Images: Jingle Jackson

Hello November! (Or Yesvember as I prefer to call it. Always big on keeping things positive.) Just like that we've put the colors of October behind us and we jump head first into this month all about kindness and gratitude. Another one of my very favorite months.

The Everett Marina becomes holiday central starting later this month so be sure to put a fun walk about on your calendar to catch that magic. In the meantime, however, if you're feeling antsy for a bit of a drive, let me suggest visiting Silvana.

I know, I know, when I mentioned I was going to zip up to Silvana, my friends looked at me with true curiosity. In fairness to them, there isn't even a sign on I-5 telling you where to turn off. Silvana is small and if you didn't grow up around here, you may not even know where it is.

Well, for the record, you simply go north to the Arlington exit and then go left at the exit instead of right. It's a short country drive to "downtown" Silvana, which doesn't consist of much, but what is there carries a punch of personality. Basically, you can start at the very popular Silvana Meats, which, for many, is the reason they head to Silvana. Especially for their Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas prime rib. There was a line the morning we were there and while I didn't purchase much, I can highly recommend the smoked salmon.

From there, you can stroll down the street being careful to stay off the road itself since it gets a surprising number of large trucks rumbling by. On your way you'll pass a feed store (this is farm and ranch country); a salon; a cannabis dispensary and an antique store with a little bit of everything vintage. Your walkabout will quickly find you at the country charming Willow & Jim's Country Cafe.

This is the kind of place where local everyday customer meets visiting fun-seekers out for a scenic drive. This Country Cafe features lots of breakfast choices all day long (8 am to 3 pm) and plenty of lunch choices featuring homemade soups, homemade pies and hard ice cream milkshakes made to order. We had breakfast and while this cafe is not likely to show up on a Michelin five-star list I could totally see it making Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. This is country diner food with friendly service, a lot of regulars and a handwritten paper bill that you take up to the cash register to pay which is increasingly rare in this modern day of computers.

As we walked out of the cafe, we noticed, just across the street is the local fire training facility with a big sign looking for part-time and volunteer firefighters. That seems like a great opportunity for would-be fire fighters and those with time to share in service.

What Silvana lacks in having a high profile; easy signage for locating and modern city amenities, it more than makes up for with a beautiful drive; eclectic choices for a couple hours of relaxing; and plenty of easy parking. It all adds up to just another great reason for why Everett is such a great place to live: we are central and close to all things cool!

We live lucky my friends! -- Jingle 

Jingle Jackson grew up in Everett, attended WSU (go Cougs!) and worked a great career at Snohomish PUD. Now, she is working on the pursuit of new adventures and fun wherever she can find it.