Edison WA

I like to visit the quaint town of Edison once a year, enamored by its charming, rural setting on Samish Bay.

It was founded in 1869 as an agricultural community, but has now transformed into an arts and foodie destination.

It's a gorgeous 1.5 hour drive from Seattle through the fertile farmland of the Skagit Valley. The North Cascades and Mt Baker serve as a backdrop to this drive.

After exiting the highway, time seems to slow down as I travel down a straight country road. I then suddenly dead-end at Edison. There's simply no further to go, because Edison is on the edge of a slough that empties into the bay, with distant views of the San Juan Islands.

I immediately feel the salty breezes from Samish Bay as I step from my car, and am instantly invigorated. From here I plan an enchanting afternoon, full of gourmet restaurants, art galleries and a popular brewery. I can then continue on to Chuckanut Drive if I want more to do.

Where can I stay?

I've noticed three stylish vacation rentals in the heart of Edison, that get amazing reviews. They are run by the Smith and Vallee Art Gallery, who also operate a cabinet business. The interiors are magazine worthy, full of gorgeous cabinetry and arts works. The nearest hotels are 25-minutes away at La Conner or Anacortes.

10 best things to do in Edison WA

1. Eat at Terramar Brewstillery.

The Terramar Brewstillery is my favorite place to hang out, and has prime position at the north end of Edison's main street.

I head up the stairs to the main taproom where large, open windows allow cool breezes to circulate off Samish Bay, immersing me in this dreamy landscape.

I then order potato wedges and smoked salmon dip, and a spicy bella pizza made from farm fresh ingredients. All this is washed down with draft beers, ciders and wines.

On summer days my favorite place is on the back patio where the vibe is decidedly relaxed. There's also a sophisticated speakeasy in an adjacent building, with craft cocktails. Dogs are welcome everywhere, except for the speakeasy.

2. Delicious restaurants in Edison WA.

It's really difficult making a restaurant choice in Edison. All use farm fresh ingredients, and have an incredible atmosphere and setting on the edge of the Edison slough.

The top rated Mariposa Taqueria has Mexican inspired food, and serves breakfast and lunch. There are two long tables inside, or you can retreat to the peaceful garden setting. Try the chicken tinga torta, or flavorful huevos rancheros!

One of my must-see places is Slough Food. I initially thought it was a gourmet grocery store, full of European cheeses, cured meats, and a curated wine selection. However, I then spied an outdoor seating area through the back door!

Slough Food has the most magical setting overlooking the Edison slough, with two big trestle tables for communal dining for lunch. There are grilled paninis, meat and cheese plates, and slices of baguette.

My ideal brunch place in Edison is Tweets Café, serving a farm style meal (cash, venmo or check only). I indulged in a poblano and potato frittata with black beans, a fresh strawberry pie and cappuccino.

The interior is very cosy and eclectic, with a garage door that opens to the street, and patio in the back. Be prepared for a line in summer!

3. Artisanal breads and pastries at Breadfarm.

There's only a walk-up window at Breadfarm and no seating, but don't let that stop you!

This bakery is the stuff of culinary dreams, with delicious artisanal breads like Parisian baguettes and black olive mezza ciabatta. My sweet tooth was sated by delights like coconut macaroons, vanilla shortbread, pain-au-chocolate and fruit danish. We load up a bag here, and feast off our baked spoils for a week.

4. Check out the Smith and Vallee art gallery. 

I wasn't expecting much from an art gallery in the middle of a teeny town. Boy was I surprised! 

The Smith and Vallee art gallery has a serene, light filled setting inside the historic Skagit Valley Schoolhouse. 

I'm always in awe of the contemporary works displayed here. It's by local Northwest masters and emerging talent, many capturing the local landscapes.

The price-tags don't come cheap, with artworks well over $5k. However, when you step inside here, you know you are in the presence of something special. Clearly other people agree, because they have been here since 2006.

I've decided it's well worth a drive up to Edison to check out any new exhibitions (check hours).

5. Shop at Book Shucker bookstore.

Look out for the small bookstore a short walk from Terramar Brewstillery, on the edge of Edison Slough. Not a huge selection, but well curated!

6. Look for unique gifts.

I discovered three gift shops in Edison WA full of trinkets and unique gifts. Stop by the Shop Curator, Lucky Dumpster, and Hedgerow!

7. Book the 1930’s Edison Granary.

Looking for an event booking?  The 1930's Edison Granary is a rustic building available to rent, with views of the Cascades. Its surrounded by open farmland, and has large exposed beams and a covered porch.

8. Go blueberry picking!

Our family always stops by Bow Hill Blueberries for u-pick in late summer, just a 5 minute drive from Edison. It's so much fun hanging a bucket on your chest, and hand picking ripe blueberries. There's also lots of treats inside their store, like yummy blueberry icecreams, juices and body scrubs.

9. Purchase gourmet cheeses.

Foodies will also appreciate the award winning cheese selection at Samish Bay Cheese, 3 minutes from Edison WA. This store has a devoted following of customers, offering aged and fresh cheese from organic milk, produced on their own farm.

10. Explore surrounding areas.

Edison is centrally located in the Skagit Valley, providing easy access to the charming townships of Anacortes and La Conner.  It’s also near the southern entrance to the scenic Chuckanut Drive, that ends at Bellingham.