Back in April, I decided to finally check out some of the places I’d noticed around Everett during my long walks that I never heard of otherwise, and had such a good time that I wrote about it and submitted it to this blog. The response was great, so I went to the spot that inspired the original post, plus a couple more.

1. Performance Marine
1902 Ross Ave

Every week last spring and summer, I noticed a sign on the way in and out of Langus Riverfront Park advertising hot dogs at the marina. When I finally got around going out there for lunch, I couldn’t find the sign anywhere. But it popped up again recently and I figured out whose it was: Performance Marine.

It’s mainly a boat service shop, but they’ve got a small convenience store with beer, soda, ice cream, snacks, and hot dogs! And they don’t use those terrible plain grocery store hot dog buns; the franks and nice big outdoor buns are hot and waiting in a steamer, and taste terrific.

There’s shaded seating out front, but you may as well keep driving and find a nice place to sit by the river.

They told me they have the hot dogs most days, year round, but sometimes don’t set them up on quiet days in the winter. It never hurts to call ahead. If you want to find more snack and drink options, check out the vending machines at the nearby Dagmar’s Marina office by the boat launch.

Extra Fun: Keep driving and park near the wastewater treatment plant, then walk East to Spencer Island for some of the best birdwatching in Everett, and many miles of trails.

Morning or Evening Adventure: Sign up for Intro to Rowing or Learn to Row sessions at Everett Rowing Association or find a spot to catch dinner on the fishing pier.

Lifetime Commitment: Cross the street and visit the Everett Animal Shelter. They have many adoptable pets who need homes.

2. Paper Plane Café
8415 Paine Field Blvd, Mukilteo (Inside Future of Flight)

Yes, the parking lot entrance has a Mukilteo address, but the city limits stop right near there and most of the building is in Everett. It’s very touristy, a little pricey, and a lot of fun.

Need to get away from your coworkers for a bit? Nobody will think to look for you there.

They have a cooler full of snacks and sushi trays, ice cream treats, bubble tea, and packaged sandwiches they can heat up on the panini press. I took my roast beef and provolone with horseradish and caramelized onion outside, and had the whole patio to myself.

Extra Fun: Buy yourself something nice at one of the two awesome gift shops. Or get some early Christmas shopping done.

Afternoon Adventure: Take the Boeing Factory tour! I did it a few months ago and have to say, it’s one of the coolest things I’ve seen. The Everett Boeing Plant is the largest building in the world by volume, and it’s really neat to see inside. Wear comfortable shoes.

3. Breezeway Café
1226 W Casino Rd

After visiting Greenside Grill at Legion Memorial Golf Course, I knew I’d have to check out its central-Everett counterpart at Walter Hall. Surprisingly, Breezeway Café is even more inviting, and there’s an outdoor deck in front.

They’ve got breakfast until 11:00, plus lots of sandwiches, burgers, and baskets to choose from. There’s also cocktails and beer, but I didn’t partake this time. It wasn’t an easy decision, but I ended up with a patty melt and fries.

Extra Fun: You’ll see Walter Hall Park on your way in, and it’s big. Bring your friends for a picnic and some Frisbee, or hit the skate park and see if you’re still any good at shredding.

Afternoon Adventure: Sign up for golf lessons by yourself or with a group of friends. There’s even an indoor hitting room with video golf swing practice.

Christopher Bragg works from home in Everett and loves walking, swimming, and cats. You can find him all over town, but only if you keep weird hours and avoid crowds like he does.