SNOHOMISH 3-DAY ITINERARY

The Inn at Snohomish is a boutique hotel with close access to all the fun and activities that Snohomish has to offer! When you arrive, be sure to check out historicdowntownsnohomish.org/events for events happening in the Snohomish Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

FRIDAY

Begin your Snohomish adventure at Vista Clara Coffee. Pick up a pound or two of locally roasted beans to enjoy during your stay or as a delicious reminder of Snohomish once you’ve returned home. Then grab a slice at Brava’s Pizza and Pasta before heading over to Hammered Dwarf Cider for small batch cider or Haywire Brewing Co. for award-winning beer.

SATURDAY

Start your day with coffee and a breakfast sandwich at Java Haus Café then head across the parking lot to McDaniel’s Do-It Center for any gear you might need, or just to browse their beautiful plants, garden art, and gifts. From there, you’re just a few steps away from the Centennial Trail where you can take an easy walk north toward Machias or south into downtown Snohomish. Be sure to check out the short and beautiful river trail.

Interested in a little more hiking? Lord Hill Regional Park is a short drive toward Monroe and offers over six miles of beautiful trails of varying intensity across its 1,463 acres. Enjoy the last colors of fall before winter arrives. On a clear day, head up to the higher points of the park for views of the snow-capped Cascade and Olympic Mountain Ranges.

Head back to town for lunch and enjoy one of downtown’s many eateries. Spada Farmhouse Brewery offers a variety of classic and new American food — the roasted brussels sprouts will not disappoint! Spada also features a nice selection of beers brewed in-house. Just down the street, Fred’s Rivertown Alehouse is known for its always spot-on pub food. The Asian nachos and lobster bisque are perennial favorites.

Enjoy the rest of the afternoon holiday shopping in Snohomish’s many boutiques. Canine Matters has a fun selection of toys, treats, and gifts for your favorite pups. Be sure to stop at Joyworks, a Snohomish staple for more than 30 years where you’ll find a large selection of women’s clothing, home décor, and gifts to fit every style and taste. You also won’t want to miss Arts of Snohomish, filled with paintings, photographs, jewelry, and more from some of our area’s most talented artisans. Newer to First St. is The Petal and the Stem, featuring fresh flowers and plants as well as a wonderful variety of décor, jewelry, and gift items.

A glass of wine at Blanc & Rouge or Randolph Cellars may be the perfect way to round out your afternoon. Prefer to end your day with something more lively? Head over to Collector’s Choice Restaurant for dinner and catch live music in their sports bar next door.

Sunday

Start with a hearty homestyle breakfast at Cabbage Patch Restaurant (no judgment if you opt for a slice of house-made pie for breakfast instead) and then explore Snohomish’s outer reaches. Board and Brush Creative Studio and Burkhead Art Center offer fun activities for those looking for hands-on experiences (perfect for a rainy day!). Warm up with a swim at the Snohomish Aquatic Center or try out a class at Spark Hot Yoga. As your weekend in Snohomish comes to an end, stop by Josh’s Taps and Caps bottle shop for a thirst-quenching souvenir, enjoy the delicious fare of Best of Both Worlds Catering at Sound to Summit Brewing, and then swing by Bliss Small Batch Creamery for one last sweet treat for the road.

MONROE 3-DAY ITINERARY FRIDAY

As you arrive to Monroe, be sure to grab your first Instagram-worthy shot at our Monroe sign either coming north on State Route 203 or at the State Route 522/Main Street Roundabout. Then head to your beautiful bed & breakfast, Ponderosa of Sky Valley, to check in. This privately owned bed & breakfast sits on 10 acres of Sky Valley serenity. Their tag line, “easy to get to, but hard to leave,” truly encompasses the venue. The B&B also hosts experiences taught by talented professionals and artisans; contact them ahead of time to see what they are offering during your stay. After you have unpacked and settled in, if you don’t find it too hard to leave, head to the Monroe Visitor Center to see what events and activities are happening during your visit that might spike your interest.

The weekend is a great time to embark on the Monroe Brewery Tour. While you are at the Visitor Center, be sure to grab a Brewery Tour Card and start off at Good Brewing, walking distance from the Visitor Center. Along with premium craft beer, Good Brewing offers seltzer and wine for the non-beer lovers out there. Once you’ve sampled a flight and worked up an appetite, walk east on Main Street to find a dinner spot. Before you cross Lewis Street, be sure to check out the Wagner Swift Sculpture created by Kevin Edwin Pettelle. The sculpture celebrates the gentle and sweet-natured Vaux’s Swifts, birds which make Monroe’s Wagner Center chimney their home during their twice-yearly migrations. Then as you cross Lewis Street, take in the city’s newest sculpture, Guardian of the Mountain Pass, designed and built by Milo White and Jay Bowen. This piece encompasses everything Monroe is about: gateway to the Cascade Mountains, idyllic rural landscape, powerful rivers, and lush green forests. Now time to decide on dinner. Feeling like BBQ? Check out The Amarillo Restaurant and Tavern, or maybe you’re feeling Thai on Main for a bit of spice? Or, check out a staple: Jeno’s. Jeno’s was established in 1970 and serves delicious Italian, but come prepared as it is cash only. Truly a unique experience.

After dinner, an evening cocktail is never a bad idea, and the Burnt Barrell Whiskey Bar has you covered. Unique craft cocktails, a curated collection of whiskey, bourbon and scotch, jazzy music, relaxed lounge vibes, and no televisions create a perfect atmosphere for a quiet evening of people watching on Main Street.

Saturday

If you are in Monroe on Dec. 3, you must not miss the Pickin’ @ The Barn Holiday Market. An event-driven market of hand-crafted items, from decor to treats to eat and drink. All the vendors are local, small businesses handpicked to suit the season. It’s a one-of-a-kind shopping experience and, as it’s often called, a community gathering place. “December has often been described by shoppers as a Hallmark Movie event! We just love Christmas and all the magic of the season,” market owner Jenn Edelbrock said.

If you miss the Pickin’ @ the Barn Holiday Market, don’t worry! Historic Downtown Monroe offers a variety of storefronts to satisfy your inner shopper. Check out Milkwood for creative, locally made décor and handmade furniture. Be careful though, you might find yourself squeezing a live edge, wood table into your car. Modern Home Furnishings is Main Street’s newest addition and offers a boutique shopping experience. Want more adventure? Stop by Pacific Mountain Sports and get inspired for your next trip to Monroe.

Once you are shopped out, it’s time to relax and continue your Brewery Tour. Next on the list is Bugu Brewery. This family-owned nano-brewery recently celebrated its 1-year anniversary in October, but don’t let the “nano” fool you. Bugu has a large variety of beers on tap, If you want a sneak preview, check out their website for a complete list and descriptions. Next up is Dreadnought Brewing. Tucked away in the city’s industrial area, this brewery has it all: beer, cider, hard seltzer, and a rotating schedule of food trucks for on-site food options. If you hit this brewery on Friday, enjoy live music and an open mic from 7-10 p.m.

If you prefer a sit-down dinner, might we suggest Lewis and Main Restaurant and Brewery: a casual-upscale destination featuring American farmhouse cuisine. With integrity of service and a passion for hospitality, Lewis and Main offers some of the best local food, craft beer, spirits and Washington wines available.

Sunday

Sunday is the day to sleep in. Wake and enjoy the beautiful tranquility at the B&B while enjoying a hot breakfast on-site. Continue your relaxing day with a driving tour of the many David Hose murals Monroe has to offer.

One of our region’s most prolific muralists, Hose has quite literally painted the Sky Valley. In doing so, he has transformed many old walls into beautiful, detailed, one-of-a-kind works of art that tell a story. Each story is told so vividly you feel as though you can step into the walls and become part of the world he has created.

After your driving tour, hit the last brewery on the list, Crooked Label, which is located at the entrance of Sky River Parkway. Crooked Label offers a friendly and inviting atmosphere and has a moto of “Always Be Kind. Always.” They host

For a complete listing of all the David Hose murals in the Sky Valley and to learn more about the artist himself: regular open mic events, and if you follow their Facebook page you are sure to have an occasional laugh.

If you leave town Monday, stop by the visitor center with your completed brewery tour card to receive a commemorative brewery tour cup.

SKY VALLEY 3-DAY ITINERARY

FRIDAY

As you make your way along the Nationally recognized US2 Scenic Highway take in the views of rivers, mountains, beautiful vistas that frame the natural beauty of the Sky Valley. The highway winds through farms, past iconic landmarks towards seasonal sights and activities for all your fall and winter adventures.

As you reach Sultan take a moment to stretch your legs by walking Suzie’s Trail along the Sultan River leading you to Osprey Park. Enjoy peekaboo views of the salmon spawning in the fall, and the gorgeous river flow into the cooler winter. Designed to be a fish nursery, Osprey Park is a beautiful city park that feels like you are deep in the woods and one with the natural area. The park includes a covered basketball court, a dog park, and a great playground for the little ones for a great time for all.

After you have worked up your appetite stop in at Sultan Thai, a new local favorite that features signature dishes for everyone in the family. Try the fresh spring rolls, kra pao kai dao or basil fried rice for a great dine-in experience or take-out to enjoy in the privacy of your vacation rental throughout the many tranquil locations in the Sky Valley. It is easy to find the perfect location at Treeline Vacation Rentals, which hosts many unique and picturesque Sky Valley properties for a memorable stay amongst the rivers, woods or mountain foothills.

*Quick tip: Be sure to stop by the Visitor Information Center in Sultan (320 Main St., Sultan, WA, open Monday – Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.) to get your National Forest passes, Discover passes, fishing licenses, Christmas tree permits and more.

Saturday

As you wake the next day, enjoy a lazy morning in the Sky Valley take in the natural beauty of the fog over the river, spectacular sunrise or watch the wildlife in the green spaces. Once refreshed and ready to continue kick-start the rest of your adventure at the Woodshed Espresso in Gold Bar. Grab a great coffee and be sure to try the addictive Thai cookies. Along the way explore the tiny town of Startup and peruse the unique finds by local crafters and producers at Startup Roots Artisan Market. Load up on local honey, a unique tea blend, a handcrafted hat and more to take along on your great adventure further up into the mountains. Startup Roots keeps seasonal hours, so be sure to check their Facebook page (tinyurl.com/3p4hpcu9) for current operating times.

Follow the scenic byway to continue the journey east to Index. This small city is seemingly paused in time located just a mile off US2. During the fall and early winter, consider taking an alternate route from US2 by taking Reiter Road from Gold Bar to Index. This winding, slow drive takes you through the pictureperfect Reiter Foothills with trees and changing leaves to the base of the Index Town Wall – an awe inspiring 500-foot sheer granite cliff. For a great leg stretching hike, explore Heybrook Ridge County Park, a gorgeous and accessible trail for discovering the beautiful and unique flora and fauna located in the Sky Valley.

Continue your journey to Skykomish, an old Rail Town closer to the pass. Stop by local favorites to grab lunch at the cute LouSkis Deli or a gourmet coffee by the fire to

warm through at Sky River Coffee

Meet an adventure guide in town to take you to see any number of natural wonders from fishing to mushroom foraging. Try your hand at snowshoeing or even take an ATV or snow machine if you’re feeling adventurous. Enjoy the rest of your day at Sky Artworks, a gallery featuring regional artists located in the historic Maloney Store. The Sky Valley inspires many artists, if you are inclined to create during your stay bring your favorite art supplies, take advantage of the daily creation space rental, and be inspired by the beautiful Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest which surrounds this old rail town. Next to Sky Artworks is the Skykomish Historical Museum where you can discover some of the fascinating history of this area. Spend another beautiful night tucked away among the trees and plan for your last day exploring the Natural wonders.

Sunday

The next morning take a hike, Just eight miles east of Skykomish is the Deception Creek trail. Explore lush, moss-covered forest and vivid fall colors in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness The first five miles gradually ascends the valley following Deception Creek, where you can find established campsites. Some of the areas may be closed seasonally check current trail conditions online or call the Skykomish Ranger District office at (360) 677-2414. If the snow is calling, make your way up to the Stevens Pass Ski Resort for a day of skiing or snowboarding. Incredible views from these gorgeous ski hills. Enjoy the lodge while taking a break from classes taught by world class ski and snowboard instructors. Looking for a new winter experience? Spend the day is exploring some of the open Forest Service roads by snowshoeing or harvesting your own tree* with a $10 permit.

*Tip: Be sure to take a tape measure with you, those trees are bigger than you think! Be sure to get your permit at the Sky Valley Chamber & Visitor Center (320 Main St., Sultan, WA, open Monday – Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.).

Sky Valley is home to a variety of micro-climates. The micro-climates bring rapidly shifting weather, so be prepared for rain, temperature swings and more. Be sure to bring appropriate gear, sufficient water, and supplies.

Stay up to date with current road conditions and driving restrictions by checking the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) website. For helpful tips on winter driving, visit: wsdot.com/ travel/real-time/ mountainpasses/ winterdrivingtips.