the region. Designed to celebrate our world-class craft brewing scene in Puget Sound.  Beer lovers will have the opportunity to download the free mobile passport and enjoy it throughout 2021.  Passport participants can use state-of-the-art interactive mobile passport technology with easy access on smart devices to automatically check-in via GPS and receive exclusive deals and ongoing incentives at 40+ Puget Sound breweries and cideries.  The Puget Sound Beer Passport is delivered instantly via text message and email, with no app to download, offering a one-touch resource for information, locations, updates, and discounts. Come seek out new flavors! More Information and Links

 

Bucket List Experiences

There is nothing better than checking off an epic experience that you have dreamed about for years. Bellevue Washington’s incredible location in the center of the Pacific Northwest & Puget Sound provides visitors access to enjoying possible bucket list adventures that are a world away from your normal routine. These ultimate experiences and suggestions are what we have found to be some of the best of the best in our region, and we hope these ideas inspire you. Come and jump in (and to start checking them off your list!). More Information & See the List

 

Bellevue Collection Summer Packages

Visitors to Bellevue receive a $100 Bellevue Collection Gift Card each night they stay at one of three Bellevue Collection on-site hotels including Hyatt Regency Bellevue, W Bellevue, & Westin Bellevue. Plus they receive a bonus summertime gift!‌ Visitors can plan a getaway with exceptional shopping, restaurants and luxurious hotels all connected – The Bellevue Collection. It’s the Pacific Northwest’s premier collection of stores, restaurants and nightlife, all in one place. Shop the region’s best collection of 200 local-to-global shops and explore lively Entertainment and Dining District with over 50 restaurants and cafés. Then relax in comfort at one of our luxurious hotels. Explore the great outdoors just a short walk away to parks with beach activities and stunning city views, plus a short hop to all area attractions and activities. For information and online booking: https://bellevuecollection.com/special-weekender-packages-and-hotels/

 

Getaway for the Guys or Gals

Who says it's just the girls that need to get away? Bellevue provides incredible options for weekend warriors and ladies of leisure alike. Those looking to lounge in the lap of luxury may enjoy a visit to Yuan Spa and an exploration of Bellevue's world-class shopping. Options range from the high-end designers and brands of The Bravern and Bellevue Collection to the small, independently owned boutiques and home décor shops of Old Bellevue. Or kick off a weekend with a Friday afternoon round of golf at Newcastle Golf Course, and take in the breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Washington, Mt. Rainier, the Olympic and the Cascade Mountains, and the city of Seattle. Round out the weekend with a steak dinner at Daniel's Broiler or John Howie Steak followed by live music at Bake's Place or a comedy show at The Parlor.

Just Get Out

Explore the natural environment of Bellevue's parks and natural areas.From the Mercer Slough Nature Park to Coal Creek Natural Areas, Bellevue is home to 2,500 acres of parks and open space, and nearly 100 miles of trails. Suggested stops include a visit to the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center, a canoe or kayak trip on the Mercer Slough, a walk through the Bellevue Botanical Garden, and explorations along the Lake Hills Greenbelt, Weowna Park, and Coal Creek Natural Area.

 

Heritage and History

Learn about the history of Bellevue, from its farming and logging days to the network of coal mines which operated in the area.Start at Meydenbauer Beach Park, looking at the views enjoyed by the whaling fleet which called Meydenbauer Bay home.Continue the exploration with visits to Downtown Park, stopping at the World War I memorial marker and the foundation of the former school which was located on the park site.Tour Coal Creek Natural Area with guides from the Eastside Heritage Center, and make stops at Kelsey Creek Farm (home to a Washington State Heritage Barn), the Larsen Lake and Mercer Slough Blueberry Farms, and the Lake Hills produce stand.

Fun for Families

Find free and low-cost family activities in your backyard! Visit the Crossroads Water Spray Playground to take the heat off of those warm summer days. Continue with a visit to Kelsey Creek Farm, visiting with its resident farm animals. Finally, visit one of the many playgrounds in Bellevue for some outdoor fun, or if it's raining-stop by a community center during one of the low-cost drop-in parent/child playtimes. Low-cost family options include KidsQuest Children's Museum, the Discovery Challenge Course at Eastgate Park, and rock climbing at Stone Gardens.

For the Cultured Class

Given its proximity to the city of Seattle, Bellevue's arts and entertainment offerings are often overlooked. With a nightlife all its own, a world-class museum and some of the city's top-rated restaurants, Bellevue is sure to provide the cultured class with something to write home about. A new ArtMap was recently introduced by the City of Bellevue to provide a walking tour of the city's more than 120 works of public art. The Bellevue Art Museum provides rotating exhibits of contemporary art while venues like Bake's Place and The Parlor provide live music and comedy shows, respectively.

Seasonal Story Sheets

Throughout the year Bellevue offers seasonal attractions and activities that we think might inspire story ideas, like Snowflake Lane presented by the Bellevue Collection and Garden D'light at Bellevue's Botanical Garden.