Trip to Rick Steves Store in Edmonds worth it?

I live not too far from Edmonds, so the trip isn't as big a deal for me as some others. However, Edmonds itself is a cute little city around the ETBD area and the store itself is fun. It's also nice to sometimes go actually hold items in your hands that you might be thinking about purchasing in the future.

Depending on the timing of your visit, you might take in a free travel class. I've attended several and the information is always excellent and there are often coupons or specials for purchases made that day.

I wouldn't make a trip from Texas just to go to ETBD, but if you're in the Seattle area already and don't have a full schedule, why not?

Brandon,

As you're going to be in Seattle anyway, my suggestion would be to visit ETBD if you're either thinking of buying anything AND/OR thinking of taking a trip in the near future. While the website describes the products well, it's nice to be able to actually see them "in person" as it provides a better idea of the size and construction featuress. You can also take the opportunity to speak with Rick's product experts or travel staff.

One clarification to a previous post - in my experience (having attended numerous Travel Festivals and other events at ETBD since about 2000), many items in the store are discounted 20% on Festival or Tour Reunion days. If I'm mistaken on that point, hopefully one of the group here can provide a correction.

Cheers!

Brandon,
If you don't have a full schedule and some time to spare, go for it! I was there around Christmas, and it was a great help. There is a full library of almost any up-to-date travel guidebook written, and several maps you can use. There is also several people around to answer questions. It was very nice to be able to sit down with many different books, figure things out, and ask their opinion. Edmonds is also a very cute town! Hope this helps, and good luck!

If this is your first trip to Seattle, there are lots of things to do and see in your spare time. If not, Edmonds is an adorable town and I love to go there. It is nice to see the travel store items up close. Edmonds has lots of nice stores in their little downtown area --- check out the competition at The Savvy Traveler which has some travel items Rick doesn't carry.

Went to Edmonds a few years ago specifically to attend the weekend semonars. Foun it well worthwhile, and we did buy a few things, most of which we have used on our tripe - European and otherwise. It is a nice town, though it rained most of teh time we were there.

Brandon,

This past July I was in Edmonds (staying with an aunt) for my nephew's wedding in the area. While riding with my aunt, I noticed that I was in the area of the store. (I recognized street names from the map on the website.) On another day my aunt dropped me off there and picked me up later. I would have checked out the bus system if I had wanted to go again.

It is an interesting place. Seeing things did give me an idea of what I might want to order at a later time.

I also discovered that while he was in college, Rick was my cousin's piano teacher. So a later mention that Rick was a pianist didn't suprise me at all.

I would think you might find the store very interesting.

I found Edmond on a clear day to be a nice small town to stroll for an hour or two with a stop at one of the hometown cafes. Do plan on attending one of the free travel seminars offer either in the Store or nearby theatre. Can't say anything for the weather, after all this is in the N/W.

I would do it. Edmonds is beautiful, and a good little place for a day anyhoo. But I'm biased, I used to live there. LOL

If you're going to Rick's store, try to go prepared with "what you want to find out" he's got a HUGE library of books and maps that you are allowed to sit and use for free. There's an area to watch videos.

You can get last years versions of the DVD's for $5-7 each - I find them well worth it.

And, the staff is incredibly knowledgeable, and friendly. They love to share their passion for travel, and their stories.

PS - IF you want to take a trip on the ferries - Edmonds is a good place to depart.