Skagit Newcomers and Visitors Guide 2012 by Skagit Publishing

mount vernon • anacortes • burlington • la conner • sedro-woolley

skagit county

concrete • bow–edison • north cascades • deception pass • padilla bay

Visitors and Newcomers Guide to a Special Corner of nw Washington

2012 S k a g i t V i s i t o r. c o m

Table of contents Farm & Field.................................................................. 6 Farmers Markets, Display Gardens, Wineries & Breweries

Tulip Farms & Fields Map............................................ 8 Recreation...................................................................15 Whales, Kayaking, Hiking, Parks, Fishing, Cycling, Golfing, Birding

Skagit County Transportation & Map....................18 Events............................................................................23 Calendar.......................................................................27 Tribes............................................................................65 Skagit County Today..................................................78 Performing Arts..........................................................82

Community Profiles Mount Vernon.............................................................31 Map.................................................................................................34

Burlington....................................................................36 Map.................................................................................................38

Big Lake / Clear Lake.................................................42 Map.................................................................................................47

Padilla Bay....................................................................48 Map.................................................................................................49

Conway / Fir Island....................................................50 Map.................................................................................................51

La Conner....................................................................52 Map.................................................................................................55

Anacortes/Guemes Island........................................56 Maps.................................................................................. 58, 62, 64

Sedro-Woolley............................................................66 Map.................................................................................................69

Upper Skagit................................................................70 Lyman, Hamilton, Concrete, Rockport, Marblemount, Newhalem and Diablo, Birdsview Map.................................................................................................72

Advertiser Index..................................86 Scan this code with your smartphone to visit us online at skagitvisitor.com!

Welcome to Skagit County!

hether you’re here for a long weekend or looking to put down roots, you’re in a special place that stretches from saltwater beaches on the Salish Sea to snow-capped Cascade peaks. And, of course, the Skagit River, which has defined our region for centuries, runs through it. Our guide can help you discover it all — and help you settle in and enjoy the outstanding quality of life here. Skagit County’s location between Seattle to the south, Vancouver, B.C., to the north, the San Juan Islands to the west and the North Cascade National Park to the east makes it a great place to live, work and play. There are jobs here in traditional and emerging industries and at our busy ports, and we’re just a short commute on Interstate 5 to major employment centers. Housing is affordable and our communities care about their schools. Our mild climate, ample rainfall and fertile soil combine to make agriculture the top industry here. Daffodils start the procession of color in early spring. They’re followed by tulips in April, a great month to visit. Skagit County is world-famous for its tulips and tulip festival. Remember, though, Mother Nature has the last word on bloom times. Strawberries come on strong in June, followed by raspberries and blueberries. Fall brings apples, pumpkins and an

invitation to visit a host of family farms throughout the valley during the Festival of Family Farms. A meandering trip through the valley with stops at roadside stands is a treat spring through fall, and in winter the fields and skies can be full of snow geese and trumpeter swans. The pace is different here, whether you’re at a café in an artistic coastal community like Anacortes, La Conner or Edison, or if you’re in the history-rich downtown of Mount Vernon, Burlington or Sedro-Woolley. Plan to spend more than a day. Check into one of our hotels, quaint inns or rural retreats, and give yourself time for some shopping in old-fashioned downtowns full of unique shops or modern malls and outlet stores with the latest fashions — and bargains. There are art galleries and museums to explore, wineries to visit, and bistros, pubs and restaurants where you can relax after a full day. The theater community is active, and there’s plenty of nightlife, including two vibrant casinos and live music in various establishments. No matter the season, the great outdoors is nearby. Take a day to go whale watching off Fidalgo Island, hiking in the North Cascades or cycling through the Skagit Flats. You will see why we think Skagit County is indeed special. Welcome, and enjoy your stay, whether it’s a day or a lifetime.

editor

Jack Darnton jdarnton@goanacortes.com

Advertising director Mark Dobie mdobie@skagitpublishing.com

Display Advertising Manager Deb Bundy dbundy@skagitpublishing.com

advertising operations manager Sarah Hickman

Writers

Kathy Boyd, Beverly Crichfield, Tahlia Honea, Kimberly Jacobson, Craig Parrish, Whitney Pipkin, Joan Pringle, Trevor Pyle, Vince Richardson, Dan Ruthemeyer, Ralph Schwartz

Photographers

Kimberly Jacobson, Joan Pringle, Scott Terrell, Frank Varga

cover design & layout Patricia Stowell

graphic designers

Katie Erickson, Jody Hendrix, Erika Jennewein, Christina Poisal, Patricia Stowell

Advertising consultants Stephanie Harper sharper@skagitpublishing.com Marcus McCoy mmccoy@skagitpublishing.com Michelle O’Donnell modonnell@skagitpublishing.com Kathy Schultz kschultz@skagitpublishing.com Katie Sundermeyer ksundermeyer@skagitpublishing.com Paul Tinnon ptinnon@skagitpublishing.com John Williams jwilliams@skagitpublishing.com

maps

Fine Edge, Anacortes, WA

Farm & Field A mild climate, ample rainfall and fertile soil combine to make agriculture the top industry in Skagit County â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one you can enjoy firsthand.

any of the small farms dotting the Skagit Valley grow an array of crops and are welcoming to visitors. A growing number of them use organic practices as well. Among the top crops are blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, tulips, daffodils, specialty potatoes, apples and vegetable seeds. More than 90 crops are grown in all â&#x20AC;&#x201D; most of which youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find at roadside stands and farmers markets. Residents and visitors can get a firsthand look at working farms and talk to their owners and managers during the

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

annual Festival of Family Farms in October. The event was launched in 1999 and now attracts 20,000 people. The annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, launched in 1984, is staged during the entire month of April, usually the peak time for tulip blooms. The rainbow-colored fields draw an estimated 300,000 visitors. The most recent census of agriculture in 2007 shows the county was home to 1,215 farms covering 108,541 acres. In 2009 farms here grew more than $263 million worth of produce. skagitvisitor.com

FARMERS MARKETS Anacortes Farmers Market 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, mid-May to mid-October Depot Arts Center, 611 R Ave. Keri Knapp, (360) 293-7922 info@anacortesfarmersmarket.org www.anacortesfarmersmarket.org Features farm produce and garden greens, baked goods, cheeses and eggs, meats, smoked salmon, coffee and tea, crafts, toiletries, yarn and garments — tamales, pizza, hot dogs and Kettle Korn, too. Bow Little Market 1 to 6 p.m. Thursdays, July through September Belfast Feed Store, 6200 N. Green Road Patty Sweaney, (360) 724-3333 bowlittlemarket@yahoo.com blanchardcommunityclub.org/tag/ bow-little-market

j y u ...

Fresh in Summer Frozen all year Homemade Ice Cream Shakes, Shortcake & More _______________________ ORGANIC...

Picnic Tables Self-Guided Tour Flower Baskets

Pumpkin Patch

g tV yF mT u 1 tw d Ot b Open Daily May-Oct.

Hwy 20, 3 Mi East of Rockport (360) 853-8173 skagitvisitor.com

FA RMS ET & MARK

Be r r y Fun! • Strawberries • Blackberries • • Raspberries • Boysenberries • • Blueberries • Tayberries •

U-pick your own or we pre-pick for you Home-baked Goods • Tea • Jams • Fruit Syrups Nursery plants • Ice Cream • Berry Milkshakes & Sundaes!

360-757-8004 Open daily mid-May thru mid-October

sakumamarketstand.com 17790 Cook Road, I-5 take Exit 232 (west on Cook Road)

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

SPRING 2012 FLOWER FIELDS

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

skagitvisitor.com

Visit RoozenGaarde online at www.Tulips.com

Open daily year round!

Use your smart phone to scan this code for

Order fresh cut flowers, shipped overnight, and bulbs at Tulips.com!

Bloom Map &

View our Garden

Directions

Photo album!

RoozenGaarde is a

division of Washington Bulb Co., Inc and the largest grower of tulip, daffodil, and iris bulbs in the United States. In addition to over 1000

acres of flower fields, we also grow fresh cut flowers

year round in our 16 acres of greenhouse space.

Surrounded by hundreds of acres of tulips, daffodils and iris, our garden bursts with color each Spring during the world-renowned Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.

We offer a unique mix of fresh cut flowers, bulbs, home decor, and garden accessories.

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

Over ¼ million bulbs burst into bloom in our beautiful display garden creating a spectacular presentation of natural beauty and color!

The garden is filled with dahlias, lilies, snapdragons, geraniums, marigolds, and more! A perfect location for summer weddings, parties, or simply a family picnic.

Our store is full of the largest and best quality bulbs, while our employees are stocked full of planting and growing advice! Attend one of our FREE weekend planting seminars, or simply come to watch as we design and plant our display garden.

Stop by in Winter to purchase fresh cut tulips, direct from the farm! Our shop will be decorated for the holidays, with a nice assortment of unique gifts for the home and garden.

OPEN YEAR ROUND!

360.424.8531• 15867 Beaver Marsh Rd • Mount Vernon Mon - Sat 9am-6pm • Sun/Holidays 11am-4pm • (Extended hours during the Tulip Festival)

Features produce and wares from backyard producers and small-time crafters, primarily in the Samish Valley area. Consignment produce available from home gardeners. Harvest Market, the fourth Saturday in October, officially ends the season. Manager, Sarai Stevens, saraipost@ hotmail.com Concrete Saturday Market 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, late May to early September Concrete Senior Center, 45821 Railroad St. Ron Rothenbuhler, (360) 856-2093 Pat Horn, (360) 826-4588 concretesaturdaymarket1@gmail.com Features vegetable and herb starts, local produce and fruit, honey, jams, baked goods, annual and perennial plants, handcrafted home and yard products, also live music, bake sales, a picnic area and free coffee.

Island Hospital Farmers Market and Wellness Fest Noon to 3 p.m. Thursdays, June to early September Island Hospital, 1211 24th St., Anacortes Suzie DuPuis, (360) 299-1300, ext. 2567 sdupuis@islandhospital.org Features fresh produce and bread, wellness products and information, cooking demonstrations and samples. Mount Vernon Farmers Market 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, late May to mid-October Skagit River revetment at Gates and Main streets Ron Farrell, (360) 540-4066 mvfarmer1@hotmail.com www.mountvernonfarmersmarket.org Features local and organic veggies, fruits and berries, meats and seafood, cheeses and bread, flowers and plants, crafts and artwork — ready-toeat food and live music, too. Mount Vernon Wednesday Market 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, June through September Skagit Valley Hospital, 1415 Kincaid St. Ron Farrell, (360) 540-4066 mvfarmer1@hotmail.com www.mountvernonfarmersmarket.org Features local and organic veggies, fruits and berries, meats and seafood, cheeses and bread.

Local Ethical Delicious Produce, Groceries, Mercantile and award winning Deli

A community owned natural market since 1973

An enticing selection of common and uncommon plants Vintage Home & Garden Gifts

OPEN DAILY IN DOWNTOWN MOUNT VERNON www.skagitfoodcoop.com 10

Sedro-Woolley Farmers Market 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, mid-May to mid-October Hammer Heritage Square, Ferry and Metcalf streets Gilda Gorr, (360) 724-3835 sedrowoolleyfarmersmarket@gmail.com www.sedrowoolleyfarmersmarket.com Features local produce and seasonal berries, baked goods, organic meat, flowers, honey, coffee beans and handmade soap, art, crafts and garments — hot soup, too

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

www.christiansonsnursery.com 15806 Best Road • Mount Vernon • 360-466-3821

Open Daily

skagitvisitor.com

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

DISPLAY GARDENS

wineries

WSU Discovery Garden The Skagit County Master Gardeners Discovery Garden is open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week at the Washington State University Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center. The gardens showcase shade plants, cool colors, hot colors, Japanese plants, easy care, evergreens, ornamental grass, ground covers, fuchsias, irises, heather, herbs, small fruits and vegetables. WSU Master Gardeners maintain many of the two dozen demonstration gardens within the Discovery Garden and offer programs to inspire and educate the people of all ages. 16650 Highway 536, west of Mount Vernon www.skagit.wsu.edu/MG/discoverygardens.htm; (360) 428-4270

With a climate similar to the Loire Valley of France and the Northern Rhine Valley of Germany, Skagit Valley is home to a growing number of burgeoning wineries. Take a tour and sample some handcrafted wines at the various tasting rooms and you’ll see why Skagit winemakers are excited about the future here. Most of Skagit’s winemakers still import their grapes from eastern Washington growers, but some have begun growing estate varieties in Skagit soil. White wine grapes such as Madeleine Angevine and Siegerrebe are known to grow well in Skagit’s mild climate. Pinot Noir grapes are being grown at an increasing number of area vineyards as well. According to the Skagit Valley Wine Association, www.skagitvalley wineries.com, the county is home to 20 to 30 grape producers and seven wineries, five of which have vineyards. The association reports that the local industry began in 1995 when Pasek Cellars Winery opened in Mount Vernon and produced a few hundred cases a year. These days, more than 25,000 cases of wine are produced in the county.

Washington Bulb Co.’s Roozengaarde Three acres of tulips on display all of April during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Visitors can purchase potted tulips, daffodils and hyacinths in the winter and spring; lilies and irises through the summer and fall; or fresh flowers year-round. The site offers a gift shop, picnic areas, food, espresso and restrooms. 15867 Beaver Marsh Road, west of Mount Vernon www.tulips.com; (360) 424-8531 Skagit Valley Bulb Farm’s Tulip Town Walk through tulip fields or see them from a trolly in April. Visitors also can enjoy an art gallery, children’s activities, gift shops, espresso bar and Tulip Cafe. Take a tour of Tulip Town’s International Tulip Peace Garden to find out how the tulip became the “world’s peace flower.” The site offers a gift shop, where bulbs may be ordered for fall planting. 15002 Bradshaw Road, west of Mount Vernon www.tuliptown.com; (360) 424-8152

CARPENTER CREEK WINERY 20376 E. Hickox Road, Mount Vernon www.carpentercreek.com (360) 848-6673 DIRECTIONS: Take exit 225 off Interstate 5, go east and turn right on Cedardale Road. Turn left on Hickox Road. The winery will be on your right at the end of the road. HOURS: Open for public tastings from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

PROFILE: Carpenter Creek has been producing handcrafted wine from its idyllic location near the Skagit River since 2001. The vineyard is situated on seven acres at the end of a country lane, tucked among fir and cedar groves “just far enough off the beaten path.” The winery produces about 3,000 cases per year. CHALLENGER RIDGE VINEYARD AND CELLARS 43095 Challenger Road, Concrete www.challengerridge.com (360) 853-7360 DIRECTIONS: Take exit 232 off Interstate 5. Head east on Cook Road, east on Highway 20, turn left after mile post 85 — two miles before Concrete — then east on Challenger Road. HOURS: Open for public tastings from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, and by appointment. PROFILE: Challenger Ridge Vineyard and Cellars produces chardonnay, sangiovese, cabernet, syrah, pinot noir, a cabernet-syrah blend, a muscat and a black currant dessert wine. The 13 acres of vineyards are skagitvisitor.com

four parcels planted with pinot noir, and the business also contracts a few acres of grapes in the Yakima and Red Mountain regions. The winery now produces up to 3,000 cases per year and has opened a tasting room in Woodinville. The winery also added a distillery operation in 2011, releasing its first brandy in the fall. EAGLE HAVEN WINERY 8243 Sims Road, Sedro-Woolley www.eaglehavenwinery.com (360) 856-6248 DIRECTIONS: From I-5, take exit 230 at Burlington, turn east onto W. Rio Vista, and follow signs to Highway 20 east. Continue about 4.5 miles east of Sedro-Woolley, turn right onto Sims Road. HOURS: Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, and by appointment.

According to the Skagit Valley Wine Association, the county is home to 20 to 30 grape producers and seven wineries, five of which have vineyards. PROFILE: Eagle Haven Winery began making wines in 2003 and produces four fruit wines and five grape wines, totaling about 1,000 cases annually. The vineyard is surrounded by a 40-acre apple orchard and a native salmon-bearing stream and includes a tasting room and wine garden. This year the winery built an expansive wooden pavilion where it hosts a summer concert series on Friday evenings. The pavilion can be booked for private events as well.

GLACIER PEAK WINERY 58575 Highway 20, Rockport www.glacierpeakwinery.com (360) 873-4073 DIRECTIONS: From I-5, take exit 230 at Burlington, turn west onto W. Rio Vista, and follow signs to Highway 20 east toward Concrete. Travel about 40 miles to milepost 104, just east of Rockport. HOURS: Noon to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends, holidays and by appointment. PROFILE: Established in 2002, Glacier Peak Winery sports five acres that produce the company’s estate wines, including pinot noir, Agria and a German grape called Siegerrebe for white wine. Glacier Peak also produces cabernet sauvignon, syrah and merlot. Annual production is about 750 cases.

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SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

PASEK CELLARS 18729 Fir Island Road, Mount Vernon www.pasekcellars.com (360) 445-4048 DIRECTIONS: From Interstate 5 take exit 221, go west to Conway’s Skagit Barn. HOURS: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily PROFILE: Gene and Kathy Pasek started Pasek Cellars in 1995 and opened a tasting room on Mount Vernon’s First Street in 1997. In 2002, the winery was moved to a larger facility on Old Highway 99 South, just south of downtown Mount Vernon, and the tasting room to Conway in the red Skagit Barn. A longtime favorite is cranberry wine, and other offerings include Arabica coffee dessert wine, blackberry dessert wine, blackberry wine, chardonnay, guava, loganberry, muscat canelli, passion fruit, pineapple, raspberry and syrah port. The winery produces about 15,000 cases per year. SAMISH ISLAND WINERY This small, homegrown winery is not open to the public, but its fare is available at local grocery stores. Owner Gary Lamb produces about 150 cases of fruit wine each year. He buys the fruit from other farmers in the Skagit Valley.

TULIP VALLEY VINEYARD AND ORCHARD 16163 Highway 536 (Memorial Highway), Mount Vernon www.tulipvalley.net (360) 428-6894 DIRECTIONS: Four miles west of Interstate 5 at Mount Vernon on State Route 536 (Memorial Highway), just east of Beaver Marsh Road. HOURS: Spring through Fall: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Closed when snow. PROFILE: Tulip Valley produces red and white table wines from eastern and western Washington grapes, and Red Barn traditional artisan hard ciders from locally grown apples. The wines and ciders are available in the tasting room at the 1920s roofed dairy barn April through December. The wines include chardonnay, riesling, gewurztraminer and sangiovese Saignee Rosé and the ciders include Sweetie Pie, Jonagold, Fire Barrel, Burro Loco and Scrumpy. The winery produces about 2,000 cases per year.

Breweries & Distilleries Anyone looking to taste the local brews in Skagit County have a growing number of options. Mount Vernon added its second brewery, North Sound Brewing Co., last year. A handful of other microbrews are

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SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

scattered across Skagit’s landscape. Most of the breweries are also restaurants and some local pubs serve a selection of locally made beers. A pub crawl in downtown Mount Vernon from Trumpeter Public House to Porterhouse to Empire Ale House is likely to include much of the local fare. The county also has added a few craft distilleries in the past couple years. The first, Golden Distillery, was launched on Samish Island by a pair of retired restaurateurs. It features a selection of brandies and whiskeys made mostly from local products. Challenger Ridge Vineyard and Cellars also added a distillery operation this past year, with its first brandy released in the fall. Skagit River Brewery 404 S. Third St. Mount Vernon Restaurant and brewery Rockfish Grill/ Anacortes Brewery 320 Commercial Ave. Anacortes Restaurant and brewery Birdsview Brewing Co. 38302 Highway 20 Concrete Restaurant and brewery La Conner Brewing Co. 117 First St. La Conner Restaurant and brewery North Sound Brewing Co. 17406 Highway 536 Mount Vernon Tasting room only with snacks Golden Distillery 9746 Samish Island Road Bow Open for tasting 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, or by appointment. www.thegoldendistillery.com

skagitvisitor.com

recreation The great outdoors donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get much greater than what can be found within or slightly beyond the borders of Skagit County.

verything from plying the waters of Puget Sound in a kayak to climbing to the top of 7,740-foot Liberty Bell Mountain in the North Cascades awaits the avid outdoor recreationist. How about casting a line into the salty waters of Puget Sound or into any num-

skagitvisitor.com

ber of freshwater rivers, many of which boast runs of steelhead and salmon? Or climbing into a raft and floating the Skagit River during the summer, then returning in the winter to see bald eagles? In the winter, head to the hills for cross country and backcountry skiing as well as snowmobiling.

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

Whales

Kayaking

Killer whales are one of the biggest draws to the Pacific Northwest. The Southern Resident Orcas spend their summers around the San Juan Islands, and tens of thousands of people enjoy watching them each year, whether from shore or on tour boats. The community is comprised of J, K and L pods with about 88 whales in all. Each whale can grow to 32 feet in length and weigh 18,000 pounds. They can live for up to 90 years. A good place to see the whales is at Lime Kiln State Park, also known as “Whale Watch Park,” on the west side of San Juan Island, 1567 West Side Road. The park has hiking trails and picnic tables. Charter companies leaving out of the Cap Sante Boat Haven in Anacortes take visitors out on the water for a look at the whales.

Kayaking is a great way to get out on the waters of western Skagit County and the nearby San Juan Islands, whether for a quick paddle or a trip lasting several days. Paddlers can enjoy beautiful vistas and see wildlife from a different perspective while gliding quietly along a shoreline or exploring a secluded cove. In Anacortes, businesses such as the Sea Kayak Shop, www.seakayakshop.com, and Anacortes Kayak Tours, www.anacorteskayaktours.com, offer everything from kayak rentals to lessons. A major Northwest kayaking event to watch for is the Deception Pass Dash held each December. Close to 200 kayakers race from Bowman Bay in Deception Pass State Park through the pass as the tide changes from flooding into the inlet waters to ebbing back out to sea. More information can be found at www.rubycreekboathouse.com. The Hole in the Wall Paddling Club is made up of local kayakers from the region who encourage safe kayaking. Visit www.holeinthewallpaddlingclub. org.

• Island Adventures: 1801 Commercial Ave., (800) 465-4604, www. island-adventures.com. • Mystic Sea Charters: 819 Commercial Ave. Suite E; (800) 308-9387; www.mysticseacharters.com. It’s a rare day when your boat doesn’t spot an orca, gray, minke or humpback whale. Ask about guaranteed sightings. The tours serve up more than whales. You’ll see rugged shorelines, historic sites, bald eagle nests, barking seals, chattering cormorants and, in early spring and late summer, golden-skinned stellar sea lions. For regulations about boating near whales, go to www.bewhalewise.org

HIKES Cumberland Creek Interpretive Trail Location: Sedro-Woolley Distance: 2 miles Getting there: From the South Skagit Highway Park and Ride off Route 9 in Sedro-Woolley, take South Skagit Highway 12 miles east. Turn left into the driveway at 34183 South Skagit High-

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

way. Park in front of the locked gate. Notable: This trail was a built as a collaboration between Skagit Land Trust and an Emerson High School environmental science class. The class spent a semester researching Cumberland Creek Conservation Area, then developed the interpretive trail. Evergreen Trail Location: Eight miles east of Concrete Distance: 3 miles Getting there: Take Highway 20 to milepost 96.5, 37 miles east of SedroWoolley. Turn into the day use area of Rockport State Park. Notable: The trail winds its way through a fantastic old-growth forest that is 400 to 600 years old, giving hikers a glimpse of what the Skagit Valley looked like long ago. The trail’s complexion changes with the seasons. Oyster Dome Distance: 6.5 miles Getting there: From I-5, take Highway 11 (Chuckanut Drive) north for 10.2 miles. The trailhead is on the right at milepost 10. Notable: This is a classic hike. The trail twists, turns and climbs (emphasis on climbs) through a portion of the Chuckanut Mountains and ends atop a rocky outcropping where you get spectacular views of the San Juan Islands.

skagitvisitor.com

Goose Rock Perimeter/ Summit trails Location: Near south end of Fidalgo Island Distance: 2.8 miles Getting there: On the south side of Deception Pass bridge, turn into the lot and head down the staircase to the NW Goose Rock Summit Trail trailhead. Notable: Goose Rock is one of the highest points on Whidbey Island. The trail leads to the top, then around the massive chunk of rock. Pomona Grange Park Location: North of Burlington Distance: 1 mile Getting there: I-5 to exit 232 (Cook Road). Turn right on Cook Road. Proceed north at the stoplight on Old Highway 99. In about 3.5 miles, the park will be on the right. If you reach the fish hatchery, you have gone too far. Notable: This is an excellent hike for those of all ages. It’s a short, easy jaunt that enhances one’s understanding of nature by way of 18 interpretive signs highlighting specifics of local plants and trees. Cross Friday Creek and visit the Samish State Fish Hatchery. Skagit River Loop Trail Location: East of Sedro-Woolley Distance: 2.5 miles Getting there: From Highway 20 in Sedro-Woolley, continue east for about 15 miles. Turn south on Lusk

Road and continue for one mile. Turn east on Cape Horn Road and continue for one mile to the entrance to Rasar State Park. Notable: The trail, which is located within Rasar State Park, is situated along the north shore of the Skagit River. The first quarter-mile of the Skagit River Loop Trail is wheelchair accessible.

parks From North Cascades National Park in the east to Deception Pass State Park in the west, there are plenty of parks to explore in Skagit County. And plenty of things to see in them. The North Cascades offer an alpine setting in the spring and summer months — the winter can get a little dicey — while Deception Pass is all about being along Puget Sound. And certainly don’t forget about the three state parks that sit between the two.

park’s boundaries. Notable: One need not leave the car to take in the breathtaking surroundings. Simply drive over Highway 20 and enjoy the scenery as the rugged, snow-capped peaks go by. Deception Pass State Park Location: North end of Whidbey Island. What it offers: Camping, picnicking, sightseeing, boating, paddling, hiking, swimming, fishing, scuba diving, bird watching, beachcombing and bicycling. Why Go? To hike amidst great scenery. There are 36 miles of trails in the park. Notable: The park has 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline on Rosario Strait, Deception Pass and Skagit Bay, and about 28,000 feet of freshwater shoreline along Pass and Cranberry lakes.

MOUNT VERNON

North Cascades National Park Location: Along Highway 20, about 30 miles east of Concrete. What it offers: Hiking, backpacking, camping, climbing, boating, fishing. Why Go? The park offers a full range of camping experiences. Whether your idea of camping is from a car, RV, boat or on a strenous trek into the wilderness, it can be found within the

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360-724-3567

(360) 428-5969 or (800) 599-5969

2200 Freeway Dr., Mount Vernon, WA Take I-5 Exit 227 (College Way). Go west, then north on Freeway Dr. (Across from Walmart) www.TulipInn.net COUPON

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

TRANSPORTATION around the county Skagit Regional Airport www.portofskagit.com (360) 757-0011 Located inside the Bayview Business Park off Highway 20 between Burlington and Anacortes, Skagit Regional Airport is operated by the Port of Skagit County. It sports terminal facilities, aviation fuels, a restaurant (The Kitty Hawk CafĂŠ), aircraft maintenance and related services that include flight instruction.

Concrete Airport www.townofconcrete.com/airport Also known as Mears Field, the airport is a public airfield with private, leased hangars on town-owned lots. The pilots lounge on the field is open to pilots and guests. It is only a half-mile walk from the airport to the businesses in downtown Concrete.

Anacortes Airport www.portofanacortes.com (360) 299-1829 The Anacortes Airport, on the northwest corner of Fidalgo Island, hosts corporate and private aircraft A

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SKAGIT TRANSIT www.skagittransit.org (360) 757-4433â&#x20AC;Ż Skagit Transit provides bus service throughout the county and also offers connector service to Bellingham, Stanwood, Everett and Whidbey Island. The main transfer location for most Skagit Transit routes is at 105 E. Kincaid St. in downtown Mount Vernon. Skagit Transit also offers Dial-ARide service for people whose disabilities and conditions prevent them from traveling on fixed routes.

and also offers space for tenant businesses. San Juan Airplanes (800-8744434) operates several flights a day to the San Juan Islands, Bellingham and other destinations. Charters and scenic flights also are available. Other services include fuel, hangars, tie downs, flight instruction, maintenance and rental car agencies.

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

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WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES www.wsdot.wa.gov (888) 808-7977 Washington State Ferries provides frequent daily passenger and car service from its Anacortes terminal to Orcas Island, Lopez Island, Shaw Island and Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. The terminal is located on Highway 20, a couple miles west of

GUEMES ISLAND FERRY www.skagitcounty.net (360) 293-6433 Skagit County provides ferry service for passengers and vehicles from Anacortes across the Guemes Channel to Guemes Island. The dock is located at Sixth Street and I Avenue. The crossing takes five minutes.

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downtown Anacortes. Ferry service to Sidney, B.C. is also available, except in the winter. Citizens of the United States and Canada need to have either a passport, trusted traveler program card or an enhanced driver’s license to enter or depart the United States by sea.

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AMTRAK www.amtrak.com Amtrak’s Cascades line, which operates between Vancouver, B.C., and Eugene, Ore., stops in downtown Mount Vernon at Skagit Station, 105 E. Kincaid St. The station has a waiting room.

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SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

Rasar State Park Location: Just off Highway 20, 19 miles east of I-5. What it offers: Four miles of hiking trails and a playground in the day-use area. Why Go? Wildlife observation opportunities, especially for eagles. Notable: This old farm site is a 169acre camping park with 4,000 feet of freshwater shoreline on the Skagit River. Rockport State Park Location: Eight miles east of Concrete. What it offers: The 670-acre day useonly park of ancient forest is loaded with big trees — from 250-foot Douglas firs to tall cedars and maples. Why Go? The park is home to one of the best lowland hikes around. The Evergreen Trail takes hikers back 100 years, allowing for a glimpse into Skagit Valley’s past. Notable: Practically every type of fern can be found in the lush understory, along with elderberry and salmonberry bushes. Bay View State Park Location: Along Padilla Bay. What it offers: On a clear day, park users can see the Olympic Mountains to the west and Mount Rainier to the south.

Why Go? The park has 1,285 feet of saltwater shoreline along Joe Hamel Beach. If that doesn’t satisfy your marine appetite, Breazeale Padilla Bay Interpretive Center is a half-mile north of the park. Notable: The park was the home of Pat-Teh-Us, a Noo-Wha-Ah Indian chief and signer of the Point Elliot Treaty.

Fishing Whether your preference is saltwater or freshwater, Skagit County has many fishing opportunities. All five species of salmon — chinook, coho, sockeye, chum and pink — can be compelled to bite in local rivers and bays. Trout species, such as steelhead, rainbow, cutthroat, brown and brook, can be landed in numerous lakes and rivers, while warm-water species, including large and smallmouth bass, perch, crappie and bluegill, can be hooked as well. Numerous alpine lakes dot the landscape of the North Cascades. Just grab the pack rod and day pack and head into the hills. On the marine waters, there are just as many opportunities. Saltwater species include lingcod, halibut and, of course, salmon. Anacortes is a good place to get out on the saltwater in search of salmon, lingcod and halibut. There

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

are several charter services more than willing to lend a hand. Before making a cast into any body of water, be sure to check the state’s regulations. The thick pamphlet detailing the regulations, titled “Fishing in Washington,” can be picked up free at most sporting goods stores. Anglers 15 and older need a license to fish in Washington. There are numerous types of licenses; be sure to purchase the one that best fits your needs. Visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Web site at www. wdfw.wa.gov often to check for emergency closures, etc. Here are some fishing hot spots. Check the latest regulation pamphlet for season, size, catch, limit and gear restrictions. Species and solid fishing months with runs are listed below. Skagit River • Chinook: July-August • Winter steelhead: December-April • Summer steelhead: June-November • Coho: September-November • Chum: October-November • Pink: August-September (Pink salmon return in odd-numbered years.) • Sockeye: July • Sea-run cutthroat: August-October Samish River • Chinook: August-October • Chum: October-November • Coho: September-November • Winter steelhead: December-March • Sea-run cutthroat: August-October Pass Lake: Open year-round to fly fishing, this catch-and-release lake can be fished successfully day or night and is a trophy trout producer. Large rainbow and brown trout prowl the waters. Pass Lake is usually excellent in early spring and late fall for fish averaging 15 inches, with some cracking the 28-inch mark.

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Big Lake: Open year-round, this large lake is great for pan fish such as largemouth bass, crappie and yellow perch. Fishing tends to be best during the spring and summer months when warmer water livens up the fish. Campbell Lake: Open year-round and stocked annually with cutthroat, the lake is known more for its warmwater species than its trout. Spring and summer are the best time to hook largemouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie and bullhead catfish. Clear Lake: Open year-round, fish lucky enough to have survived the summer will be even larger. Look to hook rainbow, cutthroat, largemouth bass and yellow perch. Lake Shannon: Best fished by boat, Lake Shannon offers excellent kokanee fishing. Chumming is permitted. Check regs for seasons.

Cycling From the Skagit Flats to mountain passes in the North Cascades, cyclists have plenty of options when riding around Skagit County. Make sure to pick up a Skagit County Bike Map at the local chambers of commerce. For cyclists in search of long stretches of open road, the Skagit Flats is the place to put rubber to pavement. The area is a haven for numerous bird species. Migrating snow geese and tundra and trumpeter swans winter over in the valley. In the southern half of the flats, roads meander through 35 miles of farmland and dike districts. If climbing is more your style, pedal east into the North Cascades and have a ride to remember as you venture over 5,477-foot Washington Pass. With craggy terrain, steep climbs and hairpin turns, this route is a test of endurance. But once you’re over the pass, it’s basically all downhill to Winthrop. skagitvisitor.com

Cycling Events 31st annual Tulip Pedal April 21 La Conner www.skagitems.com 22nd annual Skagit Spring Classic May 12 Burlington www.skagitbicycleclub.org 2012 Bike MS Ride Sept. 8-9 Mount Vernon http://bikewas.nationalmssociety.org/

Mountain Bike Routes Cascade Trail Location: Sedro-Woolley Distance: 22.5 miles Getting there: Numerous places to park along Highway 20. Notable: A rails-to-trails effort, the Cascade Trail runs from Sedro-Woolley to Concrete. Northern State Recreation Area Location: Sedro-Woolley Distance: 4 miles Getting there: North of Highway 20 on Helmick Road east of SedroWoolley Notable: Trail is on the grounds of what was once the farming operations at Northern State Hospital. Pass historic buildings and cruise along-

side Hansen Creek. Pedal through massive meadows and thick forest. Port of Skagit Trails Location: Burlington Distance: 10.2 miles Getting there: Parking is available at the corner of Ovenell Road and Higgins Airport Way, or the corner of Josh Wilson Road and Higgins Airport Way. Notable: Gravel trail system runs through a chunk of Port of Skagit property. It winds through forest, along roadways and around wetlands. Little Mountain Location: Mount Vernon Distance: 10 miles Getting there: The trail is at Little Mountain Park. Notable: This new system of trails crosses the flanks of Little Mountain. Trails lead from the park entrance to the park’s summit. Look for trails such as La-Z-Boy, Surfer’s Way, Huff-N-Puff and Sidewinder. Anacortes Community Forest Lands Location: Anacortes Distance: 50 miles Getting there: The 2,800 acres are in the center of Anacortes. Notable: This is a large network of easy to moderate trails. Included in the area are numerous lakes as well as Mount Erie and Sugarloaf Mountain. Maps are available through Anacortes Parks and Recreation.

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

Skagit Golf & Country Club Burlington Holes: 18 Length: 6,063 yards Public/Private: Private 16701 Country Club Drive (360) 757-0530 www.skagitgolfclub.com

Skagit County’s six courses offer golfers all kinds of scenery, from Puget Sound to the wooded areas typically associated with Northwest Washington. Eaglemont Golf Course Mount Vernon Holes: 18 Length: 7,006 yards Public/Private: Public 4127 Eaglemont Drive (360) 424-0800 www.eaglemontgolf.com

Golfing

Avalon Golf Links Burlington Holes: 27 Length: 10,080 yards Public/Private: Public 19345 Kelleher Road (360) 757-1900 www.avalonlinks.com

A 5th Generation Family Farm Visit the Largest Hedge Maze in North America! A farm themed Maze that will educate, exercise and challenge young and old! • Our Own Fresh Berries All Summer • Northwest Gourmet Products • Holiday Christmas Trees, 4 Varieties Grown Behind “The Barn” • 14 Varieties of Hand-Made Pies • Hand-Dipped Hard Ice Cream Cones

360-466-1923

14285 La Conner-Whitney Rd. Mount Vernon For Seasonal Hours & Directions, scan code or visit:

FunAtTheBerryBarn.com

Find us on Facebook

DESSERT, DIP & BREAD MIXES, COOKIES, ICE CREAM, BREAD, PASTA

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

Overlook Golf Course Mount Vernon Holes: 9 Length: 2,213 yards Public/Private: Public 17523 Highway 9 (360) 422-6444

BREAD DIP, GRILLING SAUCES, PESTO, POPCORN, COFFEE & PIES

GOURMET SOUP MIXES, PASTA SALAD KITS, JAM, LOCAL HONEY

There are plenty of options for golfers in Skagit County. You want to sneak in a quick nine holes? You can do that. You’ve got a little extra time and want to play 27? You can do that, too.

Similk Golf Course Anacortes Holes: 18 Length: 6,200 yards Public/Private: Public 12518 Christianson Road (360) 293-3444

Gateway Golf Course Sedro-Woolley Holes: 9 Length: 2,309 yards Public/Private: Public 1288 Fruitdale Road (360) 873-8261

Birding The Skagit Valley is a bird watcher’s paradise in winter, when thousands of snow geese and swans visit. Farther east are an abundance of eagles. The Skagit Audubon Society’s list of recommended sites includes: • Samish Flats, Padilla Bay and Alice Bay. Best fall to spring. Many raptors, waterfowl and passerines. • Skagit Flats on Fir Island. Best fall to spring. It is a good place to see snow geese, trumpeter and tundra swans and raptors. • Skagit Bay-Skagit Wildlife Area. There are plenty of species to see in the Wylie Slough Area, the Jensen Access and the North Fork Access. • Washington Park outside Anacortes. Best fall through spring. This is a great spot for seabird watching. • Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve on Padilla Bay. skagitvisitor.com

Skagit Skagit County County Events Skagit County culture throughout the Northwest region, festival organizers say. Over the past 20 years, the festival has awarded more than $500,000 in grants and scholarships to artists and art organizations. (360) 293-6211 www.anacortesartsfestival.com

ANACORTES WATERFRONT FESTIVAL Visitors to Anacortes can enjoy a taste of the city’s rich marine heritage and culture during the free two-day Waterfront Festival on June 2-3. Events include a quick-and-dirty boatbuilding competition and race, a model and radio-controlled boat parade, kids’ wooden boat building, musical entertainment, plenty of vendors hawking marine gear, free boat rides, a marine swap meet and more. Dive into the waterfront experience at the gala dinner the Friday night before the festival weekend. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased through the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce office. www.anacortes.org/wff/ SHIPWRECK DAY Old furniture, clothes, lamps, boat gear, tools — you name it — can be found during the annual Shipwreck Day giant swap meet and sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 14 along several blocks of Commercial Avenue in Anacortes. The event is celebrating its 30th skagitvisitor.com

year. From dawn until late in the afternoon, vendors will hawk a variety of “treasures.” Admission is free. www.fidalgorotary.org ANACORTES ARTS FESTIVAL One of the Pacific Northwest’s premier arts events, the Anacortes Arts Festival is gearing up for its 51st celebration of the arts with another lineup of fine art, crafts, music, art demonstrations and more Aug. 3-5 in downtown Anacortes. The festival that started in 1962 as a showcase of local art has grown through the years to include a prestigious art show, a fine art opening event at the Port of Anacortes warehouse and more than 250 juried artisan booths from around the region, offering a wide variety of arts and crafts along six blocks of Commercial Avenue. In recent years, the festival has added an “experience art” showcase that allows visitors to watch an array of art mediums being produced. The event not only adds color and spice to the city’s summertime offerings, but serves to encourage art and

OYSTER RUN Follow the rumble and thunder on the fourth Sunday in September to downtown Anacortes, where between 10,000 and 15,000 people and thousands of motorcycles gather during the Oyster Run Motorcycle Rally. It’s a motorcyclists’ dream, with every make and model of motorcycle represented — from refurbished antique Indians to the newest Harleys and Suzukis. This year’s event is Sept. 23. It’s part touring and part gathering. Motorcyclists ride in their best leathers along scenic back roads west to Anacortes, often stopping along the way to enjoy some local oysters. The free downtown event includes motorcycle vendors, musical entertainment and an offering of local culinary favorites, including succulent oysters prepared by restaurants and vendors. www.oysterrun.org

BURLINGTON HARVEST FESTIVAL AND PUMPKIN PITCH Pumpkins away! Put your trebuchets and catapults together and see if you have what it takes to hit the mark during this year’s Burlington Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Pitch on Sept. 29 at Skagit River Park in Burlington. Each fall, a few creative groups get together to design and construct a device to hurl a gourd and hit targets. The team that comes closest to the marks wins. While the teams are setting up, kids can build small cars out of zucchinis and play games. www.ci.burlington.wa.us

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

Skagit County BERRY DAIRY DAYS A nod to Burlington’s agricultural heritage, Berry Dairy Days is one of the oldest and sweetest festivals in Skagit County. The family-friendly event established in 1937 by the Burlington Fire Department continues for its 75th year June 14-17. Be sure to stop at one of the booths around town to sample the luscious strawberry shortcake served up by the BurlingtonEdison High School cheerleaders. The event kicks off Friday with the Kiwanis Salmon Barbecue at Skagit River Park, followed by the famous Haggen Tractor Parade at 7:30 p.m., musical entertainment and a fantastic fireworks display at dusk over the water at Skagit River Park. Activities continue Saturday with the 2-Mile and 10K Road Run, the Costco Grand Parade down Fairhaven Avenue and a fun-filled festival with plenty of barbecued salmon, vendors, pony rides, inflatable games, live music and children’s activities at Maiben Park. Sunday is all about the show and shine, during the Berry Cool Car Show, featuring between 150 and 200 automobiles of all makes and models decked out in their finest. Most of the events are free; others cost money to participate. (360) 755-9649 www.ci.burlington.wa.us

Events Skagit County CONCRETE CONCRETE FLY-IN Interested in planes? Then Concrete has the event for you — the annual Concrete Fly-in July 20-21 at the Concrete Airport. Each year, more than 200 planes, many of them antiques, and pilots from as far away as Canada and California converge on Concrete to show off their aircraft and enjoy a weekend of live music, food and comaradarie. The event typically attracts 1,300 visitors. (360) 853-8767 www.concrete-wa.com GHOST WALK/ FALL COLOR FESTIVAL Some say Concrete’s ghosts still haunt the town’s historic buildings and alleys. Visitors can see for themselves, and get an inside glimpse of the town’s colorful past during the annual Ghost Walk starting at 8 p.m. Saturdays in October. Take the scenic route east on the Old Cascades Highway to Concrete and then enjoy an evening tour of some of the town’s historic sites, guided by local historians dressed in period clothing. Find out more about Concrete and decide for yourself whether there are ghosts still lurking.

19th Annual World’s Biggest Garage Sale, Antiques & More

Skagit County Fair, “Hometown Fun with a Homegrown Feel!”

Event Location: 1410 Virginia Street, Mt Vernon, WA Dates: April 13 & 14, 2012 Office Location: 315 S. Third St, Mt Vernon, WA Website: www.skagitcounty.net/fairgrounds

Event Location: 1410 Virginia Street, Mt Vernon, WA Dates: August 8-11, 2012 Office Location: 315 S. Third St, Mt Vernon, WA Website: www.skagitcounty.net/fair

1410 Virginia Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 Email: fairgrounds@co.skagit.wa.us

360-336-9414

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

If you’re interested in making the ghost walk part of a relaxing fall weekend getaway, drive the “magic 30 miles” east of Sedro-Woolley along the North Cascades Highway to Concrete, take in some spectacular fall colors and stop in at the local wineries for a taste of eastern Skagit County’s bounty and harvest activities during Concrete’s Fall Color Festival, Oct. 6-14. (360) 853-8767 www.concrete-wa.com

La Conner ART’S ALIVE! Get a glimpse of art in the making during one of Skagit County’s premier art gatherings, Art’s Alive! on Nov. 2-4 in La Conner. Art’s Alive! has morphed through the years from a festival highlighting a rich tapestry of artwork from local renowned artists, including Charles Krafft, Philip McCracken, Robert Sund and Max Benajamin, to a gathering of thousands of regional artists showing off their works and demonstrating their crafts on the street and in local businesses in downtown La Conner. Check out some of the best regional art during the Invitational Art Exhibition and Open Show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Maple Hall, and a new Emerging Artist Exhibit. An artist’s reception featuring Georgia Gerber will be held Friday evening from 5 to 8 at Maple Hall. And, as always, enjoy steaming hot chowder cooked up by local restaurants that compete for the best recipe during the Chowder by the Channel fundraising event hosted by the Kiwanis on Saturday afternoon at the La Conner Middle School. The artist’s reception costs $5; admission to exhibits is free. (360) 466-4778, (888) 642-9284 www.laconnerchamber.com.

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Skagit Skagit County County Events Skagit County Mount vernon SKAGIT VALLEY HIGHLAND GAMES The wail of the bagpipes, thump of the drums, high-stepping Highland dancing and colorful tartans — it’s time for the annual “Scottish 3-ring circus” of the Skagit Valley Highland Games July 14-15 at Edgewater Park in Mount Vernon. There’s plenty of the Scottish to celebrate in this part of an annual circuit of Highland competitions held in the Pacific Northwest and Lower Mainland of British Columbia. Enjoy world-class bagpipe, drumming and Highland dance competitions; Highland athletic contests, including the famous caber and sheaf-toss; sheepdog and flyball trials; a gathering of the clans; Scottish country dancing demonstrations; arts, crafts, topnotch musical entertainment, a beer garden and a sampling of Highland food, all against the backdrop of the Skagit River. The event often draws more than 10,000 people from across the United States, Canada, Scotland, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia. One-day or weekend passes are available. (360) 416-4934, (888) 416-4934 www.celticarts.org

SEDRO-WOOLLEY BLAST FROM THE PAST It’s back to the good ol’ days of family fun and fare during the annual Blast From the Past June 1-3 in downtown Sedro-Woolley. Visitors can celebrate the warmer weather with festivities that include some local shopping and a sidewalk sale, arts, crafts and food from more than 50 vendors, a breakfast, an open house at the Sedro-Woolley Museum and a large car show of vehicles of every make and model. It’s all family fun, with hula hoop, jump rope and pie-eating contests skagitvisitor.com

on Saturday and other family-friendly activities and games on Sunday. The event is free. (360) 855-1841 www.sedro-woolley.com CASCADE DAYS Concrete’s late-summer downtown festival (Aug. 18-19) includes a parade, logger competition, car show, a fireman’s muster, music, activities for kids, music and more. There’s also a chili cook-off contest, pie- and watermelon-eating contests, pet shows, a bed race and chain saw carving exhibitions. (360) 853-7867 www.cascadedays.com LOGGERODEO Sedro-Woolley’s trademark celebration of its logging history has combined with its love of equestrian pursuits for 75 years. Something unique seems to happen every year, such as the Beard and Whisker Contest in 2009. It’s anyone’s guess what will pop up this summer in the 76th annual Loggerodeo festivities, an event always held the last days of June and first few days of July. One of the prime attractions is the carnival, which generally stays in town for the better part of a week in a spacious location at Riverfront Park at the south edge of town. Visitors can stop along the way at the rodeo grounds on Polte Road, peek in at the old car show off Township Street, or shop at the craft bazaar in the park. Downtown, folks participate in the street dance and live music at Hammer Heritage Square, visit the chainsaw carving and logging demonstrations and watch the kiddie and grand parades. A tour of the Sedro-Woolley Museum, across from the old City Hall on Murdock Street, is a quieter way to learn a bit about the area’s early history.

And what’s a Fourth of July celebration without fireworks? The annual display is at Riverfront Park. Then there’s the Pro West Rodeo, with bareback riding, barrel racing and more. Since this year’s schedule of events likely won’t be finalized until spring 2012, visitors can go online to the City of Sedro-Woolley’s Web site, www.ci.sedro-woolley.wa.us, and click on the link to Loggerodeo, or call (360) 770-8452. FOUNDERS DAY Sedro-Woolley celebrates its wild and whoopin’-it-up wooly past with a re-enactment of a famous robbery, games, a museum open house and an honoring of one of its pioneering families during its annual Founders Day event the second weekend in September. The event kicks off in the morning with a community breakfast served up at the Sedro-Woolley Community Center. Then visitors can watch the heart-pounding action of a shootout by “bandits” in early 20th-century cowboy gear and guns re-enacting the October 1914 robbery of the Sedro-Woolley First National Bank downtown. The historic Sedro-Woolley Museum opens its doors to visitors and holds a ceremony to honor a chosen pioneer family that helped shape the city into what it is today. Sunday’s events include a giant car show with every make and model on display, and a community picnic from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (360) 855-1841 visit www.sedro-woolley.com

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

Skagit County COUNTY-WIDE FESTIVALS SKAGIT COUNTY FAIR Skagit County celebrates its balmy summer and agricultural heritage with farm animals, music, a carnival, arts, crafts and more at the Skagit County Fair Aug. 8-11. The 115th fair is the highlight of the summer season. Local 4-H and Future Farmers of America students from across the region demonstrate their talents by competing for ribbons with their livestock, and providing a little public education about their animals. Eager students show everything from chickens, pigs, goats, rabbits and dogs to llamas, horses, sheep, cattle and cats. Check out other displays of photographs, paintings, flowers, canned goods, colorful and creative quilts from award-winning regional quilters, fruits, vegetables and more. Fairgoers also flock to the four-day event for the carnival. And, of course, there’s nothing like the fair food — corn dogs, elephant ears, fries, barbecue and more from local vendors. Other vendors sell everything from arts and crafts to jewelry, soaps, clothing and small gifts. Local businesses also are on hand to show off their products and talk about their services, while regional and local musicians and performers take the stage for family-friendly entertainment. Admission to the fair is $7 for adults and $6 for seniors and youth (6-16). Children under 5 are free. Family pass (two adults and two children) is $20. On Wednesday, Aug. 8 admission is $3 until 3 p.m. A $5 advance ticket good for any one day is available online or at the fair office. www.skagitcounty.net SKAGIT VALLEY TULIP FESTIVAL Nothing defines the Skagit Valley like its explosively colorful bloom of

Events Skagit County tulips. To celebrate the beauty of this magnificent flower, the valley is again welcoming visitors throughout April for its 28th annual Tulip Festival. The Tulip Festival has become one of the biggest regional events around, attracting between 300,000 and 400,000 visitors to view between 400 and 700 acres of tulips primarily grown by two longstanding tulip families, the Roozens of RoozenGaarde and the DeGoedes of Tulip Town. It’s a month-long tourism powerhouse with a list of activities to please the whole family. Local businesses open their doors to showcase their products, including homemade cheese, wine and oysters. Visitors can enjoy art of the tulips during several themed art shows. Special events during the festival include the Tulip Festival Street Fair in downtown Mount Vernon; the Tulip Pedal 20-, 40- or 60-mile bicycle ride; the Kiwanis Salmon Barbecue that’s served up daily at Hillcrest Park in Mount Vernon; the “Antiques Safari” antiques appraisal event at the Cascade Mall in Burlington; and most recently, a new crowd-pleaser, the Battle of the Bands competition from noon to 4 p.m. every Saturday in April. Tulip time also coincides with the Skagit Tulip Fly-In and Airshow at the Skagit Regional Airport. Visitors can check out a variety of aircraft and take flights. This year, the Tulip Festival, Northwest Agricultural Business Center and Washington State University are hosting the prestigious World Tulip Summit, the first of its kind held in the United States since its reestablishment. You can also learn a little about the history of tulips at the International Tulip Peace Garden at

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

Tulip Town. Many events are free; others include a price for admission. (360) 428-5959 www.tulipfestival.org SKAGIT VALLEY FESTIVAL OF FAMILY FARMS The best time to go farm hopping is the first weekend in October during the annual Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms. Working farms of all sorts are winding down from the hectic growing and harvesting season. They are eager to show visitors just what they do. From a cattle ranch in Concrete and alpaca farmers in Sedro-Woolley to shellfish growers in Bow and berry and produce farmers in Mount Vernon and Burlington, tour participants can gain a fair comprehension of the time, energy and effort our area farmers expend to keep the rest of us well nourished. Activities at participating farms aim to keep the kids engaged, too. Youngsters can race crabs or veggie cars, milk an artificial cow (and pet a real one!), get lost in a corn maze, build a scarecrow or ride a pony. Meantime, mom and dad can sample the apple cider, eat barbecued oysters or corn on the cob, or pick out a pumpkin for Halloween. (360) 421-4729 www.festivaloffamilyfarms.com

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2012

Calendar JANUARY 17 SKAGIT EAGLE FESTIVAL

(Rockport/Concrete): Enjoy four weekends of music, entertainment, workshops, discussions and a viewing of the majestic birds. www.concrete-wa.com Jan. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-29

FEBRUARY 18 MARDI GRAS PARADE

(Concrete): Enjoy a taste of the Canjun in Concrete with music, food, a parade and more. www.concrete-wa.com

25 LA CONNER ROTARY CLUB

SMELT DERBY (La Conner): Pancake breakfast, fishing derby and fishing contest, raffle, 5K and 10K Smelt Run/Walk, 2-mile family walk, live music and more. Starts at 8 a.m. www.laconnerchamber.com

(La Conner): Features selected artists selling handcrafted clothing, wearable art and home accessories, at the Museum of Northwest Art, 121 First St. www.museumofnwart.org

(Sedro-Woolley): High school students from the woodworking program highlight their skills and compete for prizes. www.sedro-woolley.com March 31-April 1

APRIL 01 SKAGIT VALLEY

skagitvisitor.com

06 EGG DASH

(Anacortes): Kids hunt for hundreds of plastic Easter eggs at Storvik Park in the dark during the evening event. www.cityofanacortes.org/parks. asp

07 KIWANIS EGG HUNT

IN THE PARK (Burlington): 10 a.m. at Maiben Park. Hunt for more than 4,000 eggs filled with candy and toys. For ages 1-8. www.ci.burlington.wa.us.parks department.com

31 WOOD FEST

BURLINGTON DOWNTOWN ART WALK (Burlington): Art on display at various locations downtown. www.ci.burlington.wa.us/page. asp_Q_navigationid_E_24007

07 EASTER EGG HUNT

MARCH 17 MONA STYLE

local agricultural products, selfguided bicycle tours, a fly-in at the local airport and more. www.tulipfestial.org April 1-30

TULIP FESTIVAL (Skagit County): Wine-tasting, viewing of the tulip fields, music, a street fair, tours of local businesses that highlight

(Sedro-Woolley): Hunt for candy and eggs hidden in Riverfront Park starting at 1 p.m. www.sedro-woolley.com

07 HISTORIC HOME TOUR

(La Conner): 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tour eight vintage homes in the La Conner area. www.laconnerchamber.com

07 EASTER EGG HUNT

(La Conner): By the La Conner Fire Department, begins at 10 a.m. in Pioneer Park. For ages 12 and younger. www.laconnerchamber.com

08 LIONS CLUB

EASTER EGG HUNT (Anacortes): Children ages 212 hunt for eggs at Causland Memorial Park. Visits from the Easter Bunny. www.anacorteswa.lionwap.org

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

Calendar 14 ANACORTES SPRING

WINE FESTIVAL (Anacortes): Noon to 4:30 p.m., at the Port of Anacortes warehouse. Features 30 wineries and six restaurants from Anacortes. www.anacortes.org or www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/93238

14 TULIP FROLIC

AND PARADE (La Conner): Live music, Kids’ Zone fun, parade at 2 p.m. www.tulipfestival.org

20 TULIP FESTIVAL

STREET FAIR (Mount Vernon): Arts and crafts, food, music and more in downtown Mount Vernon. www.mountvernondowntown.org April 20-22

20 GARDEN AND GIFT FAIR

(Burlington): Plants, garden items, jewelry, photography, food and more at the Burlington Parks and Recreation Center, 900 E. Fairhaven Ave. www.ci.burlingtonwa.us/page. asp_Q_navigationid_E_240 April 20-21

MAY 05 KIDS’ FISHING DERBY

(Sedro-Woolley): For ages 14 and younger, at Northern State Pond just outside of SedroWoolley. Bring your own bait and gear. www.sedro-woolley.com

05 OPENING DAY BOAT

PARADE (La Conner): 3 p.m. on the Swinomish Channel. Boats parade along the channel to kick off the boating season. www.swinomishyachtclub.org

17 SKAGIT RIVER

2012 16 FATHER’S DAY

POETRY FESTIVAL (La Conner): Three days of readings, workshops and panels with nationally and regionally known poets and writers. www.skagitriverpoetry.org May 17-19

JUNE 01 BLAST FROM THE PAST

FESTIVAL (Anacortes): Carnival, food booths and beer tent, live music, salmon dinner at St. Mary Catholic Church. www.anacortes.org June 15-17

(Sedro-Woolley): Downtown sidewalk sale, hula hoop, jump rope and pie-eating contests, games, music, car show, quilt show and more. www.sedro-woolley.com June 1-3

02 WATERFRONT FESTIVAL

(Anacortes): Boat-building competition and races, kids’ wooden boat building, music, vendors and more along Anacortes’ waterfront. www.anacortes.org June 2-3

02 SKATEFEST (Anacortes):

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ben Root Skate Park. Three levels of skate boarding competition offered. nicolej@cityofanacortes.org

09 BARK IN THE PARK

(Anacortes): 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Storvik Park. Includes pet parade, costume contests, vendors and more. www.cityofanacortes.org

16 MONA ART AUCTION

(La Conner): Largest fundraiser for the Museum of Northwest Art features the works of more than 300 artists. Auction preview open to ticket holders and guests on Friday and Saturday. (360) 466-4446, ext. 112 www.museumofnwart.org June 15-16

BOAT SHOW (La Conner): View boats at “F” dock, a swap meet, hot dogs and a raffle. www.laconnerchamber.com June 16-17

15 ST. MERRY’S MERRY

15 BERRY DAIRY DAYS

(Burlington): A nod to the city’s agricultural history, event includes salmon barbecue, shortcake at booths around town, fireworks display over the Skagit River, music, a festival of fun at Maiben Park, tractor parade, 10K Road Run, car show and Grand Parade down Fairhaven Avenue. (360) 755-9649 www.ci.burlington.wa.us June 14-17

30 LOGGERODEO

(Sedro-Woolley): SedroWoolley’s trademark Fourth of July celebration and celebration of its logging history includes a carnival, chain-saw carving and logging demonstrations, kiddie and grand parades, an old car show, craft bazaar, fireworks and rodeo. (360) 770-8452 www.ci.sedro-woolley.wa.us June 30-July 4

JULY 04 JULY 4 CELEBRATION

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

(Anacortes): Begins with a town portrait at 10 a.m. in downtown Anacortes. Parade at 11 a.m., patriotic program at Causland Park, fireworks over Fidalgo Bay at dusk. (360) 588-1108

skagitvisitor.com

2012 04 PARADE AND FIREWORKS

OVER THE CHANNEL (La Conner): Fourth of July parade, community picnic at 12:30 p.m., games, fireworks over Swinomish Channel at 10:15 p.m. www.laconnerchamber.com

04 FOURTH OF JULY

Calendar 22 NORTH CASCADES

FLY-IN (Concrete): More than 200 planes from as far away as Canada and California converge on Concrete. Live music, food, films and more. July 22-24

21 CEMENT CITY STREET FAIR

PARADE AND PICNIC (Concrete): The celebration includes music, food, parade and other fun. www.concrete-wa.com

(Concrete): Enjoy music, healthy local food, arts, crafts, a poetry festival and more in “uptown” Concrete. www.concrete-wa.com

14 SKAGIT VALLEY

HIGHLAND GAMES AND CELTIC FESTIVAL (Mount Vernon): Highland spirit with a weekend of piping, dancing and drumming competitions, country dancing, a gathering of the clans, Highland athletic competitons, sheepdog trials, crafts, music, food and a beer garden. Bring your kilt. (360) 416-4934 or (888) 416-4934 www.celticarts.org July 14-15

14 SHIPWRECK DAY

(Anacortes): 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Commercial Avenue, between Third and 10th streets. Find your treasures at this citywide flea market. www.fidalgorotary.org

14 KIDS-R-BEST FEST

(Anacortes): 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Storvik Park. Games, activities, live entertainment, food, prizes and more. www.anacortes.org.

14 SKAGIT ARTISTS

TOGETHER STUDIO TOUR: Glimpse the creative process of artists as they demonstrate in their studios across Skagit County, and enjoy art shows at several local galleries. www.skagitartiststogether.com July 14-15

skagitvisitor.com

28 PACIFIC NORTHWEST

POLO GOVERNOR’S CUP (La Conner): Divot stomping, tailgate party, polo game. (258) 732-3111 July 28-29

08 SKAGIT COUNTY FAIR

(Mount Vernon): Celebrate the county’s agricultural heritage with farm animal showings, a carnival, craft and hobby displays, vendor booths, music, entertainment and more. www.skagitcounty.net Aug. 8-11

11 LA CONNER CLASSIC

YACHT AND CAR SHOW (La Conner): A viewing of antique cars and yachts, a pancake breakfast, vendor booths and kids’ activities. www.laconnerchamber.com

18 CASCADE DAYS

28 Bite of Skagit

(Mount Vernon): Sample cuisine served up by restaurants across Skagit County. www.biteofskagit.org

27 SIDEWALK SALE

(Mount Vernon): Enjoy perusing items from downtown merchants, arts and crafts vendors, food and more. www.mountvernondowntown.org

AUGUST 02 PIONEER PICNIC

(La Conner): Salmon barbecue at 11:30 a.m., music, honoring of pioneer family to celebrate the area’s pioneer heritage. (360) 466-4583

03 ANACORTES

ARTS FESTIVAL (Anacortes): One of the Northwest’s premier arts events, includes more than 250 juried artists showing their works downtown, music, art demonstrations, culinary art, youth activities, prestigious art show and fine art opening. (360) 293-6211 www.anacortesartsfestival.com Aug. 3-5

(Concrete): Enjoy a firemen’s muster, parade, logging demonstration, food, music and more at this summer celebration. (360) 853-8233 Aug. 18-19

25 WORKBOAT RACES

AND PIRATE FAIRE (Anacortes): Maritime treasure swap meet, model boats, clam chowder contest, pirate contests and workboat races in three classifications. www.anacortesworkboatraces.com

SEPTEMBER 08 ANACORTES ANTIQUE

ENGINE & MACHINERY SHOW (Anacortes): 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the corner of Market Street and T Avenue near the W.T. Preston snagboat. Show of antique engines and other equipment. (360) 293-1915

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

Calendar 08 FOUNDERS DAY

(Sedro-Woolley): SedroWoolley celebrates its wild and whoopin’-it-up woolley past with a re-enactment of a famous robbery, games, a museum open house and an honoring of one of its pioneering families. (360) 855-2390 www.sedro-woolley.com Sept. 8-9

22 MOUNT VERNON

FALL FESTIVAL (Mount Vernon): Enjoy a farmers market, food, vendors, music and more all day in downtown Mount Vernon. www.mountvernondowntown.org

23 THE OYSTER RUN

MOTORCYCLE RALLY (Anacortes): Thousands of motorcycles converge on downtown Anacortes to enjoy food, music and bike viewing. (360) 671-7575 www.oysterrun.org

29 BURLINGTON

HARVEST FESTIVAL (Burlington): Watch as trebuchets hurl pumpkins across Skagit River Park. Enjoy zucchini car racing and kids’ games. www.burlington-chamber.com/ events/harvest-festival

OCTOBER 05 LA CONNER QUILT

FESTIVAL (La Conner): Exhibits of hundreds of quilts, workshops, vendors and more. www.laconnerquilts.com Oct. 5-7

05 OKTOBERFEST

(Anacortes): Sample locally made beer from breweries and enoy music, food and more during this fall festival at the Port of Anacortes warehouse. (360) 293-7911 www.anacortes.org Oct. 5-6

2012

06 FESTIVAL OF FAMiLY FARMS 25 CHRISTMAS PARADE Visit Skagit County farms and sample shellfish, beef, berries, produce, milk, cider and more, while enjoying activities. www.festivaloffamilyfarms.com Oct. 6-7

06 CONCRETE GHOST WALK

(Concrete): Peruse some of Concrete’s most haunted locations, while learning some of its history, too. www.concrete-wa.com Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27

13 FALL COLOR FESTIVAL

(Concrete): Enjoy music and entertainment — and a view of the local fall colors — near Concrete. www.concrete-wa.com Oct. 13-14

31 HALLOWEEN

IN SEDRO-WOOLLEY Kiddies’ parade at 5 p.m., trickor-treating and more. www.sedro-woolley.com

DECEMBER 01 THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS

(Sedro-Woolley): Train and pony rides for kids, cider, giant Christmas tree lighting and Santa parade in downtown Sedro-Woolley. www.sedro-woolley.com

06 TREE LIGHTING

AND FAMILY SKATE NIGHT (Burlington): Enjoy a tree lighting downtown at 6 p.m., then head to Skagit Skate and take pictures with Santa. www.ci.burlington.wa.us

07 CHRISTMAS TREE

31 TRICK-OR-TREAT

(Mount Vernon): Trick-or-treating at downtown stores, costume contest at the Lincoln Theatre and more. www.mountvernondowntown.org

(Anacortes): Trick-or-treating at downtown stores. Check www.anacortes.org to confirm date.

NOVEMBER 02 ART’S ALIVE!

(La Conner): Watch as renowned regional artists demonstrate their skills and peruse fine art at several shows during this weekend of art. www.laconnerchamber.com Nov. 2-4

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

LIGHTING CEREMONY (Anacortes): Tree-lighting, town crier, appearance by and pictures with Santa and performances by local students, hot cocoa and more from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Chamber of Commerce, 819 Commercial Ave. www.anacortes.org

07 WONDERLAND WALK

31 TRICK-OR-TREAT

(Mount Vernon): This event begins at 5 p.m. Arrival of Santa, Christmas tree lighting in Pine Square, hot chocolate and more. www.mountvernondowntown.org

(Anacortes): Holiday stroll through Washington Park with twinkling lights and decorations at campsites decorated by community groups. www.cityofanacortes.org/parks.asp Dec. 7-8

08 HOLIDAY HOME TOUR

(Sedro-Woolley): Get a glimpse inside some of Sedro-Woolley’s historic homes — and its historic museum — all decked out in colors and lights for the holidays. www.sedro-woolley.com

15 ANNUAL FLOTILLA

LIGHTED BOAT PARADE (Anacortes): Lighted boats travel up and down the Guemes Channel from 6 to 9 p.m. (360) 507-9999 skagitvisitor.com

mount vernon

Mount Vernon

A Northwest Gateway

ount Vernon is not only Skagit County’s largest town, it is a gateway to many of the experiences that make the Northwest such a special place. The wild and scenic Skagit River, teeming with salmon, runs through the heart of this eclectic town, which embraces its farmland as strongly as its quaint downtown streets and rambling neighborhoods, both old and new. In summers when the salmon run is big, those strolling along the river revetment can see the Skagit’s banks dotted with anglers. Sitting in the valley between the Cascade Mountains and the San Juan Islands, Mount Vernon itself has much to offer. Come in the spring to see the breathtakingly colorful fields of daffodils, tulips and irises. Most of the events for the world-famous annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival take place in Mount Vernon during the entire month of April. Summer is festival time, with the Skagit Valley Highland Games and Celtic Festival at Edgewater Park, the Skagit River Shakespeare Festival in mid-summer, and the Skagit County Fair each August at the county fairgrounds. The summer weather is almost always just right, and a farmers market featuring Skagit Valley produce and hand-made wares is offered every Saturday downtown right next to the river.

skagitvisitor.com

In October, the annual Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms tour offers guests an inside look at the area’s rural side of life. A trip to Little Mountain Park should be on most visitors’ lists. At 480 acres, it is the city’s largest and most impressive park. A 1.5-mile paved road leads to the top of the hill, ending at an elevation of 934 feet. From there, two covered viewpoints provide onlookers with a spectacular view of the Skagit Valley, the San Juan Islands, Olympic Mountains and the county’s seasonal tulip fields. The park also provides numerous hiking trails and is an excellent hang gliding location. Any time of year, stroll along the streets of downtown to sample the diverse selection of locally owned restaurants and shops — from antiques to boutiques. One special feature is the historic Lincoln Theatre, built in 1926 to showcase vaudeville performers and silent movies. For those heading north or south to experience more of the Northwest, Mount Vernon is a stop for the Amtrak Cascades passenger train. The Skagit Station was built in 2004 and also offers stops for Skagit Transit and Greyhound buses. Mount Vernon recently celebrated its 120th birthday. Its founders arrived in the 1870s and started homesteading the town just above a 3-mile-long log jam so firmly placed that trees were growing on top. A handful of farmers started pulling those logs out by hand with crosscut saws and horses until there was a gap big enough for a small boat to get through. It took two years of clearing before the SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

mount vernon first steamer, the Wenat, was able to make it past and into Mount Vernon in 1878. It took many more years of clearing to remove the jam completely. Mount Vernon incorporated in 1890, the year after Washington

gained statehood. Named after George Washington’s home in Virginia, Mount Vernon’s population was 443 at the time. Today, the city is home to more than 30,000 people.

Since 1994

City of Mount Vernon 910 Cleveland Ave. P.O. Box 809 Mount Vernon, WA 98273 Phone: (360) 336-6211 FAX: (360) 336-0623 www.ci.mount-vernon.wa.us

Specializing in cosmetic services for the face & body. Our physicians are certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic & Recontructive Surgery. Fellowship trained in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. Our clinical estheticians have over 26 years of combined professional skin care experience.

360-336-1947

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STAY - DINE - RELAX - EXPERIENCE...

105 E. Kincaid • Mount Vernon 360.428.8547 • WWW.VISITMOUNTVERNON.COM 32

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

SCHOOL INFORMATION Mount Vernon School District Administration Office 124 E. Lawrence Mount Vernon, WA 98273 (360) 428-6110 www.mv.k12.wa.us

NEW RESIDENT MOVE-IN PHONE NUMBERS

• The abundant culture, arts & heritage • The downtown shopping district • The natural beauty & amazing festivals • The fresh harvest at the farmer’s market • And so much more!

Garbage, sewer and recycling: City of Mount Vernon (360) 336-6218 Natural gas: Cascade Natural Gas (888) 522-1130 Hartford Photography 2007

Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce

Population: 31,742 in 2010 Persons younger than 5: 8.8 percent Persons younger than 18: 28.2 percent Persons 65 and older: 12.7 percent High school graduates: 76.7 percent Bachelor’s degree or higher: 18.8 percent Home ownership rate: 59.5 percent (Source: U.S. Census Bureau)

GOVERNMENT INFORMATION

Our Promise to you...Beauty at every age.

111 S. 12th Street, Ste A, Mount Vernon, WA 98274 Call for cosmetic injection services now available in our Anacortes location.

DEMOGRAPHICS AND CITY FACTS

Water: Public Utility District #1 (360) 424-7104 Electricity: Puget Power (425) 452-1234 Voter registration: (360) 336-9305 Outside city limits: Waste Management, garbage, recycling (360) 757-8245 or www.wmnorthwest.com/skagit skagitvisitor.com

mount vernon Big Lake Sewer, Sewer District #2 (360) 422-8373 Dump at the Skagit County Transfer Station (360) 424-3873

HEALTH CARE

Skagit Valley Hospital 1415 E. Kincaid St. (360) 424-4111

Skagit Regional Clinics 1400 E. Kincaid St. (360) 428-2500

CHAMBERS/ ORGANIZATIONS Mount Vernon Downtown Association (360) 336-3801 Leadership Skagit (360) 395-8727 League of Women Voters of Skagit County (360) 588-8177 Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce 105 E. Kincaid St., (360) 428-8547 Skagit Habitat for Humanity (360) 428-9402 Skagit Hospice Foundation (360) 416-5702 Skagit Land Trust (360) 428-7878 Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland (360) 336-3974 Skagit Performing Arts Council (360) 336-3245

BUYING TOP PRICES Coins, Stamps, Sports Cards, Collectibles, Gold & Silver Jewelry, Sterling, Dental Gold, Class Rings, Comics, Sports Memorabilia. Bullion, too!

THE STAMP & COIN PLACE Downtown Mount Vernon • 405 S. 1st St 360.336.9717

The nation’s largest family mover.

UNITED Van Lines

US DOT 077949 • WUTC# HG-21969

Skagit Women in Business (360) 428-5972

211 Anderson Rd. Mount Vernon

Skagit Women’s Alliance and Network (360) 391-2408

SENIOR SERVICES Department of Social and Health Services: (360) 416-7444 or (800) 487-0416

City utility discounts for low-income seniors: (360) 336-6218 Mount Vernon Senior Center: (360) 336-5757 Home health care: Visiting Nurse Personal Services (360) 416-0343 or (800) 624-2714 skagitvisitor.com

Local/Long Distance/International Storage for Households & Business Records Boxes/Packing Free Estimates Family Owned & Operated

Central Moving & Storage LLC Since 1971

800-366-2694 360-424-7714 cms.unitedmovingagent.com SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

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Kato Ln

tD on

Eaglemont Golf Course

tai un Mo

Mountain View

Lindberg Ln

gle

k Ba

on dD r

Pa rk

vie

Andal Rd

Andal Ln

Mountain Springs Ln

Olympic Ln

Northvi ew Ct

iew

erv

Cedar Hills Pl

nno

Lee Ln

Marble Creek Dr

Tristan Pl

Alp ine

Vie w

Woodland Dr

Lindsay Loop Woodland Pl

Alp ine

Bir

S Cedar Hills Dr

Dallas St

Shantel St

Cedarwood Pl

Lilly Ln

Montgomery Pl Brittany St

N 39th Pl

S 39th Pl Montgomery Ct

S Waugh Rd

N 38th Pl

S 38th Pl

Pe ak D

Ruby Peak Av

Skag

Tomahawk Pl

Sioux Dr

Leann St

Digby Rd

Colvin Pl

Dig

S 32nd Pl

N 29th Pl

S 30th Pl S 30th St

S 29th Pl

S 29th St

S 30th St

Jessica Pl

ence Pl Liberty Pl

S 28th St

S 27th St

Colony Pl Independ

Krause Pl

Phillips Loop

Granite St

N 30th St

Manito Dr

N2 5th

S 25th St S 26th St

S 22nd Ct

l nP

Barba ra

e Dr niso Ridg U

S LaVenture Rd

Eagle

Lin

S 20th St

Mohican Pl

Uplands Dr

Addison Pl

Cedar Ct

Elliott Pl

Shady Ln

S 24th St N 23rd St

S 22nd Pl

S LaVenture Rd

Widnor Dr

N 18th Pl Stanford Dr

S 20th St

Nookachamps Rd

sto

kle uc y S Dr

S 19th St S 20th St S 21st St S 21st Pl S 21st Ct

p Rd

pf L

Bro

tle

Mou nt a i

Little Mountain

tai

L i t tl e

skagitvisitor.com

Rd ark nP

Olympic Pl

S 19th St

Knap

t Pl

mon

Eagle

w Dr

rd Vie

Malla

E Blackburn Rd

E Cedar Hills Dr

Crosby Dr

Lit

Skyridge Ct

ee L

e Ln

S Cedar Hills Pl

pew

x Creek

Maddo

Aemmer Rd

Chip

a Dr

Elementary

rn Rd

er Loop

Mt Bak

Scho

Apache Dr lo PuebHts Fo xg lov eC t

Baker Heights l ont P ge m Ed Vista Pl te Mon

Monte

eca

Sen

Gunderson Rd

r Ct

Hop

Maxine Dr Rita Dr

ate

Mount Vernon Bakerview Park

Summersun Montessori

Tundra Loop

Crested Butte Blvd Pa no ram E Fir St a Dr Ri Hidden Lake Loop p Rd dge Lila Dr o Chero cD ge Alison Av ifft ring Apache Dr l r rrid C sp Cherokee Ln be ower ll ay fl e d e e m il Earl Ct i t C rn W W arab Cascade Av Mohawk Dr Mohawk Ct W r T Buckho Stonebridge L y Comanche Dr Way Wa a m o Jasmine Pl h t Ta eC Pl Skagit River Pl Razor Pl Iroquois Dr bin Arthur Pl nd Em um Lupine Dr era Swift Creek Dr Lila Upla Col C t l Monarch Blvd d Glacier St cD Shawnee Pl r Shoshone Dr Rid Nooksack Loop ge E Fulton St Wa Arapaho Pl Shuksan St y Fire Station Habitat Pl Cedarwood Ct No. 3 Creek Pl E Division St Street Jacob Pl St North Moody St ky Moody Ct Moody St Moody Pl Cody St Bec r St Carpente Carpenter St Barry Pl E Montgomery St 1-Scott’s Alley Ridge Ct E Montgomery St Montgomery Pl mery St 2-Steve’s Alley Montgom Michael Barry Loop ery Pl 3-Seth’s Alley 18th Street E Kincaid St St E Broadway Dakota Dr 4-Skyler’s Alley Park South Terra Ln 25th Street 1 5-Hickory Pl n 5 L Playfield 6-Sumac Pl Broadway St 2 Sunray Karli 7-Chestnut Ct St p Loo t Ct Chestnu 8-Sycamore Ct Maddox Creek Ln 3 6 4 Dig N Woodland Dr 7 8 b yP E Section St New Woods Pl Landmark Dr l Dogwoo N Woodland Mount d Pl Park Ln Hasty Ln Pl Baker Little Mountain Ln Easy St M.S. live St he Laurel Ct Little d l lly Fowler Pl oo lt P H ill Rd Mountain Dr r St nbo St S Woodland Pl Alpine entw nd Rai Elementary th Br n Po Crest Junco Pl 0 er 3 v L Noble St a S Loop Av Be Grand Withers Pl S Woodland Dr Jefferson E Belair Dr

arw

Hil

Tundra Ct

McLaughlin Rd

Horton Ln

N 35th St

N 35th Pl

EF ox

N 43rd Pl

Arbor St

N 34th Pl

Trumpeter Ln

pet

N Waugh Rd

N 30th St

J J Pl

Tru m

Trumpeter Blvd

538

1-Paul Pl 2-David Pl Kulshan View Dr 3-Bakerview Pl 4-Timothy Pl 5-Schuller Pl Kulshan Av Helen Dr 1 LaVenture Irene Cir M.S. Mary Cir 2 3 Jacqueline Pl 4 Juanita Pl 5 Anne Pl

Marth

N 18th Pl N Viewmont Dr Mountain View Dr Nylin Ct Streeter Pl Carmel Av N 21st St N Belair Dr

N Trumpeter Dr

w Cro

N LaVenture Rd

N 20th St

oo d

32nd Pl

E College Way

E Viewmont Dr

N 33rd Pl

N 32nd Pl

Skagit Valley College

Eas t For k Noo kachamps Creek

N 40th Pl

N 25th Pl

N 24th Pl

NW 30th St

Cin Pl dy

N 20th Pl

Eastwind St

McLaughlin Rd Exn

Trumpeter Dr

Eastwind St

Barney Lake

eter Pl

Sandalwood Ct

Centennial Elementary

Skagit Playfields

Sigmar Ln

Lawn Cemetery

Rose w

Martin Rd

Austin Ln

Fire Station No. 2 awthorne

p Trum

Sandalwood St

N 19th St

Firwood Ln N2 7th St

a Dr

Margaret Pl Pacific Pl

Northridge Way Briarwood Cir Club Ct

Monic

N 20th Pl

N 19th Pl

H Northwoods Loop Rd

k s Cree amp kach Noo

N 18th Pl

G d Reep Park

Little Mountain Park J

Map produced by Fine Edge, Anacortes, WA K

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

burlington

BURLINGTON

ubbed “The Hub City,” Burlington is the county’s cornerstone of commercial

activity. A mix of old and new, the city has maintained its historic shopping district on Fairhaven Avenue, an old-fashioned main street. Around the corner, the more modern version of shopping begins with a mall, a discount outlet mall and a collection of big-box stores that draw customers from Seattle and British Columbia. Burlington serves its residents with an extensive parks system along the Skagit River. Well-used Skagit River Park is a 100-acre gem at the end of South Skagit Street with 20 regulation-sized soccer fields, 24 horseshoe pits, a trail and dike access for pedestrian walking along the scenic Skagit River. The city also maintains Maiben Park, which contains Burlington’s Community Building and Senior Center; Alpha Park, the traditional site for the city’s decorated 70-foottall Christmas tree; and Rotary Park,

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

which offers soccer and softball fields, a concrete skate park and the region’s only four-court, outdoor sand volleyball site. Burlington celebrates its agricultural roots and industries with the annual Berry Dairy Days celebration in June on the weekend after Father’s Day. Burlington was platted in 1891 and gained its first post office, school, meat market, sawmill and saloon that year. The railroad company Seattle and Northern built a railroad through town that year. The town was incorporated in 1902. The population today is about 9,000.

DEMOGRAPHICS AND CITY FACTS

Population: 8,388 in 2010 Persons younger than 5: 8.3 percent Persons 65 and older: 13.3 percent High school graduates: 89.4 percent Bachelor’s degree or higher: 30.8 percent Home ownership rate: 65.3 percent (Sources: U.S. Census, Washington State Office of Financial Management, Forecasting Division) skagitvisitor.com

burlington B

ka uc

ÂŠ 2012 Skagit Publishing, LLC

nu tD

Map produced by Fine Edge, Anacortes, WA

Michael Pl

Josh Wilson Rd

Walton Dr

Old Hwy 99 N

State Patrol Dr

Exit 231

S Alder St

Fenton Ln

Haggen Dr

1 kilometer

Bouslog Rd

Silver Ln

Rivers Ct

Avon-Allen Rd

Swan Dr

sh Rd

Blv

Avon St

itmar

Cascade Mall

Pump Dr

Way

George Hopper Rd

Skagit River

Main

Ben

W Wh

Av dy Ju Kay Av

ion

gL Kin

Gilkey Rd

Fash

Chrysler Dr

Bennett Rd

tR net

Andis Rd

Exit Burlington 229

P Departmen Municipal

Cascade Pl

h Gages Sloug

W McCorquedale Rd

Cedar St

S Burlington Blvd

0.5

Sharon A

Lila Ln

Costco Dr

0.25

One inch equals 0.4 miles One centimeter equals 0.25 kilometers

Fisher Ln

ns W Steve

0.5 miles

N Koch St N McKinley St Hulbush Ln Cleveland St

Nardone Ct

S Norris St

Woollen Rd Harvest Edge Pl

Garden Ln

Garrett Rd

Francis St

Exit 230

Marketplace Dr

0.25

E Rio Vista

Goldenrod Rd

SCALE: 1:25,000 0

E Orange A

Sakuma Brothers

Marketplace Dr

Gages Lake

r Ln

ie Fraz

Orchard Pl

Woodgate Pl

Cascade Mall Dr

off

Cut

Waldschmidt Acres St

n Avo

E Washington E Vernon Av

Lodean Dr Heritage Pl

Andis Rd

Myrtle Dr

Avo

E Hazel Av

Nevitt Rd

Alderson Pl Windmill Ln

Quinnat Dr

Kodiak Dr

Cohoe Dr

Joy Pl

Chinook Dr

W Fairhaven Av

Andis Rd

Holmgren

Brun

y Ln

swic

Holl

536

Bennett Rd

Bennett Ln

Avon

W Victoria Av Simons Av

3 4

Quinnat Av

l is P

Pulver Rd

Ovenell Rd

And

Brittany Ln

Countr y Club P l

Honey Ln

1 5

E Chinook Dr

Sandy Ln

Cindy Lou Ln

Dr Country Club

5th

N Ovenell Ln

n eL

Farmington Dr

Keta Av

Fairway Dr

Country Ln

n Dr Hilyn

Obstruction Dr Sargent Ln

Skagit Golf and Country Club

Eagle Dr

Azalea Ln

Hamlin Pl

Deere Dr

Markwood Rd

W Chinook Dr

Gwen Dr Pa tri cia

Peterson Rd Marlee Dr

Southview Dr

Lindamood Ln

11th Tee Rainier Dr

ood

Niblick Pl

dg We

r Fou Par Ln

n ie L Bird Cir ter t u P

Gailee Dr Gull Dr

Maple Crest Dr

Bayhill Dr

Classic Pl Discovery Dr

Jacqueline Dr

Ez Rd rews C t Muir Field Ct

St And

Augusta Ln

Chinook Dr

Sunrise Ln

Jason Boerner Memorial Park W Fairhaven Av Northview Dr Humphrey Pl

1-Pauli Dr 2-West Point Dr 3-West Point Pl 4-West Point Ct 5-Sandpiper Pl 6-Peterson Pl

Burlingto H.S. E M St

West View Elementary

Kirby Av

N Alder

Pulver Rd

Avon-Allen Rd

BurlingtonEdison Regional Park

N Burlington Blvd

Fountain Hansen Pl

k St

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

River Bend Rd D

Stewart Rd F

skagitvisitor.com

Bernice Wickert Ln St Galbreath Rd

Patrick Dr Barnum Ln

Caroline St

Vine St

Gardner Rd

S Section St

S Skagit St

r ive it R g a k S

Boat Launch

Asplund Rd

Sinclair Way

Kendra Ln E Gilkey Rd

Thillberg Rd

Lindgren Rd

Signe Rd

Carol Pl Rose w

Trumpeter Ln

Village Ct Arbor St

Cin Pl dy

N 34th Pl

L Martin Rd

a Dr

od C

Monic

Firw N 2 ood Ln 7th St

rwo

Northridge Way d cis R Club Ct FranNorthwoods

NW 30th St

Ct Vis ta

ist rV

e Riv

Loop Rd

Hoag Rd

Swan Ct

Asplund Rd River Vista Loop

Bria

E Whitmarsh Rd

Swan Rd

Mount Vernon

Holmgren Ln

oo d

sh Rd

Ted Reep Park

NW 30th St

d George Hopper Pl

Sunrise Pl

Sherman Ln

Thillberg Ln

Sunrise Dr

Nook acha mp sC ree k

Erika Ln

dale R

Collins Rd

Vista View Dr

Tani Ln

Hamilton Ct

River Vista Ln

orque

skagitvisitor.com

Jordan Rd

lt Ho

Eastgate Way

Sunne St

Moss Ln

N Section St

Rainbow Dr Kenkirk Pl Pioneer Dr Lewalice Ln

Mary Ln

Peter Anderson Rd

Gunderson Ln

Branstrom Cir

Peacock Ln

N Skagit St

S Skagit St

S Regent St

Crystal Ct

Opal Ln

S Anacortes St

tte Rd

Park

Sakuma Brothers Av

ore

Hassler Ln

Reanna Pl

S Pine St

Fidalgo Dr Cypress 1 Ct 2 Lopez 3 Ln

Shuler Av Crystal Ln

Lafaye

Port Dr

S Walnut St

E McC

George Hopper Rd

Marketplace Dr

S Holly St

Stierlen Pl

E Whitmar

S Burlington Blvd

Pease Rd

Lafayette Rd

Riv er

Way

20 Vist a

Lafayette Rd

ion

E Victoria Av

Arb

Alta

1-Carol Ann Pl 2-Carol Ann Ct

rail ta T

Decatur Cir Cul de Sac Dr 1-King Dr 2-Annett Ln Skagit River 3-Cassaundra Ct

Cascade Pl

Fash

Avon Av

E Hazel Av

Pickett Ln Lucille Umbarger Homestead Dr Elementary Rotary Curtis St Park

Miracle Ln Vail Ln

Aspen Ln Lily Ln

Fenske Ln Ali ssa L

S Walnut St

Cascade Mall

Neff Cir

Maple St

0 te 2

Travis Ln Morgan Ln

P Plaza Dr

E Washington Av Sanchez Ln E Vernon Av Clancy Maiben Cascade Vista City Ct Swank Pl Park Sunset Dr Tiger Ln Jack Doyle Memorial Sparrs Ln E Rio Vista Av Park E Rio Vista Av

Lloyd

d Ju Kay Av Pump Dr

E Fairhaven Av

Burlington n

v yA

E Victoria Av

Monroe St

Filbert Ln Del Rio S Hawthorne St N Hawthorne Dr St

N Holly St N Regent St

N Anacortes St

N Pine St

N Cherry S Cherry St

S Spruce St

Gilkey Rd

Costco Dr

N Oak St

Charles St

Police Department and Municipal Court

Andis Rd

E Orange Av

City Hall

Cedar St

W Jordan Rd eimer Tr zh 1 2

Penne Ln Willow Dr

H Liberty Ln des Bradley Ct asca C

Nelson Ln

te R

Sta

Lei Garden Rd

E Olympia Av

E Sharon Av Fire Department

Sharon Av

Lila Ln

Marketplace Dr

Swan Dr

Fenton Ln

Haggen Dr

Greenleaf Av

Rose Ln

E Rio Vista Av S Alder St

Woodgate Pl

Cascade Mall Dr

Bu rlin gto nH Gra ei g hts Ove ndview rloo Dr k Ln Ct

Dane Ln

County Shop Ln

N Spruce St

N Walnut St

St N Alder

S Walnut St

S Norris St

E Orange Av

Pacific Dr

Orchard Pl

Gages Ln

2 N 1 t 3 rt S o h E Magnolia Av S Lions Avon Av Laird Pl Club E Hazel Av Park

E Washington Av Burlington Public Library E Vernon Av Post Office E Vernon Av

Lodean Dr Heritage Pl

Huff Rd

Aliston Ln Green Hills Memorial Cemetery

Hill Vue St

Hill Vue Pl

E Victoria Av Alpha Park Railroad Park

Railroad Av

Avon Av

E Hazel Av

Gina Marie Ln

Ferry St

N Koch St N McKinley St Hulbush Ln Cleveland St

W Fairhaven Av

Fritsch Av

Oak Hill Ln

Burlington-Edison H.S. E Magnolia Av E Magnolia Av

Revilo Dr

Poplar Pl

W Victoria Av Simons Av

Apostolic Way

1-Meadows Blvd 2-Andrew Dr 3-Courtney Ln 4-Lupine Ln 5-Todd Pl

l ricks P Hend

West View Elementary

N Burlington Blvd

Fountain St

Hill Ct

Lei Garden Dr

lc r Hil

Burlington Hill

Exit 231

ub Piper C

Tinas Coma Dr

Tin e s as C t Dr om a Ln

Kirby Av

Nedra Ln

Gardner Ct

Bella Vista Ln

BurlingtonEdison Regional Park

Way

Gardner Rd

Park Ln

N Hill Blvd

Patrol Dr

Hansen Pl

n Chela

Walton Dr

Old Hwy 99 N

gh lou Gages S

5 11

Gear Rd

Christie Pl

S Wade Pl

District Line Rd

burlington Sedro-Woolley

Barney Lake

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

burlington GOVERNMENT INFORMATION

City of Burlington 833 S. Spruce St. Burlington, WA 98233 Phone: (360) 755-0531 FAX: (360) 755-1297 www.ci.burlington.wa.us

SCHOOL INFORMATION

Burlington-Edison School District Administration Office 927 E. Fairhaven Ave. Burlington, WA 98233 (360) 757-3311 www.be.wednet.edu

NEW RESIDENT MOVE-IN PHONE NUMBERS

Electricity: Puget Sound Energy (888) 225-5773 Telephone: Verizon (800) 483-4000 Cable television: Comcast (800) 266-2278 Water: Public Utilities District (360) 424-7104 Garbage, Recycling: Waste Management (360) 757-4068 Gas: Cascade Natural Gas Corp. (360) 336-6155

CHAMBERS/ ORGANIZATIONS

Burlington Chamber of Commerce (360) 757-0994 Burlington Parks Foundation 18155 Joy Place, Burlington, WA 98233

SENIOR SERVICES

Burlington Senior Center (360) 755-0102

MUSEUMS

Children’s Museum of Skagit County Cascade Mall 550 Cascade Mall Drive (360) 757-8888

Cook Road Shell

Diesel • Gas • Carwash Deli • RV Dump Air/Water • Groceries ATM Machine • Propane Paciﬁc Pride Fueling

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily Sunday Brunch Outdoor Dining too! 9394 Old Hwy 99 N Rd Burlington WA 98233 360-757-9097

9384 Old Hwy 99 N Burlington WA 98233 360-759-2717

9440 Old Hwy 99 N Rd Burlington WA 98233 360-757-2323

Burlington • Cook Road Exit 232 Off I-5 40

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

skagitvisitor.com

burlington While you’re here: Shop for bargains at the malls and visit the historic shopping district on Fairhaven Avenue. Or, walk along the Skagit River at Skagit River Park – home of the Burlington Harvest Festival in September.

more room to spread out. Everybody needs their space. At Hampton Inn and Suites, we give you a lot of it, from a traditional room to a spacious studio suite. You can also take advantage of our Suite Shop® and other amenities to help make your stay relaxing and productive. We promise you’ll be 100% satisfied. Guaranteed.

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we love having you here.

skagitvisitor.com

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

big lake & clear lake

BIG LAKE

ust east of Mount Vernon, in a valley surrounded by hills and a mixture of farm fields and newer homes, lies a chain of lakes where many locals enjoy boating, fishing and other water recreation. This small community of about 1,835 began as a bustling company logging town, where hundreds of workers swarmed each day to produce lumber. As logging diminished in the 1930s, it transformed from a smoke-filled valley into a quiet, bucolic farming community. Now the shores of Big Lake are lined with homes, while the hills nearby are dotted with housing developments. The small community centers around its elementary school, quirky grocery store, church and sprawling golf course. Much of the year boaters and anglers can be seen floating on the lake. And when it comes time for the holidays, the community enjoys a July fireworks display — a day before anyone else’s — to rival that of any other city in the county.

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

CLEAR LAKE

lear Lake evolved as a logging town. During peak production about 1900, the Clear Lake Lumber Co. employed 2,000 people and was the largest inland mill in the Pacific Northwest, according to the Clear Lake Historical Association. The company went bankrupt in 1925, and with its main industry gone, Clear Lake slowly evolved into what is now a scenic bedroom community of about 1,400 people. Residents and tourists traveling along Highway 9 will find the Clear Lake Market, a tavern, gas station/convenience store, two churches, welding and construction businesses, a fire department and an elementary school. Clear Lake Beach on South Front Street is a nice park right on the lake popular with swimmers and picnickers. The Clear Lake Historical Association hosts an old-timers reunion every other year. Everyone is welcome to attend the event the third Saturday in July. For information, call (360) 856-6798.

skagitvisitor.com

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SKAGITVISITOR

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A resource for visitors and newcomers. Events & Activities • Community Proﬁles & Maps • Recreation

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2300 Freeway Drive • Mount Vernon • 360-424-5388 Across from Wal-Mart Supercenter, I-5 Exit 227

big lake & clear lake

Rose Rd

Rd Jan icki

Merrifield Rd

Beaver Lake Rd

Gunderson Ridge Ln

Ln Goldie

d eR orn ntb Mo

Amick Rd

Walk M Ling n

Stargate Pl

Bulson Rd

Crestwood Way

Chantrelle Ln

E Lake Dr

Austin Rd

Teak Ln

Buchanan Ln Maple Av

l tai un Mo tle

Lit

n eL vin Er

Heather Ln Spring Hill Ln

Bulson Rd

Wayward Way

Lindberg Ln

Mountain View Rd

Andal Rd

Kato Ln

Mountain Springs Ln

ds Skagit Highlan

Digby Rd Quail Dr

ole Rd

ge Ct

Casca

de Rid

E Stackp

Per egr ine Ln Osprey Ct

Cedardale Rd

Burkland Rd

Locken Hill Ln Snowden Pl

N Starbird Rd

Forest Hill Ln

Lake McMurray

Starbrook Ln

a Odess

Silvernail Rd

Lake McMurray cM

Franklin Rd

k ree eC Lak

Boat Ramp

9 E

ÂŠ 2012 Skagit Publishing, LLC

Map produced by Fine Edge, Anacortes, WA

Cedardale Rd

S Andal Rd

S 2nd St

Conway Frontage Rd

N Waugh Rd

N 18th St

N Laventure Rd

S 18th St

S Laventure Rd

N 8th St Rd Britt

Old Hwy 99 S

Dike Rd Dike Rd

4 kilometers

Starbird Rd

Starbird Creek Ln

One inch equals 1.33 miles One centimeter equals 0.84 kilometers

Exit 218

2 3 4 Ln Bruun

Tyee Rd

urn

2 miles

Lake R

te Pe

vil

ugh ana ke Cav

lvd

534

lso

Cre ek

Lak

k ree

te D

Esta

Walker Valley Rd

Dr Briarwood Ct Homewood Pl 1-Lake Terrace Ln Ramp 9 2-Lake Terrace Pl Black Stonewood berry Dr 3-Sundance Ln Ln 4-Oakland Ln 5-Coots Cove Ln Foxglove Ln 6-Glenn Allen Pl 7-Eagle Point Ln 8-W Lakeview Ln La 9-Sandstone Ln ke

SCALE: 1:84,000

Ln Fremali

Steamboat Sl Mil ltow n Island Pion eer H wy

ek Cre lker Wa

8 Boat

Devils

Sixteen Lake

Boat Ramp

Big

Taylor

tV iew

y Dais

e Rd Lak ver e Rd Lang

Cultus Shiner Mountain Reservoir Lake

We s

lvd

Bea

ke B

Sinnes Rd

le R

skagitvisitor.com

Wiseman Ln

Overlook Golf Course

Johnson Creek

Conway School

Trophy Ln

Big Lake

Nookachamp Hills Dr

Big Lake

Snowden Ln

arda

Clarence Ln Milltown Rd 1-Bonnieview Rd 2-Bonnieview Ln 3-Palm Crest Pl 4-Cygnus Ln

Devils Lake

Karla Ct 2 E Conway Hill Ln English Rd

Ced

ough

Devils Mountain

ig La

1-Conway Hill Rd 2-Conway Hill Ln

o Ln

E Johnson Rd

Exit 221

Scott San dy Mountain Cr

Kanak

Shady Ln Dea lo Ln

rook L

Post Office

Alderb

Ten Lake

John Nelson Rd

Conway

Criddle

Star View Dr

Blvd

Fir Island Rd

r Casc ade Ridge D

n Po ter

view

Torset Rd

2 1

ek Cre

Benham Rd

nt ga Ele ts Rd H

Big Lake Elementary Dr d Lake

Conway Park

vil d De tain R un Mo

Morrison Rd

W Johnson Rd

Gaspard

eek

E Stackpole Rd

se Ln

h Fork Sout

Grou

ett Rd

Blodg E Hickox Rd

Holmstrom Rd

W Stackpole Rd

Little Mountain Rd

Park

Exit 224

Big Lake Fire Dept. iew nV

Little Little Mountain Mountain

Hickox Rd

lt Cu

tai

Anderson Rd

Exit 225

t sC

Eaglemont Golf Course

E Blackburn Rd

Mount VernonBig Lake Rd

ac ha mp sC ree k

E Section St

Rd Knapp Rd

erson Elfin Lneek Gund n r on L sC Lars mp cha oka No

Exit 226

Pkw y

er Turn

Fonk Rd

ps Rd

W Hazel St

Gle

acham

Mount Vernon E Division St

McLean Rd Edgewater Park

E Fir St

Gunderson Rd

Schopf Ln

Nook

538

Beaver Lake

Maple Hill Ln

ck Ro Big

Dunbar

ok No rk Fo

536

r Be

Ska nd Rd git Riv er

Barney Lake

Rd Old Da y Creek

Clear Lake Park d xR Fo

st Ea

Exit 227

Rive

Glenwood Dr

cock

Clear Lake

Pringle St

Buchanan Av

Bab

Martin Rd

R ke d d La

Baker Heights Rd F Stevens Rd

Rd Rd

cis

n Fra

Clear Lake Elem. Post Office

Mud Lake

1-Sunrise Dr 2-Sunrise Pl Thillberg Ln 3-Sherman Ln Parkhurst Ln 2 1 Sw an R d 3

Thillberg

Skagit R i

Old Hwy 99 S

Pulver Rd

h Rd

Ted Reep Park

Exit 229

itmars

F Clear Lake Cemetery

W Wh

E Whitmarsh

r ve

Pease Rd

Francis Rd

Clear Lake

Burlington

Asplund Rd

Brotherhood

L ber Tim

Exit 230

Tyee Rd

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

Padilla bay gourmet chefs situated along the main drag. Edison is a top stop for many bikers during the September Oyster Run, when motorcycles fill the streets while touring restaurants in the county with oysters on the menu. Bow is known more for its farm-rich views by those driving through, mostly on their way to cruise Chuckanut Drive toward Bellingham. There are a couple of eateries and a gift shop featuring local fare. And the Skagit Casino Resort is at the Bow Exit (232) off Interstate 5.

BAY VIEW

BOW-EDISON

here are few places with more history or character than Bow, an expanse of farmland fronting Samish Bay with mountains out back. More of a ZIP code than a town, Bow encompasses a handful of niche communities, including one that’s seen perhaps the greatest transformation over the years: Edison. From a logging town to a main

street of meat markets and hardware stores, Edison has somehow managed to emerge in this century as something of a tourist destination — one that’s dogged in retaining its local identity. Edison is where the farmers from Bow meet for an early morning plate of hotcakes and coffee to shoot the breeze and reminisce about the old days. The small town also welcomes tourists drawn mostly by its eclectic art scene and its food. There are two bakeries and a sizable group of

FRESH SHELLFISH

Oysters • Clams • mussels 2182 Chuckanut Dr. Bow, WA 98232

Geoduck • Crab • Prawns • Scallops Open 7 Days Picnic & BBQ Area

360-766-6002

www.taylorshellfish.com

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

he tidelands that make up Padilla Bay, stretching from Highway 20 to Hat Island, were once considered ugly and smelly at low tide, when the anaerobic soils give off a rotten-egg scent. While the bay hasn’t changed much through the years, its perception certainly has. Properties overlooking Padilla Bay are now listed as “waterfront,” and the odor coming off the bay at low tide, that’s now known to locals as the “smell of life.” The Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is evidence of the environmental movements to embrace the bay in the late ’70s. The estuarine reserve, one of 28 in the country and the only one in the state, features the public Breazeale Interpretive Center, with aquaria and up-close views of life in the bay. It’s open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Bay View also features a 25-acre state park with camping amenities and a long trail wrapping around the bay. Visitors and locals can be seen parasailing at high tide and raking the mudflats for treasures at low tide.

skagitvisitor.com

Padilla bay

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Cook Rd Exit 232

Peterson Rd

McLean Rd

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Kamb Rd

Bradley Rd Benson Rd

Memorial Hwy

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Bay View-Edison Rd

La Conner-Whitney Rd

McFarland Rd

Allen Elementary

Josh Wilson Rd

Ashten Rd

Skagit Regional Airport

Map produced by Fine Edge, Anacortes, WA

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Young Rd

Bay View Elementary

Steele Rd Knudson Rd

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Fredonia

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Walker Rd

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Skagit Valley Casino

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SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

conway & fir island

CONWAY and FIR ISLAND

Lake Associates Recreation Club

TakE a NaTural BrEak! Experience clothes-free recreation... bring a towel & a smile!

360-445-6833 - www.larcnudists.com Scan with your smart phone to visit our website 50

mall and quaint, Conway is the first town that northbound travelers can visit as they enter Skagit County on Interstate 5. A bridge built in 1914 connects the small town to Fir Island, which is full of farmland and a birding paradise. Fir Island is formed by the Skagit River breaking into north and south forks before it hits saltwater. Fir Island is a winter home to snow geese and trumpeter swans. The islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Skagit Wildlife Area is a game reserve for duck hunters and is also enjoyed by hikers, bird watchers and photographers. Another photo-worthy site here is the beautiful and nearly century-old Fir-Conway Lutheran Church. Conwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Main Street includes antique stores, a tropical fish store, the Conway Pub and Eatery and a Sons of Norway Hall. At the end of Main Street is Conway Park, which includes a baseball field next to the river and the bridge to Fir Island.

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

Also on Main Street is the Conway Muse, a unique retail store, auction barn, performing and visual arts center and community meeting place. Visitors are welcome to enjoy live music and dancing, or an occasional burlesque or theater show. During berry season, local farmers set up roadside stands to show off their strawberry, blueberry and raspberry crops.

skagitvisitor.com

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SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

La Conner

ark the car and walk across the orange Rainbow Bridge that connects La Conner to the Swinomish Indian Reservation for a picturesque view of the historic town, which sits on a channel near the mouth of the Skagit River. The bridge itself is an often-photographed icon — orange because when it was built in 1957 residents decided to skip the formal gray paint that would normally cover the brightly colored rust undercoating. Maybe those residents’ eye for color helped make La Conner what is considered by many to be the cultural and art center of Skagit County. The town of close to 1,000 people is home to many visual and literary artists, including novelist Tom Robbins (“Even Cowgirls Get the Blues,” “B is For Beer”). Not far from the town’s waterfront is the Museum of Northwest Art, at 121 First St., which specializes in showcasing the artwork of Northwest artists. Another popular destination is the La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum, 703 S. Second

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

St., which features a rotating exhibit of handmade quilts, displayed in the historic Gaches Mansion. Art-focused town events include an Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition in the spring, a Quilt Walk in the fall, the Art’s Alive! festival in November and a biennial Skagit River Poetry Festival May 17 to 19. La Conner is a small town, and it’s the kind of place where people walk the streets and enjoy several blocks of antique stores, boutiques, gift shops and restaurants. Surrounded by fertile farmland, La Conner is just a little isolated from other towns in Skagit County. Those fertile acres on the delta were once largely planted with oats. But the fields today that separate La Conner from Mount Vernon are best known for the colorful daffodils and tulips that draw thousands of visitors during the month-long Skagit Valley Tulip Festival each April. La Conner’s history is also an important feature. Founded in the 1860s and incorporated in 1890, the town is home to the Skagit County Historical Museum, 501 S. Fourth St. 501 S. Fourth St. skagitvisitor.com

Enjoy La Conner’s 3 Outstanding Museums Population: 891 in 2010

GOVERNMENT INFORMATION

Town of La Conner 204 Douglas St. La Conner, WA 98257 (360) 466-3125 www.townoflaconner.org

Three Floors of Quilts & Textiles in the historic 1891 Gaches Mansion. New exhibits every three months! "Yo-Yo Quilt"

SCHOOL INFORMATION La Conner School District Administration Office 305 N. 6th St. La Conner, WA 98257 (360) 466-3171 lcsd.wednet.edu

NEW RESIDENT MOVE-IN NUMBERS

Electricity: Puget Sound Energy (360) 424-2930

Louise Harris Historic décor Photos by Nathaniel Willson Photography

Wed-Sun 11am-5pm Open every day in April 703 2nd St., La Conner, WA 98257 • www.laconnerquilts.com

Featured Exhibits!

Over ‘n Under

The Skagit Valley Weavers’ Guild

The Peak Of Their Professions

Garbage, Recycling: Waste Management (360) 757-8275

CHAMBERS/ ORGANIZATIONS

La Conner Chamber of Commerce 606 Morris St. (360) 466-4778 La Conner Alliance for Youthand Families (360) 466-1296 La Conner Boys and Girls Club (360) 466-3672 La Conner Institute of Performing Arts (360) 466-2665

SENIOR SERVICES La Conner Senior Center 104 Commercial St. 360) 466-3941

MUSEUMS

Skagit County Historical Museum 501 S. Fourth St. (360) 466-3365 www.skagitcounty.net

Through 4/29/12

May - Dec 2012

Opening Gala May 10

Skagit County Historical Museum

Tues-Sun 11-5 Open Every Day in April 501 S. 4th St., LaConner • 360.466.3365 • www.skagitcounty.net/museum

Rotating exhibitions of contemporary regional art & works from our collections. Museum Store (free and open to the public) features unique items by Northwest artists. Galleries and Store Open: Sun-Mon: Noon-5pm, Tues-Sat: 10am-5pm 121 S. First St., LaConner www.museumofnwart.org • 360.466.4446

La Conner La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum 703 S. Second St. (360) 466-4288 www.laconnerquilts.com

Museum of Northwest Art 121 First St. (360) 466-4446 www.museumofnwart.org

While you’re here: Visit three outstanding museums, all within walking distance: Skagit County Historical Museum, La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum, and the Museum of Northwest Art. Or, experience the self-guided Walking Tour of La Conner’s Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit.

100% American Made

709 South First Street • La Conner, WA 98257 • 360-466-4741 WOODMERCHANT.COM

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

skagitvisitor.com

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SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

î ˘ anacortes

î ˘

Anacortes

or many years Anacortes was a bustling fishing, canning, logging and mill town. When natural resources dwindled, it found ways to adapt. Home to two major refineries since the mid-1950s, Anacortes has a strong industrial component with a number of boat building and service firms. In recent years, the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quality of life and amenities have attracted a large population of affluent retirees. Historic downtown Anacortes offers a selection of good restaurants and an interesting mix of galleries and shops. Visitors are charmed by the historic

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

buildings and the colorful murals of local characters. The museum, library, marina esplanade and a historic snagboat are within easy walking distance. With 3,231 acres of land dedicated to city-owned parks, recreation areas and forest lands, more than one-third of Anacortes is dedicated to recreation or wildlife. Trails lead through forests and parks, along marinas and waterfront bluffs, across the bay on an old railroad trestle, around Heart Lake and to the top of Mount Erie. For a view of the city, head to Cap Sante Park at the northest end of town. The viewpoint at the top of Cap Sante overlooks the city and also provides skagitvisitor.com

views of Fidalgo and Guemes islands, March Point and Fidalgo Bay. Another great destination is Washington Park on the other side of town. It has a boat launch, picnic shelters, trails and a playground, but the park’s crowning jewel is a 2.3mile loop road that offers fabulous views of several shoreline areas and Burrows Bay as you walk, bike, jog or drive. Recreation choices here are many: fishing, hiking, biking, diving, climbing, kayaking, sailing, whale watching, beach combing and much more. You can catch a ferry for the San Juan Islands or Sidney, British Columbia, at the Washington State Ferries terminal. Just get on 12th Street, go west about 2 miles and veer right at the big intersection. A second, smaller ferry system serves Guemes Island from a landing near the end of

Sixth Street. The city has a diverse mix of major annual events, celebrating everything from art to motorcycles. The biggest is the Anacortes Arts Festival, this year on Aug. 3-5, which draws about 90,000 visitors. There are also old-fashioned celebrations, complete with parades and joyous community gatherings, for Independence Day and the Christmas holiday season. Anacortes was Skagit County’s second city to incorporate, in 1891. The name is a Spanish-sounding version of Annie Curtis, the maiden name of the wife of city pioneer Amos Bowman. Before it became a city, the area was home to the Samish and Swinomish tribes. The county’s first permanent European settlement was at March Point in the early 1850s.

For Information Call: (360) 293-1915 or Check our Website:

museum.cityofanacortes.org Anacortes Museum 1305 8th Street • Anacortes, WA

Exploring the history of Fidalgo and Guemes Islands through: • Educational Programs • Exhibits • Research Library • Special Events

The Carnegie Gallery

Coast in. Hang out. Spring Boat Show – March 23-25

8th Street & M Avenue Gallery Open Year-Round Mon. - Sat., 10-4 Sunday 1-4, Closed Wednesday SPECIAL EXHIBIT "Island Plants & People: A Twisted Path"

Salmon Derby – March 31-April 1 Anacortes Quilt Walk – April 1-30 Spring Wine Festival – April 14 Waterfront Festival – June 2-3 Anacortes Arts Festival – August 3-5 Oyster Run – September 23 Oktoberfest – October 12-13

The W.T. PrESTon & Maritime Heritage Center 9th Street & R Avenue Open weekends: April - October Open Daily: June, July, August Closed Wednesday

www.anacortes.org

SPECIAL EXHIBIT "The Wawona & the End of the Age of Sail"

 anacortes A

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skagitvisitor.com

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

 anacortes DEMOGRAPHICS AND CITY FACTS

Population: 20,332 in 2010 Persons under 18: 3,766 Persons 18 and over: 16,566 Persons 65 and older: 4,804 Owner-occupied housing: 59 percent (Source: U.S. Census Bureau)

SCHOOL INFORMATION

Anacortes School District Administration Office Upstairs at Anacortes Middle School, 2202 M Ave. Anacortes, WA 98221 (360) 293-1200 www.asd103.org

NEW RESIDENT MOVE-IN PHONE NUMBERS

GOVERNMENT INFORMATION

City of Anacortes 904 Sixth St. P.O. Box 547 Anacortes, WA 98221 (360) 293-1900 www.cityofanacortes.org

Garbage and sewer: City of Anacortes (360) 293-1921 Recycling: Rabanco (800) 942-5965

Natural gas: Cascade Natural Gas (888) 522-1130 Water: City of Anacortes (360) 293-1909 Electricity: Puget Sound Energy (888) 225-5773 Voter registration: Skagit County (360) 336-9305

CHAMBER/ ORGANIZATIONS

Anacortes Chamber of Commerce (360) 293-7911 www.anacortes.org Friends of the Forest (360) 293-3725 www.friendsoftheacfl.org

CAP SANTE COURT RETIREMENT 360-293-8088

1111 32nd Street • Anacortes www.CapSanteCourt.com

LOGAN CREEK RETIREMENT 360-428-0222

2311 E. Division • Mount Vernon www.LoganCreek.com

STUDIO, ONE & TWO BEDROOM APARTMENTS • DELICIOUS MEALS • TRANSPORTATION • HOUSEKEEPING • ACTIVITIES

BEAUTY COMFORT CONVENIENCE

The Finest in Full Service Retirement Living 60

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

skagitvisitor.com

anacortes Island Hospital Foundation (360) 299-4201 www.islandhospitalfoundation.org



While you’re here: Stroll the docks at the Cap Sante Boat Haven — and pick up fresh seafood in season.

SENIOR SERVICES

Anacortes Senior Activity Center (360) 293-7473

Or, visit the Cap Sante viewpoint just blocks from downtown.

HEALTH CARE

Island Hospital 1211 24th St. (360) 299-1300 www.islandhospital.org

• 24 Hour service with warm and friendly staﬀ • Fresh hot baked cookies every night • Expanded Continental Breakfast • Group and Corporate Rates • Free Wireless Internet • Non-Smoking Facility 3300 Commercial Ave Anacortes, Washington 98221

Phone/Fax: 360-293-1100

themarinainn@comcast.net www.marinainnwa.com skagitvisitor.com

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

 anacortes

Gibralter Rd

Bartholomew Rd

Pu St tter

Mashie St Perks St Green St

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dia Ct Scan

d rR lle Mi

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SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

Thomas Ln

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Map produced by Fine Edge, Anacortes, WA

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Ro Northwest Rosario Rd Interpretive Campground Beach ach Island Center Boat Ramp Bo 2 Urchin Rocks io Be Boat Ramp Bawma 1 3 ar s Sharpe Bowman y Rd n 4 Ro Rosario Cove Bay Miller Head Bowman 1-Quiet Cove Rd Bay Hill 2-Heilman Ct Northw Reservation Head 3-N Deception Shores Dr e

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Lone Buck Rd Bayview er St 4th St Nebraska St Entn Carolina St 4 1 2 5 Gibralter Dr 3 d Gibralter Pl ch R Bea onSalmon lm a S Dewey Beach Bight 1-Vera St 2-Seashell St Deception Way E 3-Warren St Saratoga Ln 4-Washington St Flagstaff 5-Lincoln St

1-Old Deception Mill Ln 2-Dewey Crest Ln 3-N Dewey Beach Dr 1 Bridgeway Dr 2 3

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Ln 1-Mainsail Ln reeze Seab 2-Spinnaker Ln 12 1 3-San Juan Blvd M ar 4-Coronado Dr 2 i 10 ne 5-Islander Way Dr 3 6-McCorkle Pl 5 11 7-Rocky Rd Alexander 4 8-Point Pl 7 8 Beach 6 9-Lange Ter 9 10-N del Mar Dr Laura Jo Pl Terry Pl Marine Olga 11-Chiquita Ln Esther Ln View Ln Rd 12-Marine Ln 13-Sea Otter Ln

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anacortes

skagitvisitor.com

Bill Mitchell’s

Murals

“

eachers usually punish children for drawing on walls, but 50odd years ago a second-grade teacher tried a different tack with Bill Mitchell, a precocious 7-year-old who checked out art books and carried a sketch pad. She gave him a whole wall to fill up. Today Anacortes still offers its walls to its well-known artist, historian and generally quirky character, especially downtown, where passers-by are occasionally startled and often charmed to encounter his nostalgic and distinctive life-sized murals of local characters. Mitchell’s subjects, more than 120 of them, come from all walks of life — fishermen, mayors, dancers, storekeepers, bar patrons, children, pets, musicians, boaters, church leaders and editors. One mural is a self-portrait of the mutton-chopped artist, seated in his trademark threewheeled 1954 Autoette, which doubles as a wheelchair. Cheerfully eccentric and frequently cantankerous, Mitchell attacks his art and historical preservation projects with a missionary zeal. The first mural, of Fred White and his Safety Bike, went up in front of Marine Supply & Hardware on May 2, 1984, two years before the Vancouver Expo. Mitchell decided murals would be a good draw for visitors and followed the fair’s theme, transportation, so many of his murals feature trains, boats, cars, carts, trucks and wagons. They have proven wildly popular, collecting just enough snubs from art critics to keep them controversial. But tourists are frequently seen posing for photos with the murals, and pranksters occasionally embellish them with mustaches or hats — stunts Mitchell minds only if adhesives damage the mural’s finish. A list of Mitchell’s murals and locations is available at the Anacortes Visitors Center at Commercial Avenue and Ninth Street.



t es

nacortes! un” in A F t s “Mo d an ” e lu

capsanteinn.com • 15 Restaurants Within 5 Blocks • 10 Minutes to Ferry Terminal • Walk to Antique Stores & Galleries • Oversized Deluxe Rooms With New Beds, Carpet & Paint • Hair Dryers, Refrigerators & Microwaves • HD Flat Screens

906 9th St. • Anacortes

360-293-0602

Call Toll Free:

800-852-0846

Located in Historic Old Town Across From The Marina SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

Guemes Island

C SCALE: 1:80,000

2 kilometers

One inch equals 1.26 miles One centimeter equals 0.8 kilometers

s e m e G u

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

llow

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r Ho

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Uppe

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n nL g Ln ree leba erg add Ev S

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uemes Island is just a fiveminute county ferry ride across Guemes Channel from Anacortes, but the relaxed pace there and bucolic scenery can make you feel like you’ve traveled much farther. Right above the ferry landing is Anderson’s General Store, a popular gathering spot where patrons can not only find staples but also enjoy a sit-down lunch or dinner in the café. Farther in on the island are Schoolhouse Park, with play equipment for kids, and Young’s Park, with picnicking facilities. On the east side of the island is Guemes Mountain Conservation Area. Take the 2-mile trail to the top of the mountain for views of the North Cascades and other San Juan Islands. Guemes Island Resort, a 20-acre beachfront resort is on the northern tip of the island. Accommodations include homes, cabins and yurts. Events on the island include a Fourth of July parade, holiday bazaars, family campouts and artist receptions for the many artist living on the island. Go to www.skagitcounty.net to check ferry sailing times and fares and to www.linetime.org for community information and events.

Anacortes C

skagitvisitor.com

Tribes in Skagit County SWINOMISH TRIBE The Swinomish Tribe’s headquarters are in the historic Swinomish Village across Swinomish Channel from La Conner. What people might be more familiar with, though, is the Swinomish Casino on Highway 20 east of Anacortes. There’s a major expansion under way there this year that will add 98 rooms and the new 13 Moons Restaurant. The sweeping views from the lodge take in land where the Coast Salish people have lived for thousands of years. Their culture centered around abundant saltwater resources, particularly salmon and shellfish, which remain a key part of the tribal economy today. The aboriginal Swinomish tongue was Lushootseed, a variant of the wider Salish language, and the tribe now offers language and culture classes for all ages at the Swinomish Social Services Building. In addition to the casino, which began as a small bingo operation in 1985, the tribe operates the Swinomish Chevron Gas Station, which includes a tobacco, liquor and convenience store; the Swinomish Fish Company which processes salmon and shellfish for a global market that includes the United Kingdom and the European Union; and a Ramada Hotel in Ocean Shores on the Washington coast. The tribe has become one of the five largest employers in Skagit County, with over 250 employees in tribal government and approximately 300 employees in its casino and other economic enterprises. The reservation is about 15 square miles. The tribe has jurisdictional authority within the reservation’s boundaries and provides governmental services to all residents, including police, water and sewer service, and planning and permitting services. The tribe operates a fisheries department, a fish processing plant, a water resources program, an environmental education program, social services, a fitness center, senior services, a housskagitvisitor.com

ing authority, a work training program and many other services. The tribe has about 900 members. Information: www.swinomish.org.

SAMISH INDIAN NATION Historically, the large and powerful Samish Nation lived in finely crafted longhouses on Guemes, Samish and Fidalgo Islands and other coastal areas in the Salish Sea. They relied largely on saltwater resources. The Samish’s status as a federally recognized Indian tribe was lost through a clerical error in 1969 when it was left off a list by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. It took more than 26 years of administrative and federal court proceedings to regain recognition for the Samish Indian Nation in 1996. Since then, the tribe has acquired property in and around Anacortes, including its cedar administrative offices,

a health administration building and an art gallery, all on Commercial Avenue, as well as a preschool, the Fidalgo Bay RV Resort and two tracts of land for future housing and economic development. Information: (360) 293-6404 and www.samishtribe.nsn.us.

UPPER SKAGIT TRIBE The 84-acre Upper Skagit Reservation is east of Sedro-Woolley, and the tribe has 504 enrolled members who are descended from a tribe that inhabited 10 villages on the Upper Skagit and Sauk rivers. The tribe opened its $28 million Skagit Casino Resort (www.theskagit. com) on a 15-acre site adjacent to Interstate 5 in Bow in 1995, and opened an $11 million, 103-room hotel and conference center in 2001. Information: (360) 856-5501.

Pick up & Delivery Service Most Major Appliances Local and Island Deliveries Available Your #1 appliance store Locally owned & operated. ASK ABOUT 1820 Commercial Ave. Anacortes, WA OUR LOW PRICE 360.293.5129 Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm • 9am-3pm Sat GUARANTEE

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

sedro-woolley

Sedro-Woolley

esilient Sedro-Woolley manages to retain its lumber-era charm while continuing to be a vital center of recreation. The tightknit downtown business community works hard to make the town’s core welcoming. The historic downtown has seen some revitalization recently, spurred by the efforts of the Chamber of Commerce and other groups to beautify it. As the gateway to both the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and North Cascades National Park — both are headquartered in Sedro-Woolley — city leaders are keenly aware of SedroWoolley’s potential as a recreational hub. A parks commission is improving the city’s park system. The Chamber and a horsemen’s group are working to connect trails from a large state recreation

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

area into the forested hills that surround Sedro-Woolley. Riverfront Park, located on the south side of town on the Skagit River, is a popular spot with a covered picnic area, two shelters, barbecue pits in each shelter and throughout the park, 50-plus picnic tables, four restrooms and an RV park. There is also a boat launch with restrooms and a picnic table. To make reservations for the park, contact City Hall at (360) 855-1661. The city is also primed for new residents. A new fire hall was built in 2010 in the fast-growing north end of town. Major road and highway projects have made neighborhoods and business centers safer and easier to reach. Sedro-Woolley’s identity is still tied to its timber-history roots — witness the immensely popular and uniquely SedroWoolley Loggerodeo, held every Fourth of July. At the same time, the town has

skagitvisitor.com

sedro-woolley so it was that Sedro-Woolley came to be — much to the confoundment of later sign makers who often misspelled the name, or left the all-important hyphen out.

DEMOGRAPHICS AND CITY FACTS

adapted in the wake of timber’s decline. Take for example Janicki Industries, headquartered in SedroWoolley, which creates high-tech molds for the aerospace and maritime industries. Sedro-Woolley gives visitors a reason to come to town most months of the year. September brings Founders’ Day. The Sedro-Woolley Museum honors a founding family, and residents re-enact a famous 1914 bank robbery. In early December, the town hosts a huge Christmas parade and tree lighting. In this old timber town, you can be sure the Christmas tree that stands in the center of the main street is a beauty. The independent spirit of two towns, each refusing to give up its identity, formed the name and soul of the hyphenated town of SedroWoolley. The name game could have taken a stranger turn. A large section of town actually started out as “Bug,” thanks to free-thinking settler Mortimer Cook, who in 1884 settled 34 acres of the future city. Cook was acknowledging the mosquitoes, which thrived along the property’s river banks. But thanks to Cook’s wife and the influx of later settlers, the insectoid skagitvisitor.com

name was scrapped for the word “Sedra,” the Spanish word for cedar. Unfortunately, they misspelled it. Today, one is reminded of Cook’s contributions each time the main route to Interstate 5 is traveled. Cook Road is a 10-minute connection to the busy freeway. Meanwhile, a short piece away on the Skagit River, Phillip A. Woolley also was setting up shop, first for a sawmill, then for a town. Not inclined toward Cook’s creativity, Woolley chose his own last name for the town he founded. The two growing towns fast became twins and rivals. But finally in 1898, they agreed to put their rivalry behind them, if not their names. And

Population: 10,540 in 2010 Persons younger than 5: 7.7 percent Persons 65 and older: 12.7 percent High school graduates: 87.1 percent Bachelor’s degree or higher: 12.8 percent Home ownership rate: 66.7 percent (Sources: U.S. Census, Washington State Office of Financial Management, Forecasting Division)

GOVERNMENT INFORMATION City of Sedro-Woolley 325 Metcalf St. Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 (360) 855-1661 www.ci.sedro-woolley.wa.us

SCHOOL INFORMATION Sedro-Woolley School District Administration Office 801 Trail Road Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 (360) 855-3500 www.swsd.k12.wa.us

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

sedro-woolley

While you’re here: Check out the murals downtown, many inspired by Darius Kinsey, a worldfamous photographer of Western scenery, logging and railroads who had a photo studio in Sedro-Woolley in the late 1890s.

NEW RESIDENT MOVE-IN NUMBERS

Garbage and sewer: City Hall (360) 855-0929 Water: Public Utility District (360) 424-7104 Gas: Cascade Natural Gas (360) 336-6155 Electricity: Puget Sound Energy (888) 225-5773 Cable TV: Comcast (877) 824-2288

CHAMBERS/ ORGANIZATIONS Sedro-Woolley Chamber of Commerce (360) 855-1841

SEDRO-WOOLLEY

MUSEUM & Gift Shop

Weds. & Thurs. Noon - 4 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday 1 - 4 p.m.

SENIOR SERVICES

Sedro-Woolley Senior Center (360) 855-1531 Refuse pick-up discounts for seniors (360) 855-0929

MUSEUMS

Sedro-Woolley Museum 727 Murdock St. (360) 855-2390

HEALTH CARE

United General Hospital 200 Hospital Drive Sedro-Woolley (360) 856-6021

SEDRO-WOOLLEY YOUTH BASEBALL FIELDS

Tesarik Park — Highway 20 across from Ferry Street City Ballfields — Metcalf Street and Waldron Street Janicki Playfields — 1099 Cook Road Riverfront Park — Township Street and River Road.

SEDRO-WOOLLEY SKATE PARK

Murdock Street, directly across from City Hall

725 Murdock Street • 360.855.2390 • www.sedrowoolleymuseum.org 68

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

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Kathy Ln

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LYMAN

riving up Highway 20 to recreation destinations in the North Cascades, the small town of Lyman registers as only a gas station and grocery. But those willing to get off the beaten path will find a quiet, picturesque town where residents enjoy life on the Skagit River without the river’s worrisome floods. This isn’t Lyman’s official slogan, but it could be: “The Little Town That Thinks Big.” Despite a small city budget, officials in Lyman, population 438, were able to purchase the beautiful Minkler mansion at 8405 S. Main St. The pioneer home built in 1891 now stands as the Lyman Town Hall. The sturdy home, with not a creak in the stairs, was built by pioneer mill owner and statesman Birdsey Minkler. It was recently added to the

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

National Register of Historic Places. Lyman is the sort of place where the mayor is also the owner of the town’s only tavern. The Lyman Tavern, billed as the “horniest tavern in the Northwest,” is really just a friendly place to sit, share a brew and on some nights enjoy karaoke. Oh, and the walls are covered with antlers — hence the name. Cascade Trail, a popular “Rails to Trails” project for walkers, joggers and bicyclists, passes right through Lyman. Town officials hope to expand the park near the trail. Now the park offers barbecue pits, a covered picnic area, restrooms and a horseshoe pit. Also nearby is the historic Lyman cemetery, which dates back more than a century and neighbors an early Native American burial ground. skagitvisitor.com

upper skagit DEMOGRAPHICS AND CITY FACTS

Population: 409 in 2000, an estimated 445 in 2008

GOVERNMENT INFORMATION

Town of Lyman 8405 S. Main St. P.O. Box 1248 Lyman, WA 98263 (360) 826-3033 FAX: (360) 826-6473 E-mail: clerk_lyman@msn.com

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upper skagit just fine. Some families have stayed for generations; others are newcomers who sought affordable housing and respite from the bigger cities. While Hamilton’s residents may be below the country’s median income level, they get along just fine through bartering and giving to one another. It’s a town where everyone knows everyone. Many of the homes are built above the highest historic flood levels. The town’s fire department sounds an alarm heard throughout town when the river level goes one foot above flood stage. Government at all levels have tried to coordinate the town’s relocation to higher ground across Highway

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ake a long look at Hamilton, and two things jump out. For one, the town of 301 people is especially vulnerable to flooding. Government officials estimate the town goes underwater once every two or three years. The last such flood was in 2006, so the next should be coming any year now. Second, Hamilton is one of those outpost towns — it sits on the Skagit River 13 miles east of Sedro-Woolley — that have seen more bustling days. Once a center for the mining, logging and paper-mill industries, Hamilton has since grown quiet. And that suits those who live there

20. But residents don’t have a strong desire to move, and the property owner across the highway was unwilling to sell. In any case, this is not the time to be seeking all the money that would be needed for such a major move. It appears Hamilton for now is staying put. The town park on Main Street features a public picnic area, a covered gazebo with kitchen facilities and restrooms. The town has a bar, grocery store and post office. Janicki Industries recently built a state-ofthe-art industrial composites plant on the edge of town.

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SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

upper skagit ment companies. Most of the buildings downtown were built with concrete after a major fire in 1921 destroyed most of the original wooden structures. Historic plaques on many of the buildings list their construction dates. Visitors can stop in Concrete for food or coffee, or fill up the gas tank before ascending the North Cascades Highway passes. Public restrooms and a community resource center are available on your right as you enter town.

DEMOGRAPHICS AND CITY FACTS Population: 705 in 2010

GOVERNMENT

GOVERNMENT Hamilton City Hall 584 Maple St. (360) 826-3983

Birdsview

his crossroads community up the Skagit River Valley is a nice stop along Highway 20 and a jumping-off spot for folks heading up Baker Lake Road to go camping, hiking and boating at scenic Baker Lake. Home to Birdsview Brewing Co.

CONCRETE

here’s probably not a town anywhere quite like Concrete. Once humming, and dusty, with two cement plants, the industry that gave the town its name has since disappeared. Today, town visionaries, many of them newcomers, are working hard to create a new future for Concrete. They’re starting modestly: a community garden and a collection of brightly painted birdhouses.

Town of Concrete 45672 Main St. Concrete, WA 98237 (360) 853-8401 Fax: (360) 853-8002 Much of the impetus behind these projects comes from Jason Miller, a newcomer whose passion for smalltown living led him to take a seat on the Town Council and restart the town’s historic newspaper. New businesses are sprouting up, bucking the general economic trend. New, local owners claimed the hotel and restaurant at the head of Main Street. Another business to start up in 2010 was the Concrete Theatre, which doubles as a fitness center. The business community is active through the Concrete Chamber of Commerce, which is always keeping things fresh with new events — including the recent addition of the Fall Color Festival. The chamber also has taken over the popular wintertime Eagle Festival. The chamber hosts Mardi Gras every year, even if there is snow on the ground. The town pays its respects to the many ghosts said to haunt the old downtown with a Ghost Walk in October. Concrete’s history began in 1909 with the merger of Cement City and Baker, each built around separate ce-

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

CHAMBER

Concrete Chamber of Commerce 45770 Main St., (360) 853-8767 chamber@concrete-wa.com

SENIOR SERVICES Concrete Senior Center 45821 Railroad St. (360) 853-8400

ROCKPORT

hen you think of Rockport, think bald eagles. The majestic national bird migrates by the hundreds to the upper Skagit Valley every winter after the chum salmon spawn. The epicenter of this show by Mother Nature is the small riverside community of Rockport. For decades the town has celebrated the raptors’ arrival with the Eagle Festival. The event features guided walks, photography workshops, demonstrations with live bald eagles, and performances by Native American musicians and dancers over four skagitvisitor.com

upper skagit weekends in January. Much of the educational events during the Eagle Festival take place at the Rockport Bald Eagle Interpretive Center, one block south of Highway 20 in the Rockport Fire Hall. The center is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Dec. 2 to Jan. 29. Find out what’s happening on a particular weekend by visiting www.skagiteagle. org or calling (360) 853-7626. Rockport is a fishing and rafting hot spot. Anglers and boaters launch from Howard Miller Steelhead Park. The park also features a playground, RV hookups and sites for tent camping. Just outside town at milepost 96.5 on Highway 20 is Rockport State Park, a 670-acre day-use park featuring old-growth trees and a trailhead that begins the climb to the top of 5,541-foot Sauk Mountain. Rockport was founded in 1901 by Albert Von Pressentin and served as the end of a railroad line for many years, with as many as three trains departing daily to Burlington. The Rockport Hotel, built along the river, had 21 rooms with hot and cold running water. Rockport has a population of 109, according to the 2010 census.

MARBLEMOUNT

“

elcome to the American Alps.” So reads the sign that greets visitors entering Marblemount, at the doorstep of North Cascades National Park. The town in essence is a backcountry retreat, for residents who never tire of the North Cascades’ majestic beauty and for visitors from around the world who use Marblemount as a jumping-off place for their hiking and climbing adventures. There’s also rafting, kayaking, canoeing, mushroom hunting, photography — most everything outdoor enthusiasts could skagitvisitor.com

want in the mountains. Marblemount, population 203 (2010 census), is fairly bustling in the eyes of those who are drawn to it — those looking to get away from it all. The town has two gas stations, and several eateries and places for overnight stays — from campgrounds and cabins to hotel rooms. Skagit River Resort west of Marblemount, owned and operated by the pioneer Clark family, offers RV hookups and cabins with fireplaces. From there, take a shuttle to destinations for fishing, hiking or kayaking. The town got its name in 1890 from Matilda Clark Buller, a hotelkeeper who named it for a mountain across the river, which resembled marble to her. At that time there were more than 1,500 miners and prospectors in the area.

Marblemount is rich with the history of the gold rush, and a few buildings of the era still stand. One is the Buffalo Run Inn, a hand-hewn log structure from the town’s early heyday. It’s part of an enterprise that includes the Buffalo Run Restaurant and Buffalo Run Ranch. Tourists can stop at a visitor information center, 59831 Highway 20, Friday through Sunday during the summer and on occasion in the winter, when the North Cascades Highway heading east is closed. Call (360) 873-4150 or (360) 873-2103. Information also is available at the North Cascades National Park Service Wilderness Information Center on Ranger Station Road, off Highway 20. Call (360) 873-4500, ext. 39.

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44568 State Route 20 • Concrete, WA Fourth Place Pizza Finalist in the 2011 Evening Magazine Best of Western Washington Contest SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

upper skagit

DEMOGRAPHICS AND CITY FACTS Population: 203

CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS Marblemount Community Hall 60155 Highway 20, Marblemount Connie Clark (360) 873-4631

NEWHALEM AND DIABLO

hese two towns built by a major utility are the last-chance stops for travelers heading to Eastern Washington on the North Cascades Highway. And boy are they beautiful places to stop. The towns were built around Seattle City Light’s powerhouses at the bases of Gorge and Diablo lakes. They serve dual roles now as company towns and tourist stops. Seattle City Light and the North Cascades Institute resumed their popular educational and scenic boat tours in 2011 and will return in 2012. For information about this summer’s tours, visit www.SkagitTours. com, e-mail SkagitTours.Reserva-

tions@Seattle.gov or call (206) 6843030. The Web site has information on other activities around Newhalem and Diablo. A ferry runs on Diablo Lake in the summers, mainly to accommodate anglers. The two towns are inside North Cascades National Park, one of the most rugged and beautiful places in the national park system. Trails and campgrounds, waterfalls and eyepopping vistas await the traveler. The better amenities are in Newhalem, at Milepost 120, eight miles west of Diablo. The Skagit General Store offers snacks, drinks, gifts and camping supplies. It’s best known for its homemade fudge. The Davis family homesteaded the area, and the remains of their primitive water power machinery can be seen on display in Newhalem. J.D. Ross, who envisioned and spearheaded the hydroelectric project, promoted the first tours of the site. His remains are in a crypt in the hillside near the Gorge powerhouse in Newhalem. In the winter, the North Cascades Highway is closed just a few miles east of Diablo due to extreme snowfall and avalanche danger.

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

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Hi Lo Rainfall Hi Lo Rainfall Hi Lo Rainfall JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

45.5 33.6 4.02 49.2 35.1 2.84 52.8 37.1 2.73 57.7 39.9 2.43 63.9 44.7 2.21 68.6 48.8 1.83 73.2 50.6 1.16 73.8 50.9 1.49 68.5 47 1.87 59.4 41.9 3.22 50.7 37.8 4.48 45.9 34.6 4.08

45 34.5 3.55 48.5 36 2.47 52.3 38.1 2.29 57.8 41.6 1.81 63.6 45.7 1.55 68.2 49.6 1.36 72.1 50.4 .90 72 52.6 .99 67.3 49.9 1.47 59.1 44.5 2.64 51 39.5 3.83 46.3 36 3.82

41.7 31 9.48 47.2 32.8 6.85 53.1 35.2 6.66 60.4 39.3 4.34 67 44.7 3.23 71 49.4 1.41 76.8 52.1 1.41 76.9 52.5 1.72 71 48.9 3.45 60.8 43.3 6.77 49.1 37.1 10.41 43 33.1 10.36

Weather statistics provided by the Western Regional Climate Center

Skagit County

weather

kagit County lies at the same latitude as St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Newfoundland, and Paris but has a milder climate than either due to the warming waters of the Pacific Ocean. That said, Skagit County has some of the most diverse weather of any county in Washington. The western end of the county lies in the Olympic rain shadow and gets some of the smallest rainfall totals in Western Washington. The eastern end reaches the western slopes of the Cascades and can get more than 100 inches of rain a year. The communities of Anacortes, La Conner, Mount Vernon and Burlington, at the western end, enjoy a relatively mild climate, with minimal rainfall and mild temperatures. But not far east in the community of Sedro-Woolley, and then farther east in Concrete and Marblemount, you find a very different climate indeed. Anacortes, perched on the saltwater, gets an average of 26.5 inches of yearly rainfall. But, for every 15 miles to the east, rainfall increases by an average of 5 inches a year. And snowfall goes from an average of 5 inches annually in

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Anacortes to more than 50 inches at the eastern edge of the county. Settlers at the turn of the 20th century selected the Skagit Valley for their homes because of the mild weather conditions and long growing seasons. Since then the Skagit Valley has developed into one of the most important agricultural regions of the state, with more than 80 crops grown commercially. Summertime highs rarely go above 80, and during winter the lows usually stay above freezing. Spring is the longest season, lasting from early February to the first of July. During this time the weather is unpredictable, ranging from warm and sunny to cold and windy with steady rain. July heralds the beginning of summer, with very little precipitation and temperatures in the mid-70s. Fall is the shortest season, often lasting only the month of October before winter weather arrives in November. Like the early settlers, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find the mild weather makes Skagit County a great place to live. SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

Skagit County today There are jobs here in traditional and emerging industries and at busy ports. Housing is affordable, access to quality health care is convenient and our communities care about their schools. MAJOR PUBLIC EMPLOYERS Skagit Valley Hospital & Skagit Regional Clinics, Mount Vernon Skagit Valley College, Mount Vernon Mount Vernon School District, Skagit County Island Hospital, Anacortes Sedro-Woolley High School United General Hospital, Sedro-Woolley

MAJOR PRIVATE EMPLOYERS Janicki Industries, composite tooling supplier for aerospace, space defense, marine, wind energy and ground transportation industry, Sedro-Woolley Regence BlueShield, health insurance, Burlington Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Bow Shell Puget Sound Refinery, petroleum processing, Anacortes

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

Tesoro Anacortes Refinery, petroleum processing, Anacortes Dakota Creek Industries, ship building and repair, Anacortes Trident Seafoods Corporation, seafood processing, Anacortes Draper Valley Farms, chicken processing, Mount Vernon PACCAR, truck building and testing, Burlington Dunlap Towing Co., marine towing service, La Conner (Source: Economic Development Association of Skagit County, 2011)

PORT DISTRICTS THE PORT OF SKAGIT COUNTY FOUNDED: 1964 MAJOR FACILITIES: Skagit Regional Airport, La Conner Marina, Bay View Business Park. GOVERNANCE: Three commissioners, elected for six-year terms, and an executive director. skagitvisitor.com

JOBS ON PROPERTY: 905 full time, 137 part time NUMBER OF TENANTS: 83 MAJOR TENANTS: Tomco Marine Group, Woodinville Lumber, Inc. (Tri-County Truss), Hexcel, Lindal Building Products, Team Corporation, Volant. INFORMATION: (360) 757-0011, www.portofskagit.com THE PORT OF ANACORTES FOUNDED: 1926 MAJOR FACILITIES: The 950-slip marina Cap Sante Boat Haven, Anacortes Airport, 30-acre marine terminal GOVERNANCE: Five commissioners, elected from five individual districts, who serve four-year terms, and an executive director. MAJOR TENANTS: Dakota Creek Shipyard, Puget Sound Rope, Nordic Northwest Yachts, M & M Fish, Northwest Marine Technology, Micro Aerodynamics, Transpac Marinas, San Juan Airlines, Washington State Ferries.

INFORMATION: (360) 293-3134 www.portofanacortes.com

MEDIAN HOME PRICES Anacortes - $290,000 Guemes Island - $265,875 La Conner - $254,500 Other Skagit County - $200,000 Burlington - $199,500 Mount Vernon - $189,500 Sedro-Woolley - $165,950 Lyman/Hamilton - $124,500 Concrete and up river - $64,628 (Source: Northwest Multiple Listing Service, year-to-date closed sales, October.)

HEALTH CARE Skagit Valley Hospital & Skagit Regional Clinics 1415 E. Kincaid St. Mount Vernon 98274 www.skagitvalleyhospital.org (360) 424-4111 The public hospital opened in 1958 after voters passed a bond measure.

INDEPENDENT & ASSISTED LIVING A Community within a Community • • • • • • • • • • •

One & two bedroom apartments Month to month rental Gourmet dining Housekeeping & linen service Beauty & barber shop Utilities & cable tv Emergency response system Social activities program Library Movie theater Fitness center

360-293-1300 C a l l f o r a To u r

1 3 0 0 “ O ” Av e . A n a c o r t e s w w w. ch a n d l e r s q u a r e. c o m

From Top to Bottom Inside and Out

Offerings include outpatient diagnostics and rehabilitation services, surgery, acute care, a Family Birth Center, heart and vascular care, orthopedic services, and surgery and cancer treatment at its Regional Cancer Care Center. The hospital has 137 beds, and all rooms are private. The hospital also has a clinic on Camano Island. The hospital received a top five-star rating for the quality of its coronary interventional procedures and in five other categories from HealthGrades, the health care ratings company. The hospital reports it is ranked No. 1 in the state for coronary interventional procedures. United General Hospital 2000 Hospital Drive Sedro-Woolley 98284 www.UnitedGeneral.org (360) 856-6021 Services at the public hospital include a breast care suite, a cancer care center, diagnostic imaging, a fit-

Burlington Public Library

ness center, massage therapy, physical therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation and a sleep center. The hospital reports that it consistently is rated one of the top hospitals in the state for its care of patients with pneumonia, and heart failure or heart attack. Island Hospital 1211 24th St. Anacortes 98221 www.islandhospital.org (360) 299-1300 Services at the public hospital include a birth center, a cancer care center, critical care, diagnostic imaging, emergency services, physical therapy and rehabilitation, prenatal care, surgery and a sleep wellness center. Island Hospital also manages family care clinics in Anacortes and on Lopez Island. The hospital recently was honored as one of the top “100 Top Hospitals’’ nationally for performance improvement by Evanston, Ill.-based Solucient, a national heath care information corporation.

EDUCATION Founded in 1926, Skagit Valley College, a two year community college, has about 6,000 full- and part-time students. The main Mount Vernon campus is at 2405 E. College Way; the Whidbey Island campus at 1900 S.E. Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor; the San Juan Center, 221 Weber Way, Friday Harbor; the South Whidbey Center, 11042 Highway 525 #138, Clinton; and the Business Resource Center, 204 W. Montgomery, Mount Vernon. Information: www.skagit.edu. Skagit County is home to seven school districts: Anacortes, Burlington-Edison, Concrete, Conway, La Conner, Mount Vernon and SedroWoolley.

LIBRARIES Anacortes Library 1220 10th St. (360) 293-1910 Burlington Library 820 E. Washington Ave. (360) 755-0760 La Conner Library 614 E. Morris St. (360) 466-3352

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

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Mount Vernon Library 315 Snoqualmie St. (360) 336-6209

Concrete Herald (monthly) (360) 853-8213 www.concrete-herald.com

Sedro-Woolley Library 802 Ball Ave. (360) 855-1166

La Conner Weekly News (360) 466-3315 laconnernews.blogspot.com

NEWSPAPERS

RADIO STATIONS

Skagit Valley Herald (daily) 1215 Anderson Road, Mount Vernon (360) 424-3251, www.goskagit.com

KAPS 660 (Mount Vernon) Country music. kapsradio.com

Anacortes American (weekly) 901 Sixth St., Anacortes (360) 293-3122, www.goanacortes.com

KWLE 1340 (Anacortes) Adult contemporary music, local news and sports. 1340thewhale.com

The Argus (weekly) 1215 Anderson Road, Mount Vernon (360) 424-3251, www.goskagit.com

KBRC 1430 (Mount Vernon) Classic hits. kbrcradio.com

Courier-Times (weekly) 1215 Anderson Road, Mount Vernon (360) 424-3251, www.goskagit.com

KSVR 90.1 FM (Mount Vernon) Broadcast news, public affairs programs and music in English and Spanish from Skagit Valley College. ksvr.org

TELEVISION/ PUBLIC ACCESS Channel 10, Anacortes. Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s government access channel broadcasting City Council and Port of Anacortes Commission meetings, public notices, community events and related programming. Access Skagit Television: Skagit 21, Mount Vernon. Can be seen on Comcast Cable channel 21 in the greater Skagit Valley viewing area. Broadcasts public meetings for cities and the county, along with public notices and events.

Thanks Mom, for choosing Life.

humanlife.net We Respect Human Life and Work Together to Protect It, at All Stages and in All Conditions. Join us as we seek better ways to respect & support human life, rather than abandon those who need help.

Your local HUMAN LIFE affiliates: Anacortes 360-293-3005 skagitvisitor.com

Sedro Woolley 360-856-6561

Mount Vernon 360-424-1943

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

CASINOS

RACING

MALLS

Skagit Valley Casino Resort 5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow (877) 275-2448 (360) 724-7777 www.theskagit.com Skagit Valley Casino Resort includes a 103-room hotel and conference center, more than 860 slot machines in the casino, three restaurants and live entertainment. Take Interstate 5 to Bow Hill Road (exit 236) and head east for a couple of blocks, then turn left onto Darrk Lane.

SKAGIT SPEEDWAY 4796 Old Highway 99 North Road Burlington (360) 724-3567 www.skagitspeedway.com Skagit Speedway, located on Old Highway 99 between Burlington and Alger, hosts auto racing, motorcycle races and demolition derbies from April through September. Camping is available.

Cascade Mall 201 Cascade Mall Drive, Burlington www.shopcascademall.com (360) 757-2070

Swinomish Northern Lights Casino 12885 Casino Drive Anacortes (360) 293-2691 (888) 288-8883 www.swimonishcasino.com Table games, slots, restaurant, Bingo, poker, comedy, live boxing, banquets, RV park. The casino plans to complete a 100-room hotel in the spring, which will include a fine dining restaurant, a sports bar and meeting and convention space overlooking Padilla Bay. Take Interstate 5 to exit 230 and head west over the Duane Berentson Bridge onto Fidalgo Island.

CINEMAS AMC Lowes Cascade Mall 14 14 screens 200 Cascade Mall Drive, Burlington www.amctheatres.com (888) 262-4386 Anacortes Cinemas 3 screens 415 O Ave., Anacortes www.liveanacortes.com (360) 293-7000 Lincoln Theatre 1 screen 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon www.lincolntheatre.org (360)336-8955

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

The Outlet Shoppes at Burlington 448 Fashion Way, Burlington www.theoutletshoppesatburlington.com (360) 757-3549

SKAGIT COUNTY POPULATION 2000 2010 Skagit County 102,979 116,901 Anacortes 14,557 15,778 Burlington 6,757 8,388 Concrete 790 705 Hamilton 309 301 La Conner 761 891 Lyman 409 438 Mount Vernon 26,232 31,743 Sedro-Woolley 8,656 10,540 (Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 census.)

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performing arts When it comes to dance, classical music, art and professional theater, you don’t have to travel far in Skagit County to find whatever entertainment strikes your fancy.

ake a stroll through any city or town in the county and you’re bound to find a variety of galleries and art studios. From the early days of the “Northwest Mystics” — internationally known artists Kenneth Calahan, Morris Graves, William Cumming and Mark Tobey — Skagit County has attracted a wide variety of artists who infuse their works with the essence of the region’s deep forests, rich farm fields, sheltered and salty bays and, of course, the Skagit River. Spend a day at the regionally renowned Museum of Northwest Art in La Conner to view some of the Pacific Northwest’s finest works. Music and dance have found a welcome home, too, with plenty of community support. A professional symphony, opera group, orchestra, a handful of community theater groups, volunteer chorales and choruses all thrive to create a rich cultural backdrop for the community to enjoy. skagitvisitor.com

VENUES MCINTYRE HALL McIntyre Hall is Skagit County’s premier performing arts hall, located on the Skagit Valley College campus and offering 651 seats and a conference center that can accommodate up to 300 people. McIntyre has an outstanding performance lineup planned for 2012, including family concerts by the Skagit Symphony, the Theater Arts Guild’s production in March, and SVC’s “Celebrating In Song” in April. There’s a bar in the large, comfortable lobby, and you can watch backstage activity on a large television screen during intermissions. For more information about tickets or the hall: (360) 416-7727, ext. 2; (866) 624-6897, ext. 2; or www.mcintyrehall.org. SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

LINCOLN THEATRE The Lincoln Theatre in downtown Mount Vernon is not only a fabulous performing arts venue designed with an Egyptian motif. It’s a little piece of the city’s history as well. Built in 1926, this historic vaudeville and silent movie house has been renovated through the years into a premier stage for a variety of performances and events. At the same time, the theater is a unique venue to catch showings of both independent and the latest films, and live, high-definition broadcasts of some of the world’s best opera from the Metropolitan Opera House in New York and the National Theatre in London. For a full list of events: (360) 336-8955 or www.lincolntheatre.org.

ANACORTES COMMUNITY THEATRE The Anacortes Community Theatre was founded by a loyal group of local theater aficionados in 1964 and has since evolved into a thriving theater organization with its own cozy building offering up a variety of staged productions year-round. Visitors can expect to see a helping of large-scale musicals, smaller comedies and dramas, and even edgy “fringe” shows written and produced by locals. The 2012 lineup includes “Thoroughly Modern Millie” in June and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” in October. For more information or a complete list of upcoming shows and events: (360) 293-6829 or www.acttheatre.com.

BRODNIAK HALL Anacortes High School’s Brodniak Hall has become a destination for a variety of community productions throughout the years. Built in 1975, the 804-seat theater attracts not just school performances and events, but also concerts, festivities and more, and offers fantastic rehearsal space. For information about the hall: (360) 293-1200 or www.asd103.org/Brodniak/index.htm.

PHILLIP TARRO THEATRE Skagit Valley College’s 210-seat Phillip Tarro Theatre, located on the college’s Mount Vernon campus, is an intimate venue perfect for smaller productions, panels or workshops. The theater is home to the college’s Drama Department and its seasonal stage productions. For more information about the theater: (360) 416-7723 or www.skagit.edu.

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

MUSEUM OF NORTHWEST ART The Museum of Northwest Art on First Street in La Conner is one of the most influential art museums in the Pacific Northwest region, focusing on exhibiting, preserving and interpreting Northwest art and artists. Since it was founded in 1981 by a tightknit group of local artists, the museum has moved to its current location along First Street in La Conner, and has grown to include a permanent collection of more than 2,500 pieces of art from Northwest artists. The MoNA Link program helps coordinate art education in the local schools. The museum also offers a full season of art workshops, activities and exhibits from nationally known artists. The museum is open from noon to 5 p.m. Sundays and Mondays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Admission is free for museum members, $5 adults, $4 seniors, $2 students and free for children 12 and younger. For a list of upcoming exhibits or to find out more about the museum: (360) 466-4446 or www.museumofn wart.org.

skagitvisitor.com

RIVERBELLE DINNER THEATRE

THEATER ARTS GUILD

The RiverBelle Dinner Theatre, owned by Wendy Bell, is a cozy dinner theater on the second floor of the renovated Old Town Grainery Building in historic downtown Mount Vernon. Audiences can head to the RiverBelle for a complete Friday or Saturday evening out, enjoying a catered dinner and dessert and an entertaining comedy, drama or musical. The theater offers a variety of shows, some written by promising local playwrights, others that are well-known Broadway and off-Broadway productions performed by some of the region’s best actors, singers and dancers. For more information on the RiverBelle and a complete list of shows: (360) 336-3012, www.riverbelledinnertheatre.com or final_curtain52@ yahoo.com.

The community volunteer theater group Theater Arts Guild was established in 1992 with the goal of providing a creative outlet for aspiring young actors and performers. Since then, the group has become recognized for its varied theatrical offerings, everything from large-scale musicals with a cast of 50, to smaller dramatic offerings, including “Salome,” and edgy comedic musical romps, including “The Rocky Horror Show.” The guild will stage “The Wizard of Oz” in March 2012. For more information and a complete list of upcoming shows: www.theaterartsguild.org.

CONWAY MUSE The Conway Muse is multi-faceted venue, with live music, dinner theater, improvisation and comedy. It also has a retail store on-site. The music lineup features country & western, blues, acoustic, and the food menu features barbecue, sandwiches and creative twists on burgers. Located at 18444 Main, Conway. For information and complete schedule: (360) 455-3000 or visit www.theconwaymuse.com.

PERFORMANCE GROUPS SKAGIT SYMPHONY The nonprofit Skagit Symphony is one of the area’s homegrown volunteer musical groups, made up of topnotch musicians from the Pacific Northwest who play to entertain, promote the appreciation of classical music and provide musical entertainment to youth across the region. Since it was founded in 1992, it has become a major cultural force in the community, offering opportunities for the public to enjoy full orchestral performances, and through its youth programs, for elementary-aged students to learn about classical music and experience a free musical performance each year by the symphony. For more information about the symphony or a list of upcoming performances or events: (360) 848-9336 or www.skagitsymphony.com.

SKAGIT OPERA The nonprofit Skagit Opera began in 2003 as a small group of local singers and stage performers and has since evolved to a regional opera company producing some of the best operatic programming in the Pacific Northwest region. The organization attracts professional singers and actors from around the world and is supported by a stalwart group of volunteers. For information and a complete list of upcoming shows and performances: (360) 422-5070 or www.skagitopera.org.

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FIDALGO YOUTH SYMPHONY The nonprofit Fidalgo Youth Symphony has been offering young and talented musicians in Skagit, Island, Snohomish and Whatcom counties an opportunity to reach their musical potential for the past 15 years. The symphony consists of a Youth Orchestra that studies and performs a challenging repertoire, the Junior Orchestra, comprised of intermediate level players, and the Sinfonette, designed for beginning musicians. Each year the groups perform four classical concerts for audiences in front of audiences at McIntyre Hall and other local venues. For more information or a complete list of events or performances: (360) 421-2527 or www.fysmusic.org.

SKAGIT VALLEY CHORALE The Skagit Valley Chorale was formed in 1984 from a small group of 30 local singers and has since blossomed to include more than 100 mixed voices performing in a variety of venues and events across the globe. For more information or a list of upcoming events: info@skagitvalleychorale.org or www.skagitvalleychorale.org.

SKAGIT RIVER SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL Each year in August, the nonprofit Shakespeare Northwest brings audiences a taste of the English bard’s tragedy and comedy during its month-long Skagit River Shakespeare Festival in Mount Vernon. Audiences watch as top-notch actors from across the Pacific Northwest breathe life into Shakespeare’s timeless stories with breathtaking costumes and sets. Typically, the group produces two Shakespeare classics each season. The group has expanded its offerings to include free outdoor public performances across Skagit County during the festival to help introduce a new audience to classic Shakespeare and theater. For more information about Shakespeare Northwest or the festival: www.shakesnw.org.

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

ALTA is a local theater organization based in Alger that draws on talented actors from across the Skagit Valley. The group produces two big shows a year in the cozy 100-seat Alger Community Church it calls its home and stage. For more information on ALTA, visit www.altatheatre.com.

META PERFORMING ARTS For the past 14-plus years, the nonprofit META Performing Arts has engaged audiences with several fully staged family friendly shows each year. There are plenty of opportunities for children and teens to perform with adults on stage and learn from them off stage. META is committed to providing children and youth with performance opportunities and an education in the performing arts. META practices “color blind” casting, and strives to reflect cultural diversity in its production choices. The group offers a performing arts summer camp and periodic performing arts and auditioning workshops. For more information about META programs: (877) 490-6382 or www.metaperformingarts.org

LYRIC LIGHT OPERA Lyric Light Opera is considered one of the premier theater groups in the Pacific Northwest, attracting professional-level and community theater talent for large-scale musical productions known for lavish sets, intense music direction and choreography and elaborate costumes. Since the group was founded in 2006, it has produced two musicals a year and gained a loyal following. Past productions include “Annie Get Your Gun,” “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast,” “Brigadoon” and “Sound of Music.” For more information about the group or upcoming performances: (360) 387-3948 or www.lyriclightopera.org

CANTABILE OF SKAGIT VALLEY The 20-member Cantabile of Skagit Valley is a nonaudition choir that brings a smooth, flowing and lyrical style of singing to audiences during its various performances each year. Founded in 2006, the choir has quickly become a music staple in Skagit Valley, often collaborating with other performing arts groups for shows that feature music from the Romantic era to today. For more information about Cantabile: (360) 466-1783 or www.cantabileofskagitvalley.org

SKAGIT county Visitors & Newcomers Guide 2012

Directory of Advertisers

ALGER LOOKOUT THESPIAN ASSOCIATION

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Good Jobs for Our Community

Skagit Regional Airport

La Conner Marina

Bayview Business Park

The Port of Skagit takes pride in its mission, which is described by the simple phrase, Good Jobs for Our Community. • The Port of Skagit facilities and customers support more than 1,000 jobs with a payroll of about $40 million annually. • Skagit Regional Airport, owned and operated by the Port, serves as the community’s primary on- and off-ramp to the federal airways. • The Port of Skagit supports and arranges for the dredging of the Swinomish Channel, site of the Port’s La Conner Marina. When you consider the Port of Skagit utilizes less than one cent of each property tax dollar collected in Skagit County, it’s clear the public is getting a great deal for its investment in the Port of Skagit. The Port of Skagit -- Inspiring Success, Delivering Excellence. PO Box 348 • 15400 Airport Drive • Burlington WA 98233 360.757.0011 | www.portofskagit.com | posc@portofskagit.com