nedrarh

NE Pacific St is a pleasant road leading from Montlake to the lower Wallingford area. It runs past the University Hospital and offers easy access to the University of Washington and the U District. The western part of the street features on of my favorite not so greasy spoons: Voula's Offshore Cafe. Parts border along the Burke Gilman Trail, so bike riders will love it.

It may only be a few blocks long, but it changes into Lake Washington Blvd, with its beautiful drive along Lake Washington and Arboretum access. Within walking distance of the Museum of History and Industry, Montlake Bridge, Husky Stadium and the University of Washington. There's even a reasonable sized convenience store for those forgotten groceries. Excellent transport links. A great place to live, if you can afford it!

There are any number of apartment buildings located along 10th Ave E. The section running from Broadway to Roanoke is a bit busy, but still nice enough. Plus, the north end features some bars and restaurants and easy access to the freeway. St. Mark's Cathedral is a beautiful church about midway along. The section on the top of Capital Hill is quiet and offers some lovely typical Capital Hill residences. It ends at the reservoir, a nice park.

I generally use Boren Ave as a quick diagonal route from downtown to the ID, Rainier Ave, Columbia City and Beacon Hill. It's easy just to drive by and not stop, but you might want to make the effort to check out the Frye Museum and nearby St. James Cathedral on First Hill. The section running from First Hill to downtown offers a look at some nice old apartment buildings.

Located in Seattle's industrial district south of downtown, the stretch of Holgate that runs to Beacon Hill is characterized by truck traffic and railroad tracks, but is not without its industrial charm. Stop at Krispy Kreme for a donut and a coffee then head up to Beacon Hill via a little-known route where Holgate connects to Beacon Ave S at Airport Way S.

California Ave SW could be considered the heart of West Seattle. Running north to south along almost the entire length, it features three junctions (Admiral, Alaska and Morgan), any number of shops and eating establishments, antiques and collectibles, art, supermarkets and a PCC, a post office and licensing office and more wired up coffee shops than even the most die-hard caffeine addict could want. Drive it, bike it or walk it, you're sure to find something of interest.

The section of Stewart between Western and 5th Ave offers a walk from the Pike Place Market to the Monorail. There is shopping at Macy's or the Mariners store and a couple of nice shops and eating and drinking establishments. Going northeast from 5th and you pass some small businesses, hotels, but then mostly office buildings. There used to be some funky loft type buildings, but those have mostly gone.

Well, what can you expect from a viaduct with no businesses or residences, well, except those down below and alongside? A view, that's what! It may not be seismically safe, the last place you'd want to be in an earthquake, but I've always love the view of Elliot Bay and Puget Sound from the northbound upper level. Slated for removal, visit while you can!

I've always had a fondness for Westlake Ave. Maybe because it breaks out of the grid pattern. Maybe it's because there are odd little shops and businesses to be found along it. Maybe it's because it still soldiers on despite efforts to prettify the South Lake Union area beyond recognition. It's a great driving route north out of downtown and the new streetcar might just bring some foot traffic back to the area.

Running from park to park with one in the middle, Beach Drive SW is a lovely street for a leisurely bike ride. You can start at the beach walk in Lincoln Park, head past the mini Lowman Beach Park, past Mee Kwah Mooks Park and the Emma Schmitz Memorial Outlook and merging gracefully into Alki Ave SW at its west end. There isn't much in terms of bars, restaurants or shops, but there are lots of lovely houses to look at as you wend your way along the water.