Explore Issue
Revisit the neighborhoods and discover what is new!
Welcome to our Explore issue! When was the last time you invested in a bit of exploration, and how did it turn out? May we suggest you explore our little corner of the world more fully and see what you find that you may not have been aware of before.
Have you visited any of the galleries that call Kirkland home? Drop into Parkland Gallery and ask about their newest featured artist or SD Framing to get your newest piece ready for the wall. How about the walk along the lakefront? The weather is starting to cooperate enough to enjoy a paddleboard or an evening on the water in one of the new electric-powered boats. Either of those provide a unique perspective on our area, and one certainly worth exploring.
Kirkland Urban is sure to deliver something new and memorable. Whether visiting Ryan James Fine Arts or the newest addition, Five Iron Golf, there is an experience for everyone. Urban Eyes provides the latest in eyewear, while Walla Walla Clothing Company is the place to update your overall look.
As you will see in the pages that follow, one of our photographers has been cruising the area and capturing some of the must-visit locations in Kirkland. Make sure you stop in and say “hi”.
While you are soaking up the sun or getting soaked by the occasional shower, taste some of the local flavors in and around town. We have some of the finest, from coffee brewed any way you like it to ice cream or frozen yogurt with more toppings than you can imagine. The Sushi at Kiwami Sushi Bar and Sake House is superb, and up the street at Volterra Restaurant, you’ll find hospitality that will make you want to visit again and again.
Finally, each neighborhood in Kirkland is special and unique, offering a wonderful experience to anyone with an adventurous spirit. Are you ready for a little adventure? If so, let’s go. We look forward to seeing you!
SHANNON COY, PUBLISHER @KIRKLANDLIFESTYLE
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July 2026
PUBLISHER
Shannon Coy | shannon.coy@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Teresa Coy | teresa.coy@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Kristin Kowalewski | kris.kowalewski@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Courtney Evans, Amber Dawn Schultheis
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Dawning Memories
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Learn how
REIMAGINE OUTDOOR LIVING IN KIRKLAND
This exceptional custom-to-lot residence by Highlands Building Group in Kirkland is a masterclass in refined design and elevated living. Just over two years old, every detail was thoughtfully curated to create a home of impeccable craftsmanship with a beautifully functional floorplan. A seamless 'indoor-outdoor living' lifestyle defines the experience, highlighted by two covered, heated outdoor living rooms-each anchored with its own dual fireplace-creating an atmosphere of year-round comfort for both intimate gatherings & larger entertaining. 3,265
KATHERINE VINCENT
Windermere Yarrow Bay kvincent@windermere.com katherinevincentre.com 206.910.2122
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
2: Club Clover provided a mix of Jazz, Funk, and soulful vocals for the event 3, 5, 7: Avant Garden - Auction 4, 6: Attendees at Kirkland Art Center - Avant Garden
ROUNDUP OF
Don't miss 2026 Seafair!
Drawing thousands of spectators each year, Seafair Weekend delivers an unforgettable celebration of speed, skill, and community while showcasing the energy and beauty of summer in the Pacific Northwest. Held along the shores of Lake Washington, this Seattle tradition combines heart-pounding hydroplane races, aerial performances from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, food vendors, and waterfront festivities. Join in on this beloved tradition July 31st-August 2nd from 8:30 am to 6 pm!
Partnership Between Studio 45 & Vida Integrated Health
Studio 45 is excited to officially announce their now partnership with Vida Integrated Health. Studio 45 has aways believed that movement is a key pillar for long-term health and their new collaboration with Vida allows them to expand support into a integrated wellness experience for their community. Through this partnership, Studio 45 members now receive exclusive access to additional wellness benefits through Vida. For membership information visit www.studio45.com/kirkland
Celebrate Kirkland 4th of July Parade
Celebrate Independence Day and join the City of Kirkland as we come together for Kirkland’s 27th annual Fourth of July parade. It's also the 250th Birthday of America! Please sit or stand along our downtown business district and enjoy a family-friendly event featuring processions from local shops, dance groups, music, honoring of veterans, and much more. This is a parade-only event with no fireworks. Everyone is welcome. Let’s keep the tradition going!
decorushomestaging.com | V @decorushomestaging | Woodinville, WA
EXPLORE KIRKLAND
ARTICLE BY COURTNEY EVANS
Kirkland might sit quietly along the edge of Lake Washington, but the experience of being here is anything but quiet. It is a place where the water sets the tone, the streets feel walkable and alive, and every corner seems to invite you to slow down just enough to notice something special. Whether you are spending a few hours, a full day, or a lifetime, Kirkland has a way of turning simple plans into memorable moments.
A City Best Experienced, Not Rushed
“Kirkland is not a city that demands attention. It earns it slowly through moments that feel simple and elevated.”
KIRKLAND WATERFRONT AND MARINA PARK
Kirkland Marina Park is where the city shows itself at its most iconic. The shoreline opens into Lake Washington with the Seattle skyline resting quietly in the distance, creating a view that feels both expansive and calm. People wander the walking paths, sit near the water’s edge, or spread out on the grass as the lake moves slowly beside them.
Everything here feels unhurried. Sailboats drift through the background, families gather for picnics, and the space holds a quiet stillness that is hard to replicate elsewhere. Arrive in the late afternoon and stay through golden hour, when the light softens and Kirkland settles into its most peaceful rhythm.
Find public parking at 30 Lakeshore Plaza, Kirkland.
WATERFRONT ADVENTURES
Just beyond the shoreline calm, the lake becomes something you can step into. This is where Waterfront
Adventures shift Kirkland from view to experience. A boat rental turns the city into a moving perspective, with waterfront homes, parks, and skyline views unfolding across Lake Washington.
Jet skis bring speed and energy, cutting across open water with the city behind you and sky ahead. Paddle boards slow everything down, offering a quiet balance of movement and stillness as you glide just above the surface.
Reserve your equipment at waterfrontadventures. com or visit 1200 Carillon Point, Kirkland.
CAFE JUANITA
Cafe Juanita offers a completely different kind of experience. Known for refined Italian cuisine and an intimate atmosphere, it feels tucked away in a way that makes discovering it part of the moment.
Dinner at Café Juanita does not feel like going out. It feels like entering someone’s very specific idea of excellence. Inside, everything is calm and intentional.
The menu changes with the seasons, and each dish is prepared with precision and care. Nothing feels rushed. Dining here is not about eating quickly. It is about noticing every detail from first bite to last.
Book reservations at cafejuanita.com
PARKLANE GALLERY
Parklane Gallery sits in downtown Kirkland just steps from the lake, offering a steady look into the city’s fine art scene. The gallery features rotating work from Northwest artists across painting, photography, sculpture, glass, and jewelry, so no two visits feel exactly the same.
The atmosphere is open and approachable, shifting between bold contemporary work and softer traditional pieces. It invites you to slow down without formality. Just outside, Park Lane extends the experience with public art, boutique shops, and sidewalk cafés that make the entire block feel like part of the gallery itself.
See events and featured artists at parklanegallery.org
KIRKLAND URBAN
Kirkland Urban is where Kirkland shifts into a more modern, social rhythm. This open air destination blends dining, gathering spaces, and community energy into one walkable experience. It is easy to arrive for one thing and stay for hours.
During the day, it is built for slowing down. Grab takeout, settle into Adirondack chairs overlooking the plaza, or stretch out in stadium seating as light moves across Lake Washington and the Olympic Range. The splash pad adds a playful energy that fills the space with movement and laughter.
As evening arrives, Kirkland Urban comes alive. The Sunset Market and Concert Nights bring local vendors, live music, and a relaxed summer crowd that turns an ordinary night into something memorable. Inside, Five Iron Golf adds a different layer of energy with a modern indoor golf experience that blends sport and social time.
Plan your visit at kirklandurban.com
Book at fiveirongolf.com or visit 425 Urban Plaza, Suite 200, Kirkland.
“Whether you are spending a few hours, a full day, or a lifetime, Kirkland has a way of turning simple plans into memorable moments, that is what makes Kirkland special.”
GET CRAFTY AT PAINT KIRKLAND
Paint Kirkland offers a relaxed hands on creative experience inside Kirkland Urban. Guests can walk in or reserve a table, then choose from pottery pieces or handcrafted laser cut wood designs to paint at their own pace. The studio feels easygoing, with space to settle in and create without pressure.
The appeal is in its balance of simple and thoughtful. You can design mugs, home decor, or seasonal wood art inspired by local designs, with staff available for guidance if needed. Pottery is glazed and fired for pickup later, while wood
pieces go home the same day, making it an easy, personal creative stop in the middle of the city. Check details at paintkirkland.com
HAPPY HOUR AT BOTTLE AND BULL
As the evening begins to settle in, Bottle & Bull brings a different kind of energy to downtown Kirkland. Known for craft cocktails and a modern atmosphere, it is where the city naturally shifts into its nighttime rhythm. Happy hour feels relaxed but elevated. People gather after work, meet friends, or ease into the evening with drinks designed to be
shared and savored. The space stays lively without feeling loud, as music and conversation blend together. It is the kind of place where one round easily becomes a few more, and time stretches just enough to stay longer than planned.
Check the menu at bottle-bull.com
Kirkland is not a city that demands attention. It earns it slowly through moments that feel simple and elevated all at once. A morning by the water, a thoughtful dinner, an evening market filled with music, or a quiet walk through a gallery can all exist in the same day without feeling rushed.
That is what makes Kirkland special. It is not just a place to visit. It is a place to experience, one moment at a time.
OUR PASSION, YOUR PURPOSE
Q: CAN YOU SHARE THE HEARTBEAT BEHIND STUDIO 45 IN KIRKLAND?
A: We are excited to welcome you to our new Studio location in Kirkland’s Bloom Building. We created Studio 45 to deliver an efficient, science-backed 45-minute total body workout. Our high-intensity, low-impact strength classes are effective because our method focuses on spring resistance, slow movement, and maximum time under tension. You’ll notice a change in your body by your 5th class. For us, Studio 45 isn’t just a workout; it’s a passion project we started over 10 years ago and built our business one member at a time. Our Kirkland location is our 6th studio!
Q: WHAT IS IT ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC WORKOUT THAT YOU LOVE SO MUCH?
A: It all comes down to the magic of Slow Resistance Training (SRT) on our specialized XFormer equipment. We love watching clients discover the power of moving slowly in each posture, then transitioning quickly to the next pose. By eliminating momentum, you keep your muscles under continuous tension. This intense activation targets slow-twitch muscle fibers,
building strong, lean muscle while protecting the joints and skeletal system. In our signature 45-minute classes, you’ll target every major muscle group using your own dedicated XFormer for the entire workout. This allows you to move in your own personal space while still feeling the energy, motivation, and momentum of the group experience.
Q: IS THIS METHOD TRULY FOR EVERYONE?
A: Yes, that is one of the many things we love about our classes! While each class is challenging and designed to push you physically, it is modifiable for all fitness levels. In any class you might have a professional athlete working out next to a first time member. Our amazing team of instructors know how to engage the advanced client and guide the newest member, keeping everyone challenged and in the movement. Because each class is low-impact, it is great for functional strength, posture improvement, and injury prevention.
Q: WHAT KIND OF COMMUNITY HAVE YOU BUILT HERE?
A: We keep our studio clean, warm, and welcoming. We deliberately cap our classes at 12 people or fewer because to us you are more than just a number. We want to know your name, guide your form, and give you the personalized attention you deserve. When you join us for class, bring a water bottle and grip socks (or purchase in studio), plan on arriving 10 minutes early so we can give you a tour of our Studio space and show you how to use the XFormer. We look forward to meeting you soon!
Check out our new client introductory offers and book your first class at www.studio45. com/kirkland .
LEMON ORZO SALAD
Full of tangy citrus, crumbled feta, and herbs, this fresh lemon orzo salad is a thoughtful addition to your summer table. The lemon vinaigrette brings all the flavors together - is simple to make and can be made a day or two ahead for convenient hosting prep. Serve alongside grilled chicken or steak - or a filet of local salmon.
A bright, zesty side dish for summer cookouts
ARTICLE BY AMBER DAWN SCHULTHEIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAWNING MEMORIES
LEMON ORZO SALAD
Makes
12 servings
INGREDIENTS
• 1 pound dried orzo pasta
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• Zest from 2 lemons
• ½ cup olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons white balsamic vinegar (optional)
• 1-2 small cloves garlic, or 1 teaspoon grated
INSTRUCTIONS
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, or white pepper
• 2 cups Italian flat-leaf parsley or basil, roughly chopped
• 4 ounces fresh feta cheese, crumbled
• ½ cup chopped pistachios
1. Prepare the orzo according to the package instructions, generously salting the pasta water. Once cooked to your liking, drain and rinse gently with cold water. Set aside.
2. Make the lemon vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, Dijon mustard, white balsamic vinegar, grated garlic, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo with the lemon vinaigrette and stir gently to coat.
4. Just before serving, fold in the chopped herbs, crumbled feta, and pistachios. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
NOTES FOR THE HOST:
• Make ahead: Make the pasta and vinaigrette up to two days in advance when kept airtight in the refrigerator. Save the herb prep, nut chopping, and feta crumbling for day-of, just before serving.
• Add more protein: Throw in some grilled chicken or prawnsthey pair wonderfully with this simple pasta salad.
• Make it your own: As always, if you have a stack of sliced almonds on hand or prefer a crumbly goat cheese, by all meansplay around with this base recipe and make it something you and your guests will truly enjoy.
Amber Dawn Schultheis is a Snohomish-based hospitality and culinary creator and the founder of The Host Notes. From casual celebrations to Tuesday night dinner, she helps you gather with intention, joy, and ease. Find more seasonal, hospitality-focused recipes at thehostnotes.com and follow along @thehostnotes on your favorite social channels.
CUSTOM HOMES • RENOVATIONS
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
The 10% Target Mindset
Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT
Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.
He calls days later.
That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.
The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.
The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.
“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”
FEATURING JEN COHEN
Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.
1 2
MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS
The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.
STACK THE DECK
Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.
3
DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE
No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.
4
SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP
Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.
5
NEVER MISS A MONDAY
The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.
escape to France
A LEISURELY BARGE CRUISE ALONG FRANCE’S CANAL DU MIDI OFFERS A QUIET LUXURY ESCAPE
THE SOUTH
of
There is something a bit magical about the South of France. It conjures images of rolling hills set along the Mediterranean, vast vineyards and olive trees swaying in the breezes. The images come to life when you book a luxury barge cruise with European Waterways ( EuropeanWaterways.com). It offers the perfect opportunity to experience the region’s slow pace.
Canal du Midi is a 330-year-old canal that runs from the Mediterranean coast inland through the famous Languedoc wine region. This is an opportunity for a true escape from everyday life.
WHAT IS A BARGE CRUISE?
Barges, originally used to shuttle goods along the inner waterways throughout
Europe, are now floating hotels. European Waterways operates b arges from April to October.
One of three boats to traverse Canal du Midi, Enchanté is an “ultra-deluxe” converted barge with four cabins for up to eight passengers. Each suite on Enchanté features an ensuite bathroom. All suites are on the lower level, while the salon,
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dining room, open kitchen and sun deck are above. The rooms are comfortable and quiet, the staff accommodating and the pace of the barge allows you to slow down and unwind. In fact, the barge moves slowly along the canal, giving passengers a chance to stroll along or ride one of the onboard bicycles.
THE BARGING EXPERIENCE
The barging experience is not anything like other cruises. With only eight passengers (although some boats have the capacity for 10 to 20 passengers), it provides a quiet escape.
Each day, you cruise slowly along the canal, going a total distance of about 50 miles over one week. The day’s leisurely routine begins with a sit-down breakfast and specially prepared dishes from the chef. You either cruise in the morning and take a short excursion in the afternoon, or vice versa.
Lunch is a gourmet 3-course meal paired with local wines. Dinner is a beautiful production with appetizers, main course, cheese course and dessert. Again, everything is paired with both a white and red wine.
EXCURSIONS ALONG THE WAY
Throughout the cruise, there are small stops along the way. This area of France is filled with gourmet delights and history, and you have a chance to explore both during your cruise.
You’ll visit l’Oulibo, a high-end olive oil producer growing Lucques olives. Enjoy a tasting of the oils and the olives, and pick up a few to take home. Another day, you’ll taste local balsamic vinegar. This is a real treat and a unique experience sampling a variety of flavors.
During the barge cruise, you’ll have a chance to visit three of what may be the most beautiful towns in France: Minerve, Lagrasse and Carcassonne. Lagrasse is an artisan town surrounding an 8th-century Benedictine Abbey. Minerve is home to a 12th-century Cathar fort with spectacular views. Carcassonne is a medieval fortified city with 52 watchtowers and portcullis.
There is also an excursion to Narbonne, once a Roman capital. There, you’ll have a chance to wander through Les Halles de Narbonne—the indoor food market—with the chef, picking out items for him to prepare once back onboard Enchanté.
European Waterways offers the ideal escape to the South of France and other destinations across Europe.
JULY 8TH
Bee Cool Tuesdays
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
425 Urban Plaza, Kirkland | 10:00 AM
Splash Into Summer with Bee Cool Tuesdays at Kirkland Urban’s Fountain Court! Every Tuesday from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Families are invited to cool off and enjoy easy, family-friendly fun with The Busy Bee Hive Activity Cart. Expect a rotating mix of water toys, sidewalk chalk, hula hoops, hopscotch, jump ropes, and playful activities designed to spark creativity and movement.
EVERY THURSDAY JULY 9TH-SEPTEMBER 3RD
Summer Concert Series
Marina Park, 25 Lakeshore Plaza, Kirkland | 7:00 PM
Join us every Thursday from July 9th - September 3rd for our Summer Concert series brought to you by the Kirkland Downtown Association. This event is free for all ages and a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of our city while get to know our community. For more information and a list of performers, visit www.kirklanddowntown.org
JULY 17TH-19TH
Kirkland Uncorked
Marina Park | 12:00 PM
Kirkland Uncorked is Washington’s summer wine festival taking place over the weekend of July 17th - 19th in scenic Marina Park. This weekend long celebration of world-class Washington wineries, is a benefit for Motley Zoo Animal Rescue.The festival is split into two parts, a 21+ Tasting Garden and an all ages Beachside Makers Market.
JULY 18TH
North Rose Hill Picnic
North Rose Hill Woodlands Park | 12:00 PM
Sponsored by the North Rose Hill Neighborhood Association this picnic is free and open to people and park-friendly animals of all ages and abilities. There is a paved path through the park. Bring you blanket, picnic, loved ones and help us build a vibrant community.
JULY 18TH
Houghton Neighborhood Association “Summer Soirée”
Northwest University - 5520 108th Ave NE Kirkland | 4:00 PM
Everyone in Kirkland is invited to the 4th Annual Houghton Neighborhood Association event. There will be 2 Live Bands (Rock & Jazz), 5 Food Trucks, over $2,000 in “Door Prizes”, pet parade, fun for the kids, live Performances from local theater groups, local Kirkland Fire 22 & Kirkland Police Department – with their fire trucks & rigs, and much more!
JULY 18TH
Outdoor Summer Movies at Juanita Beach
Juanita Beach Park 9703 NE Juanita Beach Drive, Kirkland | 6:00 PM
Save the dates: July 18th, July 25th & August 1st. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a double feature on our giant LED movie screen. The first movie starts at 6PM, with the second movie starting immediately after the first concludes. For more information and movie titles visit www.kirklandwa.gov
A C T I V E L I S T I N G S
$2,500,000
$2,998,880
SINCE 2004.
