Editor's note: This is a guest blog written by 7th and 8th grade students at The Overlake School in Redmond, Washington. It was written before the opening of the two new 2 Line stations at Marymoor Village and Downtown Redmond.
This spring, Overlake students explored Link light rail (2 Line) and places around the stations. This blog will focus on things that teenagers might find interesting, what to do with friends near the light rail, and how to use the light rail in an effective and safe fashion. Tickets are free until you’re 19! No cap.
At each station there is a good number of security cameras and some guards, which is great for safety. There are also textured floors to help the vision impaired. However, there is no border that goes alongside the rail, which is different from other transit systems. There are no bathrooms at most stations, so be prepared for that.
PRO tip: Look at the signs in each station for train arrival times, safety tips, and more.
Redmond Technology and Overlake Village Stations
Microsoft’s campus is a short walk from both stations. Overlake Station is closer to upcoming restaurants, but there is currently a lot of construction as the area is being redeveloped.
Things to do:
Food: Unfortunately, Microsoft’s campus has very few food options open to the public. However, you can eat at Cone & Steiner (on Microsoft East Campus) or Hui Lau Shan (a Hong Kong dessert shop near Overlake Station).
Entertainment: Microsoft Visitor Center (free, but hours are limited. Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
Stores: Microsoft Company Store on West Campus (Microsoft & Logitech merch, products, and more). Goodwill is near Overlake Village Station.
Fitness: Soccer fields, basketball courts, pickleball courts (all open to the public but there is a reservation system), bridge with bike trail (Lime bikes are available to rent for $1 to unlock and then 36 cents/minute + tax).
PRO tips:
To eat at cafes/restaurants, 1+ people in your party needs to work for Microsoft.
Be prepared with a credit/debit card or Apple Pay for Cone & Steiner as well as Hui Lau Shan since they both don’t accept cash.
Spring District and BelRed Stations
A phoenix, a dragon, a blend of cultures, the Spring District centers around several blocks of a transit-oriented new development that is home to a Meta campus, with other businesses coming soon. BelRed is also in an up-and-coming area with a mix of new and old businesses.
Things to do:
Food: Spring District- Bellevue Brewing Company (under 21 is fine; food smells amazing!) and Spring Deli & Market (Boar’s Head products); BelRed- Mercury’s Coffee Co. (their headquarters!), Teriyaki Express, Cascadia Pizza Company, Facing East, and more!
Entertainment: Mox’s Boarding House (a board/card/role-playing game store and cafe) and Encore Karaoke.
Fitness: Spring District- open area park with swings nearby; BelRed- Sturtevants (snow sports, water sports and tennis).
PRO tips:
At BelRed, there is a lot of construction.
If you’re planning to visit the Spring District open area park, bring your own equipment (volleyball, frisbee, etc.).
Wilburton Station
When the train comes to a stop at Wilburton, you will see a skybridge linking the station to the food and entertainment places below. The art-lined skybridge has room for bikers and walkers.
Things to do:
Food: Whole Foods, Chick-fil-A, PCC, Chipotle, Kura Sushi, Trader Joe’s, etc.
Entertainment: Dave & Buster’s (arcade, TVs with sports).
Stores: Target, REI.
Fitness: Eastrail.
PRO tips:
One or more people in your party must be 25+ if you want to buy food at Dave & Buster’s.
Arcade deals at Dave & Buster's start at $22 + $3 card purchase fee.
Go to Dave & Buster’s on a Wednesday when the games are half-price!
East Main and Bellevue Downtown Stations
As you leave the stations, both Link stops are at a walking distance from Lincoln Square, Bellevue Square, and Bellevue Place. The Bellevue Collections is home to great food, stores, and entertainment.
Things to do:
Food: Bellevue Square- Happy Lemon, Ben & Jerry, Auntie Anne’s, Wetzel’s Pretzels, Mochinut, Panda Express and more! Lincoln South Food Hall.
Entertainment: Lucky Strike (bowling/arcade), Cinemark (movie theater), Bellevue Library (largest library in Bellevue with study rooms), Meydenbauer Center (performances/entertainment).
Stores: Apple, Nike, Lego, PacSun, Lululemon, Aritzia, Nordstrom, Sephora, Macy’s, Athleta, Lovisa, Gap, Eddie Bauer, etc.
Fitness: Bellevue Downtown Park (open fields for frisbee, lake, playground and path) and Surrey Downs Park (5-minute walk from East Main).
PRO tips:
Not all stores in the Bellevue Collections accept cash (ex. Happy Lemon), so plan to bring a credit/debit card or Apple Pay.
Watch out for geese poop and muddy grass in Bellevue Downtown Park.
South Bellevue Station
This station is calm and peaceful overall and is a 5-minute walk from a nature park called Mercer Slough. Mercer Slough has a blueberry patch, a seasonal market stand, and a river with docks and bridges. Once the light rail expands, this will be the most important station for connecting to Seattle via Mercer Island.
Things to do:
Fitness: Mercer Slough Nature Park (lots of trails, and some activities offered by City of Bellevue and Pacific Science Center camps).
PRO tips:
There are many paths and forks. The trails can get muddy, so plan to go on a dry day.
Pack your own food, there’s not much to buy.
There is a bike locker for anyone with a bike or scooter for a price of 5¢ per hour to keep it out of the rain and safe.
What would you add to this list? Interested in writing a guest blog? Let us know by tagging @SoundTransit on social media or emailing lifestyle@soundtransit.org.