1. Kirkland has a small village atmosphere. The City is known for its panoramic views of the lake, Seattle skyline and Olympic Mountains that lie beyond. Kirkland could not be better situated: surrounded by Lake Washington to the west, wineries to the north, mountains in the south.

2. Take it easy at the Panterra Spa or Trellis Restaurant in the luxury boutique Hotel Heathman. The Heathman Kirkland is ranked number one in popularity by Trip Advisor. www.heathmankirkland.com

3. The 400-seat Kirkland Performance Center hosts all sorts of performances.

4. Located right off the I-405, Kirkland is an easy commute to Redmond and Bellevue’s Microsoft campus, ClearWire, and the new Google campus.

5. Kirkland boasts an incredible number of wonderful waterfront parks overlooking Lake Washington. The park system includes neighborhood parks, and also abuts the equestrian Bridle Trails State Park. The waterfront parks are linked by a paved trail which is open till dusk.

6. The Kirkland Arts Center, located in the historic Peter Kirk Building on Market Street, provides classes, workshops and community-oriented gallery space.

7. Kirkland has many great local restaurants, and if you are seeking more variety, Bellevue is only a short drive. www.urbanspoon.com

8. The Audubon Society named Kirkland’s Juanita Bay Park as one of the best urban wildlife preserves in the region.

9. Marina Park’s open-air pavilion hosts summer concerts, kids entertainment, dance nights and special events.

10. Kirkland features many public outdoor works by leading regional and nationally known artists. You can find the sculptures throughout Kirkland in its city parks, sidewalks and alongside the waterfront.