Downtown Kirkland

Downtown Kirkland is situated northwest of Redmond, and on the east shore of Lake Washington. A marina and outdoor boutique-promenade rolled into one, and speckled with countless restaurants, finding something for anyone in downtown Kirkland is right around the corner. With a plethora of waterfront parks and walking trails, this luscious lakeside neighborhood is one of the Eastside’s greatest.

It is said that shopping “is a delightful adventure” in Downtown Kirkland. In a matter of hours you can explore a selection of closely-knit, white-washed boutiques, bookstores, home, garden and kitchen décor shops, and salons. Kirkland is also unique in its dedication to art. Downtown you’ll find several fine art galleries, ones which you can admire every second Thursday of the month on art walks, and that feature some of the country’s top artists. Whimsical art sculptures also decorate downtown sidewalks, and compliment the waterfront parks.

Downtown Kirkland is full of energy and bustling with activity throughout the year. During the summer months there is a Famers Market in Marina Park on Lake Washington that showcases locally grown fruits, flowers and veggies, a customary wine merchant, and more. Kirkland Uncorked is a popular festival of art, style and taste that is put on by 98.1 KING FM and Seattle Home and Lifestyles Magazine. Attendees enjoy lifestyle exhibits and shopping, grilling demonstrations, and live music, all while sampling some of the region’s best wines. There is also an annual triathlon off of beautiful Carillon Point, and a fantastic Summer Concert Series that features a specific set of music each week, like the Beatles, salsa, blues or 50s and 60s rock n’ roll. Argosy Cruises also ports in the Kirkland marina and offers sightseeing trips around Lake Washington and Seattle.

The Kirkland Performance Center is also located downtown and features over 43 different performances each year. The theatre seats just over 400, so every performance, whether it be Snow White put on by Storybook Theater, Jim Brickman-America’s romantic piano sensation, or Antonio Vargas-one of the world’s best gypsy flamenco singers, all performances promise to be intimate and extraordinary. Laughs Comedy Club is a great place to go any time of the year if you’re looking for a more interactive evening with friends. Kirkland is also well-known for its nightlife, so after a show you can settle down with a glass of wine from Brix Wine Café, or you can keep the party going with a cocktail from any of the areas numerous alehouses, pubs and sports bars.

Downtown Kirkland is a premier dining destination of the greater Seattle area. If it’s fresh, delicious seafood you’re after, try Anthony’s for a sunset to remember, or Franco’s Crab Cracker can cater for any special event. If you’re looking to escape to a faraway land for a romantic evening, not only do some of the area’s chefs hail from distant countries, so does much of the cuisine. Step into Calabria Ristorante Italiano, Hanuman Thai Café, Saigon Jade, or Santorini Greek Grill. Beach Café off of Carillon Point offers fine dining and waterfront views; and for family fun, experience southwest cuisine at Cactus, famous pizza at Acropolis, or traditional American grill food at TGI Fridays.

For parks and recreation, downtown Kirkland has a variety to choose from, namely 4 that offer waterfront views of Lake Washington and Seattle: Houghton Bay, Peter Kirk, David E. Brink, and Marina Park. You’ll often run into members of the Kirkland Walkers, or Volkswalkers, gliding along the lengthy lakeside walking trails that weave throughout these parks. Everest Park is just under a mile from downtown, and every August it plays host to the Junior Softball World Series, featuring all-star teams from ever region of the U.S., the Asia-Pacific, Europe, Canada and more. As for other forms of recreation, downtown Kirkland is unique in its contribution to youth education and culture. The Kirkland Teen Union Building and Rock School both try to provide positive environments where kids can explore personal interests and flourish. The KTUB has programs where students can learn everything from breakdancing to barista-ing, and Rock School is a place for aspiring musicians to learn how to play, write and publish their music. As for general education, students in the area will attend Lake Washington High School.