Urban Borough Itinerary: Day 2

Whether you’re down in the valley or up on the plateau (I mean terrace), the beer and wine always flow, and there are plenty of opportunities for shopping or recreation.

The borough has some smaller cities that blend into the nooks, crannies, and contours of our valleys, but you don’t want to sleep on them. Towns like Mill Creek and Mountlake Terrace are where you’ll find great spots for dining, tasting local brews, and soaking in the beauty of our many community parks. If you blink, you could miss Brier, but if local parks and trails are your vibe, it’s worth the stop.

Nestled in the Sammamish Valley between the Cascade Mountains and the waters of Puget Sound, just minutes from Seattle, is Bothell. Its central location makes it a natural basecamp for adventure–with the best of the Pacific Northwest all within easy reach.

If you’re looking for a family friendly environment to grab a local beer and some great tasting pub food, set sails for Diamond Knot Brewpub in Mountlake Terrace. Diamond Knot brews a variety of award-winning beers and offers an expansive selection of year-round and seasonal craft brews that are on tap. It’s the perfect place to catch the game on television or enjoy a meal with the kiddos.

Venture off the beaten path to find yourself a hearty Italian meal in the presence of true locals. Vita Momenti Italian Kitchen is a family-owned neighborhood restaurant in Brier that specializes in pizza and pasta. Vita offers a large selection of house-made specialty pizzas and charming vibe that feels like you’re enjoying a meal among family and friends.

If you’re looking for a shopping or dining experience that’s elegant and upscale without pretentiousness, look no further than Mill Creek Town Center. With over 70 businesses including retail, boutiques, anchor stores, restaurants, and a variety of services, it’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon treating yourself to some shopping and relaxation.

Downtown Bothell is a perfect blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Explore the city’s collection of specialty and boutique shops that suit a variety of interests and lifestyles. Some of the storefronts you might see include those that sell handmade crafts, art pieces, or unique gifts or food. Visit CoCapsules for a personal shopping experience that will get you fitted with a custom wardrobe. Or flip through pages at Wanderlust Book Lounge to explore the vast selection of popular and best-selling reads. Pop Shops on Main features community-selected, women- or minority-owned businesses that rotate biennially.

Outdoor adventure in the Sammamish River Valley flows through Bothell...literally. Whether you're into hiking, biking, kayaking, or any other form of activity, Bothell has outdoor recreation to get your blood flowing, heart pumping, and mind wandering. Ride the Sammamish River Trail through a scenic greenway that’s home to riverside parks and farms. Head to the Park at Bothell Landing and take paddle boarding or kayaking lessons down the Sammamish River with WhatsSup Stand up Paddle & Surf. Play disc golf at Blyth Park then hit the inclines with a hike up the nearby Tolt Pipeline Trail. Bothell is where you can experience nature without leaving the city.