The City of Bellevue website states that as of 2010 there are approximately 120,000 people living there. Bellevue residents and visitors alike can enjoy the backdrop provided by the Cascade Mountains, and hotels and other accommodations provide mountain vistas. The Golf Club at Newcastle allows golfers to also catch a glimpse of the mountains while playing a few rounds. Not only do the Cascade Mountains make for impressive views, they are also a popular skiing location. Nearby skiing resorts include Crystal Mountain, Stevens Pass and The Summit at Snoqualmie.
The Bellevue Collection is the name used to refer to three shopping venues in the city; Bellevue Square, Bellevue Place and Lincoln Square. Going from one venue to another can be done with a short walk over the sky bridge that connects the three. Bellevue Square has 200 stores, restaurants and boutiques where visitors can window shop and browse through the latest fashions. Bellevue Place makes for a more sophisticated shopping and dining experience. There are many venues with extended hours, allowing visitors to stroll and people-watch late into the night.
Art and museum enthusiasts visiting Bellevue have several museums to choose from. The Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art is one of them. This museum displays dolls from different time periods and you can also learn about the art of doll-making. There are about 1,200 dolls on display in this award-winning museum, and doll collectors should not skip it. The museum also has a store that sells everything from Barbie dolls to antique dolls.
Bellevue has historic buildings that are worth a visit. One of these is the Winters House, the 1920s home of Frederick and Cecilia Winters. The duo were prominent citizens of Bellevue best known for their flower business. They built their Spanish eclectic house based on buildings they saw while on a trip to Cuba before they began construction on their own home. In 2010, the house accommodates the Bellevue Historical Society and is also a community meeting place.
Bridle Trails State Park is best known for its horse trails and equestrian shows. Joggers also frequent the 482-acre state park. The park is equipped with 30 picnic tables, four braziers, water, two stoves, and a restroom, and picnicking is on a first-come, first-served basis. Besides tourists, you may also find many locals in this park. Douglas firs, western hemlocks, red cedars, big-leaf maples, and alder trees make up the park's wooded area. This day park is open all year round.
