An Indie Bookstore Holiday in Snohomish County
If you’re like me, when you visit a new place, you need to find the local bookstore. "Compulsion" is proper the word, I guess. I suppose there’s a win-win in this scenario: I get to peruse novel (no pun intended) bookstores, and I’m also supporting indie retailers in the era of online mega conglomerates.
When in Snohomish County, patronize these little bookstores and make a big difference in our local economy – one hardcover or paperback at a time.
Third Street Books
Marysville
Third Street in downtown Marysville is the old part of town – a walkable strip of brick buildings, striped awnings, and plate glass window storefronts. It’s the kind of place where you can still drop by the local bakery for a pastry or spend an afternoon window shopping with no agenda.
Third Street Books is a family-owned and -operated bookstore in a quirky old building. It has tall bookshelves and specializes in old books, literature, genre fiction. Check it out!
What to do nearby:
Stop by The Creamery Co. Coffee House for quality espresso beverages
Visit the Hibulb Cultural Center to encounter the art, culture, and history of the Tulalip Tribes
Main Street Books
Monroe
Welcome to this quintessential smalltown bookstore, complete with resident cat. Moreso than your average bookstore, Main Street Books is a bit of a treasure hunt. Their selection is far from comprehensive, but there are some real gems to be discovered among the rows of spines in this cute little shop.
What to do nearby:
Take an autumn walk at Al Borlin Park to see the maple leaves in full color.
Sip locally roasted beans at Vinaccio Coffee.
Uppercase Books
Snohomish
If you like to take a stroll in a quaint downtown on the riverside, then Snohomish is the place to find yourself. Uppercase Books is a bit off the beaten path: a cozy log cabin-turned-bookstore featuring all genres and specializing in local authors. It’s the sort of place designed to make you linger: from carefully arranged armchairs to a small play area for kids. Find your next good read here.
What to do nearby:
Take a break at Grain Bakery, a gluten-free bakery where all pastries are made from scratch daily.
Linger over a cup in a cushy booth at Looking Glass Coffee.
Kiss the Sky Bookstore
Sultan
If the hallmark of a great bookstore is quality vintage “bones”, then Kiss the Sky (named after a Jimi Hendrix lyric) has most places beat. It’s a hundred-year-old building filled with old books. In an area of the county that’s more thought of for its hiking and skiing opportunities, Kiss the Sky is a cultural beacon for artists in the community,
What to do nearby:
Take a trek into the colors of fall on a local hiking trail.
Check into a cozy cabin for a weekend of reading and chill times.
Artisans PNW
Everett
Built during the heyday of lumber mills, historic downtown Everett checks a lot of boxes for lovers of fall weather. The deciduous trees in the medians turn rusty with autumn color. The brick buildings bring to mind the setting of a classic American novel.
“Artisans” is a coffee shop in the historic Hodges Building. This long, narrow room (that’s just how they built them back then) has original hardwood floors, coffee, adult beverages, and a small menu. And, yes, books. They have rows of used and vintage books as well as hyperlocal indie books. Treat yourself to local culture when you’re in Everett this autumn.
What to do nearby:
Delight yourself in a variety of French baked goods (plus French onion soup) at Choux Choux Bakery.
Support local farmers by shopping for tasty treats at the Sno-Isle Food Co-op.
