North Issaquah Issaquah, WA

Originally a small mining town called Gilman, the city was incorporated in April 1892. Later it shifted to the lumber business, which faded out during the Great Depression. Dominated by dairy farming, the Pickering Barn, the only barn that survived, was the home of William Pickering. In 1972, Martin and Ruth Mohl started saving old farming and mining buildings. These buildings were renovated and became Gilman Village, an eclectic shopping center.

Visit the Issaquah Depot Museum, located at the city's former train depot, and view exhibits on the industrial revolution, travel and communication. Explore interactive exhibits such as the telegraph and ride the Issaquah Valley Trolley.

The Salmon Days Festival held in October features 400 craft and food booths, the Grande Parade, Foods of the World and the Field of Fun area for kids. The Art Walks event runs from May through September and features Northwest art and live music.

Savor cuisines from around the world at Gilman Village. You'll find everything from Indian to Italian and more. Although it can't compare to the food scene in Seattle, North Issaquah's restaurants have a good following.

Flat Iron Grill dishes up some meaty steaks and garlic basil fries. Try the bacon-wrapped feta cheese figs and the goat cheese polenta with chimichurri sauce. Open for breakfast and brunch, this restaurant in Gilman Village has a wide selection of whiskeys.

Savor sushis, teriyakis, katsu and sashimi at Aji Sushi and Grill on Park Drive. Walk in and be greeted with a warm towel and miso. Instead of ordering traditional rolls try the Aji special rolls. If you like Korean fare, bibimbap or specially made kimchi are must-haves.

Locals head to the Vino Bella Wine and Espresso Bar to sip wine and listen to live music. A couch by the fireplace and a great selection of wine makes this a cozy place to hang out and relax.

With a juke box, pool tables, shuffle boards and a variety of beers on tap, the Rolling Log Tavern has a lot going on. Free popcorn from an old-style popcorn popper and karaoke are other offerings at this dive bar.

Residents enjoy walking and biking to shops, restaurants and grocery stores. The ever expanding bike routes and trails make this city very bike-friendly.

The Sound Transit Issaquah Transit Center and Metro Issaquah Highlands Transit Center provide bus services to downtown Seattle, Bellevue and the University District. A free bus operated by King County Metro runs through most of the shopping areas in the city.

Avail the free on-street parking on Front Street, Rainier Boulevard and parking lots in the King County Library and historic Train Depot. Both Issaquah Transit Center and Metro Issaquah Highlands Transit Center provide park-and-ride facilities.

Interstate 90 bisects Issaquah and connects it to Renton. Commuters often deal with traffic congestion as most of the roads are filled to capacity. The city encourages electric cars and has charging stations at the city hall.

Taxi services include Eastside for Hire, Seattle Town Car and AAA Airport Services. Uber is available in Seattle.

Called Trailhead City for a reason, North Issaquah has acres of outdoor spaces to explore. Choose from athletic fields, trails, playgrounds and parks with breathtaking views of the mountains.

With tennis and basketball courts, picnic tables, a trail and a playground, Black Nugget Park attracts kids and families.

Central Park contains baseball, softball, football, lacrosse and soccer fields. Enjoy a game here with the kids or take a walk down the trail.

Take your pooch to Bark Park, a 2-acre off-leash dog park with a fence. Let your dog run wild while you sit on rocks.

Squak Mountain, an intermediate trail located close to Issaquah, attracts runners, hikers and people looking for a quick workout after work.

Enjoy music at Concerts on the Green at the Issaquah Community Center in the summer. For unique holiday gifts try the artEAST Art Center, open daily during the holiday season. They also teach hands-on art classes every weekend.

The cost of living in North Issaquah is higher than the cost of living in Seattle, with average rent for a one-bedroom residence at about $1,550. Gas prices are 8 percent higher than the national average and a mug of beer costs $2.25. A trip from Issaquah Transit Center to Seattle city center costs $4.25.

Located in Issaquah, one of the best-known shopping destinations, Gilman Village, has over 40 shops and restaurants in a park-like setting. North Bend Premium outlets, just east of Issaquah, has name-brand stores. Step into E & A Boutique for some designer threads. The store stocks Baggu, Dogeared Jewels & Gifts, Kai, Kut, Level 99, and Studio Pennylane.

Indulge in some delectable homemade chocolate at Boehms Homemade Swiss Candies on Gilman Boulevard. You can find everything from caramel to peanut brittle and sugar-free candies, and even European specialties, such as marzipan and cordial cherries. If you want to learn more about the process of making candy, attend the chocolate-making class.

Fred Meyer, QFC and Safeway serve North Issaquah's grocery needs. Front Street Market sells raw milk in addition to fresh, high-quality produce, meat and fish, and it is known for its excellent customer service.

The Issaquah Farmers' Market runs every Saturday from May to October at the Pickering Barn and features cut flowers, fresh fruit and vegetables, baked goods, specialty spices, sauces, and handmade crafts. Cooking demonstrations and live entertainment add to the atmosphere of the weekly event.