Eastside

On the far side of Lake Washington is East King County, the center of which is Bellevue, a fast-growing city with its own downtown, top-name hotels and restaurants, and a music and performance center. North of Bellevue, Woodinville is best known for the Chateau Ste. Michelle and Columbia wineries and the Redhook Brewery, any of which make fun day trips. Buses run to Bellevue, but it's easier to get here—and to the wineries—by car. Note that during rush hour, traffic across the Highway 520 bridge is a nightmare.