When my brother and I were little and staying the weekend with my Grammie Stewart, she would sometimes drive us “downtown” for the afternoon. That’s downtown Edmonds, not downtown Seattle, God forbid. We’d eat lunch at one of the diners lining Main Street, her with her coffee and us with our grilled cheese. We’d walk around the roundabout at 5th and Main after lunch, named for Rosalynn Sumners, the hometown ice skater who silver medaled at the 1984 Olympics, and window shopped until we got tired and cranky.
Over the past decade-plus, I’ve watched as sleepy downtown Edmonds has reinvented itself for a new generation. This affordable northern suburb with magnificent views of Puget Sound has leaned into its inherent small-town appeal and turned up the charm, attracting new families and curious visitors, and a plethora of chic restaurants and shops to cater to them.
On a recent Saturday night, Main Street was alive with giggling kids skipping along, tubs of sprinkle-covered froyo clutched in their small hands, while casually hip parents meandered behind. Couples and groups of friends enjoyed open-air restaurants, leaning into each other and sharing bites and stories. The air was warm, the atmosphere convivial, and the easy joy of a warm summer night palpable.
On a recent visit, I took a turn around Rosalynn Sumners Square, remembering swinging Grammie’s soft hand and replaying decades of memories on these streets. Downtown Edmonds is imminently strollable and filled with galleries, boutiques, street art, good restaurants, and fun new wine options. Whether you have a few hours or a whole day, Edmonds is worth a visit and making some new memories.
One Day In Edmonds
9 a.m. Breakfast at Red Twigs.
Order an ethically sourced, house-roasted coffee drink at the counter and choose a house-made pastry from the changing selection at Red Twigs. Housed in the same cozy location as the late great Broussard’s, this all-day café is always hopping.
If you need more sustenance, go for the Vanilla Bean French Toast or the Wild Norwegian Smoked Salmon Benedict. Watch the world go by or catch up on a few emails while the staff fixes your breakfast and brings it out to you. Consider buying a chocolate chip cookie to stash in your bag for later.
11 a.m. Beach walk or Museum visit
Head straight down Main Street to the Edmonds waterfront where you will find five miles of waterfront for your beachcombing pleasure. Wander or sit and watch the ferries come and go. Help a kid build a sandcastle, throw a ball for dog, or just get your steps in while breathing the morning marine air.
If you are not beachy person or its raining too much for you (“too much” is relative for Northwesterners), spend the morning at the Cascadia Art Museum. Focusing on Northwest art, artists, and design from 1860-1970, this nonprofit museum recently celebrated 10 years. Check their website for current hours and exhibitions.
12:30 p.m. Lunch at Vinbero
I love long lunches with good friends and good wine. At a recently leisurely repast at Vinbero, I couldn’t quite decide what to drink with my Mojo Mushroom Melt. The Sage Rat Scrublands, a Sangiovese/Cab Franc blend? The Syncline Grüner Veltliner? The Portal du Calcada Vinho Verde?
Our server brought three generous tastes so we could sample and consider. While all were lovely and well-made, none were quite right for this meal. Maybe something sparkling? Oh, I got you, she nodded. Tastes of a Montgermont Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc de Noirs and La Battagliola Lambrusco arrived tableside. Perfect.
I literally did a little happy dance every time I took a sip of that Lambrusco. The wine list at Vinbero is extensive, varied, and compelling. Go for a flight if you’d like to taste their most current and interesting offerings.
2 p.m. Wandering and Shopping
With a full tum and slightly buzzy head, a shopping session is in order. Wander down just about any side street and you’ll find cozy and bright little places filled with carefully curated items that you must have right now. Here are two must-sees:
Sunlight Gallery + Studio, owned by artist Laura Burkhart and photographer Devin Larsen, is a light-filled gallery space with a calm, happy vibe. Sunlight is PNW and nature-focused, offering artworks, cards, and sculptures that are perfect for people who are apt to sigh with contentment when the sun is shining and exclaim with feeling “Oh, the mountain is out!” (Full disclosure: I am one of these people). Children are welcome in this gallery space as the partners both have young children and are ready to host small visitors.
Podium is Edmond’s only storefront dedicated solely to quality menswear, accessories, and gifts. Owner Nick Kruse has selected sensible, staple wardrobe items—long-sleeved shirts, jackets, jeans, shorts—all of exceptional quality with visual and textural interest. Filson abounds here, as do other high-quality brands that fit a Northwest sensibility.
3:30 pm Afternoon Libations
The wine and beverage scene in Edmonds continues to expand. Joining the Dusted Valley and Virtue Cellars tasting rooms is Vertical Wine Collective, a wine shop and bar specializing in sustainable packaging.
Tucked into a 1,000 square feet next to Ace Hardware, Vertical Wine Collective is believed to be the first wine shop in the U.S. to feature only boxed and canned wines. Owned by Edmonds residents Lee and Kelsey Reeves, the wine bar and shop, which opened in mid-August, serves tasting flights and glass pours of domestic and international brands in their clean and colorful mid-century-inspired space.
A box of wine is typically equivalent to four bottles and stays fresh for 4-6 weeks—an economically and environmentally friendly option for consumers. The Reeves are committed to sustainability and the Edmonds community, and hope Vertical Wine Collective becomes a community gathering space for a glass after work or weekend meet-ups. As parents of small children, they have created a space where children are welcome, and parents can relax for a bit.
For those of you wanting a cocktail, start with Scratch Distillery. Owners Kim and Bryan Karrick have been making craft spirits and local residents happy since 2015. Located down on the waterfront, Scratch offers gin, vodka, whiskey, rum, aquavit, and liqueurs. The tasting room has limited hours, so it’s smart to make a reservation. They also offer GINiology classes to help you find your preferred gin profile and then create a custom bottle to take home.
Kelnero, sister of Vinbero, offers classic and inventive craft cocktails, beer, cider, wine and elevated, easily shareable small plates (kumquat-glazed chicken wings? I’m in.) The tiny Daphnes Bar, nestled next to the Edmonds Theater, boasts only a few barstools and decades of accolades. Scooch in if you can.
6 p.m. Dinner
There are many delicious choices in downtown Edmonds, but my favorite is Fire and The Feast because they nail the intersection of fine dining and neighborhood bistro. And they make a mean Negroni. It’s really hard to choose just a few items on the menu. Duck Carbonara or Spicy Shrimp Bucatini? Go with people who are into eating family style so you can try more. The wine list is extensive and offers many Italian and Washington options.
8 p.m. Dessert
If you, like my young niece, have a separate “dessert stomach,” it’s time for a frozen treat. Molly Moon’s, right next to Virtue Cellars, is open until 11 p.m. (don’t worry, the ever-present line moves quickly). Canarino Gelato Caffé offers 24 seasonally-rotating flavors of gelato and sorbetto. If you want to choose-your-own-adventure experience, head to Revelations Yogurt to choose your flavor, size, and toppings (all the sprinkles you want!).
Time to roll yourselves back to wherever you call home. But it’s looking pretty nice in Edmonds, isn’t it? If you find yourself scrolling properties on Zillow within walking distance of downtown, I understand. It’s pretty idyllic in downtown Edmonds. You might want to make some memories there, too.
