24 hours in Edmonds, WA

If you find yourself lucky enough to wake up in Edmonds, WA,  then you’re in for a treat. There is so much to Eat, Stay and Love in Edmonds, great restaurants, scenery, and color.  But if you only have 24 hours or 1 day to take in the sites, then let me help you streamline your choices for an epic day with a cultural bent. Grab your walking shoes, (and then something strappy for dinner and a show) and get ready for an art-laden 24 hours in Edmonds, WA.

24 hours in Edmonds, WA.

7 a.m.

Start your morning with the perfect pour-over or an exquisitely handcrafted espresso at one of three coffeehouses in the “bowl” or heart of downtown Edmonds.

Red Twig
117 5^th Ave. S. Edmonds
This upscale, but casual neighborhood café offers a rotating seasonal menu aligned with sustainable practices and local ingredients. Baked goods are scratch-made in-house, as is their coffee roasted on-premise in small batches.

Walnut Street Coffee Company

The best place for people watching, grab a window seat to enjoy the ebb and flow of the constant comings and goings of this contemporary community gathering place.  Pick up a pastry from Seattle fav Macrina Bakery or vegan donut from Mighty-O. (one of the few places they can be found in Snohomish County)

210 5^th Ave. S. Edmonds
My go-to meeting spot when I need to talk shop, Café Louvre offers a friendly atmosphere with a cozy fireplace, comfortable seating, and loads of local art.

8 a.m.

Before you sit down for a homestyle breakfast, explore “the bowl” by counting off how many art murals you can find. Located throughout the city, the Edmonds Mural Society and the Edmonds Mural Project have created a beautiful visual experience along the Edmonds streetscape complimenting the historic buildings and storefronts.  I’ll give you a hint, you should tick off 13….. Download the map here.

9:30a.m.

You’ve earned it, stop for a classic crepe filled with lemony goodness or a fluffy Belgium waffle loaded with fresh fruit at the Rusty Pelican. This family-owned, bustling bistro offers classic breakfast options and healthy alternatives as well. Reservations are recommended.
107 5^th Ave. Edmonds

11a.m.

After breakfast, head to the Cascadia Art Museum to view midcentury art and artifacts at Washington’s only art museum focusing on NW art from 1860 thru the 1970s.  Curator, David Martin leverages his expertise and cultivated relationships to secure highly coveted pieces from public and private collections from around the upper left.  Check out their latest exhibit here.

Noon

There are lots of places in Edmonds to grab a hearty lunch, but since you only have one day, I’m going to suggest Chanterelle.  Casual dining with fresh local ingredients, Chanterelle is known for its creamy tomato bisque soup, though I am a big fan of their Caesar Salad (the croutons are the bomb) and grilled sandwiches, too.

Pro Tip:

If you didn’t find all the art murals during your walking tour, it just so happens that one of the murals can be found at Chanterelle on the back wall. You can read about the artist, Andy Eccleshall here.

1:30p.m.

What can I say? With well-maintained sidewalks populated with planters bursting with colorful flowers and an activated retail core, downtown Edmonds is one of the most pleasant, walkable cities in the Pacific Northwest. Shopping in the bowl is fantastic with everything from new and used bookstores, travel and home accessories, contemporary and vintage apparel & delectable wine and cheese purveyors. And if your 24 hours in Edmonds just happens to be rainy, don’t worry, loaner umbrellas are available throughout downtown.  Be sure to check out these unique stops:

Rogue

When you’re trying to up your “hip” game, check out the hand-picked, unique redux clothing at Rogue. Hats, jewelry, apparel and more, this women’s boutique located in a historic home built in the 1890’s is the perfect place to find your vintage vibe. (And another great vintage store is Driftwood Modern, featuring authentic midcentury art and furniture.)

122 4^th Ave. Edmonds
Violet and honey, cedar and persimmon, I may have spent an hour smelling every candle imaginable and could still go back for more. After that, I picked up every curiosity and knick-knack from this perfectly appointed shop filled with books, figures, and other treasures for the home and garden.

The Wishing Stone

If the giant dinosaur didn’t catch your eye, then it would be the sparkling agates and gemstones that lured you in! The shop shelves are stacked with healing stones, collectible mineral trinkets and fossilized specimens that are waiting to be discovered and touched.

Beer Thirty
It’s 5 O’clock somewhere and if you’re ready to try a locally crafted IPA, there are three breweries (and a bottle shop) in the bowl to whet your whistle.

American Brewing Co
180 West Dayton, Edmonds
Maybe a little hard to find, but worth the effort if you like an oatmeal stout with your shuffleboard.
Gallagher’s Where U Brew
180 W Dayton St, Edmonds
Don’t worry, you don’t have to brew your own beer at Gallagher’s, but you can if you want to. With 7 rotating taps, you can enjoy a pint while you watch others do the work. Check out Matt and I making our Two Fools IPA here last month.

Salish Sea Brewing Company

On-site brewing with a full kitchen, Salish Sea Brewing is a comfortable pub known for its Mosaic IPA. 

Brigid’s Bottle Shop

Enjoy 18 taps with 16 beers and 2 ciders while sitting on their huge outdoor seating area near the Edmonds waterfront. Hundreds of bottles of beer to go, as well as a constant rotation of wines, (always 1 red, 1 white, and 1 rose’) non-alcoholic beer, Underberg Bitters and snacks.

For a list of all the breweries in Snohomish County, you can also download my comprehensive brewery guide here: Snohomish County Brewery Guide January 18 (1)

6p.m

I’m not sure what I love best about 190 Sunset, the food, the drinks or the atmosphere. Known for their seasonal dishes and contemporary attitude, 190 Sunset serves a selection of PNW seafood, steaks and sandwiches with a robust wine and cocktail selection. Speaking of cocktails, be sure to sit close to the bar – just to see the award-winning bartender, Neal Peacock work his mixology mojo.

7:30p.m.

It doesn’t matter what time of year; the Edmonds Center for the Arts is always hosting world-renowned artists from every type of genre. Check out their schedule and purchase tickets here.
410 4^th Ave. N. Edmonds

11p.m.

After a concert, I always like to wind down and compare show notes with a bevvie or two, and one of my favorite places to do that is The Loft Café and Social Lounge. With Buddha Lounge music playing over house speakers and beautifully crafted cocktails, it’s a hip place to end an evening with a light appetizer and a nightcap. Try the Espresso Martini as you reminisce about your micro-adventure in Edmonds and begin planning your next stay.

1 a.m.

Unlike some art installations that are not to be touched, the Luminous Forest is meant to be driven over. Created by Iole Alessandrini, this solar-powered public art commission was created to provide a visual connection between Main Street and the Edmonds Center for the Arts.  I think it’s the perfect runway leading you to bed at the end of a great 24 hours in Edmonds, WA.

Did I miss your favorite stop? Let me know about it in the comment box below. But don’t despair!  We need another 24 hours to tour all the historic sites Edmonds has to offer (like the historic jail at the Edmonds Historic Museum). I’ll share those places in an upcoming post! Cheers!  

~W

PS – Check out my 24 hours in the quaint historic town of Snohomish, WA – here.