Happy Columbus Day!

Columbus Day, observed on the second Monday in October, honors Christopher Columbus' arrival in the New World in October of 1492.

According to the History Channel website, "[Columbus] intended to chart a western sea route to China, India and the fabled gold and spice islands of Asia; instead, he landed in the Bahamas, becoming the first European to explore the Americas since the Vikings set up colonies in Greenland and Newfoundland during the 10th century."

Read more about his journey here.

Columbus Day is not widely observed in King County, most local governments are still open. However, federal offices, including , are closed. Here's the list of what is open and closed on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 10:

Open:

• Retail Stores
• Supermarkets
• Bellevue School District
• Restaurants
• Convenience Stores
• Bars/Taverns
• Gyms/Health Clubs
• Most local government offices 
• Call ahead before heading to any of the above establishments to confirm they are open. Many retail stores or gyms/health clubs may be operating on a Sunday schedule or with limited hours.

Closed:

• Banks 
• No mail delivery - All U.S post offices are closed
• Stock Market
• Federal Offices