Kirkland, Washington looks like money. Only a twenty minute drive from Seattle, Lake Washington sparkles to the west and new construction vaults into the sky on virtually every corner. Despite the fairly recent flush of good fortune, Kirkland retains a small-town friendliness that stands in stark contrast to the famous Seattle freeze.
At the center of town is a verdant park and baseball field which also serve as a reminder that in , a team of boys from Kirkland banded together to win the Little League World Series. Combine this with a thriving arts scene, outdoor activities, fantastic restaurants and wineries and you have the perfect destination for a quick getaway from Seattle , not to mention Portland, Oregon or further afield.
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The Emerald City may have Lake Union of Sleepless in Seattle fame, but Lake Washington is the second-largest lake in the state and Kirkland has five public beaches on its shores. Waverly Park is probably the best in the area for swimming or windsurfing, while Dale Cooper Houghton Beach Park is most popular for its volleyball courts.
Northwest Paddle Surfers rents kayaks and paddle boards during the warmer months, while Woodmark Waterfront Adventures in Carillon Point has boats, waverunners and still more kayaks to rent. For people who prefer to stay on dry land, Peter Kirk Park has tennis, basketball, and skateboarding courts. You can also head to the five-mile Cross Kirkland Corridor and nearby mile Sammamish River Trail , which are popular with joggers, walkers, and cyclists alike.
Kirkland is home to an amazing array of restaurants, including the famous, James Beard-winning Cafe Juanita. Its high-end menu consists of delicious Northern Italian-style dishes with ingredients sourced from both Italy and the Pacific Northwest. Reservations are recommended. They are a particularly good choice for breakfast, serving up speciality beverages like turmeric tonics and beetroot lattes. Isarn Thai Soul Kitchen is another fabulous option with delicious food, reasonable prices and one of the best happy hours in town.
