Everybody's Store

This is the front of Everybody's Store. It is located on Highway 9 in Van Zandt, WA.

For those of you that are wondering why I mention this at all I will let you in on one of the best-kept secrets in our state. This is not an advertisement for them it is the posting of information about the best rest stop on one of the best bike roads in Washington.

Here's the story in their own words:

Everybody's Store has been here for 27 years, so our story of who we are and what we do can get pretty lengthy. First of all our food, gift and health products are always first class and they are outstanding. Much of what we sell is custom-made for us, and much else of what we offer you has been carefully chosen for quality and enjoyment. That having been said, I'll tell you that we didn't get into this business over a quarter of a century ago because we were first class merchandisers. Ours was the case where we, Ma & Pa, Amy and me, Jeff Margolis, wanted a house, and lo a business, in the country, where we could go "back to the earth" (ha!) cultivate both land and family and play some mythic role in building a community that promoted primary face to face relationships which supported health and happiness. Divine intervention planted us in this turn of the century General Store.

The little store with a residence and acreage for an organic garden and orchard continues to be a little piece of heaven. The gardens and orchards have expanded a bit. We even grow some fruits and vegetables for the store. This is what might be called a "holistic" business. Holistic means you weed, or de-weed the garden of dandelions, wash up the roots real good, let 'em dry (eat the greens of course) and then sell them in the Everybody's Store's alternative medicine section to a local physician who needs to shake a cold.

We're a pretty down home kind of place and the garden, (might be better to call it a yard) is where we have our annual chamber music gala and art sale take place once a year. In 1997 it will be on May 31. Music, art, balmy breezes and scarce northwestern sunshine create an eclectic paradise. This is what Everybody's Store is all about.

For those of you that want to take a day's ride North on Hwy 9 through Lake Stevens, Arlington, Sedro Wooley and continue North to Van Zandt. Everybody's Store will be on your left just before a sharp right turn.  After lunch/rest stop, continue north about 2 miles to Hwy 542. Then travel East on Hwy 542, about 2 miles to Mosquito Lake Road,  turn south  and enjoy the country loop back to Hwy 9 at Acme. From the Everett area that's about 90 miles to Van Zandt and 100 more miles to finish the loop. It is a perfect rest stop with picnic tables, grassy areas and a potty.

The ride is mostly 35 to 55 mph winding two lane well paved road. The rest is straight highway for those wondering. So if you have a hankering to go nowhere on a sunny day this is a ride well worth taking. If you are a first time rider or an old-timer, with or without a passenger you will enjoy it.

Keep the shiny side up!