7 Main Streets Where Washington Comes Alive
The Pacific Northwest’s beauty offers uninterrupted rugged shorelines, towering volcanoes, ancient rain forests, and lush green valleys. Set against spectacular backdrops, the state of Washington’s vibrant communities provide a plethora of great escapes, proving there is more to the Evergreen State than a spectacular landscape.
Whether you love hitting the state’s local events, can spend hours strolling historic districts, crave tantalizing experiences on the local food scene, or are all about the history, Washington’s towns beckon adventurous travelers. Here are seven main streets where Washington comes alive.
Leavenworth
Although Leavenworth’s Bavarian theme might feel a little kitschy to some, the European flair suits the Alpine setting at the foot of the Cascade Mountains. In fact, the Bavarian architecture revived a dying economy following the rerouting of the train line. In 1960, two Seattleites transformed an old café into a restaurant sporting a classic Bavarian façade, and the rest, as they say, is history. The nearby Squirrel Tree Restaurant is now a popular resort; it's located just outside town.
Front Street is the town’s full-on Bavarian center, where old-world-inspired shops like Kris Kringle embrace the Alpine spirit. The year-round Christmas store is a sparkling example of Leavenworth’s endless energy, with all the excitement, glitter, and anticipation of the holiday season.
The authentic German menu and beer at Ludwigs offer a warm Leavenworth “Willkommen,” where an upbeat atmosphere and friendly servers treat guests to some German hospitality. In the summer, their biergarten’s cold beer and generous servings of wurst, schnitzel, or traditional Schweinshaxe (roasted ham hock) transport you to the Bavarian Alps, while year-round Saturday polka nights get everyone on the dance floor.
Outdoor adventures in Leavenworth abound, whether mountain biking in Freund Canyon, hiking in the lovely Icicle River Valley, taking to the waters of the Wenatchee River, or rock climbing at Tumwater Canyon.
Poulsbo
Poulsbo’s idyllic location on the Kitsap Peninsula has always made the town a popular destination. However, the town’s Norwegian-inspired main street is vibrant with authentic old-world charm. The town is affectionately known as "Little Norway" thanks to its Norwegian heritage. Ole Stubb settled in Poulsbo in 1875, shortly followed by his friends and their families.
Today, the warmth and enthusiasm of Norway fill the main street with energy, especially during the annual Viking Fest in May. Celebrating Norway’s Constitution Day on May 17, Norwegian flags, traditional costumes, and ongoing festivities include food, drinks, and a carnival atmosphere.
Midsommer is another time-honored Scandinavian tradition celebrating the arrival of the summer solstice. Spirited folk dancing, the lighting of the bonfire, and the Midsommer proclamation by Sons of Norway Vikings are major attractions, almost outshining the traditional Scandinavian cuisine.
To get the full Norwegian Poulsbo experience, a meal at Tizley’s Europub is in order. Their signature small-batch recipes include Schnitzels, Spätzle, Swedish Meatballs, and Goulash. Dine on the balcony overlooking the main thoroughfare while taking in the town’s lively vibe.
Tizley’s neighbor, Sluy Bakery, also specializes in authentic Norway delights. Since 1966, their selection of original recipes, including Julekake, Stollen, and Cardamom bread keeps visitors and townsfolk alike coming back for more.
Snohomish
Snohomish sits where the Pilchuck empties into the Snohomish River. The dense Douglas fir forests and convenient location on two rivers created a booming logging town. Today Snohomish is known for its boho-chic shops and foodie destinations in charming historic red brick buildings. Although once known as the antique capital of America’s northwest, the town’s inherent creative spirit is what really stands out.
Known as the “Snoho-Boho” vibe, the town’s energy goes beyond its main drag on First Street. However, a perfect example of what keeps Snoho’s energy a little edgy are boutiques like Peaches. The basement stair entry at the corner of B and First gives the shop a “speakeasy” mystique. The shop’s unique subterranean location features stone and brick walls, creating an unexpected backdrop for comfy boho furnishings in an upscale clothing boutique.
You can also discover how seemingly outdated delights like frozen yogurt find new life in Snoho with creative approaches that make old seem new. Top It Yogurt Shoppe’s tailored approach to this sweet creamy treat is served in a Titanic-inspired parlor complete with a replicated porthole made by the same British manufacturer that supplied the Titanic’s iconic windows.
Snohomish's Snoho-Boho vibe is alive and well at Spada Farmhouse Brewery, where creativity meets impeccable taste. Fun twists on childhood favorites like tater tots and root beer floats are elevated into something temptingly flavorful. Their site-brewed small-batch craft beers offer the perfect drink for casual conversation in a cozy setting.
Lord Hill County Park offers an impressive network of multi-purpose trails. Explore 1,463 acres of wetland and forest with unmatched views of the Snohomish River valley and the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges.
Walla Walla
Walla Walla's early settlers included a large population of French fur traders and trappers, while the discovery of gold and rich lands turned Walla Walla into what was once the largest city in the Washington Territory. Located at the Oregon border, Walla Walla is the center of Washington’s wine country, boasting an entire downtown wine district, adding a different kind of spirit to the main street.
TruthTeller Winery’s sense of wit and humor celebrates the rebellious spirit with a commitment to delivering honest flavors in their wines. Although the tasting experience is filled with laughter and conversation, the one thing they take seriously is their wine.
The ideal time to experience Walla Walla wine varietals is during Spring Release Weekend. Be there when local wineries “release” their latest vintages the first weekend in May. Rub elbows with fellow wine enthusiasts and share bragging rights as some of the first to sample new releases. The Walla Walla wine region is also known for its collaborative winemaker dinners held at various Walla Walla wineries. Tickets are required to enjoy customized menus and carefully crafted wine pairings.
Where there is good wine, you can expect to find good food. At Brasserie Four, an authentic French menu brings classics to your dining table, from Escargots to Steaks Frites and Crème Brulé to exquisite wine. The experience is très Paris, especially when sitting on their bistro-style patio watching the bustling main street traffic pass by.
Langley
Lovely Langley is located on Whidbey Island high atop a bluff above Puget Sound’s Saratoga Passage. Once you get over the splendor of Langley’s unimaginably beautiful natural surroundings, the town’s vibrant creativity kicks in. The arrival of artists to the island in the 1910s launched the beginning of a thriving art community. Known as the "Village by the Sea," the downtown area is one of Washington’s earliest designated Creative Districts.
The energetic spark of creativity in the shops, cafés, galleries, and eateries reverberates throughout the entire square mile of downtown. The main street comes to life for their annual First Street “Soup Box” Derby. Held every September since 1972, the weird and wonderful event is all about participant creativity, where the costumes are just as competitive as the customized racing cars themselves.
Langley’s First Saturday Art Walk is one of the best ways to experience Langley’s flourishing creative community. Stroll the downtown streets on the first Saturday of the month, exploring the galleries from 5 to 7 pm. The festive stroll includes chance meetings with artists and discovering the new installations surrounded by fellow art lovers.
The creative collection at The Blue Peony brings art into the kitchen with handcrafted aprons and accessories filled with whimsy and joy. Music for the Eyes is a gathering place for creatives where hand-carved wooden chairs invite visitors to sit and take in the experience. An eclectic display of global rugs, antique memorabilia, and unique collections come together in a space where stories are told, performances are made, and music lessons are offered on unusual instruments like the didgeridoo.
La Conner
La Conner is north of Skagit Bay, situated along the Swinomish Channel. The location helped develop a thriving community driven by the logging and fishing industries until the arrival of the Great Depression. In the 1940s the idyllic location attracted artists inspired by the area’s unique light, including Morris Graves, Guy Anderson, Richard Gilkey, and Clayton James. Today, the combination of natural beauty and exciting events keeps La Conner visitors on their toes.
Every November the town hosts Arts Alive!, which has been going strong for 40 years. The event celebrates the town’s rich artistic history inspired by Northwest Mystics, the area’s heritage, and unique natural surroundings. Interesting attractions range from open show galleries to events such as artist meet-and-greets or “Serenade, Sip, and Stroll,” combining live music, libations, and art.
Art seems to touch everything in La Conner, including local coffee shops like Raven’s Cup Coffee & Art Gallery. The cozy downtown spot offers warm drinks, tasty treats, and a collection of artwork by local and native American artists. A unique menu includes European-style “sipping chocolate,” inventive coffee floats, and coffee-addict favorites like affogato sundaes.
Foodies have plenty to discover. Sample wines at Skagit Crest Vineyard’s tasting room located on the boardwalk, sipping expertly crafted reds and whites overlooking the channel. Dine in a century-old building at La Conner Seafood & Prime Rib with views of Mount Baker. Although the large waterfront deck is a popular spot in the summer, the equally appealing second-floor dining room offers the same views, tantalizing menu, and hand-crafted cocktails.
Port Townsend
Port Townsend sits at the end of the Quimper Peninsula overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca on Puget Sound. Despite its prime role as Puget Sound's Customs Port of Entry in the 1850s, a lack of railroad connections kept it from reaching its full potential. However, the combination of maritime homes, seaport charm, and breathtaking natural backdrop designated the downtown a Historic Landmark District and is now one of three surviving Victorian-era seaports in the nation.
Northwest Maritime Center celebrates Port Townsend’s maritime culture, offering events and educational experiences at the foot of the main street. The Wooden Boat Festival in September welcomes both the nautical-minded and curious with a festive 3-day event of music, food, and drink surrounded by displays of over 300 wooden boats on land and water along with dozens of exhibitors.
The main street’s 1892 City Hall building houses the Museum of Art + History, where history buffs discover interactive programs telling the story of Port Townsend. Rotating exhibits feature the work of local artists in the museum’s five galleries, perfect for art lovers.
Port Townsend offers a surprising number of tasting experiences, allowing visitors to “choose their poison,” whether it is wine, beer, or spirits. Vintage by Port Townsend Vineyards’ unique concept combines a stylish interior in an artfully restored historic building with a beautifully landscaped outdoor beachside plaza in the heart of the vibrant waterfront. Choose a seat at the firepit, sampling flights of handcrafted wine paired with light bites, watching the boats go by. The Summer Music Series combines the energy of live music with first-class wine and snackables enjoyed in the plaza.
The lively main streets in these Washington towns invite weekend guests, road trippers, and curious travelers to immerse themselves in local experiences. From wine tastings paired with local cuisine to European-inspired traditions and artsy strolls to scenic hikes, the majestic Pacific Northwest is the idyllic setting for your adventures. Washington is a year-round destination where the main streets brim with creative energy and small-town spirit. Map out these seven main streets for your next getaway to watch Washington come alive.
