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COME VISIT DOWNTOWN KIRKLAND! Kirkland's downtown is beautifully situated on the eastern shores of Lake Washington. Very few communities can boast having BOTH waterfront access AND a vibrant and pedestrian-friendly downtown. The downtown Kirkland experience includes lakefront dining with romantic sunset views, lakeside walking paths with scenic glimpses of the Seattle skyline and Olympic Mountains, and a diverse array of upscale art galleries, boutique shops and salons. Strolling the streets past eclectic storefronts is a favorite past-time activity and outdoor cafes provide plenty of people-watching opportunities. Marina Park is situated on the waterfront providing public access to a sandy beach, marina, and tour dock. 'Music in the Park' concert series are held during July and August; the Holiday Christmas Ship Tour and Parade originate here during the month of December. Kirkland is located 10 miles east of Seattle and easily accessible by car, bus, or boat. Complimentary covered parking of four hours is available at the library. Metered and some free street parking are conveniently located near storefronts. Directions:
For the overnight visitor, the Woodmark Hotel at Carillon Point is located a short walk away from downtown. The new Heathman Hotel located in the heart of downtown Kirkland is expected to be open for business in May of 2007. This luxurious hotel will be featuring 91 guest rooms and a 5,000 sq. foot extraordinary spa. Additional nearby accommodations in Kirkland can be found at www.explorekirkland.com. Kirkland is a community dedicated to the arts. Located in the heart of downtown Kirkland is a performing arts center, more than a dozen public art exhibits, and upscale galleries. Performing Arts The Kirkland Performance Center is a 400-seat theatre offering a variety of music, dance, theatre and family programs. Nearby on 6th Street are a children's theatre Studio East and the International School of Classical Ballet. Art in Public Places There are more than a dozen public art sculptures placed throughout the downtown area for all to enjoy. Locations of these sculptures can be found on the Business Directory and Map. Time permitting, plan on a self guided walking tour to check out an additional 45 art pieces located within a mile radius from downtown. Galleries Downtown Kirkland boasts more than 18 galleries offering the best in original art including glass, painting, sculpture, mixed media, bronze, wood, fiber, ceramics and collectable prints. Gallery owners host monthly art walks and artist receptions the second Thursday of every month. Nightlife Yes, Virginia --there is a nightlife in downtown Kirkland. Enjoy 'Wednesday Night Live' entertainment the first Wednesday of each month beginning in May at various downtown bars, pubs, and taverns. The Wilde Rover Irish Pub invites you to have fun, meet people, dance, and listen to some great music performed by professional entertainers several nights a week. Kirkland has its own independently owned movie theatre located in the Parkplace Mall. The Kirkland Parkplace Cinemas recently renovated its 15,000 square foot theater and shows first run films on six screens. Downtown Marina Park encircling Moss Bay features sandy beaches for children to wade in Lake Washington. This park includes a pavilion and grassy amphitheater where entertainment is provided during July and August on Tuesday and Thursday nights and Wednesday morning. (See Events Calendar for more information.) Marina Park is also home to the downtown Public Marina, the only public marina on Lake Washington where pleasure craft can moor overnight. The M.V. Kirkland, a historic Lake Washington ferry, also departs for tours of Lake Washington every two hours during the summer. This park hosts the Christmas Ships and features a bonfire and community caroling in December. Peter Kirk Park is located in the heart of downtown, two blocks from the waterfront. Kirkland is a baseball town and hosts teams of all ages in the region. Baseball games are held daily and you can join in at any hour for free. This park also hosts free public tennis courts, a public basketball court, skateboard park, the only eastside outdoor public swimming pool, the library, Performance Center, and senior center. Walkers, joggers, and cyclists enjoy the scenic surroundings of downtown Kirkland. Heading south on Lake Washington Blvd, you will encounter waterfront parks, public art sculptures, mansions, and multimillion-dollar condominiums. At 1.2 miles, you will arrive at Carillon Point, which is rich in Kirkland history and home to a four-star hotel and several great restaurants. Heading north on Market Street, you will pass by historic homes of Kirkland and public art statues and arrive at Juanita Bay Park. a unique 144-acre urban wildlife preserve complete with historic markers. Other 'must-see' parks include Houghton Beach, Yarrow Bay Wetlands, and Juanita Bay Park - all within a few miles of downtown Kirkland. Houghton Beach features sandy beaches, play equipment, volleyball, public sculpture and a lifeguard-protected swimming area. It is also the home of Cascade Canoe and Kayak rentals. At the south end of the city is Yarrow Bay Wetlands, a 66-acre urban wildlife preserve. It is accessible only by canoe or kayak, and is a great place for viewing sunsets, mansions on Lake Washington, and wildlife. Juanita Bay Park is a unique 144-acre urban wildlife preserve complete with historic markers. The Audubon Society recognizes this park as one of the region's best Urban Wildlife Preserves. More than a mile of trails affords visitors with views of eagles, turtles and beavers. A park ranger conducts wildlife tours the first Sunday of each month. Water Activities Argosy Cruises offers a chance to cruise Lake Washington and experience the breathtaking scenery of the Northwest. View multi-million dollar mansions while cruising, including Bill Gates' home. Cross Lake Washington and cruise past the Husky Stadium. Departures are from Kirkland's Marina Park. Free parking is available in the municipal garage two blocks east of the dock. The Island Sailing Club offers beginning and intermediate sailing instruction designed for maximum time on the water For additional visitor information on the city of Kirkland, please check out the following websites: | ||||
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