Madison Neighborhood

One of the lovely and easier to find Seattle neighborhoods is that of Madison. A long, diagonal  street NE of Downtown along Lake Washington. Click here for map.

Jeremy and I used to come here on Sunday afternoons between our church's morning and evening services. There are great little coffee shops all along Madison, but we usually shared a latte at the Essential Baking Company. I always like to admire their award winning pastries. There are some fun little shops to browse, our favorites being City People's Garden Store, Pharmaca and a beautiful home decor store with linens and dishes, I think it's Our Distinctive Home Shop. There are several eating choices ranging from casual cafes to sit down restaurants.

The neighborhood Starbucks is one of the few Black Label stores around

and home to CEO Howard Shultz.  

The newly renovated neighborhood park.

Some unique play equipment with a space-age, modern feel.

I love the homey feel of this little corner of Seattle with towering trees 

lining the streets, old homes to admire, nurtured gardens, 

a relaxing drive along the BLVD and don't forget the Arboretum.

Snohomish

I've always heard about the shops in Snohomish. I love anything vintage, retro, antique-y and rustic. So a couple Saturdays ago, we set out for a lengthy drive.  We have pretty much exhausted the whole Puget Sound area, so it was exciting for us to discover a new destination.

 

 Annie's on First had quite the display of antique chandaliers.

 Simply Sweet, is just one of the cupcake shops on 1st, only a couple doors 

down from the sassy Bite Me cupcakes specializing in catered events. 

 Faded Elegance captured that perfect balance 

between old and new pretties.

 In the basement of Joyworks, 

I loved this cozy corner of aqua and neutrals.

Want to make one for Valentine's Day!

 A kitschy soda fountain shop full of retro signs for any collector.

Warmed up at Crepe Escape and Coffee House with a 

Vanilla Latte roasted by ZOKA and their signature 

Crepe Suzette filled with creme fraiche and garnished with 

fresh lemon and orange zest...a unique treat! 

The Snohomish Bakery & Cafe had some 

additionally tantalizing pastries.

Such a fun daytrip or weekend getaway to spend with girlfriends, moms, sisters, daughters...and of course husbands. For all the information you need to know about the shops, food, drinks, lodging, and directions click here.

We took the direct route on I-405 getting there, but decided to take the less traveled HWY 203 for the drive home. Always a treat, no matter the time of year. Every time we drive through Duvall, I'm impressed with their growth and charm.  If you are still craving antiques, they have a few shops worth the stop.

Port Gamble

This logging town established in 1853 is a National Historic site and until 1995, was the oldest continuously operating sawmill in North America. The homes and buildings have preserved their 19th century charm with rolling green fields that speak of a simpler time. I think it may be impossible to not feel happy in this beautiful, peaceful corner of the peninsula. This is a growing community with new businesses coming every year, including a Tea Room, General Store, Quilt Shop, Antiques and Kayak rentals. Port Gamble hosts a number of Events, attracting hundreds of guests every year for the Medieval Faire, Civil War Re-Enactments and spooky Ghost Walks. A Sunday Farmers and Antique Market runs May-October.  For the history buffs, you might be interested in finding the grave of the first US Navy man killed in battle in the NW. For those of you planning your dream wedding click here.  I hope you will come here at least once or whenever you need a Picket-Fence-Fix.

 Streets lined with old Maples, Elms and Picket Fences

The Welcoming Water Towers

 For those Girls Days

To satisfy any craving: ice cream on summer days, coffee on winter days, 

the new cafe for any day and a gift shop to browse in between.   

Old Glory

Directions
For North Sounders: take the Kingston ferry.
Mid Sounders: the Bainbridge or Bremerton ferry.
South Sounders: go for a drive.
Those of you without GPS, click here.