Totem Lake - Kirkland, WA

Originally a place where Native Americans hunted the elk and deer drawn to the lake and its plentiful food supply, Totem Lake was settled and became home to dairy farmers and a large expanse of orchard known as Hardenbrook Farm. The area was renamed several times until 1973, when a new shopping mall established it more firmly on the map and prompted its final renaming.

Totem Lake has two shopping centers and a variety of restaurants and shops, but the area best known for Evergreen Hospital. Over the last decade, this medical center has grown from a single building to an entire complex of healthcare specialists and has become a primary care center for the Greater Seattle Area.

For those looking for well-known chain restaurants, several can be found clustered around Totem Lake's West Shopping Center, but for the more adventurous eaters, Totem Lake has a variety of local gems. From Italian and Brazilian cuisine to a number of bars featuring a variety of musical talents and a wide array of beverages, Totem Lake has a collection of unique delights.

Situated at the heart of Totem Lake, Cafe Veloce offers Italian-style dishes made from local ingredients as well as a variety of beer and wine. This unique restauraunt has been around since '93 and features the cafe racers it was named for. The term refers to both a type of Italian Motorcycle as well as the racers who originally rode them from a given cafe to a set point and back again before that cafe's Juke Box could get through a whole song. Cafe Veloce's menu features all the traditional Italian fare as well as a host of white, red, and sparkling wines. Their specialties include Beef and Gorgonzola Pasta and Veloce Special Pizza.

Across the tracks from Totem Lake Park, you'll find one of Totem Lake's best-kept secrets, Kitanda Espresso and Acai, as well as authentic Brazilian coffee, an amazing cheese bread, and a variety of imported products. Customers can't compliment the espresso highly enough and compare it to a true Brazilian or European experience.

For nightly entertainment, locals love the Yuppie Tavern. While this funky spot hosts karaoke and DJ theme nights, it also serves up some pretty fantastic dishes. Favorites include the pulled pork sandwich and the Yuppie salad. Beer lovers appreciate the ample beer selection. Be sure to check out the generous daily happy hour specials.

Being right off the 405, it's a snap to jump on the freeway and get from Totem Lake to just about anywhere in the Greater Seattle area. This main thoroughfare connects the north and south in one straight line from cities at the top of Lake Washington to downtown Bellevue. It is a primary commuting route for anyone working in Bellevue or even Seattle.

Public transportation provides another option for commuters. Sound Transit or Community Transit buses travel throughout the greater Seattle area, and the King's Gate Park and Ride makes it easy to get from Totem Lake to just about anywhere.

The number of bus-only lanes and expressways means bus patrons can blow past traffic in some of the most congested zones. During peak travel times, buses run as often as every 10 minutes and additional express routes stop only at the most popular stops, limiting travel time. Also, while parking is generally not an issue in Totem Lake, it can be in Downtown Kirkland or farther south. For many, buses provide a far faster and easier option than driving.

Totem Lake has a few little parks and natural areas within its boarders. Hiding just off Totem Lake Blvd NE sits Totem Lake Park, the city's namesake. Here people come to wander the trail and boardwalk as they look out over the pond and take in this little natural haven. Dog owners can take their companions for a run at Jasper's Dog Park and cyclists can wind their way through neighborhood streets and past little parks like Edith Multon, with its quiet and serene corners that make for a nice retreat and a little wooded scenery.

Those who don't mind a short drive can head north out of Totem Lake to 132nd Street to find Big Finn Hill Park or up Juanita Drive NE to check out St. Edward State Park. The latter would be well worth getting a permit for, especially if you have kids, dogs, or love hiking.

The popularity of St. Edward park comes from the sheer size and variety. Dog friendly with a large play ground and wide expanses of grass, this park welcomes any outdoor activity. The many trails around the park give you the feeling of being out in the mountains, without the road trip, and small beach areas let guests swim in Lake Washington or simply watch the boats go by and admire the view of Seattle. On the weekends, St. Edward is a bustle of people hiking or dirt biking their way to and from Lake Washington. If you're hoping to enjoy the trails without all the company, go on a weekday, but even at it's most crowded the trails of St. Edward are a great place to spend any afternoon.

Kirkland neighborhoods can be especially expensive, but Totem Lake is an exception. Renting a one bedroom, one bath apartment will run you an average of $1,314 per month in Totem Lake – a fairly nice average rate for the area north of Seattle, which typically runs upwards of $1,100 per month for one bedrooms.

Gas prices sit just one percent above the national average in the Kirkland area. Public transportation saves many commuters on the cost of both gas and parking. Fares range from $2.25 to 3.00 depending on the particular transit authority, time of day, and the distance you're traveling.

Totem Lake began with one shopping mall in the '70s but now offers two shopping centers. Familiar shops such as QFC (Quality Food Center) and Value Village as well as a variety of fast food and well-known chain restaurants come together to make up the Totem Lake West Shopping Center. The 43-year-old Totem Lake Mall, located at the neighborhood’s heart, is going through a groundbreaking renovation. It will be renamed the Village at Totem Lake and will be upgraded with more modernized architectures and facilities.

Of all the places to shop in Totem Lake, Trader Joe's has to be the most popular. People come from surrounding areas for their brand-name products and to find deals on organic products. It can be a challenge to find your favorite items before someone else grabs them up, but this location in particular does an excellent job of adjusting orders to meet changing demands.

Another Totem Lake mainstay is Denny's Pet World. It has a selection of tropical and freshwater fish so large it feels like a miniature aquarium. Beyond the impressive fish room, a variety of tanks, decorations, and supplies cover pretty much any tank dweller's needs. The rest of the store contains pet food, toys, and other supplies for furrier friends.

Gluten-free food options can be hard to come by, but not with Janell's Gluten Free Market in town. Janell's has all essentials but without the gluten. From baking supplies and locally-made breads to a variety of gluten-free pastas, seasonings, snacks, chips, and even microwave burritos -- all gluten-free and reasonably priced. This locally-owned business provides a rare heaven of headache-free shopping for those on a restricted diet or customers seeking a few healthy alternatives to their usual favorites.