Harbour Pointe - Mukilteo, WA

Harbour Pointe is a mixed-use neighborhood on land originally owned by the Port Gamble Lumber Company. The word “Mukilteo” is generally meant to be “good camping site,” although a dialect spoken by the Snohomish tribe also means “narrow passage,” perhaps referring to the sand spit that was the original landing.

J.D. Fowler and Morris Frost opened the Exchange Saloon in 1860, trading for cranberries, feathers, and furs. It became a fishing village, trading post, and a port. The wooded hills of fir, cedar, and hemlock supported a lumber mill. The town also had a cannery, a brewery and a gunpowder plant.

In 1900, with only 350 residents, the federal Lighthouse Board found it necessary to build a light and fog signal at the furthest point. The Mukilteo Lighthouse was completed in 1906 and still stands today.

The Harbour Pointe neighborhood of Mukilteo offers a variety of cuisines that makes dining in the Pacific Northwest unique. Using only the freshest of ingredients direct from the sea and nearby farms, frequenting the area's restaurants is an epicurean delight.

The Scotsman Bistro is a small, out of the way place known for their traditional pub fare and a wide variety of over fifty whiskeys and wines. They offer a sample of three glass flights as well as tasting notes for the wines.Try the Scotsman Sampler of black and white sausages, mustard, and a scotch egg, or the steak pie covered with puffed pastry.

For a real dining adventure, The Grouchy Chef cannot be missed. This is a one-man operation and the owner is, well, grouchy. Whether this is an act or he is truly annoyed is unknown, but four course meals, including entree, salad, soup and dessert, is worth the treatment. Just remember to follow the rules: pay first, don't tip-he's a chef, not a waiter- and never attempt substitutions. Try carrot-potato with curry and cream of mushrooms, or the lamb entrees. Desserts are an assortment of mini cheesecakes, sorbet, creme caramel, and homemade ice cream. Be warned, he only takes cash.

The Pointe Restaurant is upscale dining at the Harbour Pointe Golf Course. Open year round for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seven days a week, the atmosphere is thoroughly golf with a beautiful view of the fairways. Try the Caesar Salad and, of course, Chef Adrian Ramierez's salmon served with fresh vegetables and rice pilaf, is a specialty.

Located just six miles southwest of Everett, and 26 miles north of Seattle, Harbour Pointe in Mukilteo has a variety of choices when it comes to transportation. WA-525 which begins on Whidbey Island to the north, continues from the ferry dock heading south towards Lynnwood where it acquires the name “The Mukilteo Speedway.” WA-526 heads east-west running past Paine Field Airport and the Boeing manufacturing facilities and connected both to old Highway 99 and Interstate 5.

Sound Transit light rail runs it’s North line from Everett to Mukilteo station, with it’s 63 parking spaces, next to the ferry terminal, finally arriving at the King Street Station in Seattle. Additionally Everett Transit provides bus service the length of WA-525. The local fare for Everett Transit is $1.00 ($.75 for ages 6-18) for local service and $2.00 ($1.50 for ages 6-18) for commuter service to adjoining areas.

While mostly residential in nature, hailing a cab can prove difficult so it is best to call. Uber is an option, usually leaving from nearby Everett. The neighborhood is walkable and, except for the Mukilteo speedway (WA-525), relatively safe for cyclists although no bike lanes are available.

With seventeen acres of major parkland, the Mukilteo Lighthouse Park, next to the ferry terminal, is rich in history and is also the site of the Mukilteo Historical Society. The Lighthouse, first built in 1906, was added to the Historic Register in 2008. It still has the Fresnel lens, unique to original and historical lighthouses, not only on Puget Sound, but on all North American waterways. The park consists of open land with no exercise facilities. Both the Park and Historical Society are free although donations are accepted.

There are no dog parks in the immediate neighborhood. The closest one is Loganberry Lane Park in nearby Everett, 5.6 miles away.

Expect to pay on average $1021 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.

Entertainment costs are moderate. A 20 ounce glass of a micro-brew will set you back $4.99 while a bottle of standard beer is $4.00. Gas is 3.4% higher than the national average.

Shopping in the Harbour Pointe neighborhood of Mukilteo is a blend of both small, family owned businesses, and larger chain stores situated in nearby malls.

MelissaJane Boutique specializes in children's clothing not found in other stores. Offering unique designs, from Tutus to Princess Dresses, Melissa Jane Boutique provides one of a kind clothing for all occasions.

Harbour Pointe Jewelers is a family owned business first established in 1973 by Jim and Toni Geiger, and have been in their current location since 1989. They specialize in custom jewelry design and repair, and carry a wide selection of diamonds, precious and semi-precious stones, plus sterling silver, gold and platinum settings. They also offer men's jewelry and a fine selection of watches and have a complete manufacturing and repair facility on site.

Fundamental shopping needs, such as a grocery and pharmacy, are supplied at the nearby Harbour Pointe Shopping Center where a QFC and Rite-Aid are the anchor tenants. The farmers market, located at Lighthouse Park next to the ferry terminal, is held every Wednesday from 3pm to 7pm from June though September with a free shuttle bus available running from 3rd street, three blocks away.