Only 18 miles north of Seattle lies the hamlet of Edmonds, a small town of only 42,000 on the west-facing slope of Puget Sound. With tree-lined streets, a walkable downtown, and beautiful views of the ferry, the town has become a hideaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s a place where flowers bloom in yards come spring and people smile when they walk down Main Street. But don’t let the size of Edmonds and its charm fool you; this is no sleepy town.
It offers a full calendar year of events, enough gourmet restaurants to satisfy even the pickiest foodie, and a variety of transportation options. Only a short and picturesque train ride away from Seattle, Edmonds is the perfect place for those who want the comfort of small-town life with the world at their fingertips.
A walk down Main Street showcases much of what makes Edmonds the ideal waterfront community. Centered around a fountain at the intersection of 5th and Main, the town spreads out in an eclectic array of independent shops mixed with art galleries, wine bars, and sidewalk cafes. The streets are equally beautiful in any direction you choose, accented by art and colorful hanging baskets. On a summer night, the glow from vintage street lamps mingles with the scent of blossoming geraniums and begonias; it’s a magical scene.
It’s a place where the old mixes with the new, where you can attend an exhibit on modern art in a building that’s over a hundred years old. In fact, Edmonds is the oldest incorporated city in Snohomish County. Relics of its history still exist, having been lovingly woven into the fabric of the community. Residents of Edmonds are proud of their heritage, and maintain beautiful old buildings such as the former Carnegie Library, a log cabin Visitor’s Center, and a 1920’s Art Deco movie theater.
All of these buildings are within walking distance, as is the entire downtown of Edmonds. It’s one of the main reasons people are so fond of the town. It’s entirely possible to leave your car at home and walk everywhere you need to go, from the grocery store to the ferry terminal to the cozy restaurant where you’re meeting your friends for dinner. Edmonds is a walker’s paradise.
For those who do want to venture farther, Edmonds is the perfect jumping off point for quick, scenic trips to towns such as Westgate, Woodway, Mukilteo and Kenmore. And if enjoy day trips; take the North Cascades highway for a breathtakingly scenic drive over a mountain Pass and on to the Methow Valley. Or travel across Stevens Pass to the alpine town of Leavenworth, and beyond to Wenatchee, one of the world’s largest apple orchards. All easy day excursions. Or if you’d rather let your feet do the traveling, just walk aboard to the Edmonds-Kingston ferry. With all-day service across the Sound, you’re less than an hour away from amazing weekend destinations like the Point No Point Lighthouse and Quilcene, a small town that hosts a Mozart music barn during the Olympic Music Festival.
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