Off the Beaten Path: A Weekend in Everett Itinerary

What’s the deal with Everett?

Everett is a Pacific Northwest mill town that’s undergoing a dramatic transformation. The historic brick buildings in the downtown core are being filled with new retail shops, craft beer parlors, and modern urban plant stores.

Everett hugs the shoreline of the Salish Sea and offers the largest public marina on the West Coast. From Everett it’s only about an hour’s drive to the Cascade Mountains – the perfect distance for a weekend hike in the tree-covered foothills.

Get off the beaten path and into downtown Everett. It’s time to explore!

Where to stay

Hotel Indigo is a new hotel on the Everett waterfront. It’s home to the Jetty Bar and Grille, which offers an in-house dining experience with floor-to-ceiling windows. Be sure to check out those views of the Everett marina and the Olympic Mountains across Puget Sound.

If you prefer a downtown stay, try the Delta Hotel or the Hampton Inn – both fine options inside the city.

Explore nerdy PNW culture in Downtown Everett. While you’re in the city you have to experience Funko and Everett Comics – both on the same block of Wetmore Avenue downtown. Funko, makers of popular culture figurines, has quite the building. It’s part amusement park, part retail store. You’ll have to see it to believe it. Definitely a photo-op.

Round out the nerd trifecta with a quick jaunt to BobaKhan. Located in South Everett, this top-tier comic book shop has everything from highly collectible plushies to uber nerdy board games, all for your perusing and pleasure.

Spend the afternoon experiencing fine art (including some pieces for sale) at The Schack Art Center. Or get hands-on at the Salish Sea Ceramic Studio at the foot of Hewitt Avenue where you can throw clay on the potter’s wheel or take a ceramics class.

If you’re up for evening alternative kicks, go for a vintage shopping sesh at Hot Rod Heidi’s boutique of all things curated and retro. Then stop by the Lucky Dime venue to see which live music acts are in town. You can expect local and touring punk, hip hop, and/or indie rock bands to be doing their thing in this indie art gallery.

If you love saltwater, then congrats! You’re in the right spot.

Rent a kayak at the KayakShare kiosk. From the docks, it’s a short paddle to Jetty Island. “The Jetty” (as locals call it), is a sandy two-mile beach. There’s a seasonal ferry to the island, running roughly between early July and Labor Day. If you catch the beach on an overcast day it’s remarkable in its stark beauty. If you catch it on a sunny day it’s a sheer slice of summer delight – all sweeping views of islands and warm water for wading. 45 species of birds call this island home.

Let’s talk about lunch and dinner options. There’s no shortage of places to sip and savor the flavors of the PNW along the Everett waterfront. Bluewater Distillery serves up from-scratch cocktails from spirits that are distilled in house, plus a robust menu for foodies. Scuttlebutt offers pub-style seafood and classic American fare with a Northwest twist. They serve their craft brews on tap! Lombardi’s is an upscale Italian restaurant with views of boats bobbing in the marina.

After dinner, walk off that pasta dish with an evening stroll. Take the prominent pedestrian bridge to stroll through historic residential north Everett. Enjoy Grand Avenue Park and views of the islands and mountains to the west. The park is an absolute favorite vantage point for locals trying to snap Instagram-worthy photos of brilliant sunsets.

Today’s the day to get down on some grub. Here are our top recommendations for tasting the best of Everett.

Start with a cup of fine espresso at Cafe Makario. This tiny coffee shop has an ultra-modern vibe that boldly stands out from its inconspicuous location. The owner specializes in Korean-influenced super-specialty craft coffee beverages that you simply can’t find elsewhere (butterfly pea tea, anyone?). Bonus: the owner roasts the coffee himself.

Be sure to check out the seasonal Farmers Market on Wetmore Avenue and Hewitt Avenue for fresh snacks and seasonal produce. The farmers market runs between early spring and mid-fall (starting and ending dates vary, so be sure to check online before you go).

For top-tier lunch options, you can take your pick from Basil Thai food, Brooklyn Brothers Pizza, or K Fresh. Basil serves delicious pho and the crispiest banh mis in town. Brooklyn Bros. slings the most authentic New York-style pizza in town – by the slice, even. K Fresh offers the best Asian-fusion veggie/vegan options for your enjoyment.

For the conscientious, whole-foods eater (we feel you) your best bets are The Valley Organic Deli or Sisters Restaurant. Both places serve up delicious, from-scratch veggie- and vegan-friendly meals made from quality, delicious ingredients. Chops is the place to go for epic Korean burritos.

If you’re an enlightened traveler who needs snacks on the go, make a point to stop by the Sno-Isle Natural Foods Co-op in downtown Everett. You’ll see.

Had a great time in Everett? Good deal. Follow @visiteverett and @seattlenorthcountry on social media. Tell your friends about this hidden gem and tag us – or don’t. There’s no shame in keeping this well-kept secret to yourself.