When the pandemic hit, it felt like endless waiting: waiting for it be over, and most importantly, waiting for life to return to normal.
Here in Historic Downtown Issaquah, the new normal is better than ever!
New ways, better days
Now that life is picking back up again and everything is opening, the world seems full of possibilities. Last year, when the pandemic hit, the Downtown Issaquah Association adapted to the rapidly changing times to support our community. Everyone wanted to hang on to as much “normal” as they could, which meant finding new ways to have fun.
From those efforts, new necessity-driven ways of doing things have turned in to better ways to enjoy the vibrant, historic downtown center that is Issaquah.
Dining out with a difference
The hugely successful Streatery last year was a stopgap measure for expanding restaurant operations safely during COVID restrictions. This year, it has transformed into a summer-long Al Fresco on Front Fridays through Sundays.
This year, Al Fresco is alive with music, art, fun family activities, contests and more. For four weeks at the end of August and into September, Front Street again will turn into a Pedestrian Playground for an outdoor dining experience that is pedestrian, bicyclist and family friendly in a fresh air environment.
Front Street will again open for pedestrians, and local restaurants will serve up delectable delights in a family-friendly, fresh-air environment.
Pedestrian Playground runs Aug. 21 to 22, 28 to 29, and Sept. 4 to 5 and 11 to 12.
‘If music be the food of love, play on’
After a great meal, what could be better than great tunes?
Returning for an encore, Gas Station Blues returns center stage at the Historic Shell Station. The seasonal favorite brings visitors back to tap their toes to this great American traditional music. Featuring a lineup of local musicians weekly on Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m., from July 8-August 26. Come and be part of the hippest scene around.
Also returning to great applause is Open Mic Night. The first Wednesday of every month, starting July 7, this Issaquah fixture promotes local musicians and offers a chance for folks to gather and play from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Undiscovered art: support local artists or become one
Art in Issaquah is flourishing. The Historically Hip Artisan’s Market is returning better than ever. Visitors can browse the many stalls featuring the work of local artists and artisans and it runs every Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m.
If you have a creative soul, the Art Walk and Music Stroll is for you. On the first Saturday of June to September, take in the local music scene, performance art, window art, artists demonstrating their technique, and even roll up your sleeves and try your hand at creating something amazing.
Artist featured: Antoaneta Georgieva
Videographer: Chris Chavez
Come for day or stay for longer: make your vacation your own
Historic Downtown Issaquah is a destination with a difference. From here, superb walking and biking trails are easily accessible by foot or bike, and many inviting footpaths wend their way through the city. You can hike, bike, kayak, or just take a pleasant stroll before facing the difficult choice of where to eat. Spoilt for choice, there are so many wonderful eateries to try, you might just have to stay a bit longer. Visiting for the day, or for longer, make your vacation your own.
For more information, check out the website!
Art in “historically hip” downtown Issaquah hits a home run-artwork by Lisa Rasmussen
Hard at work, local artist Antoaneta Georgieva. Photo credit: Chris Chavez
