Madison Neighborhood

One of the lovely and easier to find Seattle neighborhoods is that of Madison. A long, diagonal  street NE of Downtown along Lake Washington. Click here for map.

Jeremy and I used to come here on Sunday afternoons between our church's morning and evening services. There are great little coffee shops all along Madison, but we usually shared a latte at the Essential Baking Company. I always like to admire their award winning pastries. There are some fun little shops to browse, our favorites being City People's Garden Store, Pharmaca and a beautiful home decor store with linens and dishes, I think it's Our Distinctive Home Shop. There are several eating choices ranging from casual cafes to sit down restaurants.

The neighborhood Starbucks is one of the few Black Label stores around

and home to CEO Howard Shultz.  

The newly renovated neighborhood park.

Some unique play equipment with a space-age, modern feel.

I love the homey feel of this little corner of Seattle with towering trees 

lining the streets, old homes to admire, nurtured gardens, 

a relaxing drive along the BLVD and don't forget the Arboretum.

Lake Washington Blvd - Seattle

Probably every Seattlelite has driven, walked or biked Lake Washington Blvd. Seattle: this post is not for you. However, for the Out-of-Towners, if you want a scenic drive close to the city, I would recommend this 8 mile stretch, beginning near the I-90 corridor at the Arboretum and ending at the beloved Seward Park. This is for one of those low-key rainy or sunny Saturdays.  Be sure to stop at the Garage Sales, treasures await! If you need some coffee or lunch, the Madison and Leschi neighborhoods have got your back. Seward Park is a recreational gym for kayakers, hikers, bikers, bird watchers...and anyone seeking fresh air.

The Blvd is packed mid-July during Seafair, Seattle's biggest festival: Hydroplane Races, the Blue Angels, Pirates, a Marathon, Triathlon, Parade and Beauty Pageant are all packed into one crazy weekend. Be prepared for some serious traffic. The rest of the year, is pretty laid back and peaceful, with a number of little parks to stop and share a picnic lunch, sip a latte or meditate on a pier.

Hope you will get a chance to visit!