Uncategorized • July 28, 2017

How to Take Advantage of Edmonds’ Thriving Art Scene

We are so thankful for Edmonds’ commitment to the arts! As a result of members of the community making the arts a priority, there are some truly excellent and enriching opportunities to enjoy the arts all year long. Whether you’re looking to appreciate some art in a gallery or museum setting or just want to immerse yourself in beauty at a laid-back festival or art walk, Edmonds has opportunity for it all!

We asked locals how to best take advantage of this artistic city, and they gave us an inside look:


Cascadia Art Museum

Located at 190 Sunset Ave. #E Edmonds, WA 98020

“Cascadia Art Museum is a regional art museum which focuses specifically on NW artists of the mid 19th to mid 20th century,” shares local Lynette Hensley. “The museum opened in Sept 2015 at Salish Crossing, formerly a grocery store, and an antique mall. Repurposed into an art museum with rotating collections, it reflects the city of Edmonds’ commitment to the arts.”

Cascadia Art Museum offers a diverse range of exhibitions, ensuring there’s always a reason to head back! We recommend following the museum on Facebook so you can receive updates on new exhibits and events.


Monthly Art Walk

“The monthly art walk brings the town alive on the third Thursday of the month,” shares Lena Wood Maul. “Businesses stay open until 8 pm to showcase art from local artist and sometimes even serve wine and treats. The restaurants get a little extra kick that night too from all of the walking traffic. This is a super fun way to check out some local art and support our local businesses.”

Great tips, Lena! You can check out a detailed map on the Art Walk Edmonds website so you can plan your third Thursday. You can also follow them on Facebook to make sure you don’t miss out on special events happening at the art walks!


Public Art

One of the wonderful things about Edmonds is that you don’t have to head to a museum to enjoy art—you’re surrounded by it! “Check out the sculptures big and small along the waterfront walk, from the ferry to the fishing pier,” advises Lynette Hensley.

Sculptures on the waterfront include the Friendship Tree, and you can also check out an interactive map of public art in Edmonds here.


Edmonds Art Festival

Located at Frances Anderson Center 700 Main Street Edmonds, Washington

“Edmonds Art Festival is a major regional art festival, attracting artists from all over the country to show and sell at the Frances Anderson center between Dayton and Main at 7th,” says Lynette. “The festival takes place over Father’s Day weekend and is a big deal. It’s so big, it’s challenging to find parking during the most popular hours. There are two outdoor booth exhibit areas with artists lined up along ‘roads’ such as Van Gogh Place and DaVinci Avenue. Live music and food vendors keep the mood party-like, and a very inclusive student exhibit ensures participation from all ages. But the juried galleries are my favorite. As an artist myself, I’ve had work accepted in two categories. The categories include painting and drawing, 3D, photography and miniatures. Prizes are awarded, and sales are made within the galleries which benefit the Edmonds Art Festival Foundation as well as the artist.”

To learn more about participating or volunteering, check out the Edmonds Art Festival’s website!


Galleries

Local Lynette Hensley provided us with a list of some must-see galleries, so the next time you’re on an art walk or just out exploring Edmonds, be sure to stop by these art galleries:

  • Cole Gallery (fine art gallery with emphasis on realistic subject matter)
  • Gallery North (a Co-op gallery with member artists that place their work and serve as sales crew as well)
  • Aria Gallery (Joan Archer, watercolor artist)
  • MaJe Gallery (jewelry and adornment primarily)
  • Zinc Art + Design (art with a modern sense of style and gifts)


Artists Connect Meeting at Artworks

“Artists Connect is affiliated with Edmonds Art Festival Foundation, and meets monthly at 2nd and Dayton at the ArtWorks building,” says Lynette Hensley. “Artists Connect began with the purpose of supporting local artists, connecting them to each other and creating a space and time for ongoing conversations and support. Twelve years ago, Edmonds Art Studio Tour began because of the connections between members of Artists Connect!”

This wonderful organization helps bring artists from all over the region together. They work to help each other out with whatever another member may need help with, whether it’s sharing resources, creating opportunities to share each others’ work, learning how to grow as an artist, and more. Learn more here!


Studio Tours

“Edmonds Art Studio Tour happens the third weekend every September. Roughly 25 or so Artist participants and some galleries open their home studios all weekend to the public for touring, viewing, some demos, and sales of course,” says Lynette Hensley.

“Many studios have guest artists along with the host artist. The art offered for view is diverse, including bronze sculptures, oil and acrylic paintings, pottery and clay work, jewelry, and anything the creatives of Edmonds and the surrounding areas can cook up.” Learn more about which studios will be participating in the next tour here! We also recommend following the Edmonds Art Studio Tour on Facebook for event updates and reminders, videos from artists, and info on the Edmonds arts scene.


ARTspot Edmonds

This top-notch art store is not only packed with art supplies, but it also offers a wide range of classes and demonstrations as well! Both kids and adults can take art classes here whether you’re interested in learning how to use pastels, finger paint, watercolor, draw, oil paint, etc. Their diversity of offerings is impressive—check out their website to learn more about upcoming classes and events.


Uncategorized • July 28, 2017

5 Gorgeous Home Listings in Edmonds (Don’t Miss Out on the Water Views!)

Interested in living in Edmonds? Whether you’re searching for a condo or a spacious luxury retreat, Edmonds offers homebuyers a wide variety of real estate to choose from. You can find everything from mid-century beauties to new construction, and many homes even come with fabulous views of the shimmering Puget Sound!

These 5 single-family home listings all show off some of Edmonds’ lovely current real estate listings—take a moment to explore each one:

1. Vacation-Worthy 4-Bedroom, 3.5-Bath Masterpiece w/Elevator, 1,000-Bottle Wine Cellar, & Stunning Views

  • Located at 540 Holly Dr Edmonds, WA 98020
  • Listed for $1,400,000

This gorgeous 2003-built custom home is tucked away on a rare private lot just steps away from 5th Ave! Whether you’re relaxing outside on the expansive deck or enjoying a cozy fire in the living room, this home offers captivating views of the shimmering sound and majestic mountains in the background. Click here to take a tour of this one-of-a-kind 3,939-square-foot home!


  1.  Impeccable 4-Bedroom, 2.5-Bath Home Less Than 1 Mile From the Heart of Downtown Edmonds

  • Located at 1226 7th Ave S Edmonds, WA 98020
  • Listed for $750,000

Beautifully maintained, this pristine, magazine-worthy residence offers exquisite style alongside premium amenities. Discover a fabulous 3,336-square-foot floorplan that includes an incredible master retreat, a private deck, a spa-like bath, and much more. This home is also in a highly desired location, just blocks to parks and less than 1 mile to Downtown Edmonds’ shops, restaurants, pubs, and other attractions.


  1. Bright & Updated 4-Bedroom, 2.75-Bath Home in Seaview

  • Located at 18140 84th Ave W Edmonds, WA 98026
  • Listed for $695,000

Showing off top-notch craftsmanship throughout, this 2,320-square-foot beauty features a spacious layout and thoughtful details in each room! Enjoy a sun-drenched kitchen, fireplaces in each common room, remodeled bathrooms, a multi-level deck, garden spaces, a circle driveway, and much more.


  1. Resort-Inspired 4-Bedroom, 3-Bath Luxury Home w/180-Degree Unobstructed South & Olympic Mountain Views

  • Located at 9233 Olympic View Dr Edmonds, WA 98020
  • Listed for $2,195,000

Discover graceful Streamline Moderne architecture with this 4,842-square-foot masterpiece! This rare waterfront residence offers jaw-dropping views of the Sound and Olympic Mountains from nearly every room. Whether you’re entertaining a house filled with guests or simply enjoying quiet time in this vacation-worthy space, this home offers a truly fabulous lifestyle, all while being just 2 miles to the heart of Edmonds!


  1.  Exquisite 4-Bedroom, 2.5-Bath Rambler Just Blocks to Downtown Edmonds

  • Located at 705 Birch Place Edmonds, WA 98020
  • Listed for $970,000

Wonderfully move-in ready, this expansive 2,660-square-foot gem offers ultimate comfort and convenience! Located just blocks to downtown and boasting Sound and Mountain views, this gorgeous haven is ready for entertaining. This home’s huge master suite, palatial deck, and light-filled kitchen are especially of note.


Click here to keep exploring Edmonds real estate!


Uncategorized • July 28, 2017

New Construction in Bothell: Developments to Keep Your Eye On

Bothell’s long list of excellent amenities, city conveniences, and central location ensures that it’s a highly desirable place to live. As a result, Bothell is also currently home to a myriad of new developments and new construction!

“There’s lots of new homes in Bothell ranging from $499,000 to over a million,” shares Tonya Tye. And according to Lauren Pulfer and Jen Bowman, in addition to new construction, you can also expect to find a range of entry-level townhomes, split-levels, ramblers, older homes, and homes on lots of land as well.

Here are a couple of new construction developments in Bothell to keep your eye on:

Toscana by Village Life 

Homes range from $900,000 to $1M

Located near Country Village, Toscana is brimming with luxury Craftsman-style homes that offer large floor plans (ranging from 2,832 to 3,860 square feet) and quality, modern finishes. The neighborhood includes 23 homes with 7 floorplans to choose from, and residents get to enjoy sidewalk-lined streets, a community park, a picnic shelter, and Northshore Schools.


Normandie Woods by Sundquist Homes

Homes begin in the $600,000s

Conveniently located near Interstate-5 and 405 and the Mill Creek Town Center, Normandie Woods showcases gorgeous homes that blend classic details and modern elements. There are 54 homes in Normandie Woods, and residents live in the Edmonds School District.


Here are several examples of new construction in Bothell:


Uncategorized • July 28, 2017

7 Must-Visit Restaurants in Bothell (Plus Happy Hour Tips & Why Locals Love Each One!)

If you’re looking for a fun date night restaurant or just a laid-back spot to grab some delicious eats, Bothell has got you covered! Home to several dining establishments with mouthwatering menus and some excellent happy hours, Bothell has everything from sushi and Italian to pubs and American breakfasts.

Here are a few restaurants that come highly recommended by locals:

Alexa’s Cafe

Located at 10115 Main St. Bothell, WA

Nestled in a charming 1927-built brick building, Alexa’s Cafe is a neighborhood staple! “We love Alexa’s on main street!” shares Tonya Tye, and Jen Bowman recommends the sweet spot for brunch.

Their extensive breakfast menu is filled with classics like breakfast sandwiches, “bennys,” pancakes and French toast, and scrambles, and their lunch menu is a mouthwatering selection of sandwiches, soups, salads, burgers, wraps, and much more.

Need catering for your event? Becky Larsen recommends checking out Alexa’s catering options whether you’re catering a business lunch or a wedding rehearsal dinner.


Grazie Ristorante

Located at 23207 Bothell-Everett Hwy Bothell, WA 98021

If you’re craving Italian, Jen Bowman recommends heading to Grazie Ristorante for pizza, lasagna, cannelloni, and other Italian specialties.

“[Grazie’s serves] great dinners with an extensive wine list and happy hour with live music weekly!” recommends Becky Larsen. Enjoy daily happy hours from opening to 6pm and take advantage of half-price appetizers, wine, beer, and drink specials. As Becky mentioned, Grazie also hosts live music, and you can view their schedule of events here.


Uncle Peteza’s Pizzeria

Located at 228th & Meridian

Located Safeway Plaza 24118 Bothell-Everett Hwy Bothell, WA 98012

“We LOVE Uncle Peteza’s Pizzeria!” shares Melissa Huddleston. “They have two locations—one on 228th and Meridian, and one in the Safeway Plaza off of 241st and Bothell Everett Hwy. Their crust is the best! They have deep dish, thin crust, and, wait for it – STUFFED CRUST! My favorite is the veggie pizza and Chris’ is the Meatsa. They also have cheesy bread, wings, oven baked sandwiches, pasta, calzones, and salads. Yum!!! Now I’m hungry!!”

Melissa’s right—Uncle Peteza’s Pizzeria’s incredible pizza selection is sure to make everyone in your dining party happy! They also have gluten-free pizza, soup, bottomless soda, and a convenient rewards program.


Sushi Hana

Located at 2020 Maltby Road Suite 2 Bothell, WA 98021

“Sushi Hana, a conveyor belt sushi restaurant at Thrasher’s Corner, is one of our favorites. When you don’t want to cook and the kids are starving and you don’t want to wait to order at a sit-down restaurant, this speedy sushi joint is the ticket! Large booths for groups of 6 or bar stools at the belt offer lots of seating. Always great service and good quality sushi,” shares Jen Bowman.

Sushi Hana is truly dedicated to quality—their conveyor belt-style sushi utilizes RFID technology to monitor the dishes on their conveyor belt, and no dish is allowed to be in circulation for more than 2 hours.

Sushi Hana serves up dozens of dishes, from classic nigiri to more unique sushi rolls. “In addition to traditional sushi, they have small plates of strawberries, green grapes, and Mochi ice cream for dessert! They also serve bottled sake, beer and wine,” shares Jen. We recommend taking a look at their menu here!


The Three Lions Pub

Located at 10111 Main Street Bothell WA, 98011

“Lion’s Pub on main is always good for watching sports and enjoying beers and pub food,” advises Tonya Tye. And when Tonya says “pub food,” she really means it—Lion’s Pub serves up classic English pub dishes like classic fish & chips, Lancashire Pasty, sausage rolls, steak & mushroom pie, steak & kidney pie, bangers & mash, Shepherd’s Pie, and much more!

Plus, enjoy happy hours every weekday from 4-6pm and on weekends from 3-6pm. Take advantage of their deals on well drinks, wine, draft beer, and cider.


Amaro Bistro

Located at 18333 Bothell Way NE #105 Bothell, WA 98011

Becky Larsen loves Amaro Bistro for their great meals, awesome happy hour, and the fact that it’s a great place to celebrate a special occasion. Brunch, lunch, dinner, dessert, drinks and more are all served at this popular Italian bistro, and their extensive wine menu is truly impressive. Plus, Amaro is also family-friendly and has a special kid’s menu.

Enjoy daily happy hour deals from 3pm-6pm and 10pm to midnight, and take advantage of their lunch special of 2 courses for $16!


Preservation Kitchen

Located at 17121 Bothell Way NE Bothell WA 98011  

Highly recommended by both Brian Hayter and Tonya Tye, Preservation Kitchen offers an exquisite seasonal menu. They’re dedicated to supporting local businesses, and they use sustainable and organic ingredients whenever they can.

Tonya especially recommends their amazing polenta fries and their good wine selection, but menus change based on the season, so check out their website every now and then! We also highly recommend their happy hour. From 2-6pm daily, enjoy a large selection of appetizers, $7 cocktails, and discounts on beer and wine. See the complete happy hour menu here.


Bothell is packed with incredible places to eat, and we included a few other favorites below:

Uncategorized • July 28, 2017

4 Fabulous Ways to Spend a Weekend in Bothell

A destination for locals and out-of-towners alike, Bothell’s wide variety of opportunities for fun and entertainment make it a top choice for those looking for a memorable weekend experience! Nestled in a prime location that’s surrounded by beautiful outdoors and some of the most popular attractions in the region, it’s not hard to be entertained in Bothell.

Check out our 4 ideas for how to spend a fabulous weekend in Bothell:


McMenamins: Hotel, Dining, Bars, Movies & More

“McMenamins Anderson School is a great spot!” recommends Brian Hayter. “There are lots of options within but my favorite place is to grab a drink and sit outside near the fire pits, or they have outdoor tables that are under cover with heaters for the cold/wet days.”

Whether you’re just looking for dinner and a movie or searching for an overnight getaway, McMenamins’ Anderson School in Bothell has your dining and entertainment needs covered! This one-stop-shop is located in a converted school, and hotel rooms are located in converted classrooms.

During your stay, visit the Principal’s Office for a drink, enjoy outdoor seating at the Tavern on the Square, take advantage of the Anderson School Theater Bar (order burgers, brews, popcorn, and candy and have it delivered to your table during the movie!), and much more. We recommend checking out their website for room package offerings, a schedule of special events, and more details on accommodations.


Woodinville Wine Country: Sip & Shop

Located right next door to Woodinville, Bothell’s close proximity to this wine capital make it a popular destination for wine lovers. Woodinville is home to a whopping 108 wineries and tasting rooms, 8 microbreweries, distilleries & cideries, and 26 different dining spots! With so many wineries to choose from, it can be a bit daunting, but we recommend checking out Woodinville Wine Country’s website for a guide to Woodinville’s different districts as well as a list of wineries and a special passport that can get you discounts. For those hoping to stay the weekend, there’s also a guide on hotels and bed & breakfasts available for your convenience.

When the sun comes out, Tonya Tye recommends biking from downtown on the Sammamish River Trail and finding a glass of wine to enjoy at the plethora of wineries. She also recommends listening to some music at the popular Chateau Ste Michelle, home to some delicious wine in addition to a concert series that attracts big names like Josh Groban and John Legend.


Country Village

Whether you’re looking for some family-friendly entertainment or heading out with a group of adults for a night on the town, Country Village offers a whimsical setting to explore and enjoy! Discover charming ponds, restaurants, and shops with gifts, home decor, toys, antiques, and much more. Home to almost 40 shops, we recommend setting aside at least an entire day to explore the scene!

Country Village is also home to several events throughout the year—enjoy beer walks, wine walks, “Ladies Night Out” events, and other more adult-friendly events alongside seasonal happenings for kids like Cookies with Mrs. Claus, Gingerbread House Weekend, Wizard Fest, Meet the Easter Bunny, and much more.

Also, from June through September each year, take advantage of the Country Village Farmers Market! Located in the center parking lot, this dynamic expanse of vendors features dozens of stands, fresh local produce, handmade items, live music, and much more. View farmers market dates and a list of vendors here.


Brewery Tour

Beer is a big deal in the Pacific Northwest, and Bothell’s long list of breweries sets the perfect scene for a weekend brewery tour!

  • Watts Brewing Company: This nano brewery names their accessible beers after bees, and each release is only brewed once.
  • Decibel Brewing Co: Kids, pets, and outside food are welcome at this establishment!
  • The Hop and Hound: Enjoy at least a dozen fresh beers on tap, plus Stumptown Cold Brew Coffee on NITRO, and different food trucks every Friday.
  • Foggy Noggin Brewing: As one of the world’s smallest production breweries, Foggy Noggin offers fresh beers in their Bothell tasting room (bring a growler!).
  • Nine Yards Brewing: This all ages spot is located right off of the Burke Gilman trail, making it a great option when you need to stop and cool down.

Tonya Tye also recommends stopping at 192 Brewing Co. or Cairn Brewing, and combining it with a day of riding your bike along the Burke Gilman or along Lake Washington. Break for a picnic along the way!

 

Uncategorized • July 28, 2017

Unique Ways to Stay Active in Bothell: Bike Trails, Trampolines, & Water Sports

Feeling a bit tired of heading to the gym as usual? Need some inspiration? Staying fit and healthy doesn’t have to be boring, and luckily for Bothell residents, there are plenty of unique ways for staying active!

While Bothell is definitely home to some great gyms (Jen Bowman recommends Orange Theory and Fusion Hot Yoga in Canyon Park for major calorie-burning workouts!), we also recommend checking out these other options for something that’s extra fun, entertaining, and active:


Elevated Sportz

Located at 18311 Bothell Everett Hwy Suite 140, Bothell WA 98012

“Elevated Sportz in North Bothell is the best rainy day exercise you can get,” says Jen Bowman. “Their weekly schedule offers variety of activities for kids and adults. Trampoline dodgeball anyone? They have a food counter where you can fuel up, too. Even better yet, NO MEMBERSHIP required. My toddler loves the daily 10am-12:30pm Hoppy Hour in the three level Adventure Zone that’s perfect for little kids to explore and play in a padded environment!”

Kids and adults alike love Elevated Sportz, and their dynamic range of offerings ensures there’s always something new to check out! In addition to the events that Jen mentioned, Elevated Sportz hosts a Lazer Club Night for teens, an all-ages Cosmic Night laser party, Lazer Maze Challenge, homeschool meetups, Special Needs days, and more! Plus, you can host birthday parties, team parties, or even rent out the entire facility for your special event.

Check out pricing and take a look at the different play areas offered here.


The Park at Bothell Landing

Located at 9919 NE 180th St Bothell, WA 98011at N Bothell Way

“The Park at Bothell Landing offers a little known boat launch along the Sammamish River, where you can put in your kayak, canoe or paddle board to take advantage of an outdoor ‘gym’ that will cost you nothing,” recommends Claudette Meyer. “Whether your goal is an energizing early morning paddle, an after work recharge, or an all-day workout, you’ll burn calories surrounded by beautiful scenery. Head west if your destination is Lake Washington. For a much longer paddle, you can head southeast to Lake Sammamish, maybe with a pit stop at Redhook Brewery along the way.”

Great tips, Claudette! Not only does The Park at Bothell Landing offer the opportunity to stay active, but it’s also a lovely place to spend time with family or friends at. Pack a picnic and make a day of it!


Burke-Gilman Trail

More than 18 miles long, the Burke-Gilman Trail extends from Shilshole Bay in Seattle all the way to the City of Bothell. This incredible amenity not only offers a paved surface for joggers, walkers, skaters, strollers, and bikers, but it’s also a popular commuting option as well!

Recently, the trail has be undergoing some updates, and Melissa Huddleston has the details:

“In addition to the Burke Gilman Trail, the North Creek Trail expansion will connect the North Creek Park in Bothell to the Burke Gilman Trail. The new expansion will extend from 183rd St SE to SR 524 and will include an elevated walkway 20-40 feet above ground,” shares Melissa.

“This section of the trail will be located between Sprague Drive and 192nd St SE. The timeframe of completion according to the Snohomish County website is still to be determined. I’m very excited as this trail will literally be steps from my home. On warm summer days, you’ll be able to find me riding my bike from my house to Woodinville Wine Country!”

You can view a map of the entire trail here, complete with information on road access points. We recommend planning your trip ahead of time and stopping at one of the beautiful, scenic parks along the way!