Choose Monroe - Fall/Winter 2020

At the base of the Cascade Mountains, the City of Monroe is where your adventure starts: river sports, off-road ATV, delicious bites, self-guided tours, arts, and shopping. I invite you, your friends, and family to venture off the highway and explore Monroe.

Start your day by a self-guided tour of local artist, David Hose’s painted murals around the Sky Valley (pg. 8). Once you’ve worked up an appetite stop by Lloyd’s BBQ (pg. 22) for some Texas/ Kansas style barbecue. When you are fueled up and ready to get back on the road be sure to check out Pacific Mountain Sports (pg. 16), our local bike and ski outfitter for some adventure inspiration. Lastly, stop by the Monroe Historical Society located in Historic Downtown and pick up a brochure on Monroe’s Heritage Trees, or find one online at www.monroewa.gov/787. Explore Monroe’s History through these trees and admire their splendor.

For more information about events and activities throughout the year, check out www.choosemonroe.com.

Visitor Centers

Monroe Historical Society & Museum

207 E Main Street, Monroe, WA (360) 217-7223 www.monroehistoricalsociety.org

Monroe Visitor Center 125 S Lewis Street, Monroe, WA (360) 794-5488 www.choosemonroe.com

Sky Valley Visitor Center 320 Main Street, Sultan, WA (360) 793-0983 www.skyvalleychamber.com

Where to Stay

Evergreen Inn & Suites

19103 US 2, Monroe, WA (360) 863-1900 www.hotelinmonroewa.com

Best Western Sky Valley Inn 19233 US 2, Monroe, WA (360) 794-3111 www.bestwestern.com

Fairgrounds Inn 18950 US 2, Monroe, WA (360) 794-5401 www.fairgroundsinn.net

Falling Water Gardens Glamping 17516 WA-203, Monroe, (360) 863-1400 www.fallingwatergardens.com

Thunderbird RV & Camping Resort 26702 Ben Howard Road, Monroe, WA (360) 794-4030

For a unique stay visit AirBNB.com or VRBO.com to view 75+ rentals in Monroe.

Choose Adventure - Choose Monroe

The Visitor Information Center, in the heart of Downtown Monroe located at 125 S Lewis Street, is open year-round and run by the Monroe Chamber of Commerce. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a long time local, we are your one stop to learn about everything to do in Monroe!

Visit Choosemonroe.com to learn more about our local yearround events, dining options, parks & hiking, and beloved shopping destinations in town! Monroe is situated along the Cascade Loop, the most beautiful scenic highway in Washington.

Situated near the Skykomish river, Historic Downtown is filled with fine dining, antique stores & boutiques, historical museum, and performing arts theater! Monroe is treasured by its residents and tourists for its active, and outdoorsy lifestyle. Surrounded by mountains, we are a destination for outdoor adventure seekers year-round with fishing, hiking, snowshoeing, horse-back riding, hiking, kayaking, and off-terrain motorcycles right at your fingertips! We promote NASCAR at Evergreen Speedway, year-round events at Evergreen State Fair Park, and triathlon competitions at Lake Tye Park.

Whether you are coming to attend one of our free concert series like Music in the Park, stroll through the pop-up shops in Downtown, attend our weekly Farmers Market, experience the Evergreen State Fair & Parade, visit a food truck event or savor that cup of espresso from one of our local coffee roasters, your adventure doesn’t stop here - it’s where it starts!

Chamber President Mike Buse

King Lake Cellars

We’d like to welcome King Lake Cellars to Monroe. This boutique winery provides spacious outdoor seating and a tasting room which offers wine flights or by the glass. The winery sources grapes from some of the finest vineyards in the Columbia Valley and transport them to our very own Sky Valley. Want to make an afternoon of it? Food is not served on site however food/picnics are accepted so check them out and give them a warm Monroe welcome!

King Lake Cellars is located at 22819 King Lake Road in Monroe, WA and are open every other Saturday and Sunday from 12:00am - 6:00pm.

GameNetic Comes to Lewis Street Park

The City of Monroe’s Parks Department has installed a new game console called The GameNetic at Lewis Street Park. To use the game all you have to do is pump the foot pedal to power-up, follow the audio instructions for 4 diverse games and have fun. Learn more and see a live demo at https://bit.ly/3m4pUSt.

2 New Monroe Heritage Trees

The Red Maple grouping which welcomes the community to the Evergreen Health Monroe campus has been selected as 1 of our 2 newest Monroe Heritage Trees.

The Monroe Middle School Cross Country team has nominated the second. This towering White Oak is located at 214 South Blakeley Street. Learn more about Monroe’s Heritage Trees on pages 28-31.

Bookkeeper Monroe

101 E Main St, 106B

Monroe, WA 98272

PAINTING THE SKY VALLEY one wall at a time

Not many artists can say they’ve painted the sky.

Muralist David Hose has not only painted it, he has captured its very essence, and infused it into some of the most cantankerous old walls that the Sky Valley has to offer.

One of our region’s most prolific muralists, David not only specializes in indoor and outdoor murals, he excels at portraiture,

BY CHRIS HENDRICKSON

animal portraits, and landscapes – on canvas or walls – and calligraphy. Through his business, American Light Studio, David has built a spectacular portfolio of work, much of it located in Monroe and surrounding communities. He is well known for his unmistakable brand of sweeping colors and stunning realism, along with his unique ability to tell a story using nary a

For a complete list of David Hose murals available for public viewing, see our complete list on page 11.

For more information about David Hose, please email him at: davidhose.777@gmail.com.

word. His paintings have illuminated Sky Valley history with depth and accuracy, each mural artfully woven together with countless details, anecdotes, and little bits of local treasure.

His tools are uncomplicated. He prefers Ticonderoga No. 2 pencils, acrylic paint, and sometimes a Genie lift, if a mural exceeds the capacity of his 5-foot 10-inch frame.

He has tamed some of the most stubborn, unyielding old walls in Monroe, transforming their craggy, pitted surfaces into one-of-a-kind works of art. It all starts with a conversation. When someone hires him for a mural, he meets with them face to face to better understand their vision for the work and how to best bring it to life.

It’s about building a connection, right from the beginning.

“I start with a client and end with a good friend,” David said.

Once he understands the vision, he spends some time at the wall. As the overall design begins to emerge in his mind, he sketches it out, working with his client to ensure a “win-win.” If his client wants family members or historical references, they provide him with photos to work from. Other aspects come from his imagination, or from his own life.

The visual story that forms is a combination of true, make-believe, and a little bit of fantasy.

Hose’s ingenuity with a paintbrush is informed by his own ability to overcome hardship, his deep connection to his clients and subject matter, and his distinctly gentle aura that instantly puts people at ease.

Hose has never met a stranger and treats everyone he encounters with kindness and respect. People are naturally drawn to him, especially when he has a brush in hand.

His natural talent has been nourished by his lifelong passion for art.

“I started drawing on my mother’s bedroom walls when I was three,” David said. “I’m addicted to art. It’s always been something that took me to a different place.”

but he was ready to make his mark. When told that the art was almost as good as promised to another artist, he met with the MAC and asked to see the existing proposal.

“I looked at it and said, ‘I can beat that,’” David said.

The work, still stunning today, features an above and below cross section of the Skykomish River and measures 79-feet in length.

They moved into the Fryelands neighborhood with their five kids on Takeko’s birthday, March 15, 2004.

Monroe was ready for David Hose. His first job was commissioned almost right away by the Monroe Arts Council, which wanted a mural on the wall of what was then Haight Carpet, now Bliss Yoga Studio, on North Lewis Street. David had to compete assertively for the job – not normally his nature –

His artistic journey took him to Sultan next, which celebrated its centennial in 2005 with a commissioned mural on the side of the Visitors Information Center. The mural’s location was marred by a tangled web of electrical panels and piping, but David masterfully incorporated them into the art. Key Sultan community members are immortalized in both the centennial mural and his nearby 3-panel mural series at the original Sultan Fire Station, which he painted in 2008. Recently, the fire station murals were replicated in digital form after David’s original work became faded from the weather.

The murals showcase noted fire department leadership, staff and supporters over generations.

David loves honoring bellwether community members in his work.

When David and his wife Takeko discovered Monroe in 2004, it was like coming home.

“The River” 207 N Lewis Street, Monroe, WA

“They become icons,” David said. “These are people who are full of love and care for their community and I want to represent that as much as I can.”

Each of his murals tells a thousand stories, richly filled with the best that the Sky Valley has to offer. Like with the fire station murals, connections between the past, present and future are intertwined throughout David’s work, enhancing its relatability. Rivers, mountains, trains, wildlife, farmlands, and local streetscapes all come to life so vividly, it’s almost as though you could step into the walls and become part of the worlds he’s created.

You’ll find dogs in almost all of David’s murals, sometimes more than one. Occasionally, an owner will pay for their pet’s inclusion, but often, David adds them on a whim.

His mural at the NAPA Monroe Parts House features the owner’s cat TJ, famously known as the “real owner of NAPA.” TJ was included in the mural when David originally painted it, but later passed away. As a tribute to the cherished cat, David returned to the mural with his paintbrush, adding not only TJ’s urn, but also a small golden halo above the orange tabby’s head.

His largest mural to date is located in downtown Snohomish, on

the home of Earl Winehart Post No. 96 of the American Legion. Painted from 2012 to 2013, the stunning token of gratitude to our United States veterans stretches nearly 70 feet across, reaches 35 feet in height and took David 13 months to complete. It is both a memorial and a tribute, paying homage to not only those veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice, but also to those in service today.

The mural offers windows into six armed conflicts in which the United States fought – World War I, World War II, Vietnam, Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan – each portrayed with powerful authenticity. The soldier in the image of World War I is American Legion Post No. 96 namesake, Earl Winehart, who was killed in action in 1918 just two short weeks after arriving in France. As always with Hose’s work, his passion for his subject matter is reflected in the details. Winehart’s gaze is piercing and brave. He grips his gun tightly, while a letter meant for his mother shyly peeps from his coat pocket.

While all of David’s murals are special to him, the Snohomish mural has particular meaning because of what it represents, and because of a young Marine from Snohomish named Cpl. Jeffrey Starr, who was

killed in Iraq on May 30, 2005. Jeffrey is featured in the upper portion of the mural, the only veteran without a hat. His smile is infectious.

David got a photo from Jeffrey’s father to use as a guide to capture his likeness.

“It was the day of his graduation from basic training,” David said. “His parents took it and he insisted he didn’t want a hat because he liked his hair that day.”

David visited Jeffrey’s grave before he started to paint, to build that connection so integral to his work. The bond he formed is clearly reflected in the portrait, as is the vow he made to Jeffrey that he would “give it his whole heart.” The Snohomish mural stops passerby in mid step, spellbound as they take it in. Jeffrey’s portrait is his mirror image. Hatless, face filled with joy at becoming a Marine.

David is far from finished, as there are many more stubborn surfaces he’d love to transform, many more snippets of the sky that he’d love to commemorate. He awaits the next big thing and hopes to someday complete a mural larger than anything he’s done to date.

“I’m ready to work,” David said. “My dedication is stronger than it was 10 years ago.”

DAVID HOSE Instagram Photo Ops

Take your photo in front of a mural and tag #monroewamurals for a chance to be featured on our Instagram @cityofmonroewashington

Exterior

• Bliss Yoga Studios, North wall – 207 N Lewis Street, Monroe, WA

• Keg-N-Cue, North wall – 202 S Lewis Street, Monroe, WA

• Masonic Lodge, South wall – 125 S Lewis Street, Monroe, WA

• NAPA Auto Parts, South wall – 200 N Lewis Street, Monroe, WA

• Northwest Differential, North wall – 211 S Lewis Street, Monroe, WA

• Smiley’s Pro-Lube – 506 E Main Street, Monroe, WA

• American Legion Post 96, West wall – 1201 1st Street, Snohomish, WA

• Blanket Express – 15930 US 2, Snohomish, WA

• Post Office, South wall – 4 4th Street, Sultan, WA

• Visitors Center, East wall – 320 Main Street, Sultan, WA

INTERIOR – Please call ahead before visiting these murals

• Fryelands Elementary (360) 804-3400 – 15286 Fryelands Blvd., Monroe, WA

• Miracles and Memories Academy (360) 805-8858 – 123 N Blakeley Street, Monroe, WA

• Monroe Montessori School (360) 794-4622 – 733 Village Way, Monroe, WA

• Whitfield’s Licensing Agency (360) 794-5678 – 19677 US-2 #106, Monroe, WA

• 107 W Main Street, Monroe, WA

• Chain Lakes Elementary (360) 804-3100 - 12125 Chain Lake Road, Snohomish, WA

Mural by David Hose

outdoor art: walking/driving tour

The value of public art cannot be understated.

It enriches lives, sparks conversation and inspires hope, while cultivating a heightened sense of community pride for those who live, work, and play in its vicinity. Public art can completely transform a mundane street corner into something magical, as it infuses beauty, softness and meaning into drab grey streetscapes. Craggy old walls become dreamy doorways into the past, present and future, as vibrant mural art craftily blends history and modernity. Now more than ever, public art holds a vital position in Monroe and its surrounding communities. Here are some of our favorites:

A Day at the Fair

By Cheri O’Brien 179th Avenue SE at the Evergreen State Fair Park, Monroe, WA

Thanks to Everett artist Cheri O’Brien, the two dingy grey pedestrian tunnels that lead fairgoers back and forth from the parking area to the entrance of the fair, are awash with bright, cheerful colors, and playful images meant to embrace everything the fair has to offer.

Even now, with the park shrouded in uncharacteristic silence, the bright,

colorful tunnels inspire memories of all the past fair experiences you’ve treasured, while helping you visualize a future with the Fair Park filled with happy, frivolous fairgoers.

Freedom Rock

By Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II U.S. 2 in Travelers Park, Sultan, WA

Sultan’s Freedom Rock is a showstopper, holding the esteemed honor of being the first and only Freedom Rock in the state of Washington.

Founded by Iowa artist Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II, the 50 State Freedom Rock Tour is a national effort to create custom, hand-painted murals honoring our United States military veterans in key locations across the country. Each mural highlights a veteran or group of veterans from the community, tying the rock to that location in a meaningful way.

One side of the rock features Severin “Sam” Martin Wold Jr., a Native American who served in the U.S. Army with the 70th Infantry Division

during World War II. The other side of the rock features Space Shuttle Challenger Commander

Dick Scobee, born in Cle Elum, Washington and killed in 1986 when the Space Shuttle Challenger suffered catastrophic failure shortly after launch.

Guardian of the Mountain Pass

By Milo White and Jay Bowen SE corner of Main and Lewis Streets, Monroe, WA

Guardian of the Mountain Pass is Monroe’s newest piece of public art, added to the southeast corner of Main and Lewis streets in late 2019. Artists White and Bowen were compelled by Monroe’s position as the gateway to the Cascade Mountains, along with the City’s idyllic rural landscape, powerful rivers, and lush green forests.

The piece is filled at the base with authentic river rock topped with blue glass accents, to represent the Skykomish and Snohomish rivers.

At night, the sculpture is illuminated from within, adding a gorgeous glow to the stunning piece.

Rolling Pin Woman

By Jesse Purdom, 101 Union Ave., Snohomish, WA

This 12-foot tall female baker is meant to serve as the Snohomish Bakery’s version of “Hammering Man,” the iconic moving sculpture positioned outside the Seattle Art Museum. Rolling Pin Woman has mechanized arms that, when switched on, tirelessly move back and forth, driving her rolling pin across her oversized worksurface. She is resolute, with broad shoulders, strong features, and a firm stance, perfectly embodying a hardworking baker who rises before dawn every day to craft her confections

fresh for her customers to enjoy.

This sculpture is made from handpounded steel that has a custom patina which is meant to give it a slightly bronze hue.

Storm Patterns

By Gloria Bornstein Lake Tye Park, Monroe WA

Poised on the eastern shores of Monroe’s Lake Tye, Storm Patterns perfectly demonstrates the poignant reality that exceptional beauty can come from the unlikeliest of sources. The roughly 4-foot by 4-foot by 5-foot tall stainless-steel sculpture is the result of the state of Washington’s 1 Percent for Art program, which sets aside 1 percent of capital improvement project (CIP) funds for the installation of public art.

Storm Patterns came to life through the construction of the Intensive Management Unit (IMU) at the Monroe Correctional Complex, a maximum custody unit that opened in 2007.

As artist Gloria Bornstein developed her concept, she was drawn to Lake Tye for its beauty, its popularity, and the versatility of its landscape, which welcomes a variety of uses. The sculpture includes profiles of iconic Monroe women and a cumulonimbus cloud formed from converging cumulus clouds.

Tile Project

207 East Main Street, Monroe, WA

Aimed at beautifying Monroe’s downtown business district in a unique way, the Tile Project used original art created by 5th grade students from the Monroe School District, and was funded with sponsorships and donations from local families and businesses. The effort was spearheaded by Sky Valley Artists Guild member Bob Fairfax, who tasked the students with creating art that captured the elements of the area’s rural landscape.

Students handmade the clay tiles during the 1993 – 1994 school year, and Fairfax personally fired them in a kiln over the summer months. Then, Fairfax and other members of the Sky Valley Artists Guild, an art advocacy nonprofit that operated in Monroe at the time, used buckets of grout and affixed nearly 400 6-inch by 6-inch clay tiles to the lower wall of the museum, which also happens to be the original Monroe City Hall.

The project was completed in time for the Monroe Fair Days Parade on August 27, 1994.

Wagner Swifts

By Kevin Edwin Pettelle NW corner of Main and Lewis Streets, Monroe WA

Located on the northwest corner of Main and Lewis streets in downtown Monroe, Wagner Swifts is a one-of-a-kind community emblem. The sculpture, which extends 12-feet tall and rests on a six-foot base, celebrates the gentle and sweet-natured Vaux’s swifts that make Monroe’s Wagner chimney their home during their twice-yearly migrations. The swifts are well known for their dramatic showmanship, swirling above the 31-foot brick chimney at dusk, one by one answering the silent call that compels them to gracefully tuck themselves in for the night.

The Vaux’s swifts are Monroe’s official city bird and are typically celebrated during a community event held every year in September called “Swift Night Out.”

The elegant sculpture features around 100 of the tiny birds, true to size, each cut from 1/4-inch stainless steel and welded carefully together to recreate the whirling spiral of birds that instantly enamors all who witness the unique spectacle.

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

at Pacific Mountain Sports

No matter where your adventure takes you –snowy slopes, woodsy riding trails or smoothly paved thruways –Monroe’s Pacific Mountain Sports can help outfit you with everything you need to get the most out of your outdoor experience.

Located in the heart of Monroe’s downtown business district, Pacific Mountain Sports provides bicycle

BY CHRIS HENDRICKSON

tuning, repair and service, new bikes, plus an exclusive highperformance demo/rental fleet which includes top performing bikes by Santa Cruz and Specialized. The interior walls of this custom bike shop are adorned with everything you’ll need for an awesome ride, including seats, water bottles, helmets, gloves and more. They can also outfit you

Pacific Mountain Sports is located at 120 W. Main Street, Monroe, WA. For more information, call (360) 863-3381 or visit the website at: www.pacificmountainsports.com

for your winter outdoor activities, offering ski and snowboard repair and tuning, custom ski boot fitting, ski rentals and snowboard rentals.

Owner Paul Sanders is passionate about outdoor recreation and a strong advocate for any activity that takes people outside, especially activities that involve wheels or skis. Being an avid rider himself – both street and

trail – gives him the ability to relate to two very different sets of users. Regardless of where you do it,

tuning and suspension services and can handle your bike repair needs whether just minor spot adjustments or comprehensive tuning services.

“If you don’t do it, you should,” Paul said.

Pacific Mountain Sports is Paul’s third bike and ski shop. He additionally owns Pacific Bike and Ski, which has locations in Duvall and Sammamish.

When he opened the doors of his Monroe location in November of 2019, Paul never imagined that he’d be faced with a worldwide bicycle shortage after just a few short months in business, but that is exactly what happened. Bike sales surged in March and April in response to COVID-19, as people sought to overcome the stress of the pandemic through increased physical activity.

The great news is that bicycle inventory is starting to trickle back in, so he is able to meet the needs of his customers.

If you’re not in the market for anything new, now is a great time to rummage through your garage and dust off those abandoned sets of wheels collecting cobwebs in the corner. Paul and Pacific Mountain Sports staffer Trey Larson are experienced and skilled technicians able to return those neglected bicycles to their former glory. The two provide a full array of bike

For those looking to elevate their biking experience with some added power, Pacific Mountain Sports offers a selection of Specialized Turbo E-bikes designed to take you farther than ever. E-bikes, also called electric-assist, use an electric motor and battery to help amplify your natural pedaling abilities, giving you speeds of up to 28 miles per hour. E-bikes offer innovative, custom connectivity which links to your smart phone to monitor your battery range, adjust motor output and to keep track of your epic rides.

Like so many other small business owners, Paul has had to remain nimble and ready to adapt to the almost constant changes stemming from COVID-19. Although deemed an essential business, he made the decision to temporarily close his doors for three weeks in March, to help reduce the spread. Once reopened and faced with a worldwide bike shortage, he

decided to broaden his business model and try some new things. As a result of that effort, in July, Pacific Mountain Sports became an authorized dealer of the unique and innovative Tepui Rooftop Tents.

Tepui Rooftop Tents are a cozy camping solution that transforms your vehicle into a safe overnight accommodation. Sort of a cross between a tree house and a classic tent, Tepui Rooftop Tents are built for comfort and designed to give outdoor adventurers an elevated camping experience.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to branch out and try other things,” Paul said. “The Tepui tents are really exciting. We invite our customers to stop by and check one out.”

biking is an exciting and fun way to get fit and a wonderful way to experience the wilderness.

It has tested our ability to navigate hardship, while forcing us to examine our lives and reevaluate our priorities. Faced with statewide stay at home orders, widespread event cancellations, layoffs, and ongoing business and school closures, Washingtonians are yearning for ways to escape.

Getting on a bicycle is the perfect means. Here are a few of our favorite places to ride:

Al Borlin Park

615 Simons Road, Monroe, WA

Monroe’s Al Borlin Park is a hidden gem, nestled within walking/riding distance of Monroe’s historic downtown core. Bikes are welcome in the park, a 90-acre wooded sanctuary framed by Woods Creek to the west and the Skykomish River to the east. The thickly wooded landscape boasts a 1.2-mile network of crushed gravel walking/ riding paths, stunning viewpoints, river access, and wildlife. Its convenient proximity to Monroe’s historic downtown makes it a great place to enjoy a quick ride before or after grabbing a bite at one of our delicious eateries.

Centennial Trail Snohomish to Arlington, WA

Whether you’re just regaining your balance on two wheels or you’ve been riding for years, the Centennial Trail is the perfect place to log some miles. For many riders, the trail holds tremendous appeal because it is less crowded than some of the popular riding trails to the south. The trail starts in beautiful downtown Snohomish, which offers numerous opportunities for a delicious meal to fuel your journey. The Centennial Trail is a treasured Snohomish County asset that stretches 30.5 miles from Snohomish to Arlington just south of the Skagit County line.

*IMPORTANT UPDATE: The Centennial Trail is OPEN after a longtime closure north of Marysville. The closure was due to extensive damage from two sinkholes that impacted the trail in January of 2017. The repair work, which replaced two failed fish culverts, was

completed this summer. Snohomish County is excited to have this vital portion of trail reopen to bikers, runners, and walkers.

Lord Hill Regional Park 12921 150th Street SE, Snohomish, WA

Less than 10 minutes from downtown Snohomish and only eight minutes from downtown Monroe, this 1,480-acre park offers roughly 32 miles of multiuse trails that welcome hikers, equestrians, mountain bicyclists, trail runners, and wildlife enthusiasts. Parkgoers have their choice of two convenient access points: one at the northwest corner of the park on the Snohomish side, and another at the southwest portion of the park on the Monroe side. The hilly terrain is a great place to get some exercise on two wheels or two feet.

2020 has been a journey.

Machias Trailhead

On the Centennial Trail 1626 Virginia Street, Snohomish, WA

Located southeast of Lake Stevens in the community of Machias, the Machias Trailhead is a trailside gem that blends history with convenient amenities for riders and walkers. This small park has a replica of a historic railroad depot built in the 1890s, plus power, water, restrooms, a children’s play area and a covered picnic site. The Machias Trailhead is the first stop on the popular Ride from Seattle to Vancouver & Party (RSVP), a spectacular two-day ride organized by the Cascade Bike Club.

less than three miles from the trail’s entry point near Cady Park in Snohomish, the Pilchuck Trailhead features an expansive parking area.

Skykomish Pump Track

In Skykomish Depot Park 100 E Old Cascade Hwy, Skykomish, WA

Pilchuck Trailhead

On the Centennial Trail 5801 S Machias Road, Snohomish, WA

The Pilchuck Trailhead is located in Snohomish and is a great place to access the Centennial Trail. Located

Located in the center of town near Depot Park, the Skykomish Pump Track was created in 2017 by the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, Stevens Pass Bike Park, and the Town of Skykomish. Pump tracks feature pump rollers (hills and swells), and berms of various heights, smoothly connected by flat transitions and banked corners. Pump tracks are typically arranged as a circuit, so that bikers can ride continually in a loop. The idea is to gain momentum from the track through up and down body movements rather than pedaling. The Pump Track is community maintained and free to use.

Lloyd’s BBQ

A Destination Eatery on Wheels

Can a food truck be considered a destination eatery?

If you’re talking about Lloyd’s BBQ, then the answer is a resounding yes.

Owned and operated by Monroe residents Andrea and Kenny Lloyd Robertson, Lloyd’s BBQ offers a custom blend of authentic Texas and Kansas City style barbecue, each

BY CHRIS HENDRICKSON

its own distinct barbecue genre.

The brisket is done Texas style, slow smoked to perfection for 12 hours with a classic Texas dry rub.

The pork and chicken are prepared with a Kansas City style rub, known for its sweet, brown sugary origins.

The meats are smoked with hickory wood and served up with a sassy selection of homemade sides, including creamy macaroni and

cheese, tangy coleslaw, BBQ beans and brisket chili.

Everything at Lloyd’s is homemade, from scratch, cooked with fresh ingredients and a whole lot of heart. Some of their recipes have been handed down for generations, while others have been carefully developed by Kenny and Andrea themselves. The hardworking couple gets up

before dawn to cook the food, which is prepared fresh every day they operate the truck.

Relative newcomers to the Pacific Northwest, Kenny, Andrea and their three kids moved to Monroe from Utah in the summer of 2018. They had fallen in love with the community during a Christmastime visit, as Kenny’s brother lives in the area. They decided to make the move, and luckily for the Sky Valley, they brought Lloyd’s BBQ along for the ride.

to 2016, he scooped up three grand championships and a handful of top five finishes.

It was around that time that he began to consider venturing out on his own, as the constant travel was becoming inconvenient with three young kiddos at home. He missed his family and wanted to spend more time with them, so Lloyd’s BBQ became a reality. The business took off, and Andrea, a successful marketing professional, joined him after it got too busy for one person to manage.

If you are even more adventurous than that, you might want to consider The Nacho, which is an entire Gomer on top of a crispy bed of tortilla chips and shredded cheese.

Always a skilled chef with a knack for culinary greatness, Kenny’s passion for barbecue really began to flourish in 2010 when he cooked at his first festival in Provo, Utah. He then went on to cook at other events before landing a job as one of the Pit Masters for Traeger Pellet Grills. He spent three years fully immersed in the world of barbecue, touring the United States and Canada on behalf of Traeger. The experience not only allowed him to master different barbecue styles, but it gave him the unique opportunity to hone his craft in some of the most influential barbecue cities in the country.

“I cooked alongside some of the most famous pit masters in the country, just learning everything I could about how to do things the right way,” Kenny said.

Kenny’s willingness to work hard, coupled with his natural talent on the smoker, resulted in success in the competition scene. From 2014

Since becoming established in Monroe, the two have collected a slew of loyal customers and stacks of five-star reviews. They are consistently praised not only for their delicious food, but also their incredible savvy in the world of catering and special events. This is where Andrea truly shines, planning the most elegant, unforgettable weddings, events, and parties. Her skilled ability to meet her customers’ needs is nothing short of exceptional. And then, there’s the food.

We can’t say enough about the food.

If you consider yourself a more adventurous eater, Lloyd’s BBQ is your soulmate. One of their most popular menu items is The Gomer, which features your choice of meat, layered with mac and cheese, BBQ beans, coleslaw, and BBQ sauce. Invented by Andrea, this spectacular “Pyle” of barbecue in a bowl earns high marks from customers.

“It’s like summer in your mouth,” Andrea said.

Kenny and Andrea’s mastery of clever and unexpected flavor combinations is reflected in other menu items as well, including the hugely popular brisket tacos, which are pure artistry. Each taco is built on a foundation of two soft corn tortillas, filled with a generous helping of Lloyd’s custom slowcooked, melt-in-your-mouth brisket, and then topped with coleslaw, cotija cheese, cilantro, and barbecue sauce.

The two enjoy coming up with new ideas and testing them on their customers. And, we have on pretty good authority that there is something new coming soon. “We’re such a small business that we really have to keep being

When it comes to great barbecue, Kenny’ s talent is legendary.

creative and innovative or I don’t know how we would survive,” Andrea said.

Traditional eaters should not be deterred by the idea of mixed up food. If you prefer your barbecue in its purest form – one big pile of meat – Lloyd’s is still your soulmate. In this case the plates are right up your alley, with their generous servings of tender, smoked meat, accompanied by two sides.

And, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention The Rosarito Burrito, a Mexican-inspired breakfast burrito filled with your choice of meat, scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes and shredded cheese, plus sour cream and salsa if you want it. This exclusive fiesta in a tortilla is available on weekends only.

Lloyd’s has weathered the COVID-19 storm with grace and

resilience, thanks largely to the Monroe community, said Kenny and Andrea. When they first arrived in Monroe, they tested some different locations, and eventually worked their way into a full-time gig at Boeing. Earning a regular position on the company’s rotating roster of food trucks gave them a set schedule, which worked well for their family. But then in March, they got the notice that Boeing was halting the program and shutting down the factory in response to COVID-19.

“That kind of put us in a little bit of a panic because that was our fulltime job,” Kenny said.

Fortunately, they worked out an arrangement with the Monroe

For more about Lloyd’s, including the most up-to-date information on where you’ll find the truck, please visit the Facebook page, at: facebook.com/eatlloydsbbq or their website, at: www.eatlloydsbbq.com

Lowe’s which enables them to operate in the Lowe’s parking lot. They are also back at Boeing, but with reduced frequency. You can check their website for a current schedule.

While they’ve managed to stay afloat, they’ve not remained unscathed. The catering and special events side of their business came to a grinding halt, and it’s not anticipated to resume before 2021. But even with that, Kenny and Andrea are grateful for their success and have still found ways to give back to the community, by providing meals to families in need. Communityminded from the very start, Lloyd’s has always been generous with its outreach, which is part of the reason they fit so well in Monroe.

It’s the Monroe way.

Brian Metcalf Financial Advisor

sky valley food trucks

when it comes to food trucks, we cannot resist the old adage: “You’ve come a long way, Baby.”

Gone are the days of “roach coaches” and “gut trucks,” which for decades offered workers a quick and convenient way to refuel without having to leave the jobsite. Fast forward to 2008, which brought a dramatic surge in mobile food truck businesses, as intrepid entrepreneurs sought ways to beat the recession.

Today, mobile food service has been elevated to an art form, showcasing handcrafted chef-inspired specialties made with the freshest ingredients. Authenticity has soared to new heights in this upscale mobile food environment, as expertly trained chefs take to the streets to market gourmet burgers, gooey grilled cheese sandwiches, decadent barbecue, pie, spicy street tacos, sweet and savory crepes, and pretty much anything else you could possibly desire.

Here are a few of our favorites!

Best of Both Worlds

Yes, it’s true we like to brag about our assets, and this is no exception. Best of Both Worlds is America’s very first keto/low carb food truck and catering company, and we are so proud to say that it resides in Snohomish County. Best of Both Worlds invites you to fall in love with healthful eating through Chef Arion Thompson’s surprising and innovative low carb versions of

all your favorite comfort foods, including pasta (yes, pasta!), hamburgers, grilled cheese, chicken burgers, pizza, tacos, desserts, and more. The menu emphasizes protein, healthy fats and fiber, all showcased through fresh, real ingredients cooked to perfection. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options are often available.

Where you can find Best of Both Worlds: Check for them at the Bottega Beach Volleyball Park in Snohomish this fall or visit their social media accounts to find out where they’re planning to be. Facebook: facebook.com/bestketotruck and Instagram: instagram.com/ bestketotruck.

Big Dog’s

Because who doesn’t love a gigantic hot dog? Known for serving up the

“Biggest Weiner Around,” Big Dog’s offers a unique, football-inspired lineup of quarter-pound hotdogs featuring toppings both quirky, and traditional. Once a small, semistationary hot dog stand parked alongside U.S. 2 in Sultan, today Big Dog’s hot dogs are served from a vivid blue and green Seahawksthemed truck festooned with famous, slightly altered football

Tacos El Rey

phrases like, “Beef Mode,” and “You Hungry Bro?”

Big Dog’s owner Jerry Dixon has not let the challenges associated with COVID-19 impact his ability to serve the community. Never one to shy away from a need, Dixon launched a massive “Feed the kids” initiative that started in March and went through mid-June, that provided free lunches to Monroe kids on Wednesdays. His mission to serve the hard-working Monroe families that rely on the school lunch program to feed their hungry kiddos was vastly successful.

Where you can find Big Dog’s: Check Big Dog’s Facebook page to find out where you can get your hands on a hot dog or two. For more, visit: facebook.com/ BigDogsFoodTruck or the website at: www.uhungrybro.com.

Tacos El Rey

Corner of W. Main Street and 177th Ave SE, Monroe, WA

Tacos El Rey customers love the tacos, which are always fresh, flavorful, and well-seasoned.

As we browsed the menu we were immediately impressed by the

NOTE: Please remember that our food truck businesses are doing their best to navigate COVID-19 challenges and may be subject to changing schedules and shifting locations. Always check social media platforms and websites for the most up-to-date location information.

extensive selection of meats. You can get pretty much any type of meat that you like stuffed into one of Tacos El Rey’s notorious burritos, which are made with 12-inch flour tortillas. We were feeling daring, but not completely reckless, so we bypassed buche (stomach of the pig), lengua (beef tongue), cabeza (cheek), and opted for chorizo, a deliciously spicy Mexican sausage. The burrito was, in fact, “really big,” and filled to the max with perfectly cooked chorizo, spicy jalapeno peppers, avocado, rice, beans and more.

Tacos Monte Alban

10201 Airport Road, Snohomish, WA

Tacos Monte Alban is a serious contender when it comes to who has the most delicious roadside Mexican food. Since it almost feels like a copout to simply proclaim their street tacos as amazing (which they are), and move on, we decided to dig a little deeper. When we asked about their most popular menu item we were directed to the California Burrito, which offers your choice of meat, rice, beans, onions, cilantro, sour cream, pico de gallo, guacamole and, last but definitely not least, French fries. We tried it,

and we are hooked!

The California burrito is good enough to warrant a return visit, and just because we can’t help but mention it, the street tacos come with a side of chunky, perfectly grilled onions that elevates the whole plate. Visit: facebook.com/tacos.monte.alban.

Tacos Pihuamo 283 E Main Street, Monroe, WA

Located next to Monroe’s iconic Coca Cola mural in the heart of downtown, Tacos Pihuamo offers some of the best street tacos around.

Tacos Pihuamo has a comfortable, lighted outdoor seating area, plus an enclosed heated space for those typical, rainy fall days. It’s been highly applauded for its great eats and its fun ambiance and is typically open on weekdays and Saturdays, plus every other Sunday. Their custom, one-of-akind avocado hot sauce earns rave reviews from customers, as do their tacos, burritos, and carnitas, which is the Mexican version of slow cooked pulled pork. Tacos Pihuamo is a great way to indulge on those fall days when you don’t feel like cooking, and your options for indoor group dining remain limited.

TREE TOUR HERITAGE

It happened in the blink of an eye. Suddenly, 2020 became the year of the virtual.

Everything went digital, from our concerts to our car shows to our business meetings. Now, as we cautiously seek outdoor activities that can be accomplished in small groups with plenty of space for social distancing, our parks and public outdoor spaces are our

BY CHRIS HENDRICKSON

refuge. To our delight, we discover that as we’ve grappled with stay at home orders, school cancellations and widespread business closures, our natural environment has been ambitious and determined to flourish. Colors are deeper, foliage is brighter, wildflowers are more vivid – and the trees – well, the trees are the stars of the show.

Trees are life givers. They

Do you want to nominate a tree for heritage designation? You can find the nomination form at: https://bit.ly/2Carpws.

cleanse our air, provide us shelter, give us oxygen, and mend our broken hearts. They are living antidepressants, proven in their ability to elevate mood, increase wellbeing, reduce depression, and revitalize our weary spirits.

Trees are completely selfless. The gifts they give us are immeasurable and they ask for little in return.

Now, thanks to Monroe’s recently launched Heritage Tree Program, the City’s most unique and spectacular trees are showcased in a walking tour that celebrates Monroe’s past as well as its present and future. Launched in fall of 2018 and formally established in spring of 2019, the Monroe Heritage Tree Program is sponsored by the City of Monroe, the Monroe Historical Society and the Monroe Park Board, and enjoys strong community support.

Like the trees it is meant to honor and recognize, the Heritage Tree Program is living and dynamic, accepting nominations for new heritage trees on an annual basis. Currently, a total of 12 trees have been accepted into the program, which welcomes nominations in four distinct categories: Historic, Specimen, Landmark, and Collection. Anyone can nominate a tree for heritage designation, as long as they have permission from the owner of the property where the tree is located.

Trees one through seven are conveniently clustered around Monroe’s historic downtown core, making it easy to craft a rewarding and unique family-friendly daytrip. We recommend grabbing a togo lunch at one of our downtown eateries and building your adventure as you go. The beautiful thing about the Heritage Tree Walk is that you get to enjoy the loveliness that exists between the trees, as you become immersed in the quaint charm of the oldest part of the City.

One of our very favorites is the Catalpa Grove, a stunning chorus line of vivid green catalpa trees,

tucked away on South Blakeley. The trees themselves are a vision, with their heart-shaped leaves and intense green hues, but peer in between the graceful trunks and you’ll discover a curious old cobblestone fence that is original to the property and a relic from another time.

As you explore the southernmost trees on the tour, you’ll find yourself alongside the river, with a couple different options if you want to stop and have a bite. Lewis Street Park, home to the White Kousa Dogwood that is number one on the tour, is the City’s oldest park, boasting gorgeous views of the Skykomish River and Cascade Mountains, along with picnic tables, a children’s play area, parking, restrooms, a trail system and other amenities.

A short walk takes you to the public boat launch on the west side of the Lewis Street Bridge, a landmark bridge made famous by its starring role in the 2015 Amazon series, The Man in the High Castle. The Skykomish River is impressive no matter the season, and there is plenty of beach to explore. And once you’re on the west side of the highway it’s an easy jaunt up to Sumac Drive to see the regal 26-foot Magnolia that is tree number six.

Trees nine through 12 are located to the west of downtown Monroe, admittedly a bit of hike from the historic town center. A motivated stepper willing to devote the time will have no trouble navigating the roughly two-mile journey, but families interested in brevity may want to park at the City’s Currie View Park, a small neighborhood park located between downtown Monroe and the City’s western

edge. This segment of the tour includes some incredible, one-of-akind trees that you do not want to miss, so have confidence that your effort will be rewarded in the end.

From Currie View Park, you are just a short distance away from tree number 12, an absolutely fabulous Black Walnut that is estimated to be more than 100 years old. This incredibly showy dame practically begs to be climbed, but she’s tucked behind a fence and safely ensconced on private property.

A true showstopper on this segment of the tour is tree number 10, a glorious Camperdown Elm with mysterious origins. This contorted species of elm was discovered in Scotland in 1840, and no one is quite sure how this unusual breed of tree found its way to Monroe. At first glance the tree

resembles the nesting site of some prehistoric creature long extinct, with twisting branches that spiral upward like a tornado. You can imagine this tree coming to life in a magical forest, offering wisdom to passersby like an ancient warlock frozen in tree form by a witch’s curse.

The City of Monroe, Monroe Historical Society and Monroe Park Board would like to ask tourgoers to be respectful to homeowners when viewing the trees and as tempting as it is, please don’t touch them (or climb them) or walk into yards.

Please find more information about the Monroe Heritage Tree Program at: www.monroewa.gov/787. Currie View Park is located at 17260 153rd Street SE and Lewis Street Park is located at 561 S Lewis Street in Monroe.

things to do

while the autumn and winter months ply us with shorter days and cooler temperatures, these seasonal changes carry a distinct beauty that compels us to seek outdoor experiences. Nothing beats the feel of the natural earth beneath our feet, the spicy, leafy scents of fall, and the crisp, promising hints of winter.

With all the ongoing public health recommendations to practice social distancing and avoid gathering in large groups, there has never been a better time to embrace nondigital activities that give us the chance to appreciate our surroundings. Our favorite way to do that? Historic walking tours.

Historic walking tours are an extraordinary way to experience a community’s history, while enjoying everything that it is today. Monroe and neighboring cities and towns have worked hard to preserve historic structures, highlight important landmarks, and create parks, monuments, and public spaces that revere our early days and honor past community members for their significant contributions to our lives.

Here are a few of our favorite historic walking tours:

Skykomish Walking Tour

If there has ever been a time to appreciate a community’s resilience, that time is now, and that community is Skykomish. Located roughly 34 miles east of Monroe off U.S. 2, this historic little railroad town has a lion’s heart and a fierce will to survive. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Skykomish River, Cascade Mountains, and thick evergreen forests, Skykomish is home to approximately 220 souls, all of whom know what it’s like to overcome adversity.

This rustic town was home to the Great Northern Railway maintenance and refueling center, which operated from the late 1800s until 1974. In the late 1980s, it was

discovered that areas of the river and much of the soil in Skykomish were heavily contaminated by petroleum, and other heavy metals, which launched an invasive cleanup process that began in 2005. The cleanup was extensive and disruptive to those who lived there, lasting until 2017.

Today, the Skykomish Historical Society’s Walking Tour allows you to enjoy this wonderful, resilient town as it is today. The venue is small, easily walkable and a great daytrip from Monroe if you’re staying for the weekend and looking for an interesting way to spend the afternoon.

For more about the Skykomish Walking Tour, visit: www.skyhistory. org/tour.htm.

Duvall Historic Walking Tour

Officially part of the Snoqualmie River Valley, the City of Duvall is located about nine miles south of Monroe on picturesque S.R. 203. Duvall is a charming, close knit community with a distinctly artsy flair. The charming downtown area boasts a great selection of delicious bars, restaurants, and coffee shops, plus convenient access to the City’s prettiest parks. Duvall’s self-guided historic walking tour includes vibrant glimpses into the community’s origins, with fun stories and a great selection of historic buildings.

For more information on the Duvall Historic Walking Tour, visit: savorsnoqualmievalley.org/itinerary/ duvall-historic-walking-tour/.

Skykomish Walking Tour

Trees of Historic Snohomish

We can’t say enough about the magic of trees.

As kids, we bravely scrambled up them, their branches making convenient footholds as we climbed, sheltering ourselves in their leafy canopies once we had triumphantly ascended as far as we dared. They offered secret doorways to invisible worlds, as we wriggled through low hanging branches to sit near their quiet, sturdy trunks, completely hidden from view by their fragrant evergreen skirts. As adults, we appreciate their majestic beauty, plant them in our yards, enjoy their fruits, and vigorously seek their preservation.

The Trees of Historic Snohomish tour is extensive, including a total of 29 trees, plus three additional trees of interest. For more, visit: www. snohomishwa.gov/DocumentCenter/ View/4198/Trees-of-SnohomishWalking-Guide.

Skykomish Walking Tour