I’m in the picturesque city of Issaquah, just minutes east of Bellevue, it’s surrounded by what’s known as the Issaquah Alps making it one of the most beautiful places to live in Washington State. This coming weekend, October seventh and eighth, the city celebrates one of its greatest treasures, the annual return of the Salmon, and the Issaquah Salmon Days where over three hundred artisans, fifty-plus food vendors, two stages of live entertainment, and two beer gardens will delight festival goers all initiated by a parade down front street. I’m standing at the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery which was built back in 1937; it’s the most visited hatchery in Washington state, raising both Chinook and Coho Salmon in Issaquah Creek until they are around five inches in length when they are then released into the ocean. They are out in the Pacific for over three years before following their nose back to Issaquah Creek which is about a forty-five-mile journey through freshwater passage. It’s a delightful and educational experience to learn more about the salmon here at the hatchery. Issaquah has so many more things to do and see, including the award-winning Village Street Theater with live performances, the shores of Lake Sammamish, Pickering Farm, the site of the Seasonal Farmer’s market, and you’ll also find Costco’s world headquarters here. This is a very desirable place to call home; currently, you can find the lowest price of $398,900 for a one-bedroom bath condo along West Lake Sammamish and the highest price of $7,825,000, a beautiful 11,412 square foot home on 10 acres on the south side of Squak Mountains with majestic views.

I’m here in Carillon Point in Kirkland, one of the most attractive and vibrant cities on the Eastside. Once the home of the Lake Washington Shipyard and the original home of the Seattle Seahawks, Carillon Point is now a world-class destination for restaurants, shopping and relaxing. Carillon Point marina is the go-to spot for renting a boat, kayak, jet ski or paddleboard for sunny days like today! Some of my favorite restaurants are all right here on the beautiful shores of Lake Washington such as Como Italian restaurant with cuisine from the Lombardia region - El Encanto, featuring delicious elevated Mexican cuisine with recipes passed down through generations – and of course my Favorite French Restaurant on the Eastside, Le Grand Bistro Americain. Come down and explore, stay the night or grab a bite. Kirkland is a great city to call home, I’ve sold many houses and condos here, call me Rick Franz with Windermere Real Estate for all of your real estate needs, just imagine where you could be.

The Bellevue Botanical Gardens are one of Bellevue’s best-hidden gems! What better way to celebrate the summer solstice than to come and enjoy this beautiful park spanning more than 50 acres, founded back in 1984 by Iris and Bob Jewett! The gardens are a community treasure, open daily from dawn to dusk. Come explore this Bellevue Beauty and you’ll be dazzled by the flora and fauna!

It’s my favorite time of the year, the sun is shining and all of our local farmer’s markets have opened for the season.  There is nothing better than farm fresh produce and all of us supporting our local growers.  The Sammamish Farmer’s Market is held every Wednesday, now from 4 PM to 8 PM through September 20th. Come out and enjoy the bounty of the land, Kirkland also celebrates their farmer’s market on Wednesdays, Bellevue’s market is Thursday afternoon, and Issaquah and Redmond puts on the show Saturday Mornings.

It's the perfect day to show off one of our oldest, largest and most popular parks in King County: Marymoor Park. It’s located on the north end of Lake Sammamish in Redmond and is comprised of 640 acres, 40 acres of that is my Dog, Palomas, favorite off-leash dog park, truly a doggy Disneyland. This time of the year a very special guest calls the dog park area home, it’s Seattle’s official bird, the great blue heron. With sunnier days ahead, come out and explore all that Marymoor Park has to offer, and of course, call me with all of your Real Estate needs. Imagine where you could be!