Situated between the Sound and the mountains in the heart of aviation country, Snohomish County sits in a pretty unique spot. This 2,196-square-mile county is home to over 822,000 people, making it the third-most populous county in Washington.
There's certainly something for everyone in Snohomish County, or Seattle NorthCountry, as it's affectionately called. Should you find yourself with a weekend to spare, here are some of the many gems that are definitely worth checking out.
If you've lived in Washington for a while, you've probably spotted some Funko figurines on your friends' shelves. Maybe you've got a collection of your own.
Funko’s 17,000 square-foot flagship store is located in Everett, and whether or not you're in the collectibles, it's worth checking out.
Funko was always headquartered here but in 2017, they moved into a historic 90,000-square-foot building to accommodate their 300 employees.
The walls are lined with all kinds of collectibles. If you've read about it or watched it, you'll probably find a Funko of it here.
Western Washington is full of delicious Thai food - but nothing compares to the tasty cuisine at Bhu-Ping Thai.
Don't let the unassuming exterior fool you. Between the beautiful patio, the elegant dining room and the adjacent wine shop, this place is as high class as it gets.
The food at Bhu-Ping Thai is fresh, flavorful, and absolutely delicious.
While you can't go wrong with the classic menu items like curry and Pad Thai, we highly recommend ordering something from the Chef's Specials section of the menu. The Bangkok Fried Chicken is out of this world.
You might not expect to find the best wine shop on the planet in the back of a Thai restaurant in Everett, but this place is full of surprises.
The owner is incredibly knowledgeable and stocks the shelves with wines from around the world, from everyday vino to limited edition vino that costs more than a car payment. It's impressive, to say the least.
There's no better place to rest your head at night than the Hotel Indigo in Everett.
Tucked on the banks of the Port Gardner Bay, this charming hotel is a destination all on its own.
The rooms here are modern and spacious, with all the amenities you'll need for a fantastic stay.
You'll certainly be ready for sweet slumber after a jog on the 3.5-mile trail that loops the neighborhood. There's also a fitness center near the lobby for those who prefer to stay indoors.
Other amenities include an indoor pool, daily housekeeping, and a business center...
... and the best part of all, the Jetty Bar & Grille.
Hotel restaurants can sometimes be hit or miss, but not this one. If you enjoy fresh, perfectly prepared seafood, craft cocktails and decadent desserts, make sure you enjoy a meal here. While they offer plenty of indoor seating, there's nothing like the views and the ambiance on the deck.
Jetty Bar & Grille serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, and the menus are fantastic.
Breakfast drinks include mimosas and the "Everett Mary," which is basically a Bloody Mary the size of your head (and loaded with garnishments).
Pay homage to Washington's aviation industry by visiting Boeing Future of Flight.
Boeing has quite a history in Washington. And here, you'll learn that it also has an amazing future.
Boeing Future of Flight is definitely one of Snohomish County's top attractions.
Come prepared to learn (and be blown away) as you discover the Legacy of Innovation and Above and Beyond exhibits. This includes a full-sized Destiny Module exhibit, a detailed mock-up of the primary research lab for U.S. payloads sent to the International Space Station that allows you a glimpse of life in space.
Guests of all ages love to fly miniature quad-copters in the indoor drone cages.
That's just one of many incredible exhibits you'll find here, not to mention the fantastic views from the Sky Deck.
Take a seaside stroll at Mukilteo Lighthouse Park, which sits next to the Mukilteo Ferry Terminal.
Built in the 1950s, the park encompasses the lighthouse at the west end of the city and 12 acres south of it. It isn't uncommon to spot sea lions or even orcas from the shore.
Ivar's at Mukilteo Landing isn't exactly a hidden gem -- Ivar's is one of the best known local chains in the Pacific Northwest, after all.
But step inside this location in particular and you might learn a few things, both about the business and our local history.
Before you take a seat in the cozy dining room, take a good look at the artwork on the walls and the framed newspaper clippings.
The wall decor will tell you the tales of the missing carp, the 2003 storm that almost took the restaurant out, and so much more. You might also notice the happy, friendly employees. This is a company that cares and the president, Bob Donegan, sees to it that everyone is well taken care of.
You might know Ivar's for its chowder and its classic fish & chips. But there's more to the menu, and it's all delicious.
Every location has a slightly different menu, so take a good look before you order. The Mukilteo Landing location has everything from
Grilled Bristol Bay Sockeye Salmon to Cucina Fresca Butternut Squash Ravioli, with Whidbey Island Ice Cream Co. for dessert.
Snohomish County has a lot of gems, especially the Everett - Mukilteo area. Don't pass up the chance to explore Seattle NorthCountry, a truly beautiful part of the PNW.
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