Cascade - Renton, WA Area Guide

Officially incorporated on April 29, 1892, Issaquah was a mining community, and the town grew in relation to the huge lumber industry in the area, which remained strong until the Great Depression. Large technology companies eventually located to the area with Boeing and Microsoft employing a large percentage of the community.

The Issaquah Valley Trolley operates from May through September, and for a $5 admission fee, visitors can ride the vintage electric trolley and also gain admission to the Gilman Town Hall Museum and the historic Depot Museum. Gilman Town Hall features a permanent exhibit of artifacts and photographs depicting the history of Issaquah, and the Issaquah Depot Museum showcases the early economic development of the town.

The first Friday evening of every month from June through September, Issaquah hosts ArtWalk. This festival lets locals enjoy all types of art, including visual, performance and musical art for free.

The Cascade/Issaquah neighborhood gives residents a wide variety of dining options as well as places to hang out with friends for a drink after work.

Custom pizza and salads describe MOD's menu. With three pizza sizes to choose from, diners create their own specialty pizza using six different sauces, five cheese choices, 10 protein selections and a huge variety of veggie toppings for just over $7. The restaurant also has specialty pizzas available, such as the Dillon James, which has the MOD red sauce, Asiago and mozzarella cheeses, sliced tomatoes, basil and garlic. Diners can order online or in the store, making this restaurant a convenient option for residents.

For spicy Thai food lovers, Similan Thai Cuisine serves it up. From one to five-stars of spice level, diners can choose their desired level of heat. Locals highly recommend the garlic delight stir-fried choice of meat (chicken, pork, shrimp, scallop, beef or tofu) on a bed of shredded carrot with fresh garlic, broccoli, onion, mushroom and carrot in oyster sauce with fried garlic.

Serving a wide variety of combinations, Las Margaritas has tasty, authentic Mexican cuisine. Start off your meal with clams a la diable, sauteed clams in butter with fresh garlic, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, wine and a spicy diablo sauce. The entree selections include several different seafood, chicken, beef and pork choices, which can make it difficult to choose just one, but locals enjoy the arroz con pollo, the restaurant's signature dish that's comprised of chicken breast, fresh mushrooms, onions and green peppers all smothered in a mild sauce.

The Rolling Log Tavern epitomizes what a good dive bar should have - cheap beer, pool tables, and shuffleboard. This bar has a laid-back atmosphere, making it a great place just to hang out and drink with friends.

Local wine connoisseurs appreciate having Capri Cellars so close to home. This wine-tasting bar serves different flights of wine and also wine by the glass, so visitors can sample something different and find new favorites. Try the four-course wine and cheese pairing: four cheeses paired with four amazing wines that come with a charcuterie plate, marcona almonds and gourmet chocolate truffles.

For live music, locals head to Bake's Place to hear anything from jazz or '70s rock to big-band swing. It's a great place for a first date or anniversary because the food and wine menus offer first-class dining options while you listen to live music during your meal.

Free public parking for visitors is available in front of the Issaquah Train Depot where you can park and easily walk to the historic downtown area. Visitors can also find plenty of free parking spaces in the downtown district itself. Issaquah is located 15 miles east of downtown Seattle, and the I-90 East freeway makes commuting to outlying areas easy for residents.

Protected bike lanes can be found all throughout the Seattle area, and one lane runs from Issaquah to Preston along that regional trail. Several taxi companies, limo services and Uber provide quick and reliable transportation options for residents not wishing to drive to destinations or use public transportation. The King County bus service has several routes in and around Issaquah, making this a convenient option for residents wanting to commute to work in downtown districts.

The Issaquah-Preston Trail allows residents and visitors to hike or bike the 4.8-mile trail as it winds through beautiful wooded areas. Residents can also ride horseback along the trail, which crosses the Issaquah Creek where fishing is allowed.

Issaquah Highland Bark Park has enclosed fenced-in areas for residents with both large and small pets. The park has two water features and great views of Rainier.

During July and August each summer, the Issaquah Parks and Recreation Department hosts Concerts on the Green — a free concert series for residents and visitors. You can bring a picnic with you, or enjoy concessions sponsored by the Issaquah Kiwanis Club.

The cost of living for residents in Issaquah runs 27.6 percent higher than the rest of Washington and 42.6 percent higher than the national average. A gallon of gas costs 9.2 percent more than the national average, and the average monthly rent costs $1,400. A one-way bus ride from Issaquah to downtown Seattle costs $3.50, while grabbing a beer in a local pub averages $4.

Plenty of shopping venues can be found on Front Street in Issaquah. Doubletake Vintage and Consignment has plenty of gently used items, including clothing for era-themed parties such as the Roaring '20s or a throwback '80s bash. Everything you need to put together that perfect look can be found here, including jewelry, handbags, and wigs.

Gossypium Quilt Shop houses all the latest fabrics for the avid quilter. The shop offers quilting classes for beginners and seasoned quilters as well as block-of-the-month clubs and custom longarm quilting services.

On Saturdays from May through October, Issaquah residents can shop at the local farmers market. The market is located across from Costco at Pickering Barn, and vendors sell homemade crafts, farm-fresh fruits and vegetables and tasty home-baked treats.

Champion Grocery stocks bulk flours, dried fruits, and spices as well as a large selection of gluten-free and organic products. The locals love the customer service and the prices, which usually beat the chain grocery stores for most items.