We all know that the holidays can be a time where the delicious calories just keep appearing in the form of festive cookies, gingerbread houses and eggnog. Need a way to get your holiday shopping done while staying active? Look no further than Bellevue! With a walkability score of <enter walkability score of the city., it’s easy to get your holiday shopping done while stepping through the snow! Don’t’ forget your pedometer!
Enjoy free parking at The Bellevue Collection
Park your car and head into the Bellevue Collection to start your holiday shopping. If you need some fuel, enjoy a fresh juice or healthy snack at Evolution Fresh, Cactus or Moksha Indian Cuisine on Bellevue Way. 575 Bellevue Square
For the arts lover – The Bellevue Arts Museum Store (800 steps)
Check out the hidden gem for great and one-of-a-kind gift ideas for the arts lover at BAMs museum store. With architecturally designed mugs from Zak Helenske or an Ikat bandana from Michael Cepress’ independent clothing label, based in Seattle, you are sure to find a one-of-a-kind gift for that person that seems to always have the coolest stuff! 510 Bellevue Way NE
For the manicure addict – Julep Nail Parlor (1379 steps)
Pop into this boutique nail parlor for a Julep Manicure and Pedicure to prep for your holiday party that is right around the corner. With every manicure and pedicure, you get to take home a complimentary bottle of Julep Nail Vernis (polish) that you can gift as a stocking stuffer! In a rush? Pick up a gift card – it’s sure to make the perfect gift for that person that needs some pampering. 221 Bellevue Way
For the cycling fanatic – Gregg’s Cycles (1550 steps)
Anything the two-wheel commuter needs, wants or wishes for, Gregg’s has it. Voted Seattle’s best bike shop, this store has a great selection of road and commuting bikes, apparel, gear and accessories. They even offer bike fitting and service packages that make for excellent, personalized gift options. 105 Bellevue Way
Old Bellevue (1800 steps)
Once a small town surrounded by strawberry fields, Old Bellevue has maintained some of its rural ambiance. Find modern boutiques like La Ree Boutique (1960 steps), children’s stores like Wee Tots (2000 steps), gourmet, artisan chocolate shops like Fran’s and Vavako (2100 steps) and signature gifts and entertaining staples to design the perfect tablescape for your holiday table at Hedge & Vine (2110 steps).
Warm up with a bowl of Matzo Bowl Soup at Gilbert’s On Main (2200 steps)
Gilbert’s takes their Matzo Bowl Soup very seriously –
26 quarts of water and 6 chickens, along with enough parsnips, garlic, onions, carrots and celery to “topple a plough horse.” Add a six hour simmer time and lighter than air Matzo Balls and the result is a steaming and heavenly Matzo Ball soup experience. 10024 Main Street, Bellevue
(3180 steps)
Take a left on 102nd Ave NE
Take a right on NE 1st Street
Take a left on 110th Ave NW
Book a room at the new Seattle Marriott Bellevue (4870 steps)
Make it a staycation at Bellevue’s newest lodging option, featuring modern guest rooms with a minimalist, residential-inspired style. Each room includes high-speed Internet, 55-inch LED flat-screen televisions, upgraded bedding, and a spacious walk-in shower. If it’s approaching happy hour, head to M Club Lounge for a cocktail or a glass of Washington state wine. 200 110th Avenue NE
Luxury Shopping at The Shops at the Bravern (5420 steps)
Look no further for high-end goods than the Shops at the Bravern. Featuring international brands such as Gucci, Hermes, Moncler, Jimmy Choo, Omega, Salvatore Ferragamo and Tory Burch, the Bravern has it all. Check out the gifting suite at Neimen Marcus on the 2nd floor for high-end stocking stuffers and gifts that your special someone will never forget.
If you’re in need of a mid-day or evening nosh, stop into John Howie Steak for a juicy burger or Wild Ginger for dim sum. 11111 NE 8th Street
(7500 steps)
Head east on NE 8th Street
Turn left on Bellevue Way
Celebrate at Celebration Lane and Snowflake Lane! (8500 steps)
Before you head into The Bellevue Collection to finish up your holiday shopping at stores like Diane von Furstenburg and jcoco chocolate’s holiday pop-up with free melted chocolate pours every Friday from 5-7pm, enjoy Snowflake and Celebration Lane for nightly performances that begin at 7pm.
10,000 steps!
Pack up your sleigh (err, your car), and be jolly that your holiday shopping is complete. You’ve hit the daily-recommended requirement of steps, and explored Bellevue on foot. Happy Holidays!
From top to bottom: Images courtesy of (Snow in Downtown Park) Sharon Linton, Merrill Images, Bellevue Arts Museum, (Old Bellevue Clock) Sharon Linton, (Holiday Decor Downtown) Kaitlyn Brajcich, The Shops at The Bravern, John Howie Steak, (Snowflake Lane) Bill Brooks
The post Stepping Through the Snow – 10,000 Steps of Holiday Shopping in Bellevue appeared first on Bellevue Washington News.