Lost on Queen Anne Hill

The other day I had a few extra hours in an unexpected place. I had only my starving fit bit and walking shoes. This particular day I was free as a bee on Queen Anne Hill. I quickly got lost. Lost as a bee in a bloomin-garden. I found that there is nothing bad about getting lost on Queen Anne because it is likely that it’s charm will make you feel at home away from home!

Queen Anne Hill towers north of the Space Needle. It is an old historic community at the heart of everything that is happening in Seattle. Living on the hill you can walk just about everywhere in Seattle, it seems. Yet, at the same time when you are there you feel miles away from the hustle and blustle of the city. It is an Urban Oasis. Here are a few of my takes on this place:

*The homes are nestled in tight and everyone has a front porch of some kind. Since all of the houses were built in the early to mid 20^th century the front porch was an important place for the community to gather. Homes look cozier nestled close together behind big porches with comfy chairs. Just being here takes you back in time!

*I have seen house reviews on Queen Anne homes over the years. Nothing prepared me for how lovely the craftsman architecture is. It is the most inviting neighborhood in all of Seattle. Yet, one odd thing was the three enormous television towers that stand on top of the hill! To me they seem reminiscent of the grand Parisian Eiffel tower. Yet, they are far from a landmark. They just always have been there. For anyone who is cautious about living under high voltage this may not be the best place for you!

*As I walked, the neighborhood was all hustle and bustle in the midst of their gardening projects. Many families are so thoughtful and creative with their yard space. Most homes have fancy hedges and intentional plants and bushes. People are very serious about their “stay green year round” landscaping. I have never seen so much green!

*Spectacular views! The views of the city are laid-out before me as I walk the hill. From three directions you can see to the North the Ballard locks, the East with Lake Union, and the South with the Seattle Skyline and of course the Space Needle. The best view of all is of Elliott Bay with the ferry boats and the merchant marine ships are coming and going.

*Looking back in time the streets were paved with cobblestone and many of the streets on Queen Anne Hill have been preserved. The entire neighborhood speaks to another era where people didn’t commute long distances but lived a comfortable life in the city right here on Queen Anne in the heart of Seattle. Beautiful sidewalks and cobblestone streets are a classic touch on the hill. Queen Anne is the highest hill in the city of Seattle and is now home to 28,000 people. Those are some fortunate folks that perch themselves on historic Queen Anne Hill!

Personally, I would love to live on Queen Anne! It is rich in cultural heritage with it’s proximity to the Seattle Center and it is full of "old world charm" that calls you home. But for now, I will just have to get lost as a bee in a bloomin-garden, every once-in-a-while, to remind myself of the sweet nature of this historic and quaint space in the vast Urbanity of Seattle.