Sleepless in Sammamish—The Ideal Vacation

When choosing an ideal vacation destination, the typical first option for many folks is far removed from a small suburb with mediocre weather, in favor of a big city with beautiful scenery and noteworthy landmarks. Not so mainstream is Sammamish Washington, a genuine retreat location and friendly community for tourists of all ages who are seeking to immerse themselves in pure fun and relaxation.  

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 Sammamish is a suburb located eighteen miles outside of Seattle, the coffee-capital of the world, and was recently ranked first in Forbes Magazine’s list of “America’s Friendliest Towns.” Forbes describes Sammamish as “surrounded by snow-capped mountains and overlooking a lake. This delightful suburb offers outdoor activities like skiing, water sports, hiking and biking. Community-organized events include a weekly farmers market,‘Concerts in the Park’ series, Shakespeare in the Park, Sammamish Days and Nights Jazz Music, and an annual art fair.” The coffee loving culture of nearby Seattle is contagious as Sammamish residents relish their coffee as well. Starbucks stores and other local coffee shops are abundant in virtually every shopping complex within the Sammamish community.  

Located only a few miles away from the breathtaking Puget Sound, Sammamish enjoys its aquatic life celebration.  Each year residents and visitors come together during the frequently rainy, but still eventful, October weekend for the Salmon Days Festival. This event commemorates the return of the salmon to the Pacific Northwest lakes and hatcheries. An endless amount of fresh local food, parades, and other community events including 5K runs and games, epitomize this event. Every year, when the first weeks of October approach, I can’t restrain my excitement in anticipation of enjoying this cultural extravaganza with friends. The Salmon Days Festival is a definite must for tourists both young and old.

For those who prefer to travel in the summer months, Sammamish features cloudless skies, an average temperature of 75^o and a slight breeze. Additionally, the array of summer music festivals in Sammamish captures the tastes of every tourist and resident. Bumbershoot, however, is crème de la crème and one of Sammamish’s gems. Every August, this renowned music festival hosts up-and-coming artists from near and far. No surprise that the Northwest attendees take great pride in performances by some of the State’s best artists.

The more active tourists enjoy Sammamish’s plentiful and picturesque hiking areas.

The sunrise trek to “Poo Poo Point” tops the list with its spectacular panorama of Puget Sound. Others prefer the Rattlesnake Mountain journey, and most often, delight in the optional soothing Rattlesnake Lake plunge.

Given Sammamish’s diverse ethnic population, its foods from around the world are no surprise. Some of my favorites include MOD Pizza, local palate at the Sammamish Café and Spice Route’s best Indian restaurant in the state of Washington.

With its unique relaxing lifestyle, cultural blend, array of exciting activities and amicable   community, Sammamish is an exceptional vacation spot. Despite the absence of illustrious landmarks and “perfect” weather, the Sammamish community is unmatched by any other. Those from outside this suburb who are lucky enough to participate in Sammamish’s fusion of culture and leisure are sure to assimilate into its comfortable family-like community.

Enjoy the special community of Sammamish!