Day 1
The relaxing vibe and friendly staff at Duke’s Seafood and Mama Stortini’s will start your Kent excursion with a happy hour high note. Both Kent Station mainstays have half-priced wine bottles every week (Mondays at Duke’s, Wednesdays at Mama Stortini’s).
Explore Kent Station’s shops for apparel, plants, gifts and electronics on the walk to a tasty dinner. Banyan Tree (Thai), Gyro Station and Shibu Ramen are just a few of the on-site options.
Close out the night with a movie at Kent Station’s AMC Theater.
Day 2
Kent is the fifth-most culturally diverse city in the U.S. Today’s itinerary leans heavily on Kent’s international influences.
The scents of freshly baked bread and rich coffee greet you at Wild Wheat Bakery Café & Restaurant. You’ll need a moment to decide which omelet, quiche or pastries to choose.
Today’s shopping begins at La Central Tienda Mexicana Y Taqueria. The authentic Mexican grocery store carries produce, spices and specialty groceries. The prepared food counter is known for its birrias.
From rice to rugs, Queen Safa Market & Deli is a one-stop Afghan Halal store. The family-owned market’s menu includes kababs, firni (Afghan custard) and parata (flatbread).
Fill up on travel snacks at Tolo International Halal Market. Middle Eastern cookies, dried fruits and nuts are available with tidy rows of beverages, groceries and household goods.
You might have been snacking throughout the morning, but lunch at Iron Pot is shareable; cue the generous portions of Korean favorites like bulgogi and chicken katsu. Tip: The lunch bowls are the best deal around.
Spend the afternoon at the independent shops in historic downtown Kent. First stop: Page Turner Books. Vintage paperbacks, children’s books, juicy mysteries and easy vacay reads … they’re all here.
Brighten your home with seasonal items, linens, soaps and lotions, teas and gifts at Fig & Feather in downtown Kent.
Continue the sidewalk shopping stroll at Moore Than Rocks. Gemstones, geodes and jewelry shine in the welcoming space. Plan ahead and reserve a spot for a sound bath, yoga or meditation session.
Relive your childhood favorites at Retro Emporium. Snack-themed earrings, pastel memo pads and Pokemon items are among the hundreds of treasures available. Don’t miss the record room in the back of the store!
You’ll be in awe at the detailed handwork of the embroidered dresses at Baran Salsal. Stop in to see the colorful Afghan and Pakistani clothing and elegant accessories.
Relax after a busy day exploring Kent with dinner at Paolo’s Italian Restaurant. Owner-chef Paul Raftis opened Paolo’s more than 30 years ago. Signature dishes include the calamari appetizer and tortellini gorgonzola.
Day 3
Feel the sweet ambiance inside Sweet Notes Cafe, owned by two sisters. Enjoy a creative array of breakfast crepes, waffles, coffees and more.
Carpinito Brothers is the capital of fall fun and photos. The pumpkin patch and corn maze are open daily in October. The nearby nursery and produce market are stocked with plants, fruits and veggies for several seasons throughout the year.
One more shopping stop before you leave Kent: the all-indoors Great Wall Shopping Mall. Anchored by the spacious 99 Ranch Market Asian grocery store, the mall includes Asian restaurants, bakery, sugarcane juicery and import shops.
