Bellevue's Kelsey Creek Park

Perhaps we should get something out of the way; I am a transplanted city girl. Born and raised in a small farming community, my roots are still planted in the fertile soil of Whatcom County. However, I have to be honest; I am not the small-town country girl of my youth. I thrive in the city where pavement and steel are plenty. I love being outdoors, but I prefer the energy and buzz of the urban scene. So when I first heard about farm animals in city I had to see it to believe it, this could potentially be the perfect blend of my former and current selves. This weekend I made my way through downtown Bellevue towards every farm animal’s dream – green pastures and a big red barn. It was true, one minute you could find yourself rubbing shoulders with Bellevue’s finest, and the next minute be found frolicking with goats in Kelsey Creek Park.

This working farm is surrounded by trails, grassy hills, picnicking areas, and the park goer’s staple – a playground. The farm went beyond simple viewing pleasure, as informational plaques were posted throughout encouraging kids to think about the importance of farms and how they work (and I guess adults too!). I found Kelsey Creek Park to be the perfect get away, and with the quiet, tranquil surroundings, I honestly didn’t find myself longing to be back among the fast-paced, hubbub of the city sidewalk.

The perfect way to end a day at the farm? Ice cream of course! Theno's Dairy could definitely fit your typical hole-in-the-wall description, located on the cusp of Woodinville and Redmond, this dairy serves up a rotating menu of ice cream flavors and to-die-for fudge. Theno's has an incredible following and crowds of devotees line up outside for a tasting of some of the many flavors. With so many to choose from, you are bound to try something new on each visit.