72 hours in Bothell

Friday

Kick off your weekend getaway by checking into McMenamins Anderson School!

McMenamins transformed Bothell’s first junior high school campus into a hotel, which means you can order drinks at the Principal’s Office and play pinball at The Woodshop.

Start your trip off right at The Shed, an outdoor bar on Anderson School campus, where you can relax with a whiskey cocktail next to a fire.

Extra credit: Book a stay at Anderson School through our Sip & Stay package, which offers discounts to the hotel, as well as up to two complimentary Passport to Taste from Woodinville Wine Country that can be used all year.

Stroll down main street and find a myriad of stores, including First and Main Design Market, Alexa’s Cafe, and CoCapsules. Bothell's Main Street is the perfect place to spend an afternoon window shopping. Here you will find inspiration and unique handmade items.

End your day exploring with dinner and a show at The Cottage. This Bothell bistro revamped its outdoor seating for a cozier atmosphere and refreshed its in-person live concerts with livestream shows every Friday night.

Extra credit: Extend your trip and stick around for The Cottage’s Break-even Bottle event every Tuesday, when the restaurant breaks out their rarest spirits to share.

Saturday

Start your day off right by heading to Caffe Ladro for breakfast, which is conveniently located across the street from Anderson School. The coffee shop offers freshly baked pastries, including apple butter and cream cheese turnovers, cappuccino muffins, and raspberry scones.

Make sure you buy a few molasses cookies for later (and for good measure).

After coffee and a delightful breakfast, make your way to the Bothell Historical Museum, which consists of the Hannan House, Bothell’s First Schoolhouse, and the Andrew and Augusta Beckstrom Log Cabin. Explore the grounds and admire the historic architecture, which has been meticulously preserved.

Next up, experience the natural beauty of Bothell, walk across the Old Bothell Walking Bridge and meander along the Sammamish River Trail. The expansive, ten-mile trail rolls along the Sammamish River and offers additional views of the Sammamish River Valley, Cascade foothills, and Mt. Rainier.

Extra credit: If you’re visiting during the summer, rent a kayak from WhatsSup Stand Up Paddle and Surf, and drift along the river. Better yet, sign up for our Beers and Gears package to enjoy Bothell’s best craft brews while biking along the Sammamish River Trail!

After working up an appetite, end your afternoon at The Bine. Here you can enjoy a This is NOT a Cuban Sandwich and an ice cold IPA. The pub offers delicious small plates — like Beer Battered Cheese Curds! — sandwiches, and an excellent selection of beers. Don't forget to take home a few crowlers as the perfect Bothell souvenirs.

Sunday

For the last day of your trip, treat yourself to the ultimate breakfast spread at Alexa’s Cafe, an establishment that takes brunch seriously. Alexa’s serves up dishes like the Flying Pig Scramble, Strawberry Nutella French Toast, and Country Grub.

Before checking out of Anderson School, don't miss taking a dip in the Anderson School Lagoon, a relaxing saltwater swimming pool with temperatures of around 90 degrees.

What about souvenirs? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Stop by The Market, McMenamins’ largest gift shop to date!

How about a few tacos before hitting the road? We don’t blame you!

Stop in and order a few Baja Fish Tacos and Chilaquiles at Poquitos, which serves authentic Mexican cuisine.

It’s the perfect ending to a fun weekend away in Bothell!

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