Nestled in the lush Snohomish River Valley, a showcase of breathtaking Washington State grandeur. You'll find shopping, dining, music and relaxing strolls in and around the historic district. This Antique Capital of the Northwest also hosts over 30 tempting specialty shops, 25 restaurants and taverns, and 13 spas and salons, all in a fun and funky setting with lots of Northwest history to explore.
Snohomish was founded in 1858 under the name Cadyville, although the town officially changed its title in 1871 to the current name in reference to the local Native American tribe residing in the area. The historic downtown is the jewel of the city, where it was once known as the "Antique Capital of the Northwest" when numerous antique shops and boutiques were the main attraction of region. Today, the group Historic Downtown Snohomish has been officially commissioned with restoring the historic charm by fund raising and renovating the surrounding real estate. A project that has been underway for several years, the Historic Downtown has already undergone a face-lift, and is preparing for a steadier stream of visitors to the cozy district. Hotels and bed and breakfasts are popping up more commonly as well, with more live shows and nightlife arriving seasonally to entertain the crowds.
Moving To Snohomish
The city of Snohomish is found in Snohomish County, Washington, on the western side of the Cascade Mountain Range. Beginning just north of Seattle and and extending to 100 miles south of the Canadian border, the northwest corner of the Pacific Northwest is one of the gems of the nation. The region is sandwiched between the north end of Puget Sound and the foothills of the Cascades, where endless outdoor adventures await. The average western Washingtonian is an hours drive from either the mountains or the sea, and the rugged terrain and lush vegetation in between leave numerous options for recreation.
If planning a move, consider visiting the region over summer to experience many of the events, festivals and weekly farmer's markets that add character and charm to the historic hamlet. Tourism from neighboring states and Canada increases dramatically over the summer months as the breaks in the rain allow for more outdoor activities. Canadian visitors especially enjoy both outlet shopping available along Interstate 5, as well as local storefronts in many small towns that make up the heart and soul of the upper Northwest. To get the most out of your visit, consider vacation rentals along the sound or tucked into the Cascades, or any of the many bed and breakfast's or guest houses that run throughout the state.
Neighborhoods of Snohomish
Western Washington is a unique place to call home offering a wide collection of outdoor and cultural activities for the adventurous soul or a group of cohorts and compatriots. The city of Snohomish supports multiple neighborhoods in the surrounding area that range in size and population density from several dozen to around 1,000 people.
The Lake: The Lake in Snohomish is one of the largest and most popular areas, and supports hundreds of residents. Nearby parks and recreation areas round out the neighborhood as a desirable locale.
Currently Snohomish's Historic Downtown district is vibrating with a modern, youthful energy as dozens of shops, restaurants, cafes, salons and spas have all been incorporated into recently updated storefronts. The downtown also supports a strong communal interest for northwest art, culture and history, where many artists are showcased through local community events.
Living in Snohomish
Snohomish is within a close drive of many campgrounds and state trails that wind through the neighborhoods and backwoods of northwest Washington, and the pet-friendly atmosphere of most municipalities in the region goes hand-in-hand with the social tolerance the state is known for. Countless lakes, rivers and wetlands dot the region as the majority of days throughout the year contribute some level of precipitation. These waterways are fed from the rain that washes down from the hills and help define the native groups in the area. Native American tribes from the Pacific Northwest are especially known for their harvest and use of salmon as a staple in their diet, while their world-renowned wood carving skills are still a commonly sought after Native American commodity.
The Blackman House Museum, open to the public for histories of local lore and walk-through's of a traditional mansion, is a testament to the historic properties along the 19th century streets where many homes carry plaques identifying their heritage. The Riverside Gallery, Arts of Snohomish and the Avenue D Gallery are several other local art spots that sell and display classic and emerging northwest art from both Native American and modern artists.
With regular rainfall as frequent as Washington's, it is common for gray and overcast days to continue for weeks with mild drizzles and cool temperatures. However, these conditions, while not traditionally the most inviting, account for the beauty and natural splendor that surrounds the state. The neighboring mountain peaks of the Cascades create a dramatic backdrop for tumultuous weather to pass over, granting the mountains a heavy dosage of snow in the winters. For the rainy days where outdoor activities are not an option, Snohomish offers its own slow-paced level of entertainment with cinemas, bowling alleys, bars, nightclubs and a variety of local events and community-offered classes. Residents of the city of Snohomish are also well positioned to take day trips to Seattle, and experience the incredible array of activities -- from national sports teams and hit concerts, to zoos, aquariums, museums and global landmarks like the Space Needle.
If weather concerns are still at the top of your list, plan a visit in the emerging spring months as winter fades in the northwest. In April showers are still ever present, but the blossoming foliage and sun breaks give a fair idea of the yearly climatic changes. Early in this month the northern counties produce a regional tulip festival where farmers in the Skagit Valley and around grow vast fields of colorful tulips and display them for thousands of tourists that visit these rainbow fields. Local and organic produce is also readily available in Snohomish County, as farmers and small-scale ranchers are commonly supported in the community.
