La Conner, WA is a good example of a Northwest spirited town. At approximately an hour and a half from Seattle, it is a perfect trip for a romantic getaway, a shopping trip with friends, or your own private excursion. La Conner has a variety of specialty shops – clothing, art, kitchen, antiques, jewelry, a fabulous wine shop, and a variety of pubs and restaurants.
It’s a good day trip or you can make it an overnight stay. My favorite place for lodging is the Channel Lodge but have also had a good experience at the Heron Inn (and friend Julie liked the Watergrass Day Spa). Others have received good reviews as well. http://www.laconnerlodging.com/
A couple weeks ago I enjoyed the best Soup of the Day at The Next Chapter bookstore and coffeehouse…an Adobe Chicken Chipolte Corn Chowder – fabulous! The Next Chapter bookstore is cozy and offers a nice variety of books, cards, and treats.
Also, I can’t say enough about Hellams Vineyard. This wine shop offers a great selection of wine (and beer). A bottle or glass can be purchased to enjoy out on the deck on the Swinomish Channel. Hellams also offers specialty cheese and meat plates and other wine pairing foods. A must see is the beautiful African hardwood tasting bar. http://hellamsvineyard.com/
Other experiences include the La Conner Brewing Company, Palmers, Seed’s Bistro & Bar, Nell Thorn Pub, and the Cascade Candy Company (hard to pass up a scoop of Moose Tracks ice cream…a once a year treat). I still haven’t tried the Calico Old Town Cafe & Bakery but see that there is often a wait (the location in Mount Vernon is really good).
Meandering through the tulip fields is a must-do event while visiting the Skagit Valley during late March through April. A stop at Christianson’s Nursery is always enjoyed and certain times during the festival, the Stanwood Camano Arts Guild show art in the old schoolhouse located on the property. I purchased a number of note cards. A stop was made at the Country at Heart Gift Shop for my favorite…Marionberry pie. So many other events and activities to explore. http://www.tulipfestival.org/
To finish the day, my husband and I saw a local production of Back to the 80’s at McIntyre Hall Performing Arts Center…a very nice venue for a show. Other performances are booked year-round. http://www.mcintyrehall.org/
P.S. The picture being used as the header for this blog currently is that of the Channel Lodge, taken from the deck outside of Hellams Vineyard
It was just like Summer…many enjoying the beautiful blue sunny skies. This was a first on the Cedar River Trail…walked from the Maplewood Golf Course area to Lake Washington. Did you know that you could rent a kayak or canoe or take a lesson at the Cascade Canoe & Kayak Center? Also along the way we came across tables for picnicing, those taking their inflatable raft out, walkers, bikers, a playground, those enjoying the skate park and the always irresistible dog park. It was approximately a 6 mile walk although the trail extends further.
Within 4 hours reach... 