GEEK GUIDE TO EVERETT

We know. Technically speaking, collective geek “culture” is a bit of a misnomer. The pursuit of superlative knowledge can set a person apart, after all. But doesn’t passion – the ability to locate joy in avid enthusiasm for something – unite us in the end? Zoinks! So, heroes and wizards, tabletop architects, AvGeeks and gamers, collectors and fangirls of all stripes, embark! Explore the diversity of Geekdom. Find your people. We humbly submit this guide for your quest.

Bobakhan Toys & Collectibles

500 SE Everett Mall Way, Suite A-1
425-258-3582
Website
Mon. through Sun. 12 to 6 p.m.
Pronounced “BO-BA-KAAN," this mind-boggling, 6,500 square-foot emporium of awesomeness began more than 20 years ago as one man’s persistent Star Wars obsession. Marvel at new and previously owned action figures, playsets, novelty items, games, Legos, comic books, plushies, apparel and more. Check out the wall of retro and modern video game consoles and accessories. Families and individuals of all ages consistently rate the award-winning shop high for friendly, knowledgeable customer service, trade-in value and a diverse range of toys – from My Little Pony to the monsters of Mezco. An equally satisfying stop for hard-core collectors (gaze into the glass cases) and young children (lots to enjoy under $5). One of six stops within walking distance of each other near Everett Mall.

Broadway Hobbies

2531 Broadway #F
425-252-6130
Website
Mon. through Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Planes, trains, automobiles and a lot more: If scale model building or RC toys grease your gears, drop in and browse the selection. Find elusive missing parts with the aid of fellow, hardcore model builders. New enthusiasts are welcome, too – be prepared for a bit of advice.

Everett Comics

Hewitt Ave & Wetmore Avenue
425-252-8181
Website
Mon. and Sun. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tues. and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wed. Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Leave your alter ego at the door. Enter this lair for supers, sidekicks, villains and masterminds. Browse the deep stock of current and back-issue comics and graphic novels, T-shirts, trading cards, novelties and related riches. We think the bright green glow is kryptonite free. 

Northwest Room, Everett Public Library

2702 Hoyt Avenue
425-257-8005
Website
Mon. through Fri. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If old road maps and photographs spark your imagination, include a visit to the Northwest Room on your Everett itinerary. Two diligent historians curated this collection of maps, pamphlets, oral history interviews, photographs and other unique materials to preserve and interpret the history of Snohomish County and the Puget Sound region. Dig deeper by emailing to schedule a research appointment.

Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Collection

Paine Field, 3407 109th Street SW
206-342-4242
Website
Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Buckle-up, AvGeeks! Feel the thrill of living history as you face a tank gun, graze the wing of a marine Spitfire and spy on a German Enigma code generator. A whiff of machine oil helps reanimate history in the three appropriately drafty hangars that showcase Paul Allen’s collection. Walk among aircraft, tanks and missiles in use from WWI through the Gulf War – most exquisitely restored to working condition. See replicas of Fat Man, Little Boy and SpaceShipOne. Learn the stories of WWII’s Russian Night Witches and other heroes behind the machines. The Why War exhibit offers touch-screen displays about military strategy, nuclear warfare and the causes and consequences of conflict. Turbo-fuel your visit with a docent-led tour. Visit on an event day to feel restored planes buzz close overhead. In town for more than a day? Don’t miss the Future of Flight Museum. Experience an aerial tour from Paine Field. Or, drive 20 minutes east to Snohomish for a skydiving session or hot air balloon ride from Harvey Field.

Funko

2802 Wetmore Avenue
425-783-3616, ext. 1
Website
Wed. though Sun. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Escape into a Technicolor shop overflowing with Pop! Figures. Gargantuan theme displays make Funko a photo-rich family stop. Take a free, self-guided tour to pose as Luke Skywalker escaping the Wampa. Battle Godzilla. Mingle with wizards and princesses. Cruise with the caped crusader. Build your collection with favorite characters, rare finds and local Wetmore monsters. Or design your own vinyl creation in the mix-and-match Pop! Factory. Watch for special events and celebrity appearances.

Landing Zone

Paine Field Community Park
11928 Beverly Park Road
Daily 7 a.m. to dusk
Beam up a space-themed selfie or group snap under the Plexiglas transporter of this flying saucer sculpture by artist Peter Reiquam. Surrounded by alien boulders in the park’s main plaza, the Landing Zone’s steel sculpture is nine-feet tall, 16-feet wide, 14-feet high and powered by imagination. Americans for the Arts honored the installation in 2010. This free stop near Paine Field also offers restrooms, picnic facilities and cosmic spinning on the adjacent playground’s three-story merry-go-round. Perfect for families. 

Laura Palmer’s House

708 33rd Street (No trespassing)
Dear Diary, Today I drove by Laura Palmer’s House! Fans of cult-classic TV show Twin Peaks won’t want to miss a quick peek at this classic home made famous in external shots of the mysterious character’s family home. No tours. Please respect the property owner’s privacy by only viewing from a distance.

Moon Dragon Games

607 SE Everett Mall Way #26
206-414-6037
Website
Mon. and Sun. 12 to 7 p.m.; Tues. through Thurs. 12 to 8 p.m..; Fri. and Sat. 12 to 9 p.m.
An inflatable, fire breathing dragon guards this warren of fellowship for hardcore tabletop gamers. Purchase retail and resale supplies for Magic the Gathering, War Hammer, D&D and other tabletop games. Ask to see rare items. Drop-in play and browsers welcome. Check Facebook for an event schedule of regular meetups, all-night tournaments, fundraisers and more. VR and video game play also available. Fuel-up with prepackaged freezer food, snacks and beverages. One of six stops within walking distance of each other near Everett Mall.

Mugu Games

5233 Evergreen Way
425-322-4826
Website
Mon. through Fri. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m..; Sun. 12 to 8 p.m.
Build a winning strategy with purchases from the large inventory of miniatures, cards and other supplies for serious tabletop gamers. Sign up for frequent tournaments and events.

Next Level Video Games

1913 Hewitt Avenue
Website
425-374-7395
Sun. through Thurs. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
As one Google reviewer put it, this electronic gaming shop is “more hardcore than 1984.” Peruse retro games and systems, in addition to a small stock of top new games and virtual reality equipment. Bring your own gear in for repairs. Drop in for a play session, rent equipment or book a party.

Totem Diner

4410 Rucker Avenue
425-52-3277
Website
A known guilty pleasure among locals, this family-owned and operated landmark restaurant has dished out irresistible diner specials since 1953 (and smoked BBQ recently). Totem also served as a filming location for the 2015 action film 7 Minutes. The highly rated flick also featured Everett police cars. Look for a movie storyboard on Totem’s wall.