Hilly, Lakey, Woodsy Lovely: Madrona is also a distinctive Neighborhood for Exercise

Imagine a glacially carved enclave with rivers and streams tumbling into a lake, and a run with deer, mink, otter, ducks and bear. Prior to 1851, what we now call Madrona was a hunting and fishing mecca for Duwamish people. As settlers came, loggers, picnickers and realtors replaced the natives and began to develop the neighborhood. Housing began to line the ridges, and there was a trolley that ran from 34th Ave down to a recreational center at Madrona Beach. Attractions included a boat dock, dance pavilion, a Japanese tea house, bath houses, wooden swings and forest paths with bridges and benches.

In the 1900s Madrona saw construction of both grand mansions and more modest homes. After the world wars, the neighborhood diversified with Chinese and African American residents moving in. There was pushback from some white residents and red-lining tried to push people of color west of 34th. But civil rights activists and legislation persisted and integrated Madrona Elementary school and the neighborhood. St Therese school and church also maintained a strong African American community in the area. When I first moved to 27th and E Pike in the 1990s, the Madrona Red Apple grocery carried products (and played music) popular with the strong community of African Americans who came from Mississippi and Louisiana. Madrona was also a headquarters for the Black Panthers, who did drill exercises in Madrona Playfield!

These days Madrona is a great destination neighborhood with an excellent selection of cafes, restaurants, shops, parks, cultural organizations and great character. Its continued racial, religious, cultural and economic diversity as well as its close access to downtown Seattle via East Union and Cherry Streets make it distinctive and delightful.

For people seeking fitness and movement opportunities, it’s a goldmine! For runners and cyclists, Madrona means That Hill– one mile from the lake to the flashing 4-way stop at Union and 34th with a short reprieve halfway up at the duck pond. Madrona’s hills are a great training ground for interval runs and rides. If you prefer trail running and hiking, head to Madrona Woods with paths twisting through ancient trees where eagles linger. Swimmers and paddlers love to set off from Madrona Beach. And right next door, Spectrum Dance offers all kinds of movement classes and performances. Up the hill at Madrona Playground, play a bit of basketball or tennis, or craft a clever bodyweight workout on the playground, toss a frisbee or kick a ball on the playfield. The offerings are staggering.

While in Madrona, visit some of my favorite spots:

• The Hi Spot Café is the soul of Madrona with its sweet little public parklet out front, a great breakfast hangout.
• I’ve celebrated an anniversary or two at Vendemmia and always see friends when I’m there.
• I swoon over jewelry and accessories at Amano, and have picked up recycled wardrobe items at Katybird Consignment.

Spectrum Art is a groovy small gallery worth a turn through.

Pick up picnic snacks at East Anchor Seafood on your way to the beach.

Golden Wheat Bakery on Cherry is a family-owned gem, and a launch point for one of our Madrona run/walk routes. I highly recommend the mushroom empanadas.

And one of my most cherished massage therapists can be found in the Madrona Refuge building – Cathy Federici, Counterpoint Massage. Get on her schedule!

There’s so much to love about Madrona. Meet me there for a coffee, a coaching consult or walk-run route. Cheers!