With so many amazing places to visit across the globe, Bellevue Lifestyle turned to some local proprietors for guidance. They recommended destinations both far and near, places you can make a day trip of, or those where you’ll want to plan a two-week trip.
One is reminded of the famous poem On The World, by 17th century scribe Francis Quarles:
The world’s an inn; and I her guest.
I eat; I drink; I take my rest.
My hostess, nature, does deny me
Nothing, wherewith she can supply me;
Where, having stayed a while, I pay
Her lavish bills, and go my way.
So read these travel recommendations, and enjoy the appealing photos. While it can’t be denied that the Bellevue area is full of charming restaurants and shops, lovely natural features, and the polite, kind people that characterize the Pacific Northwest, going away makes it all the more wonderful to come back again.
Severo and Gloria Barajas
Owners of Tapatio Mexican Restaurant - Factoria
"One of our favorite travel experiences has been taking some amazing cruises around the Pacific and Caribbean. It’s a great way to relax, eat, drink and explore new ports! Our all time favorite destination remains our native Mexico with all its beautiful beaches. We love enjoying the waves of the ocean while eating fresh marisco (seafood) under a palapa!"
Find restaurant information and menus at tapatiomexicanbellevue.com
Kyle and Melissa Lipe
Owner of Pacific One Construction
Both Kyle and I have lived in the Seattle/Bellevue area our whole lives and love it. However, it does leave you craving sunshine a few times a year. We found ourselves traveling to Kauai repeatedly and eventually bought a little cottage so we could share our love for the island with others and enjoy a spot on the sunny west side of the island when we visit. There is something special about Kauai that brings us back over and over. It’s relaxed, casual and always so welcoming. We love sharing our house, the Nene Nest, with visitors and hearing how much they love the island as well.
More information at theNeneNestKauai.com
Holly Zhang
Owner/Designer of Holly Zhang Pearl Gallery
If you are visiting Seattle or Bellevue, a short day trip ferry ride is fun. You can have a full view of Seattle while riding the ferry and you might be lucky enough to see whales and seals. There are a few nice harbor restaurants within walking distance of the ferry terminal on Bainbridge Island. Snoqualmie Pass is a good place for skiing if you are visiting this area during the winter season. It is also beautiful in the summertime with many good hiking opportunities there or even closer on I-90.
Shop the Pearl Gallery at www.HollyZhang.com