What a fun attraction in Issaquah - and a great way to learn more about the area. My friend told…read moreme about the miscellaneous trolls that are around the western Washington area, created by artist, Thomas Dambo from Denmark. So, I had to see it for myself. I took my dog on a walk around Issaquah - and we made it a point to check out Jakob Two Trees while in the area. To get here, online sources referenced the Rainier Multiple Use Trail in the old town of Issaquah. If you map to Rainier Trail, it does not take you to the entrance to the trail. However, this trail is near the Issaquah Community Center, which is where I mapped and was easily able to find the entrance to the trail. Along the Rainier Multiple Use Trail in a short distance is Jakob Two Trees. There's a sign that explains more of the artwork and artist, using only up-cycled materials to create these trolls. It was cool to see and you're able to walk all around the giant troll and get pictures up close. Although I am not Scandinavian, I do love how treasured trolls are to the Nordic countries, so now I want to find more of the trolls around the Pacific Northwest.

We visited Jakob Two Trees 2 years ago, it was our first troll my wife wanted to seek out. I didn't…read morerealize how cool they would be till I saw Jakob! Now we have found 5, and this year have more on our bucket list to visit this summer! Totally hooked and hoping to see so many more!

The Bellevue gardens is a pretty quiet and secluded little spot to relax and take in some nature…read more It's not a huge place, but it's big enough that you can spend an hour or two there, casually strolling about. No trouble with parking, and it is free to enter, so you really should stop by if you are nearby. It's worth it.

BOTANICAL GARDEN @ BELLEVUE…read more Parking is available right out front, which makes this place super accessible. There are also designated handicap parking spots. My friend and I visited on a Friday around 2 PM, and there were a few spots open, so getting in was really easy. I loved how simple everything was to navigate, there's even a map available when you enter. Entry and parking are both completely free, which is a huge plus. We walked along the trail and I'd recommend spending about 2-3 hours here if you want to take your time and fully enjoy it. We had to speed-run our visit because we had another errand afterward, but it was still incredibly beautiful. I highly recommend stopping by the bridge, it was very therapeutic and relaxing to walk across. There are plenty of benches and seating areas along the way, perfect for taking breaks or just soaking in nature. The quality of the space is amazing, with a wide variety of rocks, trees, and scenery that make the whole experience feel peaceful. There are also bathrooms located at the front, and you're never too far from other people, which made it feel comfortable and safe. Overall, I definitely recommend stopping by this place.

We celebrated my son's 6th birthday at Monster Mini Golf and it was absolutely AMAZING!…read more From the moment we walked in, the staff was so friendly, patient, and incredibly helpful. They made everything smooth and stress-free for us parents -- which is such a gift on a birthday party day! The kids were beyond excited about the glow-in-the-dark monsters, neon lights, and the fun spooky-but-not-scary vibe. Watching their faces light up as they played mini golf under the glowing colors was priceless. They didn't want to leave! It was the perfect mix of fun, energy, and organization. If you're planning a birthday party for your little one, I truly recommend this place. Thank you for helping us create such special memories for our son's big day!

It's an okay place. Took a five-year-old and a nine-year-old, and they had fun. It is pricey,…read morethough. Still, a fun family place.

I don't want to say that I was staying in a weird neighborhood while I was in Seattle, but being…read morejust over a mile away from the Bettie Page House left me no other option one early morning than to head out by wheelchair to check it out. Smack dab in the middle of Seattle's worst heatwave ever, I can still easily say it was worth the effort for a glimpse of this private residence that features an 18' Bettie Page and even more recently has added the one and only Divine. The house is located in the Ravenna district adjacent to the University District (where I was staying). Commissioned by the owner in 2006, the artwork has been vandalized once (it came back better than ever) and has been threatened by the city at one point with $100 daily fines. because of the "graffiti" on the home. Of course, no fine ever happened and Bettie Page is still alongside the home's exterior wall. Interestingly enough, the home is right across the street from a Mormon Temple. Bettie is adorned with her usual black panties and thigh-highs, a gutter conveniently crosses her chest area. The house is a little tricky to get to, though the mural is easily visible from I-5 near the 65th Street exit. As this is a private home, there is no "admission." Essentially, this is public art visible from a sidewalk or street. If you're in the Seattle area, it's definitely worth checking out and most likely a "must see" for true Bettie Page (or Divine) fans.

Add this to your list Roadside America…read more We've been to the usual Space Needle, Pike's Place Market but, if you're up for something new and unusual --- this is it. Welcome to the Bettie Page and Drag Queen Divine house! After driving around the area that Google Maps told us it was without finding it; we realized it might be across the damn freeway. So, might want to consider that if you haven't found it lol

I personally will always have a special place in my heart for this library…read more This library is huge and easily accessible by bus and has plenty of free parking. The staff is always helpful and friendly when I have questions or need help. It's also always warm inside the library which is nice for those looking for a warm place to sit and read or charge a phone. I love the upstairs area where there are more computers and printers and plenty of comfy seating! I always find myself returning to this library or going out of my way to stop by here so I definitely do recommend!

I really like Bellevue Library and I'm not gonna lie, the free parking is a HUGE DRAW in a city…read morelike Bellevue. Don't take advantage of it, ya'll, I mean don't take advantage of it in a bad way - we need this to stay; and the parking lot is gigantic. I had no idea the last time I came. This time I delved down below and yikes! It was almost a little scary lol. Gigantic tunnel of parking - and crazily busy all of the sudden as Sunday got later - maybe students crash studying for Monday. Okay enough about the parking. Love the art, both the public and the student art pasted inside. Meeting spaces, event space. The library itself is down the rather cavernous hallway - the library itself feels pretty gigantic; enjoyed browsing the suggested new titles on offer. The used book store appendage outside the main doors was open this time around during my visit. I wish they took more than just cash or check. Could not partake : ( I saw tons of appealing books and also they had puzzles and puzzle books. A great place to spend a couple of hours in Bellevue.

I mean, what can be said about this strange abandoned art installation that hasn't been said…read morealready. It's not a great area, there's currently a homeless encampment right behind it. It has a chain link fence surrounding it giving it a 'We haven't torn this down yet' vibe. Being from the Bay Area and having seen pieces created at The Crucible I personally would call it exceptionally lazy art - if you're generous with the word 'art'. It's a sign, with some pointed cylinders around it. In my opinion the painted pieces at Gas Works are more interesting. I personally think it's only a matter of time before they tear it out and make it into another park so all in all, it's an easy skip.

At one point, I'm sure The Wall of Death was a very cool public art installation in Seattle. It's a…read morepermanently sited installation located along the Burke-Gilman Trail under the University Bridge along NE 40th Street. It was designed and built by Mowry Baden and his son Colin in 1993. While the exhibit sounds ominous, it's neither a memorial or some gothic art piece. Instead, it's a tribute to the structure used to perform "the wall of death," a motorcycle and miniature automobile stunt. While it looks like it was initially quite amazing, The Wall of Death has largely fallen victim to time and graffiti and it's really that graffiti that negatively impacts the appeal of the exhibit. The exhibit includes the cylinder itself on the south side of the Burke-Gilman Trail, as well as a concrete ramp to the north of the trail, which includes a "series of stylized metal chairs mounted to the existing concrete bridge columns and serves as the stands from which the stunts were viewed. The exhibit was originally intended as interactive with skateboarders intended to use it. However, after several skateboarding accidents including one involving a head-on collision between a skateboarder and a cyclist the exhibit was adapted, by Baden himself, to include 25 concrete parking stops. At this point, the exhibit is somewhat fenced in and much more difficult to access. However, it remains one of the more intriguing public art exhibits in Seattle and is still free to see. It's listed in Atlas Obscura. The exhibit was also reportedly damaged on 11/15/20 when a homeless camp tent caught fire. The exhibit is made of concrete, steel, and aluminum and measures 16' x 65' x 30'. It's easy to access the exhibit from the Burke Gilman Trail in the University District. It's near University of Washington housing and only a few blocks from Lake Union. The trail itself is wheelchair friendly and accessible quite easily.

Only in Fremont can you see dinosaurs in your very own city... They well groomed Ivey beast lurk…read moreneed the banks of the water by the Fremont Bridge. Relax folks you can approach the beasts they won't be harmful to your health. But you can most definitely snap your selfies with the mother and baby dinosaur. But don't climb on them, unless you must and then ride these beasts like your in a Texas rodeo.

Fremont has a bunch of photo ops: a big Troll, a tall Rocket, a strange Center of the Universe…read moresign, a Lenin statue (I LOVED Double Fantasy), and this: a 66-foot-long, ivy-covered mother dinosaur and child. Go around 5:15am to see the feeding. OK, it's automatic sprinklers, but still.

KIRKLAND DOWNTOWN @ KIRKLAND…read more I absolutely love coming to downtown Kirkland. It's where I grew up, and it's a place that feels really special to me. Parking is available in their main lot and does require payment, but there's also plenty of free street parking if you look around a bit. Downtown Kirkland has had a lot of construction lately, but it's finally wrapping up, and now there are so many new coffee shops, restaurants, and cute spots to stop by. There are bakeries, ice cream shops like Serena Gelato and Ben & Jerry's, and honestly just amazing food everywhere. They also host farmers markets that are super fun to walk through. I love the lakes and beaches here, too. Everything is literally walking distance, so once you find a good parking spot, you can walk the whole downtown area in about two hours. There are always people out, the community is great, and overall it's just such a wonderful place to visit, especially if you're in the area.

Downtown Kirkland reminds me of my hometown in Laguna Beach, CA because of all the great speciality…read morestores, art galleries and restaraunts. Although there are way more gyms here. Before moving to WA I debated on living in Kirkland. I don't live here, but I have been here twice with friends and it is always a good time! Parking is plentiful and there are so many places to have a good time. From breweres, wineries, art, music, clothing, sweets, and nice wide sidewalks to walk on it is a fun place to meander and just follow the good times. On this recent visit I was here for an ugly sweater wine walk which started at the Heath Hotel. Just follow the balloons and we had a great time walking around the downtown area. Don't forget the plentiful Realtors and custom jewerly with gorgeous shiny rings a girl can dream about, lol. Lastly, the sidewalk next to the water is a great place to see views of downtown Seattle across the water. And I love being near water. Currently they have the downtown also decorated with holiday lights. I love Christmas lights! Happy Yelping to everyone and go enjoy this beautiful, fun downtown.