Driving north from Everett on I-5, visitors will encounter a mixture of suburbs, outlet malls, sprawling developments and some slower-paced rural enclaves that point to the logging and agricultural roots of Snohomish County. While towns such as Marysville, Arlington, and Lake Stevens are hardly tourism magnets, Snohomish County does have a few noteworthy destinations and plenty of pretty country roads ready for a leisurely drive.

Coastal Camano Island has a pair of stunning state parks and cabins galore for a relaxing getaway without actually having to get away. Tulalip Casino on the outskirts of Marysville is one of the finest gambling resorts in the state. And southwest of Everett off Highway 2, the charming antique village of Snohomish provides a prime opportunity for window shopping and daydreaming about the good old days.

Getting to Snohomish County

Community Transit (360/778-2185 or 800/562-1375, www.commtrans.org) has daily bus service throughout Snohomish County and on to Seattle.

Airporter Shuttle (360/380-8800 or 800/235-5247, www.airporter.com) offers direct service between Sea-Tac Airport and Snohomish County’s major towns.

Island Transit (360/387-7433 or 800/240-8747, www.islandtransit.org) is a free bus system that offers weekday service around Camano Island.