A SKY VALLEY WEEKEND

FRIDAY

After rolling into Sultan, stop at the Visitor Information Center at the corner of 4th and Main Street – this historic building was the first bank in the Sky Valley. Be sure to ask about the shootout on Main Street in the 1920’s.

From there take a quick, easy, and flat 2-mile round trip hike from River Park to Osprey Park on Susie’s Memorial Trail. A beautiful groomed trail connects River Park to Osprey Park and follows the banks of the Sultan River. Enjoy the lush, green rushing water, birdsong, and of course – an osprey or two.

As you come back into town on Main Street be sure to stop by Kiss the Sky Books for an amazing book hunt and coffee drink. Pop into Flat Iron Gallery and snag a few neat items to add to your home décor or to give as gifts!

Drop in to Curtson Distillery for happy hour, then head down to Good Brewing Co. for dinner and a pint.

Stay at the Dutch Cup or one of the local Airbnb’s, including one above Highway 2 Antiques & Collectibles – Cynthia’s Antique Store (a hot pink treasure trove!).

SATURDAY

Start your day with coffee at Kellie’s Kaffine, and snag a pastry or breakfast sandwich at one of the area’s local grub stops. By 10 a.m. the Sultan Farmers Market is in full swing; gather a market lunch of bread, honey and fruit to take along for your day’s adventures. Keep strolling and browse quality handmade wares to take home.

Start making your way further east; be sure to check out the cute collectables and local handmade items at the Startup Roots Artisan Market or Haystack Co. in Startup. Snag lunch at Maria’s Taco Truck or at Prospectors in Gold Bar.

After lunch, head up to Index for a relaxing afternoon –rent electric bikes, take a hike through Heybrook Ridge, or sit by the river and take in all that nature has to offer.

As the evening winds down, grab a brew and enjoy some live music at the Mt. Index Sand Bar. Book a stay at the renovated historic Bush House Inn – this beautifully hand restored boutique hotel is nestled beneath the breathtaking Index Wall.

SUNDAY

Ease into a lazy morning, enjoy coffee at the River House, or meander up to the Espresso Chalet just outside of Index - this coffee shop is an old set from the 1980’s movie “Harry & the Hendersons”. Harry Henderson Statue stands out front. The views from the back deck are not to miss, overlooking both Bridal Veil Falls and Mount Index.

Don’t forget to take a guided fishing, mushroom foraging, rafting, or ATV adventure from one of the outfitters based in Index or Skykomish for an experience to talk about for a lifetime. On your way out of town grab a late lunch in Skykomish at Cascadia Hotel for classic burgers and sandwiches, or hit Smokey’s BBQ in the old Depot across Highway 2 for award-winning barbeque, smoked and served with love. Picnic at any of the regional parks or at Traveler’s Park in Sultan along Highway 2. Head on home with a heart full of Mountain Memories!

SNOHOMISH FARMERS MARKET www.snohomishfarmersmarket.org

Thursdays, 3-7 p.m., May 5-Sept. 29

A farmers market in the heart of the historic downtown of Snohomish, this market is well established and in its 31st season. Come for farm fresh produce and grab a bite. Enjoy the market then take a stroll downtown for good eats, some antiques, collectibles and fine art. Snohomish is the largest of the region’s markets with around 125 vendors, hitting a million dollars in sales last year — talk about supporting small business!

LAKE STEVENS FARMERS MARKET www.lakestevensfarmersmarket.org

Wednesdays, 3-7 p.m., June 1-Aug. 31

Set on the shore of Lake Stevens at North Cove Park, this market provides both an easy stroll, a park for the children, and a view of the sunset over the lake. Pick up your fresh groceries, support a farmer, and head to the barbecue grills for a lakeside picnic.

MONROE FARMERS MARKET www.facebook.com/monroewafarmers

Wednesdays, 3-7 p.m., May 25-Sept. 7

This is the place to be for the freshest, in-season berries and vegetables. A wide variety of vendors bring marketfresh eats, as well as clothing, crafts, and, (bonus points!) food trucks!

SULTAN FARMERS MARKET

Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., May 7-Oct. 1 www.sultanfarmersmarket.com

A start-up on the market scene, this is the Sultan Farmers Market’s second year. Organized by the Sky Valley Chamber of Commerce, the market supports local farmers and artisans. Check out the Youth Market, where young entrepreneurs can sell their own wares and garden bounty.