Get “Off the Beaten Path” in Monroe
What hidden gems will you discover?
Monroe, Washington is ideally situated at the intersection of State Route 2 and Highway 522. Monroe is easy to access, yet if you were to drive on one of these main routes, you might just miss some of the best places and experiences that help to define this charming PNW town.
Head south from Highway 2 a few blocks to experience the best of what Historic Downtown Monroe has to offer: art, books, dining, shopping, and scenic riverside parks.
![](https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/210820_Choose_Monroe_1627-large.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=ac5ed9bdaf05fa304618e98602aa951b 320w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/210820_Choose_Monroe_1627-large.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=534d06f16fde8024401f87d63ec080ae 540w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/210820_Choose_Monroe_1627-large.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=22765e0c5e0fd9275cf70ea5efb27b42 768w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/210820_Choose_Monroe_1627-large.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=73f6429592273b8f022a3a5d1106659f 1024w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/210820_Choose_Monroe_1627-large.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=5faf196bcb5edca7978205ac3472d7a9 1200w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/210820_Choose_Monroe_1627-large.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=a2a2f1067f8f7b1b9d3c8c17ef0ca3b6 1440w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/210820_Choose_Monroe_1627-large.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=ef61cfcf7d1eec035c96451963fc62b7 1920w)
Milkwood Custom Furniture
113 W Main St
Milkwood on Main Street is a showroom for handmade live-edge furniture and visual art. Business partners Allan and Frances Peterson work together to bring bespoke artifacts to your home. Check out their classy and quirky styles -- maybe you’ll find the next addition to your kitchen or parlor!
Pacific Mountain Sports
120 W Main St
Buy or rent snowboards, mountain bikes, snowshoes and more outdoor gear at Pacific Mountain Sports. This is definitely the place to stop if you’re headed up State Route 2 for a weekend of outdoor recreation in the Cascade Mountains.
![](https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/SKY_MON_CLA_09222020_0110_attract-large-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=931cb35a63d0a99392dbf1b7a7e545ee 320w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/SKY_MON_CLA_09222020_0110_attract-large-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=0b2aeb3b00186de0f0aa2d2793795592 540w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/SKY_MON_CLA_09222020_0110_attract-large-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=409ce55abdc6045dd42398acd5b50b56 768w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/SKY_MON_CLA_09222020_0110_attract-large-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=6002514e6112ae74236c8ac9ef189347 1024w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/SKY_MON_CLA_09222020_0110_attract-large-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=d52948c5f1e4c0fab37108a995810bd7 1200w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/SKY_MON_CLA_09222020_0110_attract-large-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=98925d7d30dbbb59067b0b1cb9ea0cae 1440w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/SKY_MON_CLA_09222020_0110_attract-large-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=ba9cf91377679003eaad8494beabdd9e 1920w)
Original Pilot House Coffee
408 W Main St
Every community has a cultural hub, and Pilot House Coffee is where locals go to catch up and have a cuppa. Pilot House Coffee beans are roasted in Monroe, so you can expect super fresh-tasting espresso and drip coffee any time you visit.
Main Street Books
110 E Main St #100
Bibliophiles rejoice! If you love stocking your shelves with novels, this place is your jam. This indie bookstore on Main Street has a large variety of used books in all genres. Main Street Books is worth a quiet afternoon of mindful and contemplative perusing.
Lewis and Main Restaurant and Brewery
101 W Main St
This upscale restaurant offers farm-driven cuisine and craft beverages. Think delicious steak and seafood, pastas and salads. The atmosphere is nice and clean and spacious -- perfect for lunch or dinner with a loved one while you’re in town.
Black Barrel Vintage Co.
112 W Main St
If you’re a fan of upcycling, vintage, or farmhouse decor, you can easily spend an hour or two exploring the vendor booths at Black Barrel Vintage. Score records, flannels, side tables, handmade apparel and more. It’s true: eclectic treasures await the curious shopper at Black Barrel.
Al Borlin Park
615 Simons Rd
Walk graveled paths through the forest next to a river. The Al Borlin Park trail system takes you through groves of big leaf maples with peekaboo views and access to Woods Creek and the Skykomish River. Bring your swimming trunks or fishing pole if you’re so inclined, but be careful: the river runs deceptively fast and deep in places.