A Brief History of Bellevue

The name “Bellevue” is derived from the French words meaning “beautiful view.” Under favorable weather conditions, scenic vistas of the Olympic Mountains and Cascade Mountains can be viewed from hilltops (and strategically positioned high-rise buildings) within the incorporated city. Bellevue was first settled in by European Americans, and permanent residents arrived in 1879. By 1882 a community, consisting mostly of Japanese immigrant logging homesteaders, had established itself. Once the area had been logged, the land in Bellevue was used for small-scale farming. That changed, however, with the opening of the Murrow Memorial Bridge in the 1940s, which made Seattle more accessible from Bellevue, and the town was transformed into a bedroom community. Bellevue Square was also opened in 1946, and today has become one of the largest shopping centers in the area. By the 1970 census, Bellevue had become the fourth most populated city in Washington, after Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane.  

Bellevue Today

Called a “city in a park,” Bellevue has a small-town feel and a business booming downtown all in one. The fifth largest city in Washington, Bellevue has an estimated population 145,300 and provides about 150,000 jobs. Bellevue is routinely ranked one of the best mid-sized cities in the country, and its no wonder why. With over 100 parks and a very low crime rate, Bellevue is one of the most ideal places to live in Washington. Residents enjoy the multitude of shopping, dining and cultural attractions as well as plenty of recreational activities including kayaking, hiking, golf courses, and more. Here’s a list of some of our favorite things to do in Bellevue:

  • Bellevue Botanical Garden

The Bellevue Botanical Garden features cultivated display gardens, natural wetlands and a woodland trail. It attracts over 300,000 visitors a year and has been one of the most popular spots in Bellevue since it opened in 1992. The Bellevue Botanical Garden is backed by a lot of community support, including an agreement between the city and the Bellevue Botanical Garden Society.

  • Kelsey Creek Farm

Open 365 days a year, the Kelsey Creek Farm contains 150 acres of forest, meadows and wetlands in the heart of Bellevue. Kelsey Creek Community Park features hiking and jogging trails, picnic areas, a playground, wetlands, open grassy areas, creeks and forests. The farm hosts many recreational activities year-round for its visitors, including opportunities for children to learn about farm animals like cows, sheep, and chickens, cooking classes for adults, and summer private horseback riding lessons for all ages. 

  • Newcastle Beach Park

Newcastle Beach Park, the largest beach park in Bellevue, creates opportunities for features swimming, sunbathing, and a nature trail. The park includes picnic areas residents can reserve, a children’s play area, a 300-foot dock, and more. 

  • Bellevue Youth Theater

The Bellevue Youth Theatre is dedicated to providing theater arts opportunities for all young people, regardless of income or ability. People with disabilities, senior citizens, and families are encouraged to participate. Residents can also participate through set design, costuming, lighting design, or stage crew. The Bellevue Youth Theatre holds a play every season.

  • Bellevue Golf Course

The Bellevue Golf Course is a place anyone can go, whether they are novices or professionals at golf. This course plays tougher than its yardage; golfers must manage tree-lined fairways and firm, fast greens to post low scores.

Your Trusted Local German Auto Maintenance and Repair Shop

Most Bellevue residents rely on their cars to get them where they need to go. When their BMW, Mini or Audi needs repairs or scheduled maintenance, they come to Eastside Bavarian in Issaquah. Our technicians have over 125 combined years of German automobile experience and receive ongoing specialized training for each of the German makes we service. Here are a few reasons why you should choose Eastside Bavarian as your German Car Service Specialist:

  • We will act with integrity and operate with transparency.
  • We will always provide honest and straightforward repair estimates to our customers.
  • We will continuously train our technicians for the vehicles in which we specialize.
  • We will always act responsibly and be good stewards of our environment.

If you are a Bellevue resident, feel free to come to Eastside Bavarian in Issaquah! You can schedule an appointment with us online or call us at 425-391-1990.

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Our technicians use the latest technology to not only tell you if there are any problems with your vehicle, but show you. If we uncover an issue, we'll email a photo of it to you for your review. At the end of every visit you'll receive a detailed report regarding the general health of your vehicle. Our #1 goal is to keep you safe on the road.