Arlington

Instagrammable sites in a slow-paced, peaceful paradise

At the foothills of the Cascade Mountains lies the community of Arlington. Close proximity to Interstate 5 allows for convenient access to northern Seattle’s nearby suburban neighborhoods, while the area’s many gorgeous parks, lakes, and forests are all also within arm’s reach. At day’s end, locals retreat home to quaint abodes situated on multi-acre lots in the company of the great outdoors and the endless discoveries waiting to be made.

First explored by settlers in the 1850s, Arlington grew slowly but steadily and was a major center for the logging and agriculture industries. The construction of nearby Interstate 5 transformed Arlington from a cozy community into a bright commuter town for those working in nearby Everett and other northern Seattle suburbs. Today, Arlington’s downtown is a vibrant gathering place that hosts several festive events throughout the year, ensuring locals need not look far for something to experience and celebrate.

What to Love

• A perfect mix of quiet scenery and modern convenience
• One of Washington’s more Instagrammable towns provides beautiful backdrops with its murals, community art, and jaw-dropping mountain ranges
• Located on the 30-mile Centennial Trail, a favorite spot among locals to jog, bike, and enjoy horseback rides
• Festive community events and gatherings throughout the year for residents of all ages

Local Lifestyle

Life in Arlington is quiet, calm, and serene. Locals dwell within spacious homes on larger lots than what might be found in neighboring communities. Relatively rural in comparison to other nearby towns, Arlington residents enjoy a great number of local parks, in addition to larger state and national preserves. Old-fashioned eateries and coffee houses brewing exquisite coffee can all be found in town, in addition to upscale and unique restaurants. One of the most beautiful regions in the Stillaguamish River Valley is also home to a number of breweries, serving a rotating selection of craft beers available for locals to sample and enjoy all months of the year.

Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping

Moe’s on Olympic is one of Arlington’s favorite coffee houses to enjoy a warm beverage, meet up with old friends, or grab something to take with you to go. Bagel sandwiches, paninis, and fresh pastries are also available in gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options, offering something for every member of the community.

Just down the street, The Stilly Diner is Arlington’s favorite place to enjoy breakfast, brunch, and lunch. California-style eggs Benedict, French toast, and chicken-fried steak have been savored since 2015 in this family-owned and operated establishment, known for serving fairly priced meals in a welcoming environment.

Nutty’s Junkyard Grill is another laid-back establishment with a nostalgic filling station theme situated southwest of downtown. This old-fashioned pit stop serves up homemade burgers, onion rings, and fish and chips, all of which are enjoyed in a retro setting accented by friendly, old-fashioned hospitality.

For sophisticated evenings out, Bistro San Martin offers the finest variations in internationally inspired cuisine featuring ingredients native to the Pacific Northwest. Filet mignon and flat iron steak are some of their all-time favorites, but the crabcakes, roasted duck, and pan-seared jumbo prawns take the cake. Speaking of cake, their desserts have been described by locals as “the best they’ve ever tasted,” providing a legitimate excuse to stay awhile after dinner has ended.

The Restaurant at Rhodes River Ranch offers a view unlike any other in Arlington. While this eatery may look unsuspecting from the outside, guests are treated to one-of-kind entertainment from the interior. From their tables, guests can watch horse reining while enjoying down-home classics consisting of their famous mashed potatoes, prime rib, fish and chips, and a frequently changing selection of daily specials.

Things To Do

The Centennial Trail is one of Arlington’s favorite places to enjoy time in the great outdoors. Stretching across 30 miles and connecting Arlington, Lake Stevens, and Snohomish, this tree-lined pathway is a serene spot to enjoy lengthy hikes, bike rides, or simple strolls. After your morning fitness session, enjoy the rest of your afternoon exploring the area’s several craft breweries, ranking among the best in the nation. Skookum Brewery is just one example worth visiting, featuring a different selection of brews each week, all of which are enjoyed with bites from one of the many on-site food trucks.

Schools

This scenic city offers top-notch educational opportunities for all children across several campuses. Some of these consist of:

• Kent Prairie Elementary School, prekindergarten-5th grade; KPES is a multi-time winner of the Washington State Achievement Award
• Haller Middle School, grades 6-8; Niche.com placed HMS within the top ⅓ of Washington state’s public middle schools
• Arlington High School, grades 9-12; AHS students benefit from a plethora of extracurricular clubs and teams, a great college preparatory program, and high availability of advanced placement, honors, and dual-credit classes