A great afternoon of shopping, lunching and browsing is assured in the very walkable downtown Everett.
Take your pooch to one of the many downtown pet-friendly brewpubs, parks and eateries. ©Jake Campbell
Watch the assembly of the world's largest airplanes at the Boeing Tour on Paine Field.
Farmer's markets are a year round activity with the opening of the new indoor Farms & Market farmstands and deli. ©Jake Campbell
Let Everett Surprise You
By Mary Vermillion
One of Washington’s best kept secrets is hiding in plain sight along I-5. The city of Everett – just 30 miles north of Seattle – is blossoming with cafes, museums, brewpubs and galleries, inviting visitors in the know to exit the fast lane, relax and explore. “I know it’s only a matter of time before people discover Everett,” says Tyler Chism with local advertising agency Milltown Creative. He’s helping to spread the word through the website and blog Live In Everett. “No place embodies the spirit of the Pacific Northwest better than Everett: airplanes, coastline, proximity to mountains. It’s the Northwest spirit; a little bit wild but in a good way. Not gritty; it’s eccentric and original. There’s no place like it.”
No place embodies the spirit of the Pacific Northwest better than Everett—airplanes, coastline, proximity to mountains. It’s the Northwest spirit—a little bit wild but in a good way. Not gritty—it’s eccentric and original. There’s no place like it."
Everett’s economic and cultural heritage lie in the lumber, aerospace and maritime industries. And they are still part of the town’s identity. Boeing employs 30,000 people at its Everett plant and thousands of visitors annually tour the Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing assembly plant. But in recent years, the most intriguing growth has been in the downtown core where new cafes, coffeeshops and galleries have opened.
For visitors, there’s plenty to love, including eclectic vintage shops. Looking for good food, local beverages and a little culture? Independently owned spots in the 10-block downtown core include a coffee shop voted “the best in the world,” funky brewpubs, bottle shops and a wine tasting room, a café that makes the cinnamon roll of dreams, and the newly opened Farms & Market artisan food market. It’s getting harder and harder – but definitely worth the effort – to get tickets to performances at Village Theater, which features local talent in productions of classic and new musicals as well as comedies and drama.
Art and Culture
Don't tell the kids, but besides fun, they will actually learn a lot while exploring the wonders at Imagine Children's Museum.
The Schack Art Center provides opportunities to watch artisans in action or become one.
A performance of My Fair Lady at the Village Theatre is one of the many great musicals you can enjoy.
Music festivals downtown and on the waterfront are always a popular way to spend a spring or summer day. ©Jake Campbell
The Schack Art Center is an admission-free visual art center where locals and visitors can discover their inner artists. Families can spend hours at the Imagine Children’s Museum, which engages children with playful learning. The museum’s new Rad Science program on Saturdays offers hands-on science and technology demonstrations. In the summertime, linger downtown for free outdoor live music almost every night of the week and free outdoor movies. Popular upcoming events highlight the community’s love of music and brews, including the Everett Music Initiative’s Fisherman Village Music Festival March 30-April 1. Check downtowneverett.com for an events schedule.
A waterfront worth wading into
From downtown, head to the water. Everett, which has the largest public marina on the West Coast, takes full advantage of its waterfront location on Port Gardner Bay. During the summer, there are free events here, too, including the seasonal Everett Farmers Market and live music. “It’s the world’s best outdoor dance floor,” Chism says. “There’s a band playing on the dock, people dancing, food trucks. It’s a beautiful, perfect summer evening.” From July through September, catch the free Jetty Island Ferry (donations encouraged) to 2-mile Jetty Island for an idyllic day relaxing on the sandy beach or exploring nature trails. It’s also a popular kiteboarding destination.
Head to Emory's on Silver Lake
Emory's on Silver Lake provides a wonderful waterfront dining experience.
Dining on the deck is a must on a bright sunny summer day.
Emory's is reputed to have the best Happy Hour in Snohomish County. You be the judge.
Live music is a tradition at Emory's. Get out and support the great local musicians that frequent the lounge.
Consider ending a perfect day in Everett at Emory’s on Silver Lake. The family-owned and operated lakefront restaurant originally opened in 1994, proving it’s not just the new kids that make Everett shine. Following a devastating fire and with the support of the community, Emory’s reopened with a beautiful Northwest Lodge-style building in 2010. They have a popular happy hour with an extensive wine list, great craft spirits and local beer. Special events include live music on weekends and comedy nights.
The only restaurant on picturesque Silver Lake, Emory’s menu has broad appeal. (Local tip: try the seafood risotto). Whether she’s describing the restaurant or her hometown, Kelly Cole of Emory’s confirms this is a hidden gem to discover. “It’s homey and comfortable here,” she says. “People can escape, relax and enjoy.”