Globally Gluten-Free: Snoqualmie Valley

Snoqualmie Valley is made up of a series of small towns that follow the three forks of the Snoqualmie River. Stop at the small shops in Fall City, Historic Snoqualmie or North Bend with offerings from artisan to shabby chic.

Snoqualmie Falls: The 268-foot drop of the Snoqualmie Falls have been sacred to the Salish peoples for time immemorial. They are stunning to see from the viewpoints both above and below the falls. In the late 19th century, the water was harnessed for electricity, and this mechanism from over 100 years ago is still working strong to supply energy to the greater Seattle area.

• Pro tip: Park at the bottom near the fish hatchery, then hike to the top for ice cream, the tribal shop and a glimpse from above. Much better parking and you get both views.

Northwest Railway Museum: The Northwest Railway Museum is our region’s largest railway museum with 5.5 miles of historic track and campuses. The museum exhibits, preserves, restores and operates trains on which the public can experience the excitement of a working railway. Special note that Thomas the Tank Engine comes in July and Santa during the holidays!

Hike: Mount Si, Little Si, Rattlesnake Lake, Twin Falls.

Summer: Visit microfarms: Drive around the valley, look for signs and you will find small farms producing gorgeous flowers and produce. Many supply the local farm-to-table restaurants as well as booths at Pike Place Market. While driving around, watch out for our local elk herd!

Winter: Stop back in the valley after downhill or cross-country skiing at the Summit at Snoqualmie.

Aroma Cafe in Fall City carries many gluten-free bites. They also serve creative hot drinks with a twist on Seattle’s coffee culture. It's fun to visit their small treehouse built by the creators of “Tree House Masters” TV show.

Caadxi Oaxaca is across from the Railway Museum, crafting regional family recipes from southern Mexico. Almost all of the menu is rice- or corn-based and gluten-free. Yes, the hand-rolled, super soft tortillas are GF and so are the empanadas!

Both of the local Italian restaurants have GF offerings. Their Italian styles are different. Francescos (Snoqualmie Ridge) is more of a continental flavor while Gianfranco is down-home, Italian-American. Shout out to Gianfranco’s GF lasagne, which can feed me for three days.

Saints and Scholars, on Snoqualmie Ridge, has a chef-driven kitchen serving Irish fare in a beautiful venue. Extraordinarily well run restaurant with attentive staff. Family favorite: shepherd’s pie.

Falling River Meats in North Bend has what they call the “life-changing corn dog,” and it is. In-house, dipped-from-scratch dog fried in a dedicated frier. Pro tip: Do wait until it is cool, it will be hard.

Pressed On Main in North Bend: If you jaunt out for a hike near the Cascades, stop by for breakfast and a packed lunch at this completely GF restaurant in North Bend. (They do use oats.)

Aahar serves authentic South Indian cuisine and is curated by a James Beard-nominated chef who operates multiple sister restaurants in the region, in addition to this one on Snoqualmie Ridge. Much of the menu is inherently gluten-free using rice and pulses, like idli and dosa.