Joys In The 'Hood: Your Turn

A while back, we gave you a pretty big sampling of some of the neighborhoods we live in, some of our favorite haunts within those neighborhoods and why they're such great places to visit. Then we asked all of you to get in on the act and give us some more ideas. You did, and here are some of the best you sent in. You'll notice that some of these letter writers, however, couldn't resist telling us how wonderful their living conditions are and forgot to tell us sightseers what's in store for us should we come visit. Oh, well. They can be forgiven. Home does that to people. Thanks for all your letters.

Carnation is our home, not the place of one or two favorite haunts, but a way of life that we treasure.

We've lived in our tiny, much remodeled former "fishing cabin" in the old-town part of Carnation since 1984. No upwardly mobile yuppie development this, but the part of town without sidewalks where one house has a tidy yard with weeping willow and lilacs and the next a goat for a lawn mower.

We love the nearby King County Library, Carnation Elementary School, historic Tolt Congregational Church, and business district with its pink Mexican restaurant, St. Vincent de Paul, and even a small, neighborly QFC where we know most of the checkers by name.

In June we prowl the U-pick strawberry fields still green-belting our borders and inhale the deep fruity vapors on balmy evenings after choir practice. Summer can pass in Carnation with nary a trip out of town. There's the Tolt and Snoqualmie rivers for tubing and wading, John McDonald Park and the swinging bridge, and the walking/biking trail (a short jaunt to either Duvall or Fall City).

Where better to spend the Fourth of July than at Carnation's old-fashioned celebration? And for winter's excitement, what can top the "whump whump whump" of news helicopters at the first hint of flooding and the excited calls of citified friends who wonder if we're under water yet? - Judy West, Carnation

Known as the Waterland Community, Des Moines boasts a pedestrian-friendly town center just two blocks from Puget Sound, where we enjoy walking to our favorite Mexican restaurant, Lago Azul, and the well-preserved movie theatre, the Des Moines, for second-run flicks at a discount. The Des Moines Marina and Waterfront Park offer beautiful vistas of sail and barge traffic on the East Passage, and sunsets over Maury Island and the Olympics beyond. It's a friendly town and we feel quite welcome - but we can't get used to the local pronunciation of the name: "de-moynz." - Brian and Christa Fleming, Des Moines

My haven is in the Renton Highlands, typical of many neighborhoods in Renton.

We have a quarterly neighborhood newsletter that keeps us connected. We have a monthly ladies night out and the guys have a monthly poker game. Sometimes they invite the women and it becomes more of a party. The stay-at-home moms have a weekly play group with their preschoolers. Then there are our impromptu cul de sac barbecues, our annual Fourth of July block party, camping trip, neighborhood garage sale, birthday celebrations, anniversary celebrations and a variety of parties just because we haven't had one in a while. We organize fun stuff for the kids along the way.

I could go on and on. I'll never leave - everything I need is right here. - Debra Mikolaizik, Renton

Though many people think of Bellevue as affluent, anti-pedestrian and unneighborly, my neighborhood, Newport Hills, doesn't fit that image at all.

My community offers most of the amenities I need, all within walking distance. I shop at Newport Hills Marketplace, my pharmacy is Newport Hills Drug, my children attend Newport Heights Elementary, I can get my car fixed at Newport Hills Chevron, and our family attends Newport Covenant Church. My son plays soccer and baseball right around the corner at the YMCA. My neighbors are neighborly. - Karen Karpack, Newport Hills

Go to Queen Anne Avenue, get off at the bus stop for the QA branch of the public library. There's a tiny cafe with a magnetic poetry board. There's no view, except for people-watching. Eat, drink, play with words, people-watch. What more could you want? - Thornton Kimes, Seattle (who actually lives on Capitol Hill)

In the three years I've lived in downtown Kirkland, I've come to know almost every corner of town. And I've heard many comments about it ranging from "global village," "art center," "walkable" and "picturesque" to "overbuilt with condos" and "too expensive." I've also noticed that visitors tend to focus on the more obvious attractions like the lakeside parks, restaurants, art galleries, Kirkland Performance Center, outdoor sculpture and coffee shops.

When asked my favorite spot, I have a difficult time answering, because the entire downtown area is in a sense its own special place, one big hangout. I rarely encounter someone who doesn't smile or chat as if he already knows you. Sometimes I feel as if I'm living in a small town many, many miles from Seattle.

I hesitate to send this to The Times because I'm selfish in a way. I love to share Kirkland with friends, but if too many people find out how great downtown Kirkland is, they'll all want to move here. And the quiet, peaceful mornings are the best. - Karen Setlowe, Kirkland

I live in Laurelhurst Park, a triangular area north of Laurelhurst proper, three blocks long.

The nice things about this area are the parks, Laurelhurst playfield and Magnuson Park. There's a variety of shopping on Sand Point Way, including a pharmacy, a bakery, a garden store and a new restaurant - all of it in walking distance. In fact, walking is a joy in the area. - Margaret Campbell, Seattle

Haller Lake has been our neighborhood for many years. It's an oasis north of Northgate squeezed first by the freeway and then by the expansion of North 130th Street and Aurora. It is a pleasant neighborhood filled with trees and a mix of new and old houses. Our neighborhood contains a small picturesque lake that holds swimmers in summer and skaters some winters. When a few sidewalks were added recently, walkers and joggers appeared. Our area is mainly residential, but it does contain an elementary school, a private school, a coffee shop and a full-service gas station. If we had a post office, it would be like living in a small town. We like it. - Bob and Sybil Knudson, Seattle

When I lived in Seattle, the Central District, the area around 25th and Jackson, was my stomping grounds. There is a great mixture of ethnicities and cultures living there. Quite a few families have been there since my childhood days. I was glad to see the revitalization of the area.

Glad to see something finally going in that vacant lot at 23rd and Jackson. A few of my favorite places to eat were north on 23rd to Ezell's, then to Dilettante's on Cherry Street across from the new rec center, Richlen's Chicken and Jo Jo's on Union.

On Fridays I would usually venture up to Broadway and Cherry to Yasuko's for an order of the most delicious teriyaki around. And who could forget Gai's bakery on 19th and Jackson for the famous Persian cinnamon rolls, old-fashioned and glazed doughnuts. I live in Mobile, Ala., but I'll be back this summer. - Gary Davis, Mobile, Ala.

West Seattle has its charm and rewards for those of us who battle the bridge traffic every morning. These places in my neighborhood make it worthwhile!

Sure, I enjoy the breathtaking views and eclectic scene at Alki Beach, but when I want to get away from the frenzy of high heels, Harleys and sweat, I seek out one of West Seattle's little-known places. My favorite? The yet undiscovered waterfront park off Harbor Avenue, where you can encounter Elliott Bay from a dock worker's perspective. Nestled among cargo ships, a narrow path meanders past the Port of Seattle freight yards and docks to an overlook jutting out into the water. The air is redolent of the sea, and the view of the waterfront and skyline is perfect. A close second is the fishing pier at Seacrest Marina, always bustling with folks hoping for a bite. And when hunger sets in, La Rustica on Beach Drive serves up a plateful of pasta with a robust chianti and a delightful view of the Sound. - Karen James, Seattle

The Admiral District of West Seattle has everything. We have a very nice business district: three grocery stores, restaurants, the Admiral Theatre with all movies $2, a post office and other businesses. Hiawatha and Schmitz parks are close. You can walk to the beach via Ferry Avenue in half an hour or less, and walking back up the hill is excellent aerobic exercise. We have some of the finest views of Seattle, Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. There are many beautifully maintained older homes.

We have good bus service, and if you visit us that would be a good way as parking can sometimes be a problem. - Alma Dines, Seattle

Woven throughout my neighborhood is a peaceful and quiet stillness. Close to Lincoln Park and the (Fauntleroy) ferry dock, it remains a wildlife sanctuary. I once saw a young red fox run along the shoreline. Another time a cormorant flew out from the evening sky and lit upon the very log where I was sitting, a mere 10 feet away. - Bill Durflinger, Seattle

I live in a neighborhood in West Seattle called Highland Park.

There are many children here of all cultural backgrounds. I see my community use the park across the street year round. There is a baseball field used for soccer in the fall. It has swings and a wading pool for the young ones in summer. Our park is so special that teams from all over use it, and I am proud it is well-kept. It is called Highland Park. - Mary Selig, Seattle

I live in a downtown neighborhood that is under constant construction, jackhammers and trucks blending in with the rest of the sounds.

Most group this area in with Belltown or the Denny Regrade and have driven by it to get to Queen Anne or Seattle Center. It is named Tillicum Place, and its landmark is a statue of Chief Sealth with his arm outstretched to the east. Translated, Tillicum is a Suquamish word for "meeting place." The area is actually quite small, bordered roughly by Third Avenue, Denny Way, Vine Street and Broad Street.

When I moved here more than a year ago from the Green Lake area, I had no idea I was entering such a unique community. I live among an eclectic mix of business owners and residents of various ages and circumstance. Since we have sacrificed space to be here, we understand what it means to share. We are a part of Seattle Center festivals, like it or not. We own no parking spot; we use meters, we ride the bus. When it's too hot to stay inside, we share the front porch and drink cold beers together. I could allow my whole life to revolve around these three blocks, and many days it does. If I'm hungry, Zeeks Pizza, Shallots or a newly beautified City Foods will likely satisfy. Thirsty? Caffe Vita, Five Point Cafe, Cedar Grocery. I think the time that warms my heart the most comes in the summer, when our building holds "stoop parties," a tradition that makes everyone feel at home: sitting on the porch, talking and laughing. It evokes the very spirit of the gatherings for which this area might first have been called Tillicum. - Liz Cameron, Seattle