Valley Corridor Itinerary: Day 3

Follow the confluence of the north and south forks of the Stillaguamish River and you’ll discover cities are molded from muraled, sun-baked bricks and smalltown stucco storefronts and a bounty of lush, fertile fields crouching in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains.

Arlington invites you to slow down and savor the simple pleasures of farm country. This is where food, flowers, and community meet — from Saturday mornings at the Arlington Farmers Market to long, golden afternoons spent wandering lavender fields or picking blueberries straight from the vine. Arlington’s working farms and markets offer a true taste of the Pacific Northwest countryside—one you can see, smell, and take home.

Marysville is more than just another coastal town. Venturing into "Strawberry City” offers a pleasant and surprising abundance of natural beauty and homegrown, wholesome fun. With plenty of scenic destinations to kayak, camp, birdwatch, stroll, or bike— in addition to its bevy of restaurants, watering holes and accommodations—it’s no wonder travelers are flocking to Marysville and making it their base camp for outdoor adventure.

Arlington is one of Snohomish County’s most walkable and surprising small towns. It’s the kind of place best explored at ground level—by bike or on foot—where every side street reveals something new: a funky antique shop, a riverside trail, a vintage bar tucked into an old Masonic lodge.

Start your day at the Stilly Diner, which is arguably the best place for breakfast or brunch, and you’d be sorry to miss out on a delicious cup of third wave espresso at Moe’s.

Now it’s time to explore downtown Arlington. If you combine a salvage store, a pet store, an antique store, and a flea market you may have something close to Arlington Pickers. This is where you’ll find unexpected gems that you didn’t even know you were looking for. Mirkwood is an old stucco Masonic Lodge converted into a bar, music venue, and tattoo shop. Its name is a reference to “Lord of the Rings,” and the interior decor is a deep fantasy nod to Tolkienesque fandom. There’s no other place like Nutty’s Junkyard Grill, where the neon signage and nostalgic automotive decor perfectly complement the all-American burgers-and-fries fare. Grab a shake and bask in the retro atmosphere. Walk off your snack with a trip to Fauxy Fur, which specializes in western-inspired garb and wardrobe staples that will make your friends ask you, “where did you get that?”

Now hit the outskirts of town in search of fresh produce. Arlington is a town rooted in the rhythms of the season – from farmers markets and roadside stands selling lavendar to seasonal farmers markets, to midsummer river dips.

This scenic destination is home to several popular dining and lodging options and events. It also has a natural beauty that’s distinctly PNW, making it a prime location to set up camp as you explore the region. Flock to the Ebey Waterfront Trail and Park for some unique birdwatching and sweeping views of Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains. Enjoy the vibrancy of this coastal city with a walk or bike ride along the popular 30-mile Centennial Trail or plan a picnic with the family at Jennings Nature Park.

If you’re hungry, saddle up and head to State Street for taste of Central Texas at Jeff’s Texas BBQ. The meats are smoked with post oak chips, a sturdy wood grown in the Lone Star State, and Jeff gets them directly from the source. Get here early, as Jeff’s BBQ often sells out.

Third Street is the heart and soul of downtown Marysville. This quaint and charming retail district pays homage to the city’s storied history while featuring modern amenities. There’s a host of locally owned and operated shops and restaurants with unique products and services that echo the local sentiment of community involvement and homegrown pride. Start your stroll with an energy bowl on the go from Spoon & Straw, then browse the selection of books at 3rd Street Book Exchange. Go antiquing at Finders Keepers before enjoying a craft beer at 5 Rights Brewing Company. There’s no better way to spend your day.

Wind down with a night of rest at La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Marysville or Home2Suites by Hilton Marysville. Both provide reliable accommodations with a plethora of modern amenities that are perfect for business trips, family vacations, or weekend getaways.