Welcome to the Neighborhood: Carnation

Carnation is a small town located in King County, and the place that I call home. It is a place close to my heart as Sven and I are remodeling our 100 year old fixer here in the small town of Carnation, WA. It is located east of Redmond, in the Snoqualmie Valley between Duvall and Fall City. Carnation is home to roughly 2,000 people, making it a tight-knit and family like community, offering many restaurants, local shops, and more.

We love exploring Carnation and finding hidden gems throughout the downtown area. Here are some of the best recommendations for enjoying all that Carnation has to offer.

Sandy’s Espresso — 4560 Tolt Ave, Carnation, WA

  • the best small town coffee stand around, serving delicious espresso and specialty drinks

  • serving baked goods and lunch (monday-saturday)

Carnation Farms — 28901 NE Carnation Farm Road, Carnation, WA

  • a place for everyone in the community; sustainable agriculture, good foods, educational classes, and venue for weddings and events

  • holiday market in december: saturdays leading up to Christmas

Miller’s: A Gathering Place — 4597 Tolte Ave, Carnation, WA 98014

  • music and event venue, located in the heart of downtown

  • hosts a variety of events like live music, dinners, art classes, and educational events

Carnation Farmers Market — Bird St. and Stossel Ave, Carnation, WA

  • tuesday 3-7 pm, may to october

  • fresh produce and local goods

Blake’s Pizzeria — 31722 Eugene St, Carnation, WA

  • best pizza and ice cream in town since 1987

  • pog flavored ice cream, I repeat, passion/orange/guava in ice cream form. It’s known there as maui wowie and isn’t always guaranteed in stock, but when it is, I am one very happy girl

Remlinger Farms —32610 NE 32rd St, Carnation, WA

  • a fun place for any season: pumpkin picking, berry u-pick, farm restaurant, brewery, fire pits, and so much more

Pete’s Club Bar & Grill — 4640 Tolt Ave, Carnation, WA

  • great local spot for lunch and dinner, a fun environment with karaoke and live music

  • best burger you will ever have. I stand behind this statement with every ounce of integrity that I have. This former biker bar has been a Valley staple for the last century and is a hub of activity for the town. Weekly activities include trivia, Seahawks games, and live music, paired with food specials, it is always a fun place to be. The owners are also very near and dear to us, as they are our next door neighbors.

Jubilee Farm — 229W. Snoqualmie River Rd. NE, Carnation, WA

  • family owned farm providing fresh selection of produce, meats, eggs, and more all farmed using organic techniques

Carnation Café — 4760 Tolt Ave, Carnation, WA

  • our go to favorite spot for breakfasts and currently holds the number 1 spot for best chicken fried steak Sven and I have ever had. Besides that they have a menu packed full of American comfort foods that hits everyone’s favorites: soups, sandwiches, salads, and brunch time mimosas.

Tolt Macdonald Park — 31020 NE 40th St, Carnation, WA

  • also known as the location of our marriage ceremony. Located on the intersection of the Tolt and Snoqualmie Rivers, this 575-acre park offers everything from yurt camping to baseball fields. There are mountain biking trails, picnic shelter, spots for RV and tent camping, all within a 20-minute drive to downtown Redmond. All the trails and outdoor amenities (within walking distance from our front door) have become a favorite feature since moving to Carnation.

Snoqualmie Valley Trail — Trailhead begin at the Duvall Park & Ride

  • 29-mile trail follows a portion of the former alignment of the Milwaukee Road, which was constructed in 1911 and abandoned in 1973.

  • super cool walking trail over the railroad tracks

Kimi Pohlman