Everett is kind of a funky Northwest city close to lots of activities.You are a few minutes from water in either Everett or Mukilteo. Jump on the Mukilteo ferry for a day trip to Whidbey Island. If you are new to the area, Deception Pass on Whidbey Island has amazing sunsets. In five minutes you can take picnic to Mukilteo Beach and wade in the water or even have a drink at Ivar's and watch the ferry load. In a couple of hours you can be in the unique town of Leavenworth in Eastern Washington.In the winter there are three cross country ski areas, or downhill skiing at Stevens Pass. Snohomish, 20 minutes east, is an antique town with fun pubs and restaurants. During the summer there are farmer's markets almost every day of the week in cities close by. Seattle is about 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. At least spend a day exploring Seattle's Pike Place market, the Seattle Art Museum or attend a sports or theatre event. If you like baseball, you could watch the local Aquasox play in Everett. I can leave a list of good local coffee shops, restaurants, and bakeries.There is a Vietnamese bakery five minutes from the house that has maple bars at least 8 or 9 inches long. There is a park that is a block away where you could take your coffee and just look out on the water.In the summer just spend time on the back porch and barbecue hamburgers and watch the wildlife.