How to Plan a Weekend Getaway to Edison, Washington

EEven if you live in the Pacific Northwest, the small town of Edison, Washington, just 90 miles north of Seattle may not be on your radar yet. However, the one-road town, nestled between Samish Bay and miles of farmland in the Skagit Valley, is full of reasons to visit: a collection of well-curated art galleries and shops, an abundance of farm nearby to explore, and more than a few top-notch places to eat and drink, many of which source ingredients nearby.

Whether you’ve heard of Old Edison or not, here’s why you should set your sights on this eclectic city for your next weekend from Seattle, along with things to do, places to stay, and to eat.

Where to stay in Edison

While there are no hotels in Edison proper, there are a handful of comfortable vacation rentals to choose from in and around the city.

Smith and Valley Airbnbs

The local Smith and Valley Art Gallery also offers three Airbnb rentals in Edison, all conveniently located in a house between the Hosts Art Gallery and Terramar Brewstillery on Main Street. The three locations—Smith et Vallée guest house (six persons), Gallery House (four beds), and Boat house (for two people) – are on their own floor of a large house, each with its own private entrance. However, they all share an outdoor space, which includes a spacious lawn and a cozy fireplace, and can be rented together if you have a large group. As you would expect from an Airbnb run by a team of artists and designers, all three are gorgeous inside and out, with custom cabinetry and artwork by the artist. Smith and Valley team and views of the nearby San Juan Islands.

Stay at the Blanchard Mountain Farm

For a more natural experience, book a stay at Guest house Montagne Blanchard, a five minute drive to downtown Edison. Although guests will have plenty of privacy, the house is located on the Blanchard Mountain Farm, a working organic farm run by husband-wife duo Walter Brodie and Linda Versage, with a farm stand and classroom for those who want to learn more about farming. According to the owners, this is also a great place for bird watching.

Where to eat and drink in Edison

Start your Edison culinary adventure at the bakery, Bread farm, which has been making artisanal pastries, breads and, dare we say it, some of the best pies outside of Paris for over 20 years. But they’re not just great bakers: Breadfarm also gives back by using local ingredients, like Cairnspring Mills flour, as often as they can and by leading community fundraising initiatives. Since you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu that changes daily, we recommend asking for what’s fresh out of the oven. You will not regret it.

For a more filling breakfast, locals love French toast and classic dinner dishes at Cafe Edison.

Come at noon, sit in the garden at Coffee Tweets (open Saturdays and Sundays; cash only) for a seasonal menu of sandwiches and salads. Light Mediterranean-inspired dishes (paninis, caprese salads and canned fish) as well as an excellent selection of wines are available next door at Swamp food, a cafe / shop that also sells many local foods and products.

For lunch and dinner, the spacious backyard and dining room of the Terramar Brewery is a popular spot for craft beers, ciders, and pizza. Committed to sourcing local ingredients, he makes beers from grains grown and malted in the Skagit Valley, ciders from nearby apple orchards, and single malt whiskey, vodka and gin from barley farmers. premises, resulting in dangerously delicious drinks. “There aren’t many places in the world where you can still source all your ingredients locally of exceptional quality,” says owner Chris Barker. In addition, it supports the community by regularly raising funds and minimizing its food waste. His “Barker’s Dozen” dog treats, for example, are made from leftover pizza dough and sold for a donation that goes to a different charity each month.

In the evening, Edison’s pillars include the Longhorn, an Old West-style saloon and tavern, and the the old edison, which turns out to be pub classics with a local twist (think: burgers made with local beef, Breadfarm buns, and Golden Glen Creamery cheese; clam strips; and some of the best fried oysters). This is also the place to go in town if you are looking for nightlife (live music, shuffleboard, and full bar). Top it off with a nightcap at Terramar’s underground bar, reserved for parties.

What to do in Edison

Go to the farm

The area surrounding Edison is home to farms producing fruits, vegetables, seafood, meats, and cheeses that can be found throughout the United States. (The now ubiquitous Cascadian Farm brand was founded in the Skagit Valley.) Of course, it’s best to taste them straight in one of the many farms and farm stands in the valley.

First of all, head to family management Taylor Shellfish Samish Oyster Bar & Seafood Market a few miles north on scenic Chuckanut Drive. Taylor Shellfish is best known for its oysters (after all, she has been raising them since 1890), but it has also expanded into farming mussels, geoduck clams and other shellfish. At its Samish Bay location (it has several in Washington), sit down for a lunch of freshly shucked oysters and smoked fish before heading to the market to collect fresh fillets for dinner.

Back in the Bow-Edison area, drop by Bow Hill Blueberry Farm where you can pick (you guessed it) blueberries in the summer. All year round, drop by his farm shop or book a farm tour (advance reservations required), to learn more about the property, its ecosystem and anything that might interest your crew.

Complete your tour of the Skagit Valley Farm with a stop at the cheese factory in Samish Bay Cheese to stock up on its award-winning organic cheeses, yogurts and kefir. Although he has interrupted the food service at his cafe due to COVID-19, there are a few tables outside for impromptu picnics. For even more dairy delicacies it is also worth visiting Fields of harmony, a sheep farm that sells cheese, yarn and other sheep products, and a dairy farm Golden Glen Creamery (only open from Monday to Friday but you can find its products on sale nearby Swamp food).

Explore the boutiques and art galleries

For decades, Edison has attracted artists and designers from across the region, both as visitors and permanent residents, who give the city a sense of vibrancy, especially on weekends. Explore the city’s creative heritage by passing through one (or more) of the city’s art galleries and boutiques:

• that is to say: Managed by artist and longtime Edison resident Margy Lavelle, i.e. features artwork from a rotating roster of local and regional artists in part of the former Edison building Eye, which once housed the Edison Eye Gallery (one of Edison’s enclaves).
• Hedge: Visit this little boutique on the outskirts of town for an ever-changing selection of current and vintage art, clothing, household items and other items.
• Lucky dumpster: Discover a variety of items handmade by local artists, such as pottery and wooden furniture, for sale at Lucky Dumpster.
• Indigo Dreams: Find artistic textiles, like hand-dyed tunics and felted landscapes, at Indigo Dreams Fiber Shop, run by artist Janeen Doi and housed in Edison’s former red and white fire station.
• Smith and Vallée: Located in a historic school, Smith and Valle is a contemporary art gallery showcasing works by artists and offering monthly demonstrations and lectures. It also has a rotating collection of large outdoor sculptures next to the gallery, making it a must-see store.

How to get to Edison

By car, take Interstate 5 North and follow directions towards Bellingham. It takes approximately 75 minutes (excluding traffic) from Seattle.