Loading your recommendations…

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.    


page image

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.


page image

image above curtesy of- Cascade Loop Association

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.


page image

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.

Want More Trip Inspiration?

Subscribe to our newsletter to get the freshest stories, videos, and travel ideas from our corner of the PNW.

Sign Me Up