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There’s nothing quite like the great outdoors! Fresh air, chirping birds, and sunshine make a good day in our book. Yes, the Pacific Northwest is known for rain, but our outdoor scene might the best in the country. We’re thrilled to know you’re considering a move to Kent, Washington! When you finish adventuring, come back to a home at Madison Plaza to rest & reenergize for your next romp around town. As you opt to go outside, here’s our guide on where to enjoy nature near Kent, WA.

Where to Go

A list of all parks and trails can be found on the City of Kent website. Browse around and take a look at what each area has to offer — it’s always nice to know where the nearest bathroom is. Who let the dogs out?! Madison Plaza is “yappily” pet-friendly and when your pup has the zoomies, Grandview Off-Leash Dog Park is the perfect place to let them run, play, and meet a few pals. Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park is right down the street and highlights the beauty and Art of Reclamation. The history of this park is fascinating! SHADOW Lake Nature Preserve is full of educational opportunities and open to volunteers if you’d like to jump right into getting involved. Depending on how far you want to drive, there are endless green spaces, state forests, and national parks to keep you busy every weekend! You couldn’t have picked a better region to settle down in.

What to Bring

Anyone familiar with the outdoors should know there are a few items you need to have on your person or in your pack when you hit the trails. Starting from the bottom, we recommend a good pair of wool socks and sturdy hiking boots to protect your ankles and make sure your feet can handle at least a few miles on those longer expeditions. Next up is the belly! You’ll want to bring plenty of water to ward off dehydration and snacks to keep your energy up. Moving around back to your pack, it’s a good idea to carry an extra jacket, sunscreen, insect repellent, as well as a first aid kit so you’re prepared with the basics.

Happy trails! We hope this blog has inspired you to get out and explore. Tag us on Instagram or Facebook to share your adventures with us on social media! For more recommendations, come on back to read our next blog. You can also browse our website to learn how to make Madison Plaza your next home. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Imagine yourself hanging out with your friends at a local brewery, eating a juicy burger, and drinking an ice-cold beer. Well, when you live in the pacific northwest you will no longer have to imagine that scenario because we have some of the greatest bars, breweries, and distilleries in the country. In fact, Washington state actually grows and sells 75% of the nation's hops. 

Madison Plaza in Kent, WA is conveniently surrounded by hundreds of great places to drink. Lucky for you, we have compiled a list of our favorite breweries, bars, and distilleries in our area. So sit tight, buckle up, and enjoy the flavor journey you’re about to have. 

Breweries

It’s no secret that Washington has notoriously rainy weather, but in the summer you will want to be outside as much as possible. So for an outdoor beer garden experience with unique IPAs, Airways Brewing is the place to be. If you want a city patio vibe with a hearty German pilsner or if you want to watch how it’s brewed, head on down to Logan Brewing Company.  Finally, what is summer without a picnic? Pack up your favorite foods, a blanket, and some plates, and have a magical summer evening with a crisp cider at Dubtown Brewing.  

Bars

You may be thinking to yourself, “a bar is a bar, you’ve seen them once then you’ve seen them all.” That may be true of some bars, but not the ones in the pacific northwest. Get transported back to the 1920s when you visit the secret vault door entrance speakeasy, Tavern Law. Fast forward to the age of vinyl and classic cocktails at Revolver Bar.  For a more classic American feel, grab a beer at Pony Keg Bar. You’ll never have to go too far to have a good time when you live at Madison Plaza. 

Distilleries

Now that you’ve relaxed and had a couple of drinks, it’s time for you to see how it all gets made. For a local fresh gin or whiskey, take your tastebuds down the road to Blackfish Spirits Distillery. To spice things up, drive over to LaJoye Spirits to taste their alcoholic twist on root beer and apple pie. Finally, for the finer things in life, visit Seattle’s oldest distillery,  OOLA Distillery which specializes in barrel-finished gin and whiskey. If you’re going to make a day of it, be sure to have a snack in between. 

If this area sounds right for you, consider Madison Plaza for your future pacific northwest home. 

Welcome to your home at Madison Plaza in Kent, Washington, the gateway to the Emerald City. A quaint pacific northwest town is known for its Green River, rolling hills, and fantastic views of Mount Rainier national park. While located south of the hustle and bustle of Seattle, this town is a breath of fresh air with its peaceful parks, quiet museums, and cozy coffee shops. 

We would be remiss to not also give a quick debrief on the drizzly, yet lovely Kent, Washington weather that pacific northwesterners live with. The nature and atmosphere of Western Washington will spark inspiration that you’ve never felt before, so join us on our grand tour and welcome to Washington. 

Gorgeous Parks

Washington state is all about the great outdoors and breathing in that fresh evergreen, sometimes sea salty, air. A park where you can quite literally take a dive into the pacific ocean is Saltwater State Park. Grab your kayaks, explore the numerous tide pools, or view it from below while diving in the only state park with an artificial reef. 

For a new and refreshing jogging path, visit Lake Fenwick Park where you can run along lakeside bridges and through the dense woods and you can also enjoy an excellent view of Mount Rainier national park. If you want to practice your tennis skills or basketball game, then head on over to West Fenwick Park to break a sweat. These parks are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Kent, but you will have to break your comfort zone and explore in your free time. 

Quiet Museums

When moving to a new place, you’ll probably want to learn the history, and luckily theKent Historical Museum has everything you need to know. Discover how the town of Kent came to be, what it was famous for, and the development of the modern-day city. If you’re familiar with the area, then it's always good to be a tourist in your own city every now and then. 

Experience six diverse cultures in one place when you visit the Neely Mansion. This place is an official site for the stories of the Salish, Neely, Galli, Fukada, Hori, and Acosta immigrant families. Explore the beautiful gardens and attend events that will teach you about those who were here before us. 

Quaint Coffee Shops

When you think of Western Washington, one of the first things that come to mind is most likely hot, steaming coffee. While we are the home of Starbucks and drive-thru coffee stands, we also have superb homegrown coffee shops, such as Dilettante Mocha Cafe where you can sip your java and enjoy the downtown area. 

If you’re hoping to be more whimsical and feed your soul as well as your tummy, then head over to Sweet Notes Cafe. You’ll be greeted by bright florals and a wide range of sweet treats to enjoy alongside your coffee. Finally, sometimes espresso needs to be enjoyed with a flaky baguette or a passion fruit cake, which can be fulfilled at Macrina Bakery. The pacific northwest may be rainy and cloudy, but there will always be an endless supply of coffee. 

Kent, Washington Weather

When living in Washington state, you must always invest in a good raincoat and a sturdy pair of boots. Most residents will not walk around with umbrellas, so a raincoat is key. The summers tend to be later than most and fairly warm, but the rainy season lasts for most of the year. That being said, while rainy, it is absolutely gorgeous and worth living here, so welcome to Washington

Coffee is what makes the pacific northwest operate daily without fail. Without the power of coffee, there wouldn’t be Microsoft, Amazon, or Costco. Needless to say, Washingtonians are quite fond of their daily coffee and our friends over in Kent are not without exception. There are several coffee shops in our area that fuel creativity and innovativeness in our minds. 

Whether you want to enjoy the scenery and take your time or if you just need a quick caffeine boost, there is a place for you to sip your coffee. We promise not to judge you for your pumpkin spice latte either. 

Drive-Thru Delights

If there’s one thing that is unique to the pacific northwest coffee crowd, it’s our affinity for drive-thru coffee stands. If you turn down any street, there’s a big chance that there is at least one stand along it. Let us help turn you on to the local favorites, beginning with Bigfoot Java. Bigfoot Java is a Washington chain of comically large coffees and flavored Redbulls, making it Kent’s favorite morning stop. Nowhere else can you grab a perfectly crafted s'mores coffee brewed with love by the baristas at Mighty Mugs Coffee. While you’re being greeted by cheerful baristas, you can check out the car sticking out of the shop. 

Finally on our caffeinated tour around Kent, WA, we recommend adding pep to your step with a morning iced coffee from Java Junction Coffee. There you can grab a sweet treat or a savory bagel to wash down your morning buzz. There are much more coffee stands for you to choose from, but we’ll let you discover those yourselves. 

Coffee Shop Capades

Sometimes instead of rushing out the door, you want to sit and savor your coffee. We have several shops around Kent where you can slow down and stay awhile, whether you have a book you need to finish or if you have work to do. If you want to enjoy an aesthetic shop that you can nestle into, Candor is the place to be. We recommend ordering a steaming latte with one of their housemade syrups. 

Dilettante Mocha Cafe has coffee that is crafted to pair with their mouth-watering chocolate. It is an experience that we do not want you to miss out on, so try their Turkish coffee and let them recommend a piece of chocolate. Ending on an even sweeter note, grab a cup of joe and a tasty crepe at Sweet Notes Cafe. Explore the endless coffee shops that the pacific northwest has to offer when you live at Madison Plaza.

Cooking can be an art form that just happens to also fulfill your appetite, but it is also a necessity in life. It can also be said that no one grocery store can fulfill your kitchen needs. Luckily, for the residents of Madison Plaza and Kent, Washington, there are plenty of diverse grocery stores within driving distance. From the daily basics of bread and butter to the exciting East Asian sauces and noodles, Kent has it all. 

We’re not saying that you need to be a gourmet chef to cook, but it’s important to challenge yourself. Explore our list of places to fill your luxury Madison Plaza kitchen and watch yourself become an artist. 

The Basics of Eating

Everyone needs the essentials of living to create everyday meals, so here is the scoop on the best places to stock your pantry. A Washington favorite where you can not only get your food staples, but also any toiletries, clothing, and furniture is Fred Meyers. We highly suggest grabbing their housemade soups, especially their tomato bisque. For amazing deli options and the occasional Starbucks, we suggest grabbing your groceries at Safeway. They also have an incredible gas station with good deals daily. 

The creme de la creme of grocery stores where you can grab some of the most unique foods and wines and is a national favorite, Trader Joe's, is our personal favorite place to shop. There you can grab cuisines from all over the world, as well as gorgeous bouquets of flowers. For a special treat to snack on on the way home, grab the signature Trader Joe's cookie butter. 

Balling on a Budget

Groceries can get expensive, especially in today’s age, so thrifty shopping is a must. Luckily, Kent is full of great discount grocery shopping choices, like Grocery Outlet. The products may change frequently, but you can always count on the essentials being priced fairly. For an extra treat, you can often find discontinued 90s treats, such as Dunkaroos, here. A classic grocery store where everything is seriously discounted would be QFC. 

A one-stop shop with discounted goods that is conveniently open 24 hours a day is WinCo Foods. You can find anything and everything in this less-exclusive CostCo and we promise you won’t be disappointed. 

Exotic Eats

Whether you’re used to cooking foreign cuisine or you want to learn a new skill, Kent has plenty of stores to choose from. The best discounted Asian food store where you can get 4 pounds of chow mein for 4 dollars is Saars. Experiment with your cooking skills without breaking the bank. Take a trip around the world in one grocery stop at the International Food Bazaar. Their South Indian food section is sublime, especially their frozen samosas. 

You no longer have to order takeout when you learn to create your own Mexican food at home by shopping at Del Rio Supermarkets. Street tacos at home are much more satisfying and cost-effective. Get cooking and share your favorite recipes and foods from your grocery store. 

Making a Home: Where to Get Home Decor Essentials in Kent, WA

Moving into a new space can be incredibly refreshing; a blank canvas to reinvent yourself. It can, however, also be a daunting task because now you have to decorate it to reflect your personal style. We suggest that your first step should be starting a vision board, but your next step should be knowing what stores there are to shop at in and around the Kent, Washington area. Lucky for you, we at Madison Plaza have done the research for you. Whether your style is a modern farmhouse or maximalist vintage, we will find the right store for you. 

Decorating on a Budget

You have a vision for your home and we want you to honor it, but we also recognize that it can get expensive. So, we have compiled our favorite budget-friendly home decor stores in the Kent area just for you. A Washington state favorite is Home Goods where you can find everything from mirrors to furniture for your home. There you can find your modern or modern farmhouse looks without breaking the bank. For your biggest savings opportunity, swing on by Big Lots where you can get great furniture at an even better cost, along with some knick-knacks.  

If the bohemian decor style is more your speed, then we suggest shopping at World Market. You can find astounding creations from around the world under one little roof. Decorating your home is a priority to us and we firmly believe that it doesn’t have to be expensive to make it look good.

Hidden Gems

If there’s one thing you need to know about Kent, is that there are plenty of hidden gems to explore. Unique stores can often be home to diverse and exciting home decor pieces and therefore should be scoured thoroughly. For tabletop accessories and accent pieces, we suggest visiting Bassett. If a cottagecore, maximalist interior is what you’re striving towards, take a walk down to Fig and Feather. 

Lastly, if you’re searching for those retro, space-age 60s pieces of decor and furniture, don’t worry because we see you. JH Carr will transport you through time and make your home stand out to all your guests. We want you to make your home unique to you and rest assured these shops will help you achieve that. 

While Kent, Washington has some great eateries and plenty of activities to keep you busy, but we know that some of you may be looking for a future home for your family. Part of your search most likely included finding the best schools for your kids to attend. Luckily, Madison Plaza and Kent have teamed up to create the perfect family-friendly environment, with some of the best schools in the state just miles away. Whether you have a little one starting kindergarten or a teenager getting ready to head off to college, we have the schools for you. 

Pre-K and Elementary Schools

With your kids, you want the best education for them no matter what their age, but did you know that kids at the pre-k and elementary level absorb more? It’s important that they attend a school with a great curriculum, so here our are favorite public institutions. For your pre-k kids, Basic Steps Learning Center and Benson Hill Cooperative Preschool are the best that our area has to offer.  

For the elementary-level kids, we suggest Grass Lake Elementary and Ridgewood Elementary They are the top-rated schools in the area and highly rated throughout the entire state of Washington. Schedule a visit with them today and feel great about where you live. 

Middle and High School

We know that middle school can be an incredibly awkward transition for kids, especially if you’re moving to a new school, but with these top-rated education centers, your kids will have a great time. Meeker Middle School and Cedar Heights Middle School will have an environment that will make that transition easier. 

High school is an important time and where your grades matter the most, so you want your kid to attend a school with the best programs possible. Check out Kentridge and Kentwood High School for a place your budding teens can thrive. 

We can’t wait for your family to move into Madison Plaza and live your best life in Kent, Washington.

Kent, Washington is a city located in the Seattle metropolitan area, known for its diverse community and thriving food scene.  Let’s explore some of the best local restaurants in Kent, offering a range of cuisine from classic American dishes to flavorful international cuisine. 

Asadero Prime

Asadero Prime is a family-owned and operated Mexican restaurant in Kent, WA specializing in authentic Mexican cuisine. The restaurant's signature dish is its grilled beef tacos, which are made with tender, flavorful meat and served on handmade tortillas. They also offer a variety of other Mexican dishes, including burritos, quesadillas, and tostadas.

Airways Brewing Company

For beer lovers, Airways Brewing Company is a must-visit destination in Kent. They specialize in crafting a variety of high-quality beers, including pale ales, IPAs, and stouts. In addition to their beer selection, they also offer a menu of pub favorites, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

Golden India Curry House

Golden India Curry House is a popular Indian restaurant in Kent that serves up a range of flavorful dishes, including classic curries, biryanis, and tandoori specialties. Their menu offers something for everyone, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available.

Banyan Tree

For those in search of Thai cuisine, Banyan Tree is a top choice in Kent. They offer a range of traditional Thai dishes, including pad thai, curry, and tom yum soup. Their menu also includes a selection of sushi rolls, making it an excellent option for those who love both Thai and Japanese cuisine.

Pho Saigon Garden

Pho Saigon Garden is a Vietnamese restaurant that serves up some of the best pho in the area. Their menu includes other Vietnamese favorites like banh mi sandwiches, vermicelli bowls, and spring rolls.

Wild Wheat Bakery and Cafe

Wild Wheat Bakery and Cafe is a local favorite for breakfast and brunch. They offer a variety of baked goods, including artisan bread, pastries, and cakes, as well as a menu of breakfast dishes like omelets, pancakes, and french toast.

Kent, Washington is home to a vibrant food scene, with a wide variety of local restaurants to choose from. Whether you're in the mood for Mexican, Indian, Thai, or classic American cuisine, Madison Plaza is close to whatever your heart (or in this case, your stomach) desires!