Everett, Wash.
Published: Sunday, August 24, 2008

The lowdown on places to see, things to do in Snohomish County

Try hiking in the hills, walking on the beaches or checking out where Boeing builds jetliners.

By Michelle Dunlop
Herald Writer

 When visitors to the Tulalip Resort Casino tire of gambling, spa-going and dancing, they have an array of activities awaiting just outside the hotel door in Snohomish County.

Within a mere 20-mile radius of the new luxury hotel, you'll find something to suit almost anyone's taste. Sports and outdoors enthusiasts, art aficionados and aviation buffs -- all will have no problem occupying time while staying close to the Tulalip Tribes' new resort.

"Snohomish County offers all kinds of opportunities for any kind of traveler," said Amy Spain, with the county's tourism bureau.

The resort can be viewed as a one-stop shop with gambling, spa and entertainment activities all in one location. But eventually its guests may want to venture out and explore their surroundings.

Some will take advantage of the resort's proximity to Seattle, a 45-minute drive away, Spain noted. Others might use the nearby ferries to check out other sites in the region, such as the Olympic Peninsula or even Vancouver Island.

"We're a great starting point for exploring the region," Spain said.

But those who choose to remain close to the resort, within Snohomish County, won't be disappointed.

Shopping: There's a mall right next door

Resort guests don't need to even get in a car and drive to take in the roughly 100 shops at Seattle Premium Outlets. The shopping center boasts such big names as Ann Taylor and Banana Republic, Nike, Carter and the Gap. Located just north and within walking distance of the casino, the outlets provide a convenient way to break up one's day.

Serious shoppers also can take in either the Everett Mall or the Alderwood mall in Lynnwood. And antiques-seekers may find what they're looking for in Snohomish.

Outdoors: Ride a bike, or take a hike

Runners and bikers, bird-watchers and horse-riders will find their way to the nearby Centennial Trail, which stretches from Snohomish up to the southern end of Arlington. The wide, mostly flat, paved trail is great for a leisurely stroll or a hard-core run or bike ride. The trail touches the edge of Cassidy Lake and gives its users a look at small Snohomish County towns such as Machias.

"We have all kinds of nature-based activities in the county," Spain said.

And resort guests willing to drive farther away will find hiking and fishing in Mount Baker National Forest Area or sea kayaking at Jetty Island, off Everett's waterfront.

For children: A museum just for them

Not all Tulalip Resort visitors will arrive child-free. But there are plenty of places in the area that are ideal for the under 21 crowd. Younger children will enjoy an afternoon in Everett's Imagine Children's Museum of Snohomish County where they can hop on a train, work in the wildlife clinic, ride a ferry or scale the mountain climbing wall.

Young and old alike can enjoy a stroll through Everett's Forest Park with a visit to its petting zoo.

Sports: Take yourself out to the ball game

Sports fans won't need to travel to Seattle to take in a game. Everett has both a minor league baseball team, the AquaSox, and a hockey team, the Silvertips. In the summer, fans pack a picnic, sit in the grass and take in baseball games at the AquaSox stadium on Broadway. Come fall and winter, the Comcast Arena downtown draws lively crowds for Silvertips games. Visitors who would rather participate in sports than watch can also try their swing at one of the county's 18 golf courses.



Aviation: Museum, tour beckon buffs

Resort guests with even a passing interest in airplanes can occupy several afternoons in Snohomish County. Mukilteo houses the Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Tour. Visitors tour the Boeing Co.'s aircraft factory, the largest building by volume in the world, for a glimpse of the aerospace company's iconic 747 jumbo jet or its new 787 Dreamliner. The center's gallery allows visitors the chance to get close to a jet engine, sit in a cockpit or trace aviation's past.

The opening of the Flying Heritage Museum at Paine Field means travelers have two "world class" aviation attractions to check out, Spain said.

"There's so much to do right here in our own back yard," she said.



Reporter Michelle Dunlop: 425-339-3454 or mdunlop@heraldnet.com.
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA