Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/118157
ion brands such as Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren, Burberry, Nike and Banana Republic. Another regional highlight is Everett, the county's largest city, which travellers usually associate with the renowned Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour. So they're often surprised to discover that the city also features the second-largest marina on the West Coast as well as the Imagine Children's Museum, the largest facility in the state dedicated to kids aged 12 months to 12 years. Similarly, the city of Lynnwood is another delightful surprise for visitors. Sure, Canadians know it as a shopping mecca. But how many are aware that the surrounding region is rapidly gaining prominence as a multicultural community, or that its strongly Asian influence is dramatically diversifying the Lynnwood shopping and entertainment experience? Another relatively undiscovered gem: the Edmonds Art Walk. Held the third Thursday of each month, it draws thousands of enthusiasts for a day of gallery hopping, live music and wine tasting (and with Art Walk turning 10 this year, attendance promises to be livelier than ever). Scuba divers and marine buffs also appreciate the community for its 11-hectare dive site, the Edmonds Underwater Park, which features a 100-metre-long dry dock (sunk in 1935), the 94-foot tug Alitak (sunk in 1972) and many other vessels. The park is also constantly expanding. Two additional boats are sunk every year for the benefit of both scuba divers and the local octopi, crab and rockfish populations. Meanwhile, in the historic core of downtown Snohomish, wine lovers can explore out-of-the-way pockets of the county without leaving the charming bustle of the new indoor/outdoor Washington Public Market. Its Wine Cellars of Washington venue lets travellers discover up to 25 regional wineries every weekend. Sprawled the length of a full city block, this vibrant inner-city enclave also houses day spas, restaurants and the work of regional artisans. And the market makes an excellent home base for exploring the Antique Capital of the Northwest. As well, just across Snohomish County's eastern border, about two hours' drive east of Everett, is the Bavarian-style village of Leavenworth. Remodelled in the 1960s, the former railroad town is unique for its alphorns (which sound every morning) and the German bands that flock here yearly to perform (more than in any other city in the U.S.). A popular winter destination for skiers and 44 WASHINGTON TOURISM p42-45_Washington Adv.indd 44 4/19/12 7:22:27 AM