mount vernon

Stop and smell the flowers

BACK IN THE 1800S, MOUNT VERNON WAS

BKNOWN AS A TRANSPORTATION AND TRADING CENTER for the logging industry. Now, the booming blooming city is known throughout Washington as the land of tulips, tulips and more tulips.

Mount Vernon remains a welcoming agricultural hub, attracting visitors from near and far to enjoy Skagit Valley’s bucolic landscapes, locally sourced food and diverse wildlife. Make sure to look up every so often, because Mount Vernon boasts some of the best skies for birdwatching. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, swans and visiting snow geese.

With the coming of spring, lilies, dahlias, marigolds, snapdragons and, of course, tulips grace the surrounding farms. Spring isn’t official until the first tulip blooms, and as April bleeds into May, fragrant flowers paint the fields of Mount Vernon an array of startling colors. Witness the beauty of endless rows of tulips at the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, where multiple farms open their property for visitors to wander the fields and purchase bulbs to take home to their own gardens.

PHOTO BY ANDY PORTER

Experience the heart of Skagit Valley with a bike tour around Mount Vernon and stop for a bite at one of the many restaurants. The town is full of cafes, breweries and home-style eateries. A popular beer destination, Mount Vernon is full of breweries where visitors can grab a pint and a snack.

Wineries abound in Skagit Valley, and visitors can discover the best of Washington’s wine in local tasting rooms, vineyards and restaurants. Historic downtown Mount Vernon offers many of the best antique shops in the region.

For a taste of the outdoors, check out Edgewater Park on the Skagit River. The park sits on 54 acres, and offers a playground, boat launch, large stage and softball fields. With 10 miles of trails just five minutes from downtown, Little Mountain Park offers hiking and biking for every skill level. Drive or bike up a paved road to the top for stunning views of the valley and to watch hang-gliders take flight.

MOUNT VERNON

Size: 12.6 square miles

Water access:

Baker Street River Access

Coming up:

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

The warm months in Mount Vernon are filled with activity. On June 10, July 15, and August 5, Skagit Valley College hosts drive-in movies. From August 10-13, the Skagit County Fair brings family fun to Mount Vernon with live music, carnival rides, farm animals and eating contests. In fall, the Harvest Festival Street Fair celebrates the end of the growing season in the valley.

Mount Vernon delights visitors with treats for all senses; smell the flowers, look at the colorful fields, listen to the birds, taste the local food, brews and wine, and feel the cool water of the Skagit River.

Learn more at visitmountvernon.com.

Love at First Bite

Organic Groceries Famous Sandwiches Espresso & Pastries

Open Daily to Everyone Downtown Mount Vernon 360.336.9777 • skagitfoodcoop.com