Doing your Black Friday shopping in the big city may provide you with a variety of different shops to choose from, but hunting down parking and beating back other Black Friday shoppers with the same idea may not feel so appealing. Instead, take a short trip down I-90 to the little town of Snoqualmie and avoid the door-buster crowds while supporting local businesses.
Depot Book Store
Get something special for the train lover in your life at the Northwest Railway Museum’s Depot Bookstore. You shouldn’t encounter too many visitors, since the train only runs on weekends. The store has an excellent selection of train-related books, especially relating to the history of trains in the Snoqualmie Valley. You will also find great gift ideas for the youngsters with their toy selections and t-shirts. Consider treating yourself or a friend to a weekend train ride. The Santa Train runs the four weekends after Thanksgiving, but tickets do sell out quickly so maybe don’t wait until the day after Thanksgiving on this one.
Snoqualmie Falls Candy Factory & Cafe
Satisfy someone’s sweet tooth with handmade fudge, caramel popcorn, saltwater taffy, and peanut brittle. Or put together a gift of classic candies both locally made and nationally recognized. Either way, you will have a present meant to be enjoyed and leaves a lasting impression on the taste buds – not on the kitsch shelf. While you’re deciding on what to get, have a seat and enjoy a delicious Reuben sandwich or (if the weather isn’t freezing) a sweet ice-cream cone ordered at the cafe counter.
Corners Gift Shop
Situated on — you guessed it — a corner across from the Northwest Railway Museum, it has a variety of seasonal home decor, clothing accessories, and art pieces, some from local artists, to add a little elegance or personality to the home. This is a great shop for people who love to decorate their rooms on a regular basis.
The Salish Lodge & Spa
Find that special knick-knack at the Country Store in the Salish Lodge and Spa. This little gift shop located within the lodge carries a variety of seasonal items, usually with a Snoqualmie Falls or other Washington theme. While you’re there, buy that extra-special someone a treatment at the Salish’s award-winning spa, treat a happy couple you know to a night in one of the lodge’s luxurious rooms or just an intimate evening at one of their two restaurants.
Sno Shoppe at Snoqualmie Casino
Even if you aren’t a gambler, the Sno Shoppe at the Snoqualmie Casino has fine jewelry, local confections, and other gift items that is sure to bring joy to someone you know. If someone might like to see a big-name show in the Ballroom, or have a sampling of the dining options the casino offers, you can purchase tickets or gift cards to use for dining and retail.
Books, candy, home decor, even a day (or night) of lavishness can be given as gifts all from a little town away from the big-city rush on Black Friday. So make the drive out to Snoqualmie and let your imagination run while you shop.
