Roslyn the Northern Exposure Town

Do you remember the Northern Exposure comedy-drama TV series from 90′ about the eccentric residents of a fictional town in Alaska? Well, the series was shot in Roslyn, in Washington State. So, if you are in the Seattle area, it is worth visiting this small, charming Roslyn town. Time stopped there, and you can still find traces of your series characters.

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Introduction to Visiting Roslyn, the Northern Exposure Town

My partner, Chris, and I like to visit places that serve as movie scenery. That is why we love Monument Valley in Arizona, where the best westerns of all time were filmed.

We visited the famous Timberline Lodge during our Oregon road trip, where “The Shining” with Jack Nicholson was shot.

During our Colorado road trip, we also visited the Stanley Hotel. This hotel is where many scenes for the movie Shining were filmed. More importantly, Stephen King stayed at this hotel, which inspired him to write a thrilling novel that became a bestseller.

We also love series. One of our favorite series of the 1990s was Northern Exposure. While watching this series, we dreamed of seeing Alaska. But we were surprised that Washington State got a lot of TV time in the early 1990s.

So, during our several days in Seattle (check our ready 3 days in Seattle itinerary), we reviewed the movie plans for two great TV series from the 90s, “Northern Exposure” and “Twin Peaks.” All photos presented in this article are ours.

Northern Exposure

If you’re planning a road trip through Alaska and want to see the lovely Cicely town, where the action of the Northern Exposure series was taking place, you need to change your plans.

The famous series was shot in Roslyn, in Seattle, Washington state, not in Alaska. So, within around a two-hour drive from Seattle, you can traipse the streets of Roslyn. And imagine that you are in Cicely, Alaska, in the CBS series “Northern Exposure.” From 1990 to 1995, Joshua Brand and John Falsey created 110 episodes.

The storyline of Northern Exposure

The main character of “Northern Exposure” is a young doctor, Dr. Joel Fleischman (Rob Morrow), who comes to Alaska after his medicine study. His modern New York view of the world collides with the natural, free way of life of the inhabitants of Cicely. Joel Fleischman is a neurotic Jewish from New York City.

He is legally contracted to practice medicine for four years in Alaska according to the terms of a student loan underwritten by the state. Expecting to work in a relatively large, modern hospital in Anchorage, he is unexpectedly reassigned to the small town of Cicely. His struggles to adjust to his very unfamiliar new environment drive the plot in many episodes.

Roslyn

When you get to Roslyn town you immediately recognize it as the setting of “Northern Exposure”. First of all, you will see the camel painting on the side of the Roslyn Cafe. However, it was renamed Roslyn’s Cafe for the TV in the show’s opening credits.

The population was 893 in 2010. Roslyn is located in the Cascade Mountains, about 80 miles east of Seattle, and 4 miles off Interstate 90. The town has amazing charm and it is worth spending a few hours in it.

Most of the series’ familiar locations can be found in the one-block business district, including The Brick (Holling’s tavern), Central Sundries (Ruth-Anne’s store), and the Northwest Mining Company storefront (Dr. Fleischman’s office).

Moreover, Central Sundries and Northwest Mining Company, now Cicely’s Gift Shop, offers “Northern Exposure” souvenirs for sale.

So, it is worth walking around the town’s streets looking for traces of the series’ heroes: Joel Fleischman (Rob Morrow), Maurice Minnifield (Barry Corbin), Maggie O’Connell (Janine Turner), Holling Vincoeur (John Cullum), Chris Stevens (John Corbett), and Ed Chigliak (Darren E. Burrows).

Roslyn’s Cafe – Mural From the Intro

It’s the iconic spot from Roslyn, the Northern Exposure Town. The mural from the intro of “Northern Exposure” is one of the most characteristic places in the town. Do you remember a moose walking along the town’s main street, passing a wall with a vast mural titled “Roslyn’s Cafe—An Oasis?”

Moreover, the moose in the opening title was named Mort and was provided by Washington State University. To film the opening sequence, the crew fenced off Roslyn, set Mort loose, and lured him around with food.

The painting is still on the same wall as in the 1990s. However, careful observers will notice that the inscription on the series was different—instead of Roslyn Cafe, there was Roslyn’s Cafe. Moreover, it is worth going inside for a tasty lunch and a local beer. The Roslyn Cafe features dishes such as burgers, pulled pork sliders, a Salmon La Sac omelet made with house-smoked sockeye salmon, and much more.

Dr Joel Fleischman office – Cicely’s Gift Shop

In Roslyn, you can visit Dr. Joel Fleischman’s office. Right now, it is Cicely’s Gift Shop. It now houses a props museum and gift shop. On the walls are hanging photos from the movie set and portraits of the actors. In the center of the room stands a real treat for fans – the original desk of Joel’s serial assistant – Marilyn.

The place is run by Steve, who has a vast knowledge of the series. After completing the movie photos, a woman repurchased the building and began purchasing souvenirs from the series to create a museum there.

The Brick

The Brick is a place you absolutely can’t miss—Holling’s bar. Interestingly, the pub in the series is called the same as in reality: “The Brick.” It is a restaurant, bar, place of meetings, talks, and essential events in the series. The Brick is distinguished by its distinctive neon sign out front and a massive wood-burning stove.

Established in 1889, the heart of town offers pub fare, live music, and a great atmosphere. It is Washington’s oldest continuously operating bar. They serve delicious burgers and a great local beer. It is worth coming here in the evening to meet the locals and feel the spirit, like from a movie.

KBHR Radio Station

KBHR—The Voice of the Last Frontier—is our favorite stop in Roslyn, the Northern Exposure Town. It is the home of “Chris in the Morning” broadcasts. It is in the window of the Northwestern Improvement Co. building, 101 E. Pennsylvania Ave. Cicely’s radio station played a big role in Northern Exposure.

Some of the scenes were shot right here, and you can look through the glass to see the “on location” set. It looks like Chris Stevens (John Corbett) is about to sit on his chair and read poetry to Minniefield’s rage. One of my favorite characters is a radio host with a philosophical flair and vast historical and cultural knowledge.

Rooth-Ann Shop & Village Pizza

You can still visit the Ruth-Anne shop. The local shop served supplies to all residents and was also a post office. You can buy food and souvenirs here.

However, it is a great idea to visit Village Pizza. This storefront appeared in the opening credits of the show. Inside, tables come equipped with bottles of honey as well as boxes of cards from old games of Trivial Pursuit.

The most popular pizza is Village Combo – with Canadian Bacon, pepperoni, sausage, olive, onion, and mushroom. Our favorite place in Roslyn for lunch & coffee is part bookstore, part coffee shop, Basecamp Books and Bites, next to Roslyn Yard.

Roslyn Museum & Roslyn Theatre

Next to the Roslyn Cafe, you will find the Roslyn Historical Museum. The museum is a reflection of Roslyn. It’s a love of life and the richly seasoned ethnic mix that once represented more than 20 nationalities. The town was founded in 1886 as a coal mining company town.

Roslyn quickly became a bustling mining camp-turned-company town. When coal was king, immigrants from all over Europe came here for work. During the 20th century, the city gradually transitioned away from coal, and today, its economy is primarily based on forestry and tourism after the Northern Exposure series. So, it is worth stopping in this museum for a while.

However, don’t miss the mural at the Roslyn Theatre during your walk. The Roslyn Theatre is located in a historic 1890s clapboard building that once served as the town mortuary. It was converted into a movie theatre in the late 1970s and now shows films.

The building is hard to miss on the Roslyn Yard. One side of the building is decorated by a huge mural depicting Marlon Brando in his iconic role in “The Wild Ones.”

Where to stay while visiting Roslyn, the Northern Exposure Town?

If you plan to stay in Seattle, check out our ready Seattle itinerary, where we also present the most interesting and the best lodging options in Seattle.

However, there are small inns, bed-and-breakfasts, and rooms for rent in the charming Roslyn area.

A luxury hotel in the area offers a world-class resort experience. It is The Lodge at Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum. The hotel offers a bar, shared lounge, garden, free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, a restaurant, a water park, and an outdoor pool. The resort also features an indoor pool, fitness center, evening entertainment, and room service. Cle Elum and Cle Elum Lake area also offer many hiking trails.