A few weeks ago my mom, my two daughters and I set off for a girls’ day in Snohomish, a charming small town in Washington. I hadn’t visited before, but several readers recommended it, so we decided to give it a try—and I’m glad we did.
As recent arrivals from Portland, we still view Washington with fresh eyes and love exploring it like tourists. That curiosity turns ordinary weekends into mini-adventures and makes discovering new towns especially fun.
We picked a sunny day for our trip, which always makes the outing feel brighter and more relaxed. After a quick stop at a local diner for coffee and sandwiches—essential fuel for any day of wandering—we spent the afternoon strolling up and down First Street, popping into small shops and enjoying the many creative displays. The boutiques were full of interesting home goods, handmade items and clever decor, and several of them smelled absolutely delightful.
Shopping together is always an entertaining experience for us. We have a silly little ritual: someone will quietly pick up an item that’s amusingly tacky or totally outside our taste and carry it around, pretending nothing is unusual until one of the others notices. When that happens we all burst out laughing. It’s a childish habit, but it keeps our outings light-hearted and fun.
We didn’t keep a list of shop names, so I can’t give a full shopping guide, but the joy of Snohomish was in the wandering itself—discovering unique finds, admiring creative displays and enjoying the relaxed pace. One shop’s scent made us giggle when we stepped back outside, while other stores filled the air with invites of coffee, baked goods and fresh-floral notes.
What I love about days like this is how they break the routine: no laptop, no chores, just friends and family, good conversation, and unexpected inspiration. I returned home feeling refreshed and creatively recharged, full of new ideas and little treasures to enjoy.
If you live nearby or travel through Washington, Snohomish is an easy, pleasant place for a half- or full-day escape—ideal for a casual girls’ day, a relaxed weekend stroll, or anyone who enjoys small-town charm and independent shops.
Have you been to Snohomish?
Do you like taking little day-trip adventures in your home state? And do you have any quirky shopping rituals like ours?