When Maryam and Kiara – a mother and daughter from Denver – flew into SeaTac airport in Seattle, they were excited to hit the slopes in the Cascade Mountains. What they didn’t know at the time is just how close they were to Stevens Pass, a premier ski resort.
Leaving the airport terminal in their rental car, they plugged Stevens Pass into the GPS. They were delighted to discover that they were an hour and a half from hitting the powder at Stevens. Soon they would be waxing up their skis in the alpine slopes only eighty-three miles away, yet a world apart from the rainy lowlands of Seattle.
Less than an hour after landing they stepped out of their rental car onto Main Street in Monroe, Washington. As they paused for supplies in the charming, walkable downtown, Maryam and Kiara were struck by the smell of fresh pastries and espresso wafting from a vintage brick building with inviting plate glass windows. They followed their noses (and stomachs) to a tiny made-from-scratch bakery and stepped inside.
Sky Valley Bakery, a favorite community hub, had recently updated their decor, favoring a sleek modern look over the cozy diner vibe of yesteryear. Maryam ordered scones and an Americano and Kiara picked a maple bar. The homemade frosting was on point: appealingly sweet without being cloying.
Maryam and Kiara sat at an outdoor table watching folks duck in and out of Main Street shops, almost forgetting for a moment about their ultimate destination. Finally, they hopped into their rental car and hit U.S.Route 2, headed east toward foggy, snow capped mountains that were so close they felt they could reach out the window and touch them.
They’d be sure to return to Monroe on their way back and find quality overnight lodging, making a weekend out of their snowy adventure. A small downtown this charming was too good to “pass” up.