Jennings Park

Jennings Park is the jewel of Marysville, WA.  It sits on about 30 acres and is made up of three play areas for kids, a fishing/frogging pond, a multi-use sports field, a botanical garden, nature trails, and A LOT of space for any kind of fun.  Just the other day, my daughter and I spent three hours park-hopping, “free of charge”.

The dinosaur park and picnic areas are the most recent additions to the site.  During summers, this is a venue for concerts.  This past summer I had a chance to attend a season ending concert and the great weather made it fairly nice.  The concerts are free to the public usually held after 6pm.

Not only is this park a wonderful site for peace and play, it’s also a great place for work.  The changing landscape offers opportunities for photographers to get great shots of their clients.  The spaciousness of the wetlands and forested areas allow for separation, so no worries about getting photo-bombed.

There is no cost to use the park, however, the park is just too big and I’m sure the maintenance costs are just as big.  In the next few years there will probably be a parking charge, because that’s the trend with popular parks in Snohomish County.  So live it up, enjoy the free and cheap fun while it lasts.

Totem Family Diner

Serving family sized portions at family friendly prices, Totem Family Diner has been satisfying hungry tummies since 1953.  The totem pole signage out front is a familiar symbol to locals and a welcoming figure to vacationers.  As Snohomish County cities continue to modernize, Totem Diner ensures guests are treated to an original, old-style Everett flavor.

Guests will enjoy the large catalog of menu items.  There is something for any age group and every taste.  For my first visit here, I ordered the pulled pork sandwich.  It was an excellent, well-balanced meal, served with fries and a pickle.  I switched it up the second visit, by ordering a breakfast item for lunch. 

For round two, I ordered a special menu item called “Bacon Explosion”.  It included eggs, hash browns, and a bacon wrapped sausage with bacon chunks wheel at 5 inches in diameter.  The meat is prepared one day in advance and stuck in the freezer overnight for freshness.  When ordered, one might be overwhelmed by the salty punch this thing brings.  It was the salt content that was a distraction because its was filling and might cause slight acid reflux.  It wasn’t at all bad, the eggs and hash browns were an excellent combination that complimented the smoky-smooth meat.

Totem Family Diner does show appreciation towards the military community by offering a military discount.  This is a very smart and excellent way to gain loyal customers.  Like most businesses, they don’t advertise their military discount program, so military personnel and veterans will have to inquire.  I wish other small businesses in military communities were more keen to this approach.

The Vienna Kaffeehaus

Snohomish County has entrepreneurial gems spread throughout every city within its borders; niche markets thrive here. 

I know two types of coffee people, those that drink for the buzz and those that drink for the quality.  One type is easier to please than the other, opportunely both types can find a product for which their inclinations qualify at The Vienna Coffee Company (VCC).  Compared to other coffeehouses, the prices are similar, but quality will surely exceed.

Most places sell coffee, most places sell coffee and food, and most places sell ambience.  Not all places sell the whole experience. I like few cafés, because few try very hard to ensure the best experience for the customer, this includes Caffé D’Arte (in Seattle) and VCC.  The difference between VCC and other places is they don’t just sell atmosphere, but they sell a perfectly blended experience starting from the menu (which is large and culturally accurate), to the ordering process, to the interior design, and the delivery method.  It’s an overall combined experience that they execute to perfection. 

Around 2pm on a Tuesday.  Come earlier for more options.

VCC is an Austrian cafe.  The Austrian language system for ordering coffee is embraced here.  Most people will be resistant to calling a mocha anything other than a mocha, and the cashier will politely correct those bold enough using modern ordering language of menu items, it’s part of the experience that works so well.  One should note, once the ordering system is understood, it will become less of a challenge and more adventurous.

VCC is the only coffee brewer of Austrian beans in the Pacific Northwest.  They brew Julius Meinl Kaffee, a great all-round coffee, perfect as black or blended. The drinks at VCC are silky, lightly sweetened, kind-on-your-tongue hot; taste buds won’t get burned off here.  They take the time to create coffee art for customers who stay or customers who order out.  They ensure exclusive treatment and a classy delivery in each cup.  Every in-house order is served on a silver platter with a side of sweetener and glass of water.  

I hope not to seem biased, but I have been enjoying coffee here since 2013, and every time they have never failed to deliver.

Bonhoeffer Botanical Gardens

With some free time, drive out to Stanwood and visit the Bonhoeffer Botanical Gardens (named after Dietrich Bonhoeffer).  This location serves as a preservation site for indigenous plant and wildlife species in Washington State, the gardens offer educational and recreational opportunities for guests of any demographic.

There is no entry fee, there may have been a box setup for donations, but I didn’t see any.  Guests can park at Freeborn Church or smaller areas on the brim of the park.  On Sunday there were two people playing fetch with their dog upon my arrival.  As this place becomes a popular destination, which it will, more traffic can be expected, but now it’s probably a good and quiet time as any to visit. 

There are 16 kiosks organized and spread out along a nature trail, traffic is motivated clockwise.  The kiosks serve as shelter from the elements and as educational stops, displaying specific habitat information at that kiosk location.  The trail is an easy stroll and handicap/wheelchair accessible.  For individuals who might need walking assistance, there were a handful of walking aids conveniently placed at random kiosks. 

For protection from vandals, security is provided.

On the surface of the wetland located at the center of the trail, along with other designated locations, visitors can observe a variety of colorful and uniquely crafted glass art.  This combination of art and nature encourages guests to reflect or obligate oneself to peace.  At no cost, peace is what this natural area exhibits, and if visitors allow themselves to be open to it, one might receive something that lasts a lifetime.