Day trips: Edmonds is the place for the savvy shopper, too

There's more to Edmonds than a ferry line and Rick Steves' headquarters.

Travelers heading to Kingston and beyond fall into the first category. And travelers planning visits to Europe -- devoted to travel guru Steves' "through the back door" philosophy -- often can be found sitting around the fireplace in his retail store on Fourth Avenue, reading travel books and perusing maps.

If this is how you think of Edmonds, you're not getting the picture. Definitely not.

And you don't get the picture when you leave I-5 at the Edmonds/Lake Forest Park exit, head west and begin the long, slow descent into the shoreline town. The approach is a landscape of strip malls and low-rise apartment buildings.

The hub of Edmonds -- a British-style traffic roundabout with a fountain -- lies in the center of the intersection of Main Street and Fifth Avenue. It's surrounded with unique places to shop, eat, walk and explore. As you wander, it becomes apparent that this place has a history and soul.

Anchoring one corner is Arista Wine Cellars, noted for its selected Washington and Oregon wines, down-to-earth approach and friendly Saturday afternoon wine tastings.

This is where you can find everything from a collection of French champagnes to the sought-after Three Legged Red from Walla Walla's Dunham Cellars. There's even a real three-legged dog on-site -- a Lab named Laredo who's affectionately referred to as "the Supervisor" by co-owner Ruth Arista.

"We looked on the Eastside and all over, but we really liked the hometown street appeal of Edmonds," says Ruth, who co-founded the shop with her husband, David, seven years ago.

"It's a combination of quaint and sophisticated I really like," Ruth says. She also admires the buildings, the way people are always out walking, the gorgeous hanging baskets the city and volunteers put out in summer, and holiday decorations in winter.

"We already have what a lot of malls are trying to create," she adds.

Just across Main Street, a cat named Woody reigns at The Wooden Spoon, a tiny storefront that doesn't give a clue to the serious cookware arrayed in the back room.

JOSHUA TRUJILLO / P-I

Decanters and other wine accessories are part of the ambience of Arista Wine Cellars on Main Street. The shop, owned by Ruth and David Arista, opened seven years ago.

In the same block is The Savvy Traveler, where owner Petra Rousu says, "You get everything for travel in one stop. Except the tickets." They're even set up to take passport photos -- two for $9.95, and can direct visitors to the nearby police station for passport applications.

From travel underwear that dries in a flash to a homeopathic product that helps overcome jet lag, the products in this place make travelers want to linger. If the assortment of money belts and bags in many sizes and materials doesn't appeal, the selection of crushable hats may prove irresistible.

Settlers moved into this area in the late 19th century, and it was incorporated as Edmonds in 1890. For the first half of the 20th century, it was a mill town, its waterfront dotted with shingle mills.

Visitors can learn more about Edmonds' early days at the Edmonds Museum about a block from the hub on Main Street. Next door is an original log cabin from the area that was moved to the site for use as a visitors information center. It's staffed with helpful volunteers and stocked with brochures about Edmonds and the nearby Olympic Peninsula.

During the winter, shopping, strolling, eating or perhaps taking in a movie at the old-fashioned one-screen theater are good excuses to visit Edmonds.

JOSHUA TRUJILLO / P-I

Laredo sits in the doorway of Arista Wine Cellars, where the three-legged canine regularly greets customers with his wagging tail and hopping walk.

But Chris Guitton, executive director of Greater Edmonds Chamber of Commerce, points out other attractions. "All our hotels and B&B's are booked when Rick Steves has a seminar, he says. The seminars, featuring two classes per hour are held three times annually, but Steves offers free classes for travelers at 10 a.m. most Saturdays. Scheduled topics can be found at: ricksteves.com, or by calling 425-771-8303.

Guitton said the Edmonds Arts Festival, held annually in early June, and Taste of Edmonds in August lure about 100,000 visitors over three-day weekends.

Third Thursday Art Walks continue throughout the year, with local retailers hosting and showing works from area artists.

Art is present on a daily basis at Kindred Circle Art Gallery, a bright spot on Main Street. Owner Manya Schilperoort says she specializes in "color and whimsy" and both are in-your-face here. All arts and crafts are by female artists -- most of them local. From fabric jewelry to wearable art, fused glass, pottery and an assortment of wall art, this is a place to find one-of-a-kind gifts, fashion accessories and decorative pieces for the home.

JOSHUA TRUJILLO / P-I

John and Rebeca Lacambra enjoy a picnic lunch with their sons Matthew, 2, left, and Lucas, 4, while keeping an eye on an eager seagull at Brackett's Landing Park in Edmonds.

Prefer antiques? Check out Rosa Mundi's on Main. This store is famous for its antique dining room furniture -- pieces from the 1800s to the 1940s. Another specialty is Spode dinnerware. Gently used sets are beautifully displayed throughout the store. You may recognize china your grandmother used or rediscover a pattern you've always cherished.

Fashion is another reason to visit Edmonds, especially for those who treasure outside-the-mall experiences. Mu.Shoe, a women's boutique that opened a year ago, features shoes simply not found elsewhere. If you want color, whimsy or just something extraordinary for your feet, expect to find it here.

Owner Susan Wilson says her spring collection is going to feature plenty of colors, wedge heels, shoes with ankle ties and brushed metallics. Wilson also has handbags, jewelry and hosiery (including some of the cutest baby socks made).

Fashion shoppers also should check out Christine's on Main, a shop that caters mostly to career women, says owner Christine Olsen. That means suits, chic sportswear and European lingerie.

JOSHUA TRUJILLO / P-I

The hub of Edmonds -- a British-style traffic roundabout with a fountain -- is surrounded with unique places to shop, eat, walk and explore.

Tria Moda on Fifth Avenue specializes in sportswear -- distinctive sweaters, jeans from Italy, and other pieces for those who like to dress with flair.

Another kind of shopping experience awaits you at Designer Consignor, a store featuring new and used clothing. A rack of gently worn St. John Knits, a mind-boggling collection of hairpieces, jeweled bags, and a rack full of purple clothing for Husky fans or Red Hat Society devotees are all part of the fun.

"We're a variety store," says owner Rebecca Anjewierden with a laugh.

Arista Wine Cellars -- 502 Main St. Hours: Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday noon-5 p.m. (Note: This shop will move to 320 Fifth Ave. S. in March, 2005). 425-771-7009; aristawines.com (no sales on Internet, information only).

Christine's -- 403 1/2 Main St. Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 425-778-2477.

Designer Consignor -- 404 Main St. Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 425-775-2058.

Kindred Circle Art Gallery -- 409 Main St. Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 425-776-3778; www.kindredcircle.com.

Mu.Shoe -- 403 Main St. Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 425-778-0125; www.mushoe.com/mushoes.asp.

Rosa Mundi's -- 318 Main St. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sunday noon -4 p.m. 425-771-6598; www.rosamundis.com.

The Savvy Traveler -- 112 Fifth Ave. S. Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday till 8 p.m.; Sunday noon-5 p.m. 425-744-6076; www.savvytraveleredmonds.com.

Tria Moda -- 120 Fifth Ave. S. Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.; Sunday noon-5 p.m. 425-771-9266.

Visitors Information Center/Museum -- 120 Fifth Ave. N. Hours vary. 425-776-6711; www.edmondswa.com.

The Wooden Spoon -- 104 Fifth Ave. S. Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sunday noon-4 p.m. 425-775-3344.

Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door -- 130 Fourth Ave. N. Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 425-771-8303, www.ricksteves.com.

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