1. This Secret Smells Like Star Wars Spirit
Sucher and Sons Star Wars Shop in Aberdeen, Wash. houses over 3,000 vintage Star Wars games, toys, figures, books, and other items that are guaranteed to make any Star Wars fan squee with delight. You can go there to shop or simply spend hours perusing the treasure trove of collectables.
As a bonus be sure to check out the Kurt Cobain Memorabilia Info Center located inside the shop. The display includes “Kurt Dirt” soil from the Wishkah River where he was known to spend a lot of time and subsequently the location of his scattered ashes.
2. Forget Portland, The ’90s Are Alive In Olympia
Last Word Books is home to the Olympia Zine Library. Zines are handmade self-published magazines with topics ranging from punk music, motherhood, mental illness, radical politics and beyond. Since 2002 they have expanded to include a full print shop, digital bookstore, and access to screen printing services. Perfect for radical DIY artists or anyone looking for some creative inspiration.
3. If You’ve Ever Been Tempted To Run Away With The Circus, Here’s Your Chance
“Jugglers, acrobats, clowns, stilters, dancers, myth-makers...” make up only a sample of the various experimental performing art forms you can experience (and learn) as part of the Bellingham Circus Guild in Bellingham, Wash.
Become a member, take classes (kids and adults), and attend events like the monthly “Vaudevillingham Uncensored Variety Show Fundraiser” where they advertise as never repeating the same acts twice!
4. This Hidden Trail Is Way Off—And Under—The Beaten Track
Washington State has no shortage of scenic hikes, but this lesser known trails remains in the dark. Literally.
Located within the Iron Horse Park in North Bend, Wash. you can venture inside the Snoqualmie Tunnel for a pitch-black hiking experience.
Although the trail itself is quite easy make sure to be prepared with flashlights, headlamps, and lots of sweaters as its known to be extremely cold. As a reward for making it through the darkness, beautiful mountain scenery will be awaiting you upon your exit.
5. This Seattle Secret Is So Bad It’s Amazing
Have you ever longed to see a portrait of Jesus made out of Marshmallow Peeps? Of course. What about velvet Elvis paintings or Vincent Van Gogh's classic Starry Starry Night re-created with yarn? Obviously.
Well good news, located inside Seattle’s Cafe Racer the Official Bad Art Museum of Art can be enjoyed alongside yummy food, coffee, beer, and live music. all week long.
6. Beware The Trees Here, They Just May Bite
You will have to see it to believe what waits off of the Vashon Highway behind Sound Food Cafe—a tree with an old bicycle embedded in it’s trunk.
While no one could blame you for giving the trees around you some side-eye, chances are this won’t really bite. The most common story tells of a boy leaving his bike behind before heading off to war in 1914. The abandoned bike is said to have infused with the tree- morphing into the hybrid you can go visit today.
7. A Visit With This Supernatural Resident Is Worth Any Toll
Tucked away beneath the Aurora Bridge, lives the “Fremont Troll.” built over the course of seven weeks, by sculptor Steve Badanes and his team, The Jersey Devils. Every October you can take part in “Trolloween” a parade and community Halloween celebration that commences and ends under the Aurora Bridge.
8. A Feast Fit For A… Dog?
Sit down to cocktails and a full service menu with your beloved furry companion at The Dining Dog in Edmonds, Wash. This “unique dining experience for you and your dog” not only includes appetizers, entrees, and desserts but you can also order dog-friendly birthday cakes and cupcake platters.
9. This Cautionary Tale Will Keep You On The Straight And Narrow
No, this isn’t from a nightmare or an apocalyptic action film, it’s what remains of the Narrows Bridge aka “Galloping Gertie” after its collapse into the Puget Sound on Nov. 7, 1940. Today her remains rest beneath the water at This Nationally Registered Historic Site in Tacoma, Wash. It is open to the public—but more importantly it serves as a cautionary tale for engineering students.
10. Step Into The Cinematic Wayback Machine At this Drive-In
Since 1964 Skyline Drive-In Theater in Shelton, Wash.has held it’s own as one of the few remaining (and year-round) drive-ins across the state. Plus, pets are allowed! When was the last time you had a nice date night with your furry best friend?
11. You’ll Go Nuts For This Quirky Collection
The Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum is home to a very unique collection—over 6,000 nutcrackers. Come take a gander at the myriad of styles, materials, and tools us humans have fused together over time in hopes of smashing open our food shells without damaging the precious nut inside.
12. Here’s Where To Shop For The Person That Has Everything
Are you in need of exploding wasabi flavored candy? How about a Bigfoot lunchbox, bacon flavored toothpaste, or an inflatable unicorn horn for your cat? You will find all those essentials plus more wacky/oddball gifts at the one-of-a-kind Archie McPhee in Seattle.
It is highly unusual for a store to offer free birthday gifts to its patrons, but in case you couldn’t already tell, Archie McPhee is not your typical shopping experience.
13. You Don’t Need A License To Ill To Chill In This Former Hospital
The Northern State Hospital for the Mentally Ill opened its doors in 1909 as both a medical facility and a self-producing 700-acre farm on the hospital grounds. Residents took part in growing crops, dairy farming, and even a full canning operation. The food grown at Northern State was a key supplier of food to other hospitals in Washington state as well.
In 1973 the hospital closed and has since become a recreational attraction where you can play Frisbee golf or explore the empty milking houses and abandoned barns.
14. This Tucked Away Locale Is Hard To Find But Easy To Fall In Love With
If you want to visit Stehekin Valley in Chelan County, Washington don’t worry about having to fill up your gas tank. This one-of-a-kind town is only accessible by boat, airplane, or foot. Don’t own a boat?. You can go visit for the day (or rent a cabin overnight) and enjoy bike tours, kayaking, horseback riding, and taking in the local culture unlike anywhere else in the state.
15. A Scenic Sojourn Within Spitting Distance
Two Sand Spits joined together and formed a lagoon known as "Spencer Spit" located inside Spencer Spit State Park in San Juan County, Wash. This special natural attraction is open to the public all year round. Explore the wildlife, rare bird watching, crabbing, clamming, or just walk out and enjoy the view.
Did we miss anything? Tell us your favorite secret spot in Washington? Tell us in the comments below!
