Nestled about 15 miles north of Seattle is a charming town called Woodinville. Although it’s close to the urban metropolis everyone knows, Woodinville stays sequestered away, mixing the small-town feel with favorites like wineries, craft beverages and breweries, and breathtaking nature like the Sammamish River Trail.

While most people have never heard of this little town in Northern Washington, those in the know prefer to live in Woodinville over its more populated neighboring cities. In fact, the popularity of homes for sale in Woodinville, WA, is on the rise. As more and more people find out about this little-known secret, Woodinville is growing in demand.

But if you’re passing through or checking the place out and you only have a day to spend here, what are the can’t-miss parts of the town? Here, we’ve put together how to make the most of your 24 hours in Woodinville.

Find Your Hotel

Since you’ll be likely spending 8-10 hours sleeping and dealing with personal interests, the first thing to do is find lodging. No worries here; Woodinville has plenty of options, and many of them have history and intrigue behind them!

Consider one of these favorite hotels or lodges for your trip:

● Willows Lodge: A 4-star pet-friendly hotel, Willows Lodge offers luxurious rooms with hot tubs, free breakfast, and access to a spa and fitness center. If you want to get away from it all and enjoy your stay to the max, splurge on a night at Willows Lodge.

● McMenamins Anderson School: You read that right. It’s a hotel inside what used to be a school! Talk about unique! While it’s not quite as luxurious as Willows Lodge and it is outside of Woodinville in Bothell, if you want a story to tell about your hotel experience, this is the place to go. In addition to the quiet and comfortable rooms, you’ll enjoy a theater, restaurants, and a massive pool, plus it’s pet-friendly. Did you ever think you’d get to take your dog to school with you?

● The Lodge at St. Edward Park: If you want to add a little spa visit or tee time into your stay, spend the night at the Lodge at  St. Edward Park. This 4-star hotel is pet-friendly, has a restaurant on site, and gives you the chance to wake up early and put in 9 holes (or 18 if you can squeeze them into your schedule).

● The Fairytale Cottage at High Rock Castle: Finally, we have the Fairytale Cottage. It’s in Monroe, so it’s a bit more of a drive to Woodinville from here, but if staying in a fairytale home calls to your romantic side, the distance is worth it. Located on over 18 acres of private forestland, the Fairytale Cottage is a luxurious retreat inspired by castles. Each detail is magical, the scenery is straight from a storybook, and you’ll feel like a prince or princess during your stay.

Now that you’ve booked your lodging, the next question is where to spend your day! Let’s start with the morning of your arrival, after you’ve checked into your hotel, and take a few hours to explore Woodinville.

Spending the Morning in Woodinville

Plan to get here early, drop your luggage off at the hotel if necessary, and head out to see the sights!

Where you go depends on your transportation. However, Woodinville is pedestrian-friendly, with over 35 miles of sidewalks and trails. We suggest grabbing some breakfast near or in your hotel (Willow Lodge’s Barking Frog restaurant is a must if you’re close by), then renting a bike or taking a leisurely stroll along the Sammamish River Trail, which extends about ten miles via paved, soft roads.

This trail gives you an up-close-and-personal view of the famous river, as well as the majestic Cascade foothills and Mt. Rainier.  Bring your camera, water, and sunscreen (and an umbrella, depending on the season), and start the morning immersing yourself in the nature that put Woodinville on the map.

But if you’re in Woodinville on a Saturday, save some time to check out the Farmer’s Market in Downtown Woodinville at DeYoung Park. The market has been a part of the town’s history for more than two decades. It’s the place where local artisans and farmers show off their produce, crafts, and more, but it’s only open May through September from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Moving Into the Afternoon

Now that things are starting to open, it’s time to really see what Woodinville offers. Affectionately labeled “Wine Country,” this town is famous for its many wineries, making them the perfect place to start the morning. Central to most places is the Chateau Ste. Michelle on 145th Street. There, you can indulge in wine tastings, take classes to learn more about this global pastime, and take a tour of Washington State’s oldest winery.

If craft brews are more your style, stop at the Locust Cider & Brewing Co. You’ll find something to nibble on in their food truck while you test their slushies and craft beverages. Take a break from your travels (especially after a few hours on the river) by playing some games, then hit the road for your later-afternoon/evening exploration.

Finishing Off Your Day

Downtown Woodinville deserves a few hours of recognition, so we put it last. You don’t want to rush through this section of town. The tourist district is home to locally-owned restaurants and breweries, boutique shops, and culture. You’ll learn about the town’s history, enjoy the local tastes and flavors, and grab some souvenirs to bring home with you.

Starting your day at the river and finishing in Downtown Woodinville is a smart move if you have a longer drive, too. You can park your car near the Downtown area, and everything on this list is walkable from there. When you’re ready to head back to your hotel, your car is close by!

When 24 Hours Isn’t Enough

We’ve condensed Woodinville into one day, and it can seem like you’ve seen it all, but that’s not even close to true. To really explore Woodinville, you’ll want to spend a week or longer, get to know the citizens in the area, and understand why so many people love the intimate feel of Woodinville’s small-town atmosphere enough to move there and call it home.