by Paul Lines

Created on: November 18, 2008   Last Updated: December 05, 2008

Mercer Island is both the name of a city in Kings County, Washington, close to Seattle, and the island upon which that city is built. Mercer Island sits in Lake Washington, connected to Seattle on the mainland by Homer M. Hadley Memorial Bridge at the west and Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge on the east, both of which connect via Interstate 90.

Resting in one of the most idyllic settings surrounded by the waters of the lake and with mountains and natural terrain in the distance, Mercer Island and its city have lots to offer to those who visit it. Whatever the taste it will be catered for within this unique area of Washington state, hidden away from the more well known from the more renowned political shenanigans of the capital.

For those who like to relax close to nature Mercer Island will provide a retreat equalled by few other places in the US. Surrounded by the waters of Lake Washington, of course there will be water activities that will suit all tastes. From the simple pleasures of swimming and fishing to the more hectic speed boat and launch cruises, plus the delights of water skiing, all are available from the island shore on this great lake.

Of course one could enjoy the more relaxed pleasures of spending time on Clarke Beach or simply strolling through the natural areas of land, marvelling at the wildlife, in the natural areas of the island that still remain unspoiled. Even inland on Mercer Island there are plenty of open spaces. With over thirty parks on the island, many with interconnecting trails you will never be far from lush greenery and outside activity such as horse riding, hiking and camping. One particular park of interest will be the Freeway Sculpture Park which, as its name suggests, has some stunning sculptures set amongst the natural environment.

However, for those who prefer their leisure time to be a little less adventurous, why not learn about the Island's and Seattle's culture through a visit to one of the few museums and arts and crafts centres. These include the Classical Music Supporters venue on 96th Avenue, Mercer Island Art and Frame on 78th Avenue and Pierros Garage Gallery on 80th Avenue.

For those for whom no vacation is complete without a little retail therapy, there are three major shopping centres in Mercer Island. There is one in Mercer centre, the South End district and another around Island Square. You will also come across a number of unique boutique and other special stores during your travels around the island. Add to these a variety of restaurants serving good quality local and speciality food and your vacation needs are complete.

Mercer Island, at least away from the city itself, is a quiet and peaceful place to stay and extremely relaxing. It has the added advantage, for those who want to party sometimes, of not being far from all the night life of Seattle. Therefore it makes an ideal place to be for those who want tranquillity mixed with a little bit of close at hand up tempo experience.

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