Things to Do
The riverside community of Snohomish is a vibrant and eclectic town that intertwines its rich history with a forward-thinking and friendly atmosphere.
What does "Snohomish" mean?
The name comes from the name of the largest Native American tribe in the area when settlers arrived in the 19th century. The name is spelled as "Sdoh-doh-hohbsh" in the Lushootseed language and has a disputed meaning with unclear origins. Currently, the most popular etymology and the one employed by the Tulalip Tribes is that it means "many men."
Why is Snohomish known as the "Antique Capital of the Northwest"?
Good question. Snohomish was historically a farm town, so the city sort of specialized in heritage furniture, homewares, and all sorts of vintage, garden-y items, typically pulled from local farmhouses and barns. While Snohomish is still a hotspot for all things antique, the vintage vibe doesn't end there but is alive and well -- incorporated into the boutiques, upcycled clothing stores, and old-meets-new architecture that define the city's aesthetic and culture. Learn more about the evolving history of Snohomish here.
Is Snohomish all shopping and restaurants?
Nope! You can kayak the river, walk or bike the Centennial Trail, hike or trail run on Lord Hill, or just chill by the river at Pilchuck Park. If you love outdoors, but retail therapy isn't your thing, that's ok. The natural lush beauty here is worth the trip!
What's with the gazebo?
What's that? Oh, you probably mean the adorable downtown gazebo with a perfect view of the river! That's right. Some people say that the gazebo gives smalltown vibes a la Gilmore Girls, and it does have a particular Americana charm. Combine it with an ice cream cone from Snoqualmie Ice Cream right around the corner and you're sitting pretty on a photo-ready cloud 9 of nostalgia. BTW, the gazebo is actually from 1976, built to commemorate the 200th birthday of America. It's recently been renovated and we gotta say – it looks good!
Where can I get a drink?
Depends on what you mean by "drink." But I assume we're talking about the same thing. Craft beverages for adults are best found at Spada Farmhouse Brewery, Skip Rock Distillers, and Kasia Winery. Good bets, all.
But is the town haunted?
Totally. If it's ghouls you seek, be sure to take a tour of the Carnegie Library (librarian ghost), visit the historic Oxford Saloon (restless lady of the night ghost), or get a reservation at the Cabbage Patch Restaurant (girl who fell down the stairs ghost). No disrespect to the dead here – Snohomish can often feel like a place where past and present are permeable. Slip across time, peek under the veil between this world and the ext and see what awaits...
Plan Your Trip
While only 30 miles north of Seattle, Snohomish is also a great jumping-off point for Stevens Pass. Located between urban and rural idylls, this little city seems to be in the right…
Events in Snohomish
Known for its fun-loving community spirit and friendly, welcoming atmosphere, Snohomish celebrates life like no other place.