Snohomish Washington Public Market and Wine Cellars of Washington

    We love how during the summertime people are encouraged to visit farmers' markets and support local businesses--get fresh produce and buy crafts from local artists. But once winter hits much of that mentality is lost because most of the markets close down for the season. Up until recently, we didn't think there was a farmers' market-like place we could go in the winter...that's why we were so excited to learn about the indoor Washington Public Market that runs every Saturday and Sunday in downtown Snohomish.

This was one of our favorite displays: Nostalgic Bay had a wonderful collection of enchanting merchandise

The Market

    The market features local businesses with vendors who sell everything from handcrafted jewelry to handmade alpaca clothing to Washington wine to truffles. The market just started up in November of 2011, so if you haven't heard of it, you're not alone. We were impressed by the variety of items of the nearly 100 vendors and artists at the market--we spent several hours browsing around admiring it all. 

Alpaca critters--all are irresistibly soft--you can't help but pet them

It's All Here

    The Snohomish Market is a one stop-shop. You'll find antiques, gifts, massively discounted new furniture, cooking shows, people spinning alpaca wool to make yarn, and 25 Washington wine vendors selling one-of-a-kind wines from all over Washington. It's best to not be in a rush when you visit so you can take it all in, so feel free to spend your afternoon there so you have time for it all--especially the wine...

You'll find a variety of flavors among these wineries--here's Scott after talking with Pat with Elevation Cellars

The Wineries

   Since the Wine Cellars of Washington features 25 wine cellars all in the same building, you're in for a real treat. For $5.00 a person, you can get access to all 25 wine cellars and the best part is, you can cycle back through as many times as you want in a day because you're given a bracelet for the entire afternoon. This allows you to explore lots of flavors, explore more of Snohomish and the market, and then come back to enjoy all of your favorite wines from before. Take note that the $5.00 is a door fee and some of the tasting stands charge an additional dollar to taste their wines. Whether you're tasting the complimentary wines that some stands have to offer or you pay the additional $1.00 for other wines, the overall cost to you is so much less than if you go to most other tasting rooms around the area. Plus, if you buy any bottle you get your 5 bucks back. 

You never know what kinds of goodies you'll find at the Washington Public Market in Snohomish

    The Washington Public Market and Wine Cellars of Washington is a fantastic place to spend an any kind of day, especially a rainy one!

Some of the Artists:

Eclectic Treasures -- Inspiring glass treasures that serve great as gifts.

Elevation Cellars -- One of the 25 cellars you'll find, with fantastic wine and very friendly people.

Nostalgic Bay -- "Supplies the unusual and the unique," definitely worth checking out.

Silver Wears -- Beautiful pieces of jewelry, many made from silver that you wouldn't expect to see...

Creative Jewelry By Martin -- Martin has a variety of lovely jewelry and some very neat steampunk-inspired gadgets and jewels.

Things To Know:

• The Washington Public Market is open every weekend: Saturdays 10am to 6pm and Sundays 10am to 5pm
• The Wine Cellars of Washington is featured at the market every weekend as well: Saturdays 12:30pm to 6pm and Sundays 12:30pm to 5pm
• This is a relaxing and fun way to spend an afternoon with family and/or friends
• Snohomish is located just east of Everett

Address:

    1010 & 1011 2nd Street

    Snohomish, WA 98290
    (888) 415-9567

License plate signs, made from license plates from lots of different states--too cool

Let us know what your favorite part of the market is!

Head on out Around Puget Sound...and Beyond

Yellowstone Trail: Seattle to Boston -- Red Brick Road Redmond, WA

    Not long ago, we were talking with one of our neighbors about the adventures we've gone on for our blog. His excitement level began to rise as the conversation continued because he hadn't heard of many of the places we had blogged about. After saying, "Thanks for the tips," he started wracking his brain to think of cool places that he's heard of in our area, but has never checked out during his 40 years of living in the Washington State.
   The destination he thought of sounded more like a myth than something that could have actually existed. "The Yellowstone Trail," he said, "I think it's out in Duvall somewhere, but I've never gone. Supposedly back in the early 1900's the road went all the way from here to Yellowstone National Park." Our eyes lit up, but with some skepticism. How could, and why would, there be a trail going from Seattle to Yellowstone Park at that point in history? We were determined to find answers, and thus began our Yellowstone Trail journey.

Map of the Yellowstone Trail, credited to the Yellowstone Trail Association

The History of the Route

    Through the wonders of the internet, we learned that the Yellowstone Trail was indeed real, and not only did it go from Seattle to Yellowstone National Park, but all the way to Boston Massachusetts. It was the first automobile road in the northern part of the United States that went from coast to coast. The trail was formed in 1913 and was active until about 1930. The Yellowstone Trail was made possible by a grassroots organization, called the Yellowstone Trail Association, which was made up a group of mid-westerners who were tired of not having good, all-weather government roads to use. Together, they pressured the government to create better roads as cars became more popular. Decision-makers came to the conclusion that having a national route that took drivers through the scenic Yellowstone National Park made the most sense. (Learn more from the active members of the Yellowstone Trail Association.)  

The one-mile authentic remnant of the Yellowstone Trail in Redmond, WA

The Yellowstone Trail Today

    We set out on a cloudy wet winter morning to the historical trail with our jackets and chocolate lab. Google Maps and Bing informed us that we were looking for Red Brick Road (196th NE Ave.) in Redmond, just off of Redmond/Fall City Rd--does Red Brick Rd. remind you of The Wizard of Oz? Yeah, it did for us too. As we came into the valley after driving through downtown Redmond, we knew we had almost arrived when we spotted an old farm house we'd seen in a photo online taken in 1975 of the trail--the same farm house still remains today.

    We chose to drive the authentic Red Brick Road first, as it's only a mile long at this point. While bumping along we imagined what it would have been like to be on this exact route in a Model T nearly 100 years ago. The road still maintains the same speed limit as it did back in 1913--25 mph, and we have to tell you, even in today's cars, on a brick road, 25 mph seems pretty fast! We enjoyed the countryside: the horses, donkeys, Great Blue Heron, miniature horses, wetlands, and farm houses. It really is scenic. The rest of the Yellowstone Trail technically still exists, but the majority of the other portions have been repaved and turned into highways and residential streets. 

The Red Brick Rd. really is quite picturesque as you drive along--that's golden grass in a nature preserve in the background

    When you arrive, breath in the country-fresh air and wrap your mind around the history. This was the only way to travel from Seattle to the East Coast nearly a century ago. 

The only identifying sign you'll find at the Yellowstone Trail landmark in Redmond

It Was Worth It
    After driving the trail, we jogged it with our dog, who decided that this was an extra-specially good idea. We enjoyed taking the Yellowstone Trail at a slower pace and thoroughly appreciating the scenery around us. When the road turned back into asphalt, we have to admit, we weren't ready for it. You just can't find brick roads around here, and certainly not with this kind of history. The Yellowstone Trail marks an important time in the development of our country's highway system and it's just outside the city. You don't always have to go far to find something new and different.

Our chocolate lab after our jog, loving the trail and loving the exercise

Things To Know:

• To find the Yellowstone Trail: Turn left off of Redmond Way (Highway 202) going toward Fall City onto NE 196 NE Ave. (or Red Brick Rd.) the trail will connect you to NE Union Hill Rd.
• There is one small historical landmark sign that you might miss if you aren't looking for it, right after the road turns into a brick road
• You can drive, ride your bike, walk, or jog on the trail
• The brick road portion of the trail is one-mile long

Bring your dog and go enjoy the historic Yellowstone Trail

Not many people know the Yellowstone Trail exists--go make it your own!

Head on out Around Puget Sound...and Beyond

Hiking -- Twin Falls -- North Bend, WA

    If your looking for a hike for this weekend that isn't too far from the city, Twin Falls is the hike for you. The waterfalls will knock your socks off...no joke...

    The trail begins next to the Snoqualmie River as it winds along the river's path. Giant boulders are fixtures in the rushing water as you travel along. The first 1/2 mile of the hike is flat and easy-going. After that, you'll begin to climb up a tall bank in the forest only to find that you're walking back down on the other side. Be on the look- out for the old growth Douglas fir tree that you'll soon find beside the trail. The tree must be a few hundred years old (if not older) and is truly a spectacular sight. Take Note: This hike is great at any time of the year, but Autumn allows you to enjoy the fall colors of the maple trees in this mostly evergreen forest.

The hike begins along the Snoqulamie River, where you'll have several chances to get down by the riverside

    After another hill climb (where you'll be right next to I-90 for a short stretch), you'll have the opportunity to take a set of wooden stairs down toward a look-out perch to see the falls or continue along the higher ground to another vantage point. We suggest going down the stairs first to get to the jaw-dropping view of the main falls. When we reached the platform at the bottom, our friend, that we were hiking with remarked, "Well, this is definitely more than I was expecting!" And it's true, it's difficult to capture Twin Falls with a camera. This is a must see in-person kind of place.

The view of the 150ft Twin Falls from the platform that stands high above the river

    The water comes cascading down the rocks and plunges into the river pool at the bottom. There you'll see a cave filled with water that should only be appreciated at a distance (this is some icy water). It's amazing to look down from the platform at the river and realize just how high up you actually are.

The main falls is so large that you can't quite capture it all in one shot--it's a stunning drop

    Head back up the wooden stairs and along the upper trail. There you'll reach a bridge where you'll get to see the river water just before it plummets down the waterfall. You'll also see two smaller falls higher up. The atmosphere here is so relaxing--rushing waterfalls, cool mountain air, and inspiring sights...it doesn't get much better than this...and only 1/2 hour from Seattle!

Things To Know:

• You need a Discover Pass to park in the lot or $5.00 for a day pass at the trailhead (checks accepted)
• The hike is 2.7 miles round-trip
• This is a great hike for any time of the year
• We saw a bunch of kids on this hike from toddler age up
• As long as your dog is on a leash, you're good
• The pay-off is incredible!

Directions:

    Take I-90 East toward Spokane

    Take exit 34 and turn right onto 468th Ave. S.E.

    Drive for 1/2 mile and turn left just before the bridge

    Continue on S.E. 159th St. for 1/2 mile until you reach the end of the road 

    The trailhead will be right there

The extra prizes you'll find if you walk above the main falls: more waterfalls!

Enjoy the falls!

Head on out Around Puget Sound...and Beyond

October -- Bob's Corn and Pumpkin Farm -- Snohomish, WA

Finding Bob's Corn and Pumpkin Farm
    Over the last couple of weeks we've been looking for the best pumpkin patch around to find this year's Halloween pumpkin. We've looked all over, and found what we believe to be the holy grail, not just for pumpkins, but all harvest time festivities--Bob's Corn and Pumpkin Farm a place to go rain or shine.
    Bob's Corn is located just beyond Woodinville and only 30 minutes northeast of Seattle. The farm has everything you can imagine a fun country setting having, and more...roasted sweet corn, a giant corn maze, pumpkin patches, hay rides, cow-train rides (where a tractor pulls trackless train cars that are in the shape of cows--not just for kids)...and trust us, this is only the beginning. We met with Bob, the 4th generation owner of the farm, and got the complete tour of this agri-tainment operation. (Agri-tainment: that's agriculture/entertainment mixed together--the word was new to us too.)

Welcome to Bob's Corn and Pumpkin Farm--here you'll find pumpkins and more pumpkins; take your pick!

 Arriving at the Farm
    When we got to the farm, we checked in at the Country Store, located just up from the kettle corn stand that you'll see when you enter. The first surprise you will encounter is that there is NO admission charge! Prepare to be surrounded by wholesome goodness--it'll be hard to decide what to get first. Should you buy some of those fresh pears and Honeycrisp apples you saw on your way in, the barbecue sauce or peach syrup for sale on the shelves, or if you should purchase the tickets for the corn maze?...

The Country Store, located in an old calving barn that was built in the late 1800s

Take Your Time

    Here's our advice, don't feel like you need to be in any kind of a rush; take in the country atmosphere, check out the cow train and the roasted corn being made, and then go find your pumpkin or have an adventure through the corn maze. Look for the playground on the hill, with the incredible view of Lord Hill and stop off at the concession stand for a roasted peach dessert with ice cream on top (this is by far our new favorite dessert!)

Enjoying roasted corn with the choice of  regular, garlic, or jalapeno butter--yum

Headed to the Pumpkin Patch and Maze

   When you are ready to venture to the 8-acre pumpkin patch or the maze, you'll get to board a hay ride, yes a hay ride (and it's free!). They have huge tractors that pull these hay wagons around, don't worry, there's plenty of space for everyone.

The giant John Deer tractor pulling the covered wagon hay ride

The Maze

    Once aboard you'll be on your way to the maze and pumpkin patch. Bob told us that the corn maze's elaborate design was created with nothing more than a 200ft tape measure and marking posts. While some farms use GPS systems to find their way to create their design, this one was made purely using human imagination and excellent follow through. The maze's shape this year is of a medieval castle. 

    Take note, that something unique about this farm is you can rent fire pits in the maze and have bonfire with a group of 2-80 people. Bring your own s'more equipment or get it from the farm when you get there--you can hang out at the bonfire until midnight. Check out more details here: http://www.bobscorn.com/bobs-corn-bonfires-firepits.htm.

The aerial view of this year's corn maze--a medieval castle! Learn more about the maze: http://www.bobscorn.com/bobs-corn-corn-maze.htm

The Valley

    Also, on the hay ride, you may notice a couple of ponds that are  in the same valley as the crops being grown. We learned from Bob, that during the winter months this whole valley floods with water from the Snohomish River--the water rises as high as 17 feet. When we heard him say this, we responded with, "Oh no!" Bob smiled and said that they welcome the flood because it brings all kinds of new minerals into the ground, enriching the soil, and we personally believe that this probably brings out some of the best corn and pumpkins around. When we asked Bob if he ever takes a boat out onto his winter flood lake, his responded with, "Definitely."

The valley next to the Snohomish River: The hay ride's end point and the beginning of pumpkins galore and the entrance to the maze

The History of the Farm    

    Bob's great-grandparents homesteaded this land in Snohomish, WA in the 1880s. In the 1960s, the 500 acres of land became a dairy farm with over 225 cows that were milked 3 times each day. Bob started selling sweet corn as a kid in the 1980s--as he puts it, "Some kids sell lemonade, well, I sold corn." And he did pretty well. In 2001 the farm made a transition from dairy farm to pumpkin patch and corn maze, and officially got into the agritainment business. Since then Bob's Corn and Pumpkin Farm's popularity has exploded with more and more visitors every October.

    This is a true family run business. During the other 11 months of the year, Bob and his family are prepping for the upcoming October visitors--they are determined to give you the best possible experience. Not only do they go the extra mile to bring you a great time, they go miles beyond. The farm's motto is, "Bob's Corn and Pumpkin Farm, where family memories grow." Bob says, "This is your farm--bring your kids." 

    Everything said here is true, we'd only like to add...this is not only a place for kids and families, but a place for couples, friends, seniors--everyone is bound to have a memorable time here.

The October sunshine high above the corn fields

Making It a Tradition

    After finding the perfect pumpkin for us (the funkiest looking pumpkin is our favorite kind) we headed back to the Country Store for some fresh apple cider and found out that the store is open year round. We plan on making this our resource for fresh seasonal fruits and veggies throughout the year and the maze and pumpkin patch an annual tradition every October. 

The view out from the Country Store; crates and crates full of fresh produce

    Head on out to this one-of-a-kind local business any day in the next few weeks before Halloween--they're open every day, with extended hours over the weekends and get ready for fun http://www.bobscorn.com/. 

Things To Know:

• This is place to go rain or shine thanks to the covered eating areas
• Free admission! 
• There's plenty of parking, including handicap parking near the Country Store
• There will be greeters to help you figure out where to go when you arrive
• Feel free to ask the staff any questions you may have, they're extremely helpful
• There's a free playground for the kids with a stellar view of the valley
• You can get roasted apples, pears, and corn at the concession stand...
• There you are: Have a great country adventure

There's so much to enjoy at Bob's Corn and Pumpkin Farm!

Thanks Bob for creating an incredible farm!
Head on out Around Puget Sound...and Beyond

Water Play -- Lynnwood Pool and Recreation Center -- Lynnwood, WA

    It may be January, but that doesn't mean you have to stop living life like you did a few months ago: when the sun was high, the weather was warm, and all you could think to do was go to the beach. The Lynnwood Pool and Recreation Center allows you to enjoy some of the best parts of summer in a warm indoor experience, even in the winter months.
    This past summer we were bummed out about the rising costs to get into Wild Waves Theme Park, "$39.95?!" We said, "That's creeping up on the price to get into Disneyland!" 
    Ok, maybe that's a bit of an overstatement, but it's true, we chose to not go to Wild Waves simply because of the price. But that didn't stop our hankering to go down a water slide. We recently found out about the Lynnwood Pool and Recreation Center (which opened in Spring of 2011), which has not one, but two full blown indoor water slides.

A view of the two water slides from outside of the Lynnwood Recreation Center

 
   For the bank-breaking admission price of $4.50 for adults and $3.50 for kids (ages 2-12--kids, 2 and under are free)--you can access over two hours of fun including: two huge water slides, a lazy river, a water playground, water basketball, a six-lane lap swimming pool, kiddie pool, hot tub...hm, did we forget anything...oh yea, a gym and two racquetball courts to top it off. We were absolutely stunned when the cashier told us the total for the two of us would be $9.00--talk about an inexpensive and awesome date!

Check out the lazy river and the water playground

    This really is top notch facility. We saw at least six lifeguards on duty, maybe there were more--we lost count. There are two major water slides, one that's a body slide and the other you can use inflatable tubes on--there are single and double person tubes. We tried it all and have to say that the green slide for tubes is our favorite. Going in a double or single tube is fast and fun. The ride starts off quick, with lots of twists and turns, then it slows down a bit, right before it speeds up and you hit the end with a splash! The best part is, there are hardly ever lines for the slides. Plus they keep the whole pool area heated and the water's warm enough you're unlikely to feel cold.

Having fun on the slide! We seriously went down about 15 times

    For more details about the swim schedule visit the City of Lynnwood's Recreation Center website. 

    After swimming, we looked around at the racquetball court and we spoke with a visitor who was working-out in the gym. She said, "This is a brand new facility. It's been so great to see more and more new people coming every weekend." You don't have to wait until next summer to come here. A rainy day is the perfect kind of day to check out the Lynnwood Pool and Recreation Center. People of ALL ages will find something to enjoy here.

Things to Know:

• There are seven family locker/changing rooms
• There are several showers and tons of lockers in the main bathroom (bring your own lock)
• There's a good size six-lane lap pool
• 3ft kiddie pool and another 1-3ft pool with a water playground
• Two water slides, a lazy river, complete with rapids, fountains, and a basketball hoop
• You'll find fully outfitted gym and two racquetball courts
• Admission is $4.50 for adults, $4.00 for youth (13-18), $3.50 for seniors and kids (2-12), and free for kids under 2 years old.
• For addition information visit: http://www.ci.lynnwood.wa.us/Content/Community.aspx?id=193

Looking in on the pool from outside at night; there's a playground outside as well, for nicer days

    

Believe us when we say, we'll be back!
Head on out Around Puget Sound...and Beyond

Zoo -- Outback Kangaroo Farm -- Arlington, WA

    If you think that you need to go all the way to Australia to get up close and personal with a kangaroo--think again. The Outback Kangaroo Farm is a zoo for kids of all ages to enjoy petting and hand-feeding kangaroos, wallabies, llamas, miniature donkeys and more. There's never a dull moment at the zoo and your bound to want to bring one of the wallabies home with you. The tours are 40 minutes long and are priced at $7.00 for kids and seniors (ages 2-12 and over 65) and $8.00 for adults (ages 13-64). This is one of those super unique experiences that you have to check out.

Visiting 'Kangaroo Jack' at the Outback Kangaroo Farm

    We've visited the farm with young kids, teenagers, and older adults--everyone seems to get a kick out of having their picture taken with a real live kangaroo. If you're lucky they may have baby animals as well. On our most recent visit in August, one of the mama kangaroos had a baby in her pouch. There were even a couple of baby miniature donkeys to top it off.

This is just one of the many wallabies at the zoo; you can feed and pet them all

    This excursion to Arlington is about an hour drive north of Seattle and a great excuse to go out into the country.
http://www.outbackkangaroofarm.com/

Things to Know:

• The kangaroo farm is open March 1st to October 30th; Wednesday through Sunday
• $7.00 for kids and seniors; $8.00 for adults (ages 13-64)
• Tours are offered at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm
• Arlington is about one hour north of Seattle 
• You are guaranteed to pet and feed kangaroos and wallabies

Say "Hi" to 'Kangaroo Jack' when you're there!

Head on out Around Puget Sound...and Beyond

Hiking and Kids' Playground -- St. Edward's Park -- Kenmore, WA

    St. Edward's Park is the site of a beautiful seemingly ancient brick Catholic seminary that was in operation between 1930 and 1976, and still stands today. There are huge grassy spaces that surround the seminary; encompassing it all, is the forest. This would be the perfect place to make a movie, if you ever get the urge.

The seminary building at St. Edward's Park in the summer's evening sunlight

    The park is over 360 acres and filled with dozens of trails to explore. Some of our favorites are less than a mile long down the hillside that take you to Lake Washington. There's a small "designated" swimming area off from the end of 'main trail' to the water (this trail runs perpendicular to the backside of the seminary). Once you've reached the water be sure to explore the trails that run along the lake. As you walk, be on the look-out for rope swings and other good places to swim--you're sure to find some.
     Back at the top, you'll find the extravagant playground located southwest of the seminary. Your kids are bound to have fun here for hours: swinging on the tire swing, climbing on the climbing wall, or captaining a ship--your kids will love it. You can bring along a picnic as well, if the weather permits.
     If you're hungry but didn't bring a basket full of your own or if it's a rainy day, never fear. Bastyr University is less than a mile away and their cafeteria is filled with great natural food and open to the public. Lunch is served from 11:30am to 2pm daily. The cafeteria is chock-full of healthy "green" options and is very reasonably priced. Here, you get to buy your meal by the pound, so you get to decide how much you want.

This is only the beginning of the playground at St. Edward's Park...

A Semi-Secret Place to Explore:
    Before leaving the park, we suggest taking the couple of extra minutes to find the "Fern Grotto". It's the kind of place that you'd miss it if you didn't know it was there, yet it evokes a feeling of wonder and fantasy. The stone cave alter was created by a Boy Scout years ago. Weddings are sometimes held here, first kisses have been know to happen here, as well as child make-believe stories. On countless occasions we've brought kids to this place and immediately they begin making up imaginary stories that take place in Narnia or a Disney movie scene that they get to pretend in at the Fern Grotto. The kids are right, it feels like you've been transported someplace else...
     To find it, walk west (toward the lake) from the playground toward the forest. Then stroll along the forest until the trees end and the field begins. At this point, round the end of the trees, pass the trail that begins on your left and walk toward the lake again. Before long, you'll find a wooden rail fence on your left. Go through the walkway in the fence and keep going...that's when you'll see the top of the Fern Grotto made of stone. You can approach the grotto from either side; walk down the stairs and you'll be there.

Things to Know:

• Take note that parking is $10 per day or $30 for an annual pass (to avoid the parking fee you can park on Juanita Drive before you enter the park)
• There's a giant "castle-like" kids' playground for toddlers to kids-at-heart to enjoy
• There are several hikes to choose from to reach Lake Washington
• Mountain biking is permitted on the "main trail" to the water that runs perpendicular to the backside of seminary as well as closer to Juanita Drive, but not on other trails to the water
• Restrooms are located at the top in the gym, located north of the seminary and also in at the bottom of the "main trail" to the water (outhouse style)

Have fun at the park!
Head on out Around Puget Sound...and Beyond