Enjoy the day out of the city with a day trip filled with good food, shopping, and amazing views.
Steilacoom
Sitting on the Puget Sound waterfront and the oldest city in Washington (incorporated in 1854), this charming town has so much history and during the summer, they have the best Farmer's Market.
One of our favorite spots is Topside Coffee Cabin, with homemade treats and locally roasted coffee. Above the coffee cabin is Topside Bar and Grill, with an amazing menu changing seasonally; this stop is a must on your trip to Steilacoom. And if you're lucky and the weather is clear, sit outside and view the snowy peaks of the Olympic Mountains.
If you're looking for something a little cheaper, check out The Bair Bistro; located in an old hardware store that looks more like a museum than a bistro, don't be fooled - their food is delicious, and they also have and use, an authentic soda machine and homemade shakes. If you have time, across the street is Norse and Sea, an adorable shop with cute stuffed animals, cookbooks, and other fun gadgets.
On the more casual side of things, grab some grub and a beer at the Steilacoom Pub & Grill or Steilacoom Tap Room. Then finish your day with some ice cream at Berry Dock Ice Cream Shop.
If you're looking to get outside, the Discovery Trail is a 4-mile trail, great for bird watching and mountain views. You can easily bring the kids or dogs along, and it is free to enjoy. Be sure to stop by Pioneer Park, a great place to enjoy the sound and do some whale watching. During the summer, they often have free concerts with amazing views of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.
Bainbridge Island
Only a short ferry ride away, Bainbridge Island is a walkable island near Seattle; you can look into tickets here. The ferry ride alone gives you an unforgettable view of the Seattle skyline.
If you're bringing the kids, check out the Kids Discovery Museum. There are plenty of shops on the island; I love Dana's on Bainbridge; they have a ton of gift ideas, toys, and candles. Another local shop with plenty of smell-good candles and cute home goods is Salt House Mercantile.
My favorite spot is Bruciato; their pizza is made up of ingredients imported from Campania directly to Seattle. If you're looking for burgers and fries or chowder, check out Harbour Public House located right off the water. Before you leave, stop by Pegasus Coffee House to bring some java on your ferry ride home.
Check out 8 Things To Get You Through a Rainy PNW Winter here
Snohomish
Snohomish, located about 45 minutes north of Seattle, is one of my favorite places to visit. It's right off the Snohomish River and is known for its local antique shops and delicious small-town restaurants on 1st Ave.
We started our day at Proper Joe Coffeehouse; they have delicious locally brewed coffee and a selection of breakfast treats. If you're looking for more options for food, check out Snohomish Bakery, they have fresh baked goods daily.
Continue walking along 1st Avenue to enjoy some of their cute shops. If you're looking for some trendy wear, be sure to stop in Hoity Toity, they have some of the cutest clothes and accessories.
One of my favorite shops was Oopsie Daisy Boutique; they have so many adorable knick-knacks and clothes for kids. They also have a consignment shop in their store with gently used children's clothes; it's a great shop to stop in if you have little ones or need a gift for someone who does. A few other favorites are Joyworks, Edit, Malicious Women Candle Company, and Sprig Flower Company.
After a day of shopping, you'll be sure to have worked up an appetite, and Snohomish has various options, no matter what you're craving. Roger's Riverview offers a variety of meals from pastas to salads made from locally grown produce; if you're looking for spice, Todo Mexico is where you'll want to be.
Another great place to relax is Randoph Cellars, a local winery with amazing food with their Pace Kitchen restaurant. Finish your day with the perfect sweet treat; stop by Juniper and Lu for some ice cream or Snohomish Pie Company for the best pie, Northwest Berry is my favorite!
Point Ruston
Located on the waterfront 45 minutes south of Seattle, Point Ruston has a small-town feel in a big city. Not only is this a great place to do some whale watching, but the shops and restaurants are worth the drive.
Metronome Coffee is a great place to start. Then make your way to the Ruston Way Waterfront where you'll find several shops to wander in. Sunflower Soul Apothecary screams PNW with its holistic products for health and wellness. For the kids, step into Guppies; they have everything you could think of when it comes to necessities for the kiddos.
Point Ruston has no shortage of waterfront restaurants, some of the best being WildFin American Grill, Katie Downs Waterfront Tavern, and my favorite being Copper and Salt; they have the best breakfast menu and their sticky toffee pudding is to die for!
Snoqualmie
30 miles east of Seattle and known for its large waterfall, Snoqualmie is an adorable town with plenty of charm the whole family will love.
If you make the drive, you have to visit Snoqualmie Falls. I recommend going in spring when the mountain snow is melting and the 268ft waterfall (only 57ft shorter than Niagara Falls) is full. You can even stay at the Salish Lodge and Spa overlooking the falls. You can also do a short hike down to get a view of the falls from the bottom. Get more information on Snoqualmie Falls here.
One of my favorite shops in Snoqualmie is the Snoqualmie Trading Post; they have several locally-made candles and other souvenirs. Another shop to stop by is Birches Habitat; they have adorable home goods and the softest sweaters.
After you've been exploring this small-town, you'll want to grab some food before your drive home. North Bend Bar and Grill serves breakfast to dinner, and their smoked mac-and-cheese is amazing. If you're looking to relax and dine, the Iron Duck Public House has a great menu with pizza, steaks, and duck as well as a large whiskey menu.
Laura
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