Meet the makers in this cozy city with a passion for all things artisanal, from hand-hewn jewels to craft breweries and bespoke spirits.
When it comes to humble handcraft, Bothell may as well have written the book. And held the workshop. And put on the exhibition. Authentic, artisanal, and inspiringly creative, Bothell is the ambassador for honest craft. Take a break from the fast lane and experience Bothell’s beauty, best enjoyed at an unhurried pace. There’s something about the gentle drift of the Sammamish River and the city’s tree-lined streets that makes you want to stop and smell the roses. One thing is for sure; the city’s got a certain joie di vivre. Visit Bothell’s wineries, distilleries, and breweries and you can almost taste it.
Take a walk down Main Street, which is garlanded with potted flowers. Check out Bothell’s cafés and restaurants to experience the paddock-to-plate philosophy of farm-fresh creations. The Park at Bothell Landing gives a glimpse of the city’s early history. The park’s 19th-century relics include a cheery Swedish-style log cabin and a charming old schoolhouse, both of which are explained in the on-site Bothell Historical Museum.
Lucky for you, Bothell’s knack for craft is catching. Sign up for workshops in jewelry, quilting, or life drawing at the Country Village. If you’d prefer to let the experts do the work, you can pick up locally made handcrafts in the open-air shopping precinct.
Put Bothell on your bucket list if you like your alcohol artisanal. Crack a cold beer at Bothell’s boutique breweries or swirl, sniff, sip, and swish your way around the Woodinville Wine District, which is home to some of Bothell’s premier winery labels. More of a whiskey connoisseur? Bothell can do that, too. Try the premium malt whiskeys that are lovingly crafted at the Woodinville Whiskey Company. For something a little left of field, indulge in spirits bursting with botanical flavors at the Pacific Distillery.