Established in 1888 by Peter Kirk with a vision of being the "Pittsburgh of the West", Kirkland today is a charming town on the east side of Lake Washington across from Seattle. It is the home of Northwest University, one of two summer training camps for the Seattle Seahawks, the other being Eastern Washington University in Cheney.
Like many American suburbs, by far the most convenient approach is by car. From the east or west, take Interstate 90 to Interstate 405, and turn north. From the north or south, take I-5 to I-405.
There are four interchanges on I-405 in the Kirkland city limits, but to get downtown take the 85th St. exit and turn west.
The downtown area is small and very walkable. It is also host to a transit center for King County Metro bus service, which can provide reliable access to Seattle and most other neighboring cities. Trips can be planned via the transit website at [3]. Still, a car is necessary for convenient travel, especially after normal working hours, as bus service outside of downtown Seattle is not always frequent.
Explore Marina Park. Located in the pedestrian friendly downtown area, it hosts many small art galleries, coffee shops and restaurants.
Check out the many art galleries in down town Kirkland near the waterfront.
Yarrow Bay Marina, 5207 Lake Washington Blvd. N.E., ☎ 425-822-6066, [4]. Hourly powerboat rentals. Hours vary.edit
Juanita Bay Park, 2201 Market Street, [5]. Wetland park on the shore of Lake Washington; features some short and relaxing wetlands boardwalk trails and picnic areas. edit
Santorini Greek Grill: Excellent gyros and other greek food. Bring cash. no credit cards accepted.
Bin On The Lake, 220 Kirkland Avenue, Kirkland, WA 98033, ☎ 4258039000, [6]. 4-10PM. Serving local and seasonal new American fare, menus feature small and large plates so you can nibble and nosh as you choose. $20. edit
Beach Cafe, 1170 Carillon Point Kirkland, WA 98033, ☎ 4258890303, [7]. 7AM - 10PM. TSeasonal patio and water views from every table. $12. edit
Sarducci's, 955 6th St South, [8]. Hometown favorite sub shop; autographs on wall attest to it's frequent patronage by Seahawks players when training camp was nearbyedit
Spud's Fish and Chips, 9702 N.E. Juanita Drive, ☎ (425) 823-0607, [9]. Local tradition in the Jaunita neighborhood, right across the street from a pleasant lake beach park. Very greasy but delicious. edit
Kahilia Coffee: Brand new, great independent coffee shop in downtown Kirkland. Serves Kona coffee! Best coffee on the Eastside.
Kitanda Brazilian Espresso. 12700 124th St NE, (Between Les Schwab and Toyota of Kirkland). Skip Starbucks, and enjoy some of the best priced lattes in the area. They don't charge extra for soy and extra shots. Kitanda also sells groceries, Brazilian chocolates, hair products, etc. Their specialty is the Brazilian Mocha. Credit cards accepted.
Caffe Rococo, 136 Park Ln, [10]. 6:30 AM - 9:00 PM (Last call at 8:30). The flagship coffee shop for Rococo Coffee Roasters, who provide coffee beans to numerous local businesses and coffee bars in the area. Friendly, relaxed, atmosphere, internet is always free, and you can stay for as long as you like.edit
The Grape Choice, 9 Lakeshore Plaza, [11]. This favorite local wine shop has monthly selections at their tasting bar, and any wine can be bought by the bottle for drinking in the store or on the patio. Every Wednesday, they host a different, usually local, winery for a $5 flight of their top wines.edit