The 7 Hidden Gems of Snohomish, Washington
For a long time, Snohomish, Washington was known as the “Antique Capital of the Northwest.” As modern-day Snohomish continues to elevate its vintage vibe, there are fresh hidden gems popping up across the city and redefining the old-meets-new aesthetic of this beloved river town. Come along with us as we reveal the sometimes-overlooked but totally-worth-it places that help Snohomish punch above its weight when it comes to retro/modern cool.
1. Peaches Boutique/Rise Studio – take a mini boho retreat underneath the Marks Bldg.
If you want to experience the true “Snoho boho” vibe, look no further than the basement of the Marks Building. As you face this historic edifice, look carefully to the left (a.k.a west) side for a small staircase that takes you downstairs. Step down past a stone wall of ferns and open the magical door to find Peaches Boutique, a family-owned business that sells active wear, accessories, and kids clothing – all with an Instagram-chic charm.
Down the hall is Rise Studio -- a Pilates, barre, and yoga spot bumping ultra-modern music in a clean, minimal space. Self-care is the order of the day here, so don’t be afraid to treat yourself to a cleansing workout.
Combine Peaches and Rise for a bohemian getaway that is hidden just under your feet in downtown Snohomish.
Peaches Boutique and Rise Studio
Downstairs, 1024 1st St
2. Stargazer Records – vintage vinyl off the beaten path
Reach for the (rock)stars at this little family-owned vinyl store located on a side street in downtown Snohomish. Stargazer carries all of the classic albums that you need to fully stock your record collection – think Bowie, ‘Stones, Beatles – plus some modern outliers that make the treasure hunt interesting. Digging through crates is an integral part of a Snohomish daytrip so don’t skip this secret trove of tunes.
Stargazer Records NW
127 Avenue C
3. Step inside the “Titanic” at Top It froyo (authentic decor down to the imported porthole!)
Neeear... faaaaarr.... whereeeeever you are, if you like frozen yogurt, you’ve gotta check out this place. Top It’s owner, Ken, is a history buff. He’s carefully retrofitted this adorable vintage building with Titanic decor such as a helm, a porthole, period-appropriate newspapers, and faux stained-glass windows. Ken even went so far as to order an exact replica of a Titanic porthole, handcrafted in Manchester by the same manufacturer that originally produced the portholes for the Titanic. Now that’s authentic.
Enjoy your tasty voyage into history with a sweet little sprinkle on top at Top It Yogurt on First Street.
Top It Yogurt Shoppe
801 1st St Ste 203
4. Lord Hill – just outside of town, a world away
Outside of Snohomish is a sanctuary where the city life disappears, melted away into the sighing of alders, the solemn shade of cedars, and the soft hooting of owls. Lord Hill County Park comprises a vast network of trails that lead walkers, hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and equestrians through riparian wetlands, over gentle hillocks, and past beaver dams.
If you ever need a hard reset on your brain, you can always flush the stimulation out with the stillness of Lord Hill. Time slows down as you stroll, your thoughts meander to the contemplation of redwing blackbirds perched on cattails and the croaking of spring peepers in song. It’s a magical thing.
Lord Hill Regional Park
12921 150th St SE
5. Bookworm date night – rent the secret upstairs getaway at Upper Case Bookshop
The first surprise is that this log cabin contains a bookstore. The second surprise is tucked away, up a staircase past the checkout counter. Follow the steps to a fireplace, two cozy wingback armchairs, and floor-to-ceiling shelves lined with clothbound classics. This is the cozy, contemplative cabin atmosphere in which you could easily lose yourself in an epic novel.
Here's the second surprise. The upstairs of Uppercase Bookshop can be rented for date night! Bring takeout food up there, a bottle of wine, and get exclusive access to the literary den of your dreams – perfect for a chess match with your loved one, or perhaps a heated but friendly debate about which Steinbeck novella still hits the same, eighty years hence (Cannery Row, btw. It’s Cannery Row).
Uppercase Bookshop
1010 2nd St – look for the log cabin
6. Sunflower fields at Stocker Farms – seasonal selfie wonderland (but only for two weeks!)
You know that scene in the OG Wizard of Oz where they’re walking through the poppy fields? It’s unreal.
That’s more or less the same experience you can find at Stocker Farm’s sunflower fields... but only for about two weeks in early September. That’s when everything floral riots in one final summertime bloom. The farm sells tickets for admission to this destination for professional photographers, influencers, and regular folk who want to be immersed in natural beauty. It’s something that perhaps you just need to experience to believe.
Stocker Farms
8705 Marsh Rd
7. Snohomish Walks – PNW popular history hidden in plain sight
Why must history be boring? Trick question: it’s not -- at least not when you’re on a Snohomish Walks history tour. These lively, personable interactive tours take you off the beaten path and into yesteryear.
Host Taylor Russell shows and tells about all of the history that is right in front of you – how the Oxford Saloon was a grocer turned brothel, who the Blackman family were and why they’re important, why the Marks Building has purple glass embedded in the sidewalk, as well as many other nuggets that will place you in a different context of time as you stroll, sipping coffee.
Is this a comprehensive list of all the gems that Snohomish, WA has to offer? Heck no! Check out some related Snohomish content below to find more treasures. Perhaps the best gems aren’t even on our website... I guess you’ll just have to go to Snohomish and discover them for yourself.
