Naval Base Everett, Washington - Polaroids on Post
This Polaroid on Post feature is from Nathalie Hebert! She’s been a military spouse for a little over 3 years. She and her navy hubby have been been together since college and have been married for going on 3 years. She works for a private tourism company and has an 8 month old daughter who was born in Seattle while they have been stationed at Everett! You can find Nathalie on Instagram @natjhebert
Details Please!
is there anything you wish you knew before heading to Everett?
How small it is! Having been stationed at Naval Station Norfolk, it was a shock to be in an area where life does NOT revolve around the Navy and the military community is quite spread out.
What is your favorite & least favorite thing about Everett?
Favorite: The nature of the Pacific Northwest and getting to live in Seattle.
Least favorite: Finding my own little community here was hard at first.
What is the weather like in Washington?
Rainy haha Welcome to Seattle! The summers are shockingly hot, sunny, and dry, though.
Did you live on or off post?
Off-base! We actually live in northern Seattle and love it, since we're big city people. There is very little military housing here (which is unfortunately a common complaint for surface Navy bases), so most families live in normal, civilian housing. Popular areas where people live are Everett, Mukilteo, Lynnwood, Marysville, Lake Stevens, and Seattle proper.
What should a newcomer know about the installation itself?
Like I said, Naval Station Everett is very very small, and thus, so is the military community. It is nice to have a world NOT focused on the military, but it can be a little lonely at times. I definitely suggest getting involved in your command's FRG, a church/religious house of worship, a fitness studio or group, volunteering opportunities or a MOPS or parents group.
Take advantage of being so close to Seattle! See some shows, try out restaurants and bars, cuisines you've never tried before. Go see a professional sports game (they've got NFL, NHL, MLB, and MLS). You've got museums, performance venues, travel opportunities (SeaTac Airport), and educational opportunities all here.
GET OUTDOORS. There are hiking/walking trails for all levels, and it's world-class out here in the PNW.
The Commissary and NEX are NOT on or near base. They're located in Marysville, WA, the next town over.
IF YOUR SO IS ASSIGNED TO AN EVERETT SHIP CURRENTLY IN THE YARDS: The yards are in downtown Seattle. You can choose to live in Seattle (like us!) or live closer to base, and your SO's ship will probably have a shuttle bus to drive them to and from base/the yards.
For all of us East Coasters, kiss goodbye to Dunkin' Donuts. There are ZERO in the whole state of WA.
What are the facebook pages a newcomer should join to stay in the know about things?
Food & Drinks
Do you have any date night recommendations for other milsos?
Definitely go into Seattle! There's lots of bars and restaurants, try The Nest rooftop bar! In Everett, the waterfront has nice restaurants too.
Any other restaurants we should know about?
Efeste Winery & Tasting Room
Scuttlebutt Brewing! On the waterfront in Everett, they've got a big selection of all types of beers (my favorite is the amber) along with a menu full of classic comfort foods. I always get the oriental chicken salad with sweet potato fries, my husband gets fish & chips, and we always split a pretzel with beer cheese dip.
Not a restaurant, but Efeste Winery & tasting room for a girls day! And Old Stove Brewing in Seattle.
Where is your go-to spot for brunch?
Patty's Egg Nest, they've got locations all over. Their veggie-loaded egg scramble or French toast are amazing.
What is your favorite coffee shop?
Welcome to Starbucks city, baby! Seattle is very proud to have created Starbucks, and they're everywhere. No one will look down on you for saying it's you go-to. In Everett: Seas the Day cafe, The Loft Coffee Bar, Narrative Coffee. The greater Everett/Seattle area: You've got to try a drive-through espresso shack; they're all over WA! I can never go wrong with an iced oat milk latte, or a half-sweet iced white mocha.
Add it to the Bucket List
What should a milso add to their Everett bucket list?
Pike Place! Probably Seattle's most famous staple. You've got to walk through and see all the vendors, watch the fish tosses, and try tons of local fruits, vegetables, and goods. The first ever Starbucks is right on the street too!
The Space Needle. Another of Seattle's most famous landmarks, you can take the elevator to the viewing deck at 520 feet high for some of the most incredible views of Seattle, the Puget Sound, and the Olympic mountains and Cascades. The Space Needle is right next to the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum for art lovers, as well as Climate Pledge arena, home to the NHL's newest team, the Seattle Kraken, and you should catch a game if you head into the city as well! They... will probably lose, but the arena is electric and so nice!
Olympic National Park - a no-brainer, some of the most beautiful, famous hiking trails and sights. The Hot Rainforest is especially famous.
Mount Rainier National Park - a *still* active volcano, another no-brainer for the views and the hiking. My favorites were: The Grove of the Patriarchs (an old-growth forest), and the "Paradise" area.
Rialto Beach- For all of us who grew up watching/reading "Twilight": La Push, baby! For real, Rialto Beach is breathtaking, and such an interesting type of nature when most Navy families are used to tropical, hot beaches.
Walla Walla Wineries- Go to one of the countless wineries in Walla Walla, WA (yes, that really is the town's name) - one of America's most famous wine regions Honorable mentions: Leavenworth, Woodland Park Zoo, Deception Pass, Port Townsend, Bainbridge Island
Are there any surrounding big cities you took weekend trips to?
Portland and Vancouver are both quick and easy to get to for weekend trips! You should give yourself a weekend to really visit/hike Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier.
What are some ideas for people with kiddos or families?
Download the All Trails app to help you find trails/hikes that are kid friendly, and join Military Wild! It's a hiking club for military families with chapters at installations all around the world. They have special kid-friendly hikes.
Join a MOPS group! Most of the towns in the greater Seattle/Everett area have their own.
Zoos: Woodland Park Zoo, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Seattle Zoo
Pacific Science Center (however, temporarily closed)
Professional sports games! (Seahawks, Mariners, Sounders, Kraken)
The Everett waterfront area is a nice, flat walkable path/park that kids can enjoy
Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Factory Tour in Everett
Other Recommendations
Hair Stylist- Vanity Hair Studio (Seattle, Shoreline) and The Hair Bar (Marysville)
Nails- Bliss Nail Spa (Everett), Herbal Nails & Spa (Lynnwood), Happy Nails & Lashes (Seattle - Shoreline)
Get the Discover Pass! So you can park at state and national parks.
The Premium Outlets in Tulalip (most stores have a military discount they will add on top of already outlet prices)
The Swedish Medical system is a huge hospital chain with all specialists you can imagine! It's in-network for Select (not sure about Prime referrals). Seattle Children's specialists, pediatricians, and urgent cares for the kiddos.
Invest in really really good hiking boots (sneakers won't cut it), thick socks, and a light, easy-to-carry raincoat
