About Edmonds' Downtown

EDMONDS, WA -- Seattle Times writer Lynn Thompson wrote a nice article on Edmonds, WA in the November 5, 2009 edition of the paper. It focuses mainly on how the town has evolved and yet kept true to its past, with the shops and stores that have clustered around the downtown area.

It's worth the read. Perhaps over some coffee or breakfast at your favorite eatery.

Edmonds, WA -- I've heard about her story and now it looks like she's gone viral and her story has been picked up by the Seattle times. Local fundraiser Carol Schillios has been on her business' rooftop since late July trying to raise money for a number of causes, including a health clinic in Nepal.

If you want to see for yourself, give a donation or just to ask her a few questions of your own, you can visit her at downtown Edmonds.

EDMONDS, WA -- Let’s talk about rules of etiquette for riding a ferry. Here in Edmonds, we have many unique features that make us “special.” One of these features is that we are one of 19 ferry terminals used by the Washington State Ferry System. Each year, the Washington State Ferries haul 24 million passengers – about a quarter of all U.S. ferry traffic. Its 24 vessels range from a tiny boat that links Tacoma to Vashon Island, to a tourist-friendly international run that winds through the scenic San Juan Islands to Vancouver Island in British Columbia.

On any given day, you can see a long line of cars parked along Edmonds Way waiting to get onto either of our two jumbo ferries for Kingston. Average wait times can be as little as 10 minutes to several hours. The question donned on me recently: what do you do if you’re stuck in one of these long lines in your car and have to go to the bathroom?

The question begs a greater about rules of etiquette while waiting for a ferry? While I don’t know of any published or official rules, I think there are some that are generally agreed upon by those or regularly take the ferries across the Puget Sound.

Rule #1. Don’t block driveways or intersections. When you have ferry lines backing up for a couple miles, it can be frustrating to navigate local streets. It’s important that as ferry passengers, you are alert enough to know that you should not block driveways and intersections (most of which are clearly marked as such) so that non-ferry traffic and move through these areas without hindrance. You might be weary of leaving such a big gap in between you and the car ahead of you for fear of someone cutting in front of you. But fear not, Rule #2 at your rescue!

Rule #2. No cuts allowed! As tempting as it may be to drive up an extra block or mile before getting in the ferry line, know that it is not only highly disrespectful but also illegal to do so. While you probably won’t face jail time, you’ll have no less than several people report you to the terminal crew or State Trooper on duty. Just ask Ed Sutton, chair of the San Juan Ferry Advisory Committee, who was caught cutting in line.

Rule #3. Don’t argue with the crew or ticket agents. They are doing their jobs. If you don’t get on, it’s not their fault (usually).

Rule #4. Be a gentleman. And if you can’t, show some grace anyway. Sometimes, you just *have* to get out of line temporarily. This actually happened to me when I really had to go to the bathroom. I got out of my car and asked the drivers of the three cars immediately behind me whether they had a problem with me driving to a bathroom and returning to my spot. They did not, so I left. Of course, it’s always the fourth person back who has a problem. He reported me to the State Patrol at the terminal who was more than understanding and let me on. The point is, everyone takes cheating the system seriously, but in the end, it’s probably not going to affect your ability to get on the next ferry, so stay calm and enjoy the ride.

Click here for more information about the Washington State Ferry system.

Visit my website for more information about the city of Edmonds, WA, or further musings at my “All Things Edmonds” blog.

Edmonds has arguably some of the entire Puget Sound's best beaches! Here is a day at the beach for us -There are a lot of great Puget Sound View Homes in Edmonds right now!

Make sure and check out what is available right now: Edmonds real estate

Here is Brackett's Landing at low tide! That is the ferry dock right behind it...

For great Seattle area waterfront homes, Edmonds WA has some amazing spaces and real estate! Edmonds WA is a close in Northern Seattle suburb perched on the Puget Sound with easy commutes to both Seattle and Everett Washington. Everett is one of the sunniest spots in the Seattle area and is known for its scenic views, gorgeous beaches, and wide open parks.

Edmonds WA has some of the most beautiful Seattle area real estate and you can find amazing homes here with sweeping views and right next to Downtown Edmonds for restaurants, shopping, and a fabulous little movie theatre. The shops around here pretty much cover everything you could ever be interested in making Edmonds WA a great self sustaining place to look at homes.

The waterfront here is one of my favorite spots. Edmonds WA has a drive on ferry across the Puget Sound to the waterfront community of Kingston - this could be a great day trip from Downtown Edmonds, and just one more reason to love Edmonds real estate, whether you are wanting a large home on the hill or one of the great waterfront options.

Edmonds has one of the most amazing underwater dive parks, too! My diver friends rave about the sunken trail and the photos I have seen of the overall layout of the park are fascinating! My favorite part, by far about the Edmonds WA waterfront, though, is the waterfront itself - the beach. There are a few sections of it to choose from and a trail all along the waterfront for adventurers. Edmonds waterfront also has an Anthony's and an Arnie's for great seafood waterfront dining.

Edmonds waterfront has a lot to offer and looking at real estate in this Seattle suburb is a great option - wonderful homes with great views!