Redmond (Washington)
Redmond is famous for being home to Microsoft Corporation and it has a large presence over the area. It is also home to Nintendo of America along with numerous other companies. It is the self-proclaimed biking capital of the country.
Get in
Get around
Pick up a bike. The city has numerous trails and the only velodrome in the state of Washington (at Marymoor Park). Just be careful as some trails end on extremely busy roads. King County has great information on biking paths and trails.
See
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phone: +1 425 703-6214address: 15010 NE 36th StThe majority of the campus is comprised of office buildings closed to the public, but there is a Visitor's Center. Unfortunately, it's not much more than a few small marketing displays, rather than a decent history or behind-the-scenes museum. There's also a large Microsoft Store, which to its credit does have a lot of exclusive merchandise you can't buy elsewhere. To give you an idea of how underwhelming the Visitor Center is, the most popular attraction appears to be taking photos with the large Microsoft sign in front of the building. If this would be your only reason to journey to Redmond, skip it and go to the Living Computer: Museum + Labs in SoDo instead.
Do
Marymoor ParkThere are a number of things to do in its vast 640 acres (259 ha). It lies along Lake Sammamish and the Sammamish River. There are sports fields, tennis courts, a climbing wall, a radio-controlled airplane field, a dog park, and the Velodrome, which is a bicycle racing track that connects with the Sammamish River Trail. Parking is $1/day per vehicle.
Redmond Town CenterShopping galore in the heart of Redmond. The predominately outdoor mall is a host to a variety of stores ranging from "Mom and Pop" to large franchise (Macy's and Eddie Bauer to name a couple). Stop by Borders for a cup of coffee and a book, then head to the other side of the Town Center to catch a latest release at the AMC movie theater (Note the AMC is now out of business and has been replaced by the more expensive Gold Class Cinemas).
Sixty Acre ParkHas soccer fields and Radio Controlled airplane field, for primarily electric powered aircraft and gliders.
Buy
Redmond Town CenterAn outdoor mall between downtown Redmond and Marymoor Park, with around 50 of the usual mall boutiques.
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phone: +1-425-556-0636address: 7730 Leary WayStarting in May, every Saturday the farmer's market operates from 9AM-3PM. You'll find a wide variety of products that are grown or crafted within the state.
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phone: +1-425-882-4722address: 15946 Redmond Way, Ste 103If you're looking for local chocolates to sample then this shop is well worth a visit.
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phone: +1-425-636-5601address: 7330 164th Ave NE, Ste E200Now occupies the space where Gold Class Cinemas was located. IPIC theaters still have the same concept of a nice inclusive theater, complete with a bar, food and plush chairs to view your movie. Tickets sold online.
Eat
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phone: +1 425 641-4442address: 2115 Bel-Red RdSouthern and Northern Indian food. One of the few restaurants in Washington that serves dosas. $8.95 lunch buffet daily ends at 2:30PM.
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phone: +1 425 869-9182address: 16651 Redmond WayGreat food. Daily lunch buffet $7.95.
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phone: +1 425 702-1694address: 15802 NE 83rd StThis is authentic Mexican Food. Fantastic salsas made right there. Great for kids as well. Get there early for lunch. $7.95 open 7 days a week.
Drink
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phone: +1 425 883-2855A trendy tex-mex style bar. Get there early on Friday and Saturday night as seating past 7PM is difficult.
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address: 6175 Cleveland St #109Local draft beer in rotation, friendly staff and good quality food. Outside seating for warmer days.
Sleep
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phone: +1 425 498-4000address: 7401 164th Ave NE
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Residence Inn Seattle East/Redmond
phone: +1 425 497-9226address: 7575 164th Ave NE
Go next
- Seattle is right across Lake Washington, about a 10-15-min drive (barring rush hour traffic). I-90 and State Route 520 (SR-520) both have bridges that cross Lake Washington and connect the East Side (Redmond, Bellevue, etc.) to Seattle. Rush hour traffic can increase travel time between the East Side and Seattle to approximately 30-40 min - go at off-peak hours!