	Bellevue, French for “beautiful view”, offers plenty of beautiful landscape. Located just three miles east of Seattle, it lies between Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish. Bellevue is also ten miles from the Cascade Mountain foothills. To get to downtown Bellevue take I-405 Exit 13A and go west 0.6 mi. History In 1869, William Meydenbauer and Aaron Mercer settled in Bellevue. Other settlers followed and by 1890 Bellevue was an established logging and berry farming community. The Lake Washington Ship Canal opened in 1917 giving access to Puget Sound and bringing more business to the area including the American Pacific Whaling Fleet. Bellevue really began to boom in the 1940’s after the floating bridge was constructed across Lake Washington. Soon Bellevue Square was built in the downtown area, and business continued to take over the farming community. The city was incorporated in 1953. It wasn’t long until the central business district filled with skyscrapers and corporate offices. Today Bellevue is a center for new technology and high-tech industries.

Attractions Bellevue Square This upscale shopping center is known as the premier shopping mall of the Northwest. Bellevue Square has over 200 stores and restaurants. Located at NE 8^th St. and Bellevue Way NE. For more information visit their website: http://www.bellevuesquare.com/index.php
	The Bellevue Botanical Gardens Beautifully maintained, 36-acres full of display gardens, woodlands, meadows and wetlands. Special features include a Japanese Garden honoring the Yao, Bellevue sister city in Japan, an Alpine Rock Garden and a Waterwise Garden. 12001 Main St in Wilburton Hill Park (425)452-2750 http://www.bellevuebotanical.org/index.html
Museums Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art This one of a kind museum features over 1,200 dolls and other childhood memorabilia like teddy bears, toys, dollhouses, and miniatures. They teach the history and artistry of dolls. 1116 108th Ave. N.E. Bellevue, WA 98004 Phone: (425) 455-1116 http://www.dollart.com/ Bellevue Art Museum The Bellevue Art Museum is now located across the street from Bellevue Square in it’s own building designed by famous architect Steve Holl. The changing exhibits usually feature regional artists. The Museum also offers performances, workshops and classes. Its mission is to be the Northwest’s center for the fine art of craft and design 510 Bellevue Way (425)519-0770 http://www.bellevueart.org/

Bellevue Chamber of Commerce 10500 NE 8th St. #212 Bellevue, WA 98004 425-454-2464 Visit their web site. Bellevue Chamber visitor information

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