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Historic Downtown Snohomish Living

As the Antique Capital of Northwest, Snohomish, WA is home to nearly 450 antique dealers. Snohomish, with a population of 9145, was founded in 1859 and is listed in  National Register of Historic Places.

This quaint river-side towne is famous for its Historic Homes and Gardens. Snohomish architecture contains a delightful variety of styles.  As an example, Blackman House is a must see. A Dutch colonial style with Queen Anne Towers, it is located on the corner of Fourth Street and Avenue D. Snohomish architectural collections reflect Queen Anne Victorians, English Tudors and Dutch Colonials as a testament to the diversity of Snohomish pioneer residents. Historic Homes Tour are offered for those who appreciate a stroll among gorgeous historic homes.

 Snohomish Garden Club held its 25th Annual Snohomish GardenTour on July 26th 2009 featuring gorgeous gardens among Historic Snohomish Homes on a lovely Sunday afternoon.  Do not miss this Summer’s 2010 Garden Tour.

Historic Downtown was a busy hub for milling, timbering and farming in 1860s. Today, there are delightful varieties of charming shops on First Avenue where visitors can take a day and…  

• Discover antiques, collectibles and modern gift shops,
• Explore Native American artifacts and stain art glass shops,
• Recall your parents past with nostalgic vintage and contemporary items at Pegasus Theatre Store
• Relax at Bee Hive Day Spa
• Enjoy a nice selection of brews at Fred’s Rivertown Alehouse,
• Snohomish Bakery will entice and satisfy you with arguably the best European pastries and breads in Washington- my personal favorite! 

The Snohomish and Pilchuk Rivers border the town and provide a long list of recreational activities for the whole family. A natural choice for a scenic route through downtown is the Snohomish Riverfront Trial.

For those with more lofty ambitions or the need for adrenaline try out Airial Ballon Co’s Hot air balloon for stunning views of Snohomish River Valley and Harvey Airfield for Skydiving lessons, helicopter tours and even chartering your own plane.  

Snohomish Farmers Market is available on Thursday Evenings, 3pm until 7:30pm May 14th – Sep 24th. And offers wide varieties of cut flowers, fruit and farm fresh vegetables.

In Snohomish’s Ghost Sightings are common, especially at the Oxford Saloon. You may want to stop by to check out the picture album of ghosts… You may meet Joe, Madame Kathleen and Mr Peterson.

Some of the upcoming events are fun for kids all ages, GrandFrog Day, Easter Parade, Snohomish Festival of Pumpkins, Kla Ha Ya Days… Snohomish activities list is endless…

Snohomish is a strong cohesive community even though many residents commute to Everett, Seattle and Eastside. Snohomish residents take pride in maintaining the historic values of their town and are proud to be Snohomish Residents. The county is also well managed fiscally. Snohomish residents enjoy lower real estate taxes than their King County neighbors

The town of Snohomish is very dear to my heart since one of my best friends lived and owned a business, Casa e Cucina Francesca in town. Local residents are very welcoming and friendly to visitors or to new home owners. If you know anyone who would like to make Snohomish their home, there is a wonderful Victorian is for sale located at 324 Avenue E, Snohomish, WA 98290.

This True Victorian was crafted in 1890 and sits on 1/4 acre lot in Snohomish’s Historic District. The garden boasts 70+ types of Roses and delicious Wine Grapes to eat or make wine. The outdoor pond makes a great place to relax watching the Hot Air Balloons float by from the valley below.

Inside this home the gourmet Kitchen was recently updated with granite counters and elevated maple cabinetry (ideal for taller cooks). The Wood floors were just refinished and are beautiful. Sconces & chandeliers reflect Victorian Era romance! Enjoy the cozy gas fireplace during chilly winter nights. The original 1890’s deed, signed by United States President, US Grant  and the original Heirloom Oil painting of the home make this a truly unique home of historic significance.

This wonderful Victorian is only a short stroll to the shops and restaurants described above.

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Cougar Mountain Zoo in Issaquah great kids’ activity

There may be more variety at the Seattle Zoo but certainly there is a lot to do at the smaller Cougar Mountain Zoo in Issaquah.  For kids who love to see unusual animals, explore wildlife facts, and especially see their favorite tiger or reindeer, it’s a winner.  The  location is good too, even though it’s admittedly out from the city of Seattle a half hour or more.  For families coming from Seattle a trip could be coordinated with going to a honey shop or farm stand to get fresh produce and see a farm atmosphere (I’ll blog about local farms that invite visitors later this week).

For kids living more locally, this is a great resource as, if you get a family membership, you have a park with animals and other fun elements that you can visit again and again.  As the novelty of running around looking at the animals wears off a bit the animal track library, the mini lectures, and the “Cougar Encounter” “Lemur Encounter” “The World of Wallabies” and “Tiger Encounter” start to draw attention.  The “Fountain of Tomorrow” will be a must-stop every time, and can become a wonderful tradition (take a moment and contemplate your hoped for tomorrows,  then make a wish).  Here is a photo album from our trip to the Cougar Mountain Zoo this year, please send me some if you have any nice photos I can add!  It’s edy.kizaki@exprealty.com.

Click here to go to my Picassa photo album of our Cougar Mountain Zoo visit.

parks

Shilshole Bay, Beach Fun with Loads to Do!

Shilshole Bay, The Beach Picnic Paradise!

Shilshole Bay is probably one of the most picturesque places in Seattle. Located on the western tip of the city along Puget Sound and bordering Ballard and Crown Hill, this is definitely a tourist destination. Some of my earliest memories of my childhood are of going to church with my family and friends and stopping at McDonald’s on the way to Shilshole Bay where we would eat our lunches at the beach and feed the seagulls. As I visited the exact spot on the beach that I had many years ago, I watched the children and their parents having a picnic lunch and reminisced. I wistfully thought how lucky they were to be creating new and one day cherished memories of their time together at this beautiful park.

Originally inhabited by the Duwamish Indian Tribe, Shilshole Bay was a place rich in salmon, clams and other seafood so that the people settled in very comfortably. The name Shilshole in Duwamish means “threading a needle”. This is thought to be because of the narrow opening in which Salmon Bay empties into the Bay. After the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, the wood mills set up shop on the water and employed many workers to work in the mills and send them downtown to rebuild the city.

One of the destinations that should not be missed are the Hiram Chittenden Locks. It is open to the public and you can actually view the “fish ladder” where the salmon are raised and lowered to adjust to the different levels of the waters. It is fascinating for children and adults alike. Another landmark place is Rays Boathouse Restaurant. It defines the quintessencial Northwest cuisine better than anywhere that I know of. Completely demolished from a four alarm fire in 1987 and another one in 1997, Rays was totally rebuilt twice. The freshest seafood from salmon, oysters, halibut and shrimp are prepared expertly by award-winning nationally recognized chefs. Enjoy wonderful dishes while looking at spectacular Puget Sound and Olympic Mountain views. Anthonys Homeport, one of many in the city, also has a coveted spot next to the Locks just down the road. It is another first class Northwest seafood restaurant with an amazing view.

Perhaps due to my humble beginnings, I am just as happy as a clam enjoying fish and chips and chowder at one of the many local joints near the beach. Totem House Seafood and Chowder, The Historic Lockspot, Little Coney Island, and Gordo’s, are great places to grab take out and enjoy at the beach. Don’t miss a little Carribean place called Paseo that just opened across the street from Rays. It is a little pink storefront that sells wonderful barbeque chicken and pork with fragrant jasmine rice and a beet salad. Yummy and satisfying and so friendly, too.

There are many condominiums along the beach area in all different price ranges , new and old with and without Puget Sound views. Or, if you prefer, there are moorages for boats so that you can fulfill your dream of living right on the water. Whatever the season, summer, fall, winter or spring, there are always interesting and lively activities going on at Shilshole Bay. Golden Gardens is the place to have a beach party or picnic, no matter how old you are. It is special and unique places in like these in Seattle that really make the city an amazing place to live. I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else in the world!

Realtor
Helen@SeattlePowerSearch.com

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Windermere, Leash free and bountiful charm!

Windermere, leash free, rich and bountiful local charm!

Windermere, the lovely exclusive neighborhood in northeast Seattle, bordering the equally exclusive Laurelhurst area on the south and Magnuson Park and Sandpoint Way on the north and west, is a wonderful part of Seattle that is named after the Windermere in England’s lake district. It became a prestigious part of Seattle in 1910, and is one of the city communities that is a bit separate from all the rest.

Bordering Lake Washington on the west side, the Windermere neighborhood boasts many multi-million dollar lake side and view homes, many of them refurbished historical homes. It has its very own private Windermere Beach Club, a small park and beach side gated swimming and picnic area that is accessable only by the members of the community. The views look out towards Bellevue in the east and Husky Stadium and the Arboretum in the south.

Charming and friendly in an upscale way, Windermere has a small retail district that consists of a several specialty stores. Michael Wm Farrell Jewelers, a sparkling gem of a jewelry, watch and gift boutique, has something unique for everyone and an enchanting display that catches a symphony of lights and colors. Mr. Farrell is a master jeweler in the field and creates his own one of a kind custom-made heirloom quality works of art that would dazzle even the most discriminating shopper. Friendly service and simply gorgeous! And speaking of friendly, I certainly felt right at home with a happy and cheerfully inviting welcome at Studio J. It feels like a great burst of sunshine when you open the door to the salon, especially on a cold winter day when clients are greeted with such warmth and energy. Who wouldn’t want to patronize this professional and heartwarming place? Well known for their fabulous cuts, colors, and more. Smiles are on the house.

And every neighborhood needs their fresh local bakery, in this case, the locally owned Great Harvest Bakery. A nice selection of organic and very delicious made fresh daily breads and pastries. You know it tastes good when the crowds are lined up throughout the day. And just a few steps away, you have the very elegant Sandpoint Grill which has a full bar and a seasonal menu using organic meats and produce from local markets. Deep rich woods envelope you in this modern yet rustic feeling restaurant, kid friendly, and special 3 course $30 specials on Saturdays. One of the city’s best New York style pizzerias is just around the corner at Pagliacci’s where every item on the menu, from the cheese to the Brooklyn Bridge pizza to the salads are about as good as they come in Seattle.

The corner drugstore is Katterman’s Sandpoint Pharmacy. Feels like the way the old drugstores used to be, where you can pick up your prescriptions and grab a little trinket gifts and candies, too. And don’t forget to visit the one-stop variety store shopping at City People’s True Value Hardware Store where you will find everything from tools and paints, to clothing and stationary. Just like the old corner hardware store. There is a lot of that old fashioned comfort to go around here in this pretty piece of Seattle nestled near the lake. It is a dog’s and dog owner’s paradise with Magnuson Park, one of the city’s few leash free zones. Seattlelites travel from all parts just to bring their canine companions to this main attraction. And the people are nice, too! Bring your dog, bring your appetite, and run leash free!

Realtor

Helen@SeattlePowerSearch.com

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Ravenna, a walkable neighborhood north of UW.

Ravenna is one of those traditional neighborhoods that has gradually transformed in a fresh and upscale way. It is in close proximity to the University of Washington, by foot or a short drive away. It is located directly north of the university district in a picturesque community.

Parks, from the beautiful and historic Cowen Park to the many pocket parks and scattered greenbelts and ravines, give Ravenna it’s breath of fresh air which feels like you are walking through a natural sanctuary. But you are never far from a culturally diverse and interesting mix of small restaurants, coffee shops, book stores, and amazing variety of specialty shops from wine tasting, to bagel bakery, to natural medicines.

The bus system is readily available throughout the neighborhood, as is an I-5 on/off ramp on the west side.There you are. As in all the different neighborhoods that Seattle has to offer, Ravenna has a character unique in its own. Come and visit and if you really feel at home, come and live!

Realtor

parks

Lake Tye Park in Monroe is a great place to spend the day.

Lake Tye Park Rules

Lake Tye Park is located off Fryelands Blvd in Monroe, south-west of Hwy 2.

Every year, the last Sunday in April, sponsors make it possible for a kids fishing derby to take place. More than a 1000 kids show up before 8 am to get in line to fish for farm raised trout which gets unloaded into the man made lake just about a week before the event. These are some good eating fish too, let me tell ya. It is free to the community and kids can bring their own tackle and bait, or borrow those that are provided by the wonderful volunteers who are present to assist the kids and monitor the fishing activities. Each child is allowed to catch two fish, and then they can get in line one more time to catch two more if they so desire.

My oldest with a nice catch from April 2008

Lake Tye has a great playground for the tots, basketball courts, tennis courts, picnic areas, a food concession stand, a skateboard park and clean public restrooms. I haven’t done this there before but it also might be a great place to fly the kites. One thing is for certain, it’s a great environment to spend some quality family time.

A Tower of Slides!

For those who are too big to play on the merry go round, the slides and the swings, perhaps bringing the bikes or the skateboards would be the appropriate thing.

Skateboarder Area of Lake Tye

Coming back to this area after 20 years, I can say Monroe is not a little po – dunk town anymore….some have said it’s like the next Issaquah. Prior to finding our own home in 2004 (it took a few months) we lived with a beloved one who is like family named Julie from my old neighborhood (a Snohomish address but just as close to Monroe).  Anyway, she and I would often come to Lake Tye with our dogs and take a walk along the lake, which I estimate to be about a mile one way. See if you agree, there are lots of different ways to enjoy time together at this park.

Lake Tye on a calm, not so busy day (no fishing derby!). Walking trail is on the other side of the lake in the distance.

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Magnuson Park, Unleash the Dogs for a Run

Seattle is a very dog friendly town and one of the great ways to reward your faithful furry companions for their good behavior is to let them run loose at one of the many no leash dog parks in the city.  Magnuson Park in the NE neighborhood of Seattle just north of the UW and along beautiful Lake Washington is one of these city parks that offer huge spaces for you and your dog’s bountiful enjoyment.  There are several entrances to the Park, but the very south entrance on 65th and Sandpoint Way will take you to there.

There is an expansive open section for big dogs and one for little dogs.  It is like the neighborhood social for animals, where they meet and greet one another.  Quite the experience and the dogs are absolutlely gorgeous to look at.  Good exercise for the human companions, as well.  The views of Lake Washington are also stunning, and the breeze that hits you is refreshing and cool, even on a hot summer day.  You will also see on any given day a bunch of kite flying enthusiasts just next to the dog run.  Vibrant colors and some really great designs of kites to watch.  Plenty of parking and oh, what a day for doggie and you!

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Greenlake Attracts Weekend Fun in the Sun

Seattlelites all know and agree, when the sun is shining and it is a weekend, the sky is the limit!  There are an abundance of places to go and play in every corner of the city.  One of the favorite all time places is Greenlake.  This North Seattle man-made lake and park which measures 2.7 miles around,  is flocked with joggers, bikers, rollerbladers and walkers.  Rain or shine, this popular destination is always the center of attraction with many activities to do for all ages.

On this recent gloriously warm and sunny weekend,  I was surrounded by the sounds of happy chatter, music, and a half a dozen different languages.  Children were playing and giggling as they stretched out their hands to feed the fearless squirrels just inches away from them.  Mothers pushed their babies in strollers

as they briskly jogged around the Lake.  Families sat on their blankets spread out with baskets of homemade lunches.  Senior folks sat on the benches, enveloped in friendly conversation and socializing.

Sports fanatics played soccer, basketball, tennis, volleyball and even windsurfed.  Couples and families geared in life jackets rented paddle boats, canoes and kayaks to glide on the glistening blue waters of the Lake.   Musicians played guitars, fiddles, harps, and sang to the droves of people just passing through.  The ice cream, coffee, and lemonade stands were full of thirsty patrons, waiting for their turn to hydrate their thirsts.  The sunbathers just relaxed and bathed in the warm rays, sprawled on towels, blankets, and lawn chairs.  Alas, the activities in this waterfront park were as varied and unique as the people, themselves, on this leisurely Seattle spring day.

Realtor

Helen@SeattlePowerSearch.com

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Labor Day at Golden Gardens Beach in Ballard

Labor Day at Golden Gardens in Ballard

Golden Gardens Park on Shilshole Bay could be called “Seattle’s Seattle”… water, boats, mountains, seashore, and all the variety of beach-going Seattle folks. It has been loved for generations and it’s a “happening place.” My 7 year old found two friends right away, us mothers sat on logs and chatted (one of them told me she lived right in Ballard at the top of the hill, what a perfect location! she’s a caterer and we discussed some of what makes Seattle food unique…the Northwest bounty of berries, seafood, and wild things that right now is showing up on our tables in abundance). Couples strolled down the edge of the waves. Groups sat on logs in deep discussion or played frisbee and volleyball. in the Boathouse a private party laughed and cheered and feasted. There must have been almost 20 fires that night…there are 12 approved firepits and many people make it a habit to bring their own wood and picnic into the night.

Last night, it was the place to be.

Check out this PI article for more on Golden Gardens.