Washington state can offer plenty of opportunities for romance. From visiting Tacoma to visiting Seattle, there is always something new and exciting to discover for everyone. You can explore beautiful mountains, enjoy the coolness of a rainforest, take a walk on the coastline, or visit an island. You may also partake in outdoor activities to round off your perfect romantic holiday.
If you have decided to make Portland your hometown, congratulations are in order – you made a great choice. No matter what your lifestyle is or what you want it to be in the future, Portland is the right city for you. |
It is the city that manages to make a chic, young fashionista, a family of five with toddlers, and a retired teacher feel like they are right where they belong. Being the biggest city in Oregon, Portland has many areas to choose from, and they can vary dramatically from one to another. After a careful review, here is our choice of the best neighborhoods to live in Portland.
This is truly a unique area since, in its past, it used to be made of industrial facilities and warehouses. Over time these robust buildings evolved into respected art establishments, modern business entities, and residences. Warehouses and old plants turned into modern lofts. So if you are an artistic soul with a taste for open-plan living spaces with an industrial feel to them, Pearl District is the finest area to settle in Portland for you. In this area, you can find some of the greatest and most unusual coffee shops in town, as well as restaurants, again boasting this unusual blend of robust industrial architecture and modern trends in interior design.
This fashion-forward neighborhood is also quite family-friendly. There are lots of imaginative playgrounds for children. The city park located in this area has a signature tidal pool kids are crazy about on those hot summer days. All in all, Pearl District is a neighborhood that appeals to all our senses. It seems to have a way of being unforgettable for anyone that is introduced to it.
Speaking of senses, here’s an area that makes an impact, especially if we are talking about taste. In Portland, this part of town is the best place to choose to live for food lovers. If you’re big on eating out and like to sample different cuisines, you will be happy here. Mississippi Avenue has a lot to offer from gluten-free pizza to all-out southern delights and Mexican food. Here the question “Where are we eating tonight?” has an exciting ring to it.
Another charming characteristic of this neighborhood is its eccentric stores. One of them, for example, is selling lightbulbs. Only lightbulbs, literally. All sorts of them, though. Yet in another one, you can buy the weirdest gifts, such as human or animal bones. Maybe this area wouldn’t be our first choice to recommend to a family with small children, but all others that prefer the night out in town to staying in and that are bored of the usual shopping experience would enjoy living here.
First of all, if this is where you choose to live, geese will not be your first neighbors. It is likely your neighbors will be some soccer fans. Prep yourself to take up a revived interest in this sport since Portland is a town in love with soccer. The stadium Providence Park is located in Goose Hollow, with two very popular soccer teams calling it their home. Naturally, this area is packed with all things sports.
On the other hand, there is plenty for those not into sports as well. The harmonious marriage between modern apartments and gorgeous historic buildings gives this district its distinct appeal. An impressive array of food choices ranging from high-quality breakfasts to a delightful donut bar, excellent brunches, pizzas, and Thai food, wouldn’t disappoint even the toughest of foodies. Vegans are especially appreciated here, given that Goose Hollow can provide a very satisfactory selection of vegan dishes. So basically, sports fans, this is the right part of Portland for you. Non-sports fans, if you are moving here, you will not be disappointed either, and definitely, you will not be hungry.
A place once called the Alphabet District and Northwest Portland, Nob Hill has many things to take pride in. Even though finding parking is not very easy here, walking around this area is pure joy. Many trendy shops have found their place here as well as some amazing eateries. Taking a stroll, you will be able to enjoy the sight of very beautiful Victorian mansions, which are a trademark of this district.
When it comes to public transportation, among other lines, there is Portland Streetcar. It is very effective in getting people to and from work. So, a person not owning a car that loves urban walks will surely find that this is the best area to relocate to in Portland. Also, an interesting perk of this area is an amazing selection of happy hour options when it comes to drinks.
So if you are a person that doesn’t own a car, likes imaginative shops and restaurants, and appreciates a good transportation system, we recommend the following: hire a good residential moving company and rid yourself of the relocation stress, as their expert team can handle everything. Next, select a bar that seems best suited to your mood at the moment. Sit back, relax, and toast to all the wonderful things that are coming – your new life starts here.
And here is a neighborhood fit for princesses and fairy tale endings – at least we see it that way. Imagine a beautiful house on a hill in Portland, surrounded by wonderful greenery. You can reach it going up a steep and narrow, curvy road, but the effort is worth it. Well, that house must be in Arlington Heights. As opposed to our previously described amazing districts to live in Portland, this one is neither bustling with bars and businesses nor does it have that feel of a large city.
There are many sanctuaries of nature in this area. One of them is Washington Park, which offers many activities like playgrounds, tennis courts, hiking trails, and the like.
There is also a Forest Park (which is dog friendly), one of the most beautiful parks in the country, and several theme gardens. Although peaceful, you can find several restaurants here which are, nonetheless, of very high quality. Arlington is an upscale neighborhood with expensive houses, stunning views, and amazing nature to admire. A fairy-tale district for many.
Deciding on the best neighborhoods to live in Portland is subject to many factors. But one thing is clear – there is a district in Portland for every type of person. Nevertheless, if you end up in any of the abovementioned, you will hardly be disappointed.
If you’re looking for a stretch of beautiful beach on the Washington coast, find your way to Ocean Shores. With 8 miles of sandy beach to roam, wildlife viewing areas, clamming and fishing beaches, and plenty of family friendly activities, Ocean Shores offers something for everyone.
Portland is the most vibrant city in the state of Oregon. It is known as being one of the most eco-friendly cities. Moreover, the city is home to some of the finest breweries in the state that you can find all around the city! Portland is great for nature lovers due to the high number of parks.
Have you ever dreamed of living on the West Coast but could never pick a good city for it? Don’t worry. We can help you find the best places to live in the Pacific Northwest that most people overlook. Yes, there are small, charming cities and towns that you should look at besides the famous Seattle, Portland, or Vancouver.
Moving to a new state, especially if you have a family, can be pretty challenging. Even when you narrow down your choices and get to the final two, things don’t tend to get any easier. But you don’t have to go through this alone!
When Spring comes to the Skagit Valley, so do the Tulips! Washington State is the second-largest producer of commercial Tulips after Holland. Skagit Valley is home to most of the Washington State Fields. Tulip Festival takes over most of the fields in Mt. Vernon and La Conner and creates a colorful carpet that hundreds of thousands of people come to see every year.
Before the Tulips arrive in late March or early April, the Daffodils bloom! Daffodils are bright yellow flowers that can withstand cooler temperatures so they are able to bloom earlier in the Spring. These yellow flowers cover huge fields and, during their peak season, look almost neon.
Daffodils are grown in Skagit County for the bulbs. Unlike Tulips, Daffodils do not need to be cut during the peak season to preserve their energy in the bulbs. This means that you can watch the entire life span of a Daffodil year-round. While the fields rotate every year, there are always several Daffodils fields in the Skagit Flats area.
You can see flowers all over the valley. Check out the beautiful flowers down highway 20 from Burlington to LaConner or Anacortes, and you will see just how resilient these flowers are. If you do not pull daffodils bulbs out of the ground, they will rebloom year after year. You can find daffodils growing along the highway, in medians, and in many open areas throughout the county.
The Daffodils are often used as a measure of when the Tulips will come. If the Daffodils bloom early, the Tulips will likely bloom in late March instead of early April. If the ground is frozen for longer, the daffodils will bloom mid-March instead of Early in the month, which means the Tulips may be several weeks late.
While some may be partial to the beautiful yellow and white hues of the daffodil fields, the main attraction in the Springtime in Skagit Valley is the Tulips. The Tulip Festival officially begins April 1st and ends April 30th, but the tulips are known to bloom late some years and early others.
Tulips need precise growing requirements, so they are predominately only grown in Washington, small parts of Oregon, and Holland. The ideal time to see the tulips is often very short. Often the window is only two weeks or less, because before the tulips begin to wilt, their flowers are cut off in a process called topping. Tulips are topped because farmers need their energy to go back into the bulbs rather than keeping the flower alive. If this process is not done, the bulbs will be less valuable.
While Tulips are beautiful to look at and an essential part of the tourism economy in the area, their primary purpose is to harvest bulbs that can be sold worldwide. Every year, disappointed tourists book their trips too late in the season and arrive in the Skagit Valley to find fields of tulips heads already topped and on the ground.
Planning your spring trip to Skagit County for Tulip Festival can be tricky because it is hard to know precisely when the tulips will be in full bloom. Usually, the best weeks are the last two weeks of April, but the exact times change year to year. Several commercial tulip attractions usually have tulips longer than the bulb fields if you come early or late.
Tulip town and Rosengardens both have their tulip displays and fields where you can walk through the fields. This can be an excellent option for many as it is illegal to walk through many of the large bulb fields as they are private farm property, and they are often next to busy roads with limited parking. During the 2021 season, both of these locations required reservations to come into the venue.
While mid-April may be the best time for Tulips, many locals enjoy March for a few reasons. While the Tulips are not yet bloomed, the Daffodil fields will be in full swing.
There are usually at least 2-3 large fields of Daffodils. The tourists have not yet arrived for the Tulips, so you often get to stop next to the fields all by yourself.
The other fantastic thing about this time is that the snow geese are still in Skagit County. Snow geese winter in Skagit County and leave in the Spring for a different climate.
There are often fields full of hundreds of snow geese together. A stunning display is to be had when they all fly together to move to another field or resettle. During snow geese and Daffodil season, you can often find painters and photographers standing on the side of the road trying to capture the magic.
As mentioned above, the farmers change fields every year to make sure the flowers have fertile grounds to grow, so each year, the fields are different. Every year, Skagit Valley puts out an excellent map of the fields that shows where the best Tulips and Daffodil fields are. These maps are usually in every business in the town of LaConner. The map is also available online most years.
During the Tulip Festival, there are lots of other events to enjoy in Skagit Valley. There are often old car parades, live music, and other festivities in the Town of LaConner. If you are looking for an exclusive look at the Tulips from the sky, there is an airport nearby in Bayview where you can rent small 2-4 person airplanes to take you over the Valley.
Skagit Valley in the springtime is an exhilarating time. During the Spring, the sleepy Valley wakes up, and the fields, animals, and farmers come alive. Flowers and farms make for an excellent trip for families! Make sure to pack your rain gear for your trip! The Valley can be very wet during the spring months, and fields are often muddy from the rain! Whether you come for the tulips, snow geese, or daffodils, you are sure to have a great time exploring.
Make sure to check back into the Clever Neighbor for more of the best tips on how to experience Skagit Valley. With so many beautiful seasons of farming and outdoor activities, there is always more to see and do.
Although we are in the middle of a wet, Washington winter, summer will be here before you know it! Skagit county has so much to offer, and there are many great summer tours and activities that you should start planning now before the summer crowds book them out. From the Cascades to the sound and everything in between, there are activities in nearly every corner of Skagit County.
Whether you love the outdoors and feel at home in the mountains or enjoy guided tours overlooking beautiful views, this guide helps you decide what tours are right for you and your family this summer.
In April, the whales enter the Puget sound for safe fishing grounds before they continue to Alaska for the summer. The month of April is when a group of grey whales ventures hundreds of miles off course to spend a few weeks in the Puget Sound eating ghost shrimp.
There are Orca whales, Mink Whales, humpback whales, and all kinds of porpoises, seals, and more from May to October. The resident Orca whales are also a regular sighting in most areas of the Salish Sea.
There are several different whale watching companies that operate out of Edmonds, Anacortes, and Port Townsend. The Puget Sound Express offers both full and half-day tours from multiple locations. Their tours are guaranteed, meaning that if you do not see whales, they will help you to book another tour on an upcoming day. Puget sounds Express tours last between 4 and 8 hours.
Their guides will help point our wildlife, and you will be able to spend a day cruising through the San Juan Islands. The boats work together to locate wildlife which helps to have regular whale sightings on most tours. The Orca Whales as well as all the other regular visitors of the area, are spectacular and worth scheduling a time for.
Another popular activity in Skagit County is bird watching. There is plenty to spend an entire day searching for with snow Geese, Swans, raptors, tundra, and more. Skagit Guided Tours offers day trips to visit the Snow Geese come fall and many other bird species in their bird watching eco-tour.
With the Puget Sound at the edge of Skagit County, most visitors flock to the water for their stay in Skagit County. One of the best ways to enjoy the water is by kayaking through it! With seals, eagles, and so much wildlife to enjoy, kayaking through the sound is one of the best ways to spend the day.
With stunning views of the San Juan Islands and views of the Olympics, the Cascades and Mt. Baker, and the Canadian Mountain Range to the north, you are in for a real treat. No matter if you have kayak experience or are a newbie, there is a perfect kayaking trip for you.
Anacortes Kayaking Tours offers 1.5, 3, and 5 hours day tours as well as multi-day island hopping tours. Your trip will begin with a brief tutorial in a protected area to get your comfortable in your kayak before the group heads out for the day. If you are on a longer trip, there will be plenty of time to stop on beaches and stretch your legs while you explore the coastline. Anacortes Kayaking offers both tandem kayaks and single kayaks. Book your tour earlier to ensure there is space on the day you prefer.
One of the more luxury tours that are available out of Skagit County is a private plane tour. You can soar over the San Juan Islands, the tulip fields, and more, all while enjoying views of the ocean, the Cascades, and the Olympics. San Juan Airlines offer flights departing from Bellingham, Anacortes, Friday Harbor, Roche Harbor, Orcas/Eastsound, Blakely Island, or Lopez Island.
Deception pass jet boat tours
Deception pass is a popular sightseeing location in Skagit county. One of the best Tours of Skagit county to book for Summer is a Deception Pass jet boat tour. This is a cheap and family-friendly option that allows you to enjoy the beautiful waters around deception pass. The jet boat is an open-air deck boat with seats outside.
The boat named the Whaler will take you through Deception Pass and the surrounding area while a knowledgeable crew gives a history of the area and what transportation was like before the bridge was built.
With so many beautiful bodies of water to explore, it can be hard to pick just one. If you are interested in seeing more of the wildlife along the Skagit River, Skagit River tours offers 2-hour tours of Skagit River. These are small tours with only 5-6 people per boat and allow you to explore 7 miles of river on either the south/ west end of the river, starting in La Conner or a more northern section of the River. You’ll be able to learn about the history of the Skagit River as well as the fish and other wildlife that move through it.
The Skagit River is one of the most unique places to Raft in the Northwest. Alpine Adventures is one of the only outfitters that takes rafters through a northern area of the Skagit River. The rafting trip is rated for class 2 and 3 rapids and is suitable for those six years old and up. You will raft through the Ross Lake National Recreation Area of North Cascades National Park. You can expect stunning mountain views, waterfowl, and more.
While not a traditional tour, the Skagit Farm to Pint Passport is a self-guided brewery tour of the county. Trek the Skagit Farm to Pint Ale Trail and collect stamps and win prizes along your way. If you get all your stamps, you can claim a souvenir pint glass at the Burlington visitor center.
Whether you are an avid fisherman or someone looking for a bit of guidance, fishing the Skagit River is so much fun. There are Chinook salmon, also known as king salmon, Coho, which are also known as Silvers, chum, Pink, also known as Humpies, Sockeye, steelhead, and cutthroat trout. Fishing seasons and days vary by year, but in a normal year, the river is always open for King, Silvers, Steelhead, and more. A fishing tour is helpful because they supply the gear and the best spots to fish. 365 charters and Skagit Eagles both offer Skagit River Fishing Tours throughout the year.
During the Spring, during the tulip festival, you can arrange for tours of the best fields via a Tulip Festival Tour. Skagit Guided Adventures offers a tulip tour that takes you through the tulip fields and introduces you to some of the farmers. You will also learn about agriculture and horticulture in the valley and the history of the Tulip Festival. You will stroll through fields and gardens and take in the views of the Skagit Valley farm flats.
One of the most exciting tours offered in the Skagit Valley is a Tulip Festival Hot air balloon tour. During the Tulip Festival, the Balloon Depot brings in hot air balloons to the Skagit Valley so that you can fly over the best Tulip fields. This is truly a unique experience that very few people get to enjoy. To fly over tulip fields with views of the ocean in the distance and Mt. Peaks to the east is spectacular. This experience happens in the mornings when the weather is good. Check-in with Balloon Depot as Tulip Festival Draws closer to book your spot.
There are so many tours of Skagit county to book for Spring, Summer, and Fall. The views, recreation, and wildlife create a magical oasis for outdoor adventures and sightseers. Look into the tours that interest you most today and make sure to book early, as some spots do fill up quickly. The Clever Neighbor is happy to bring you the latest on the best activities for your vacations!
Many food hedonists would agree with the statement that you experience the place only after trying the local cuisine. Idaho will be a real treat for such food enthusiasts who love to explore up-and-coming star chefs. While everyone’s familiar with the fantastic Seattle dining experience, the Gem State culinary scene is way less known. Yet, it is home to many restaurants that could satisfy anyone’s taste. Whether you prefer steakhouses, Italian diners, wineries, or pizza and burgers, you will not go hungry in Idaho. Still, having some guidelines is an excellent place to start, especially if you’re new to the area. To help you taste the best culinary delights Northwest can offer, we’ve created a Foodie’s guide to Idaho’s culinary scene.
Now that the cold months are here and rain fills many of the days in Skagit County, it is an excellent time to find a few indoor activities to fill your time. While the mall in Skagit county may not have your favorite stores, many boutiques and family-owned shops are excellent. Shopping in Skagit County is a fun winter activity and helps keep local businesses afloat.
During COVID we all supported local and small, and this winter, Skagit County shops need our support more than ever. From Sedro-Woolley to Anacortes, Conway to Edison, there are hidden finds everywhere. With a bit of driving around and scoping out the best spots to shop, we have put together our favorite list of shops to support local this winter.
Nestled along the South Fork of the Skagit River, South Fork Farms is home to around 35 alpacas.
The farm is committed to high-quality alpaca fibers and is home to a small shop. The Bunkhouse Boutique that is located on the property sells yarn, bird nesting balls, sweaters, socks, and more. They also sell shawls and scarves, gloves, cat balls, finger puppets, and felted soaps. The shop is very small, but if you are in need of something to keep you warm this January, they definitely have something for you.
Re-Feather Your Nest is both a consignment store and a boutique. Located in downtown Mt. Vernon and Anacortes, Re-Feather Your Nest is an interior decorator’s dream. With high-end used furniture and décor galore, re-feather your next has it all. From antique signs to beach house decorations, there is something for every taste and style. Much of Re-Feather’s décor is a rustic farmhouse style.
If you aren’t ready to redecorate your entire house, there are plenty of other finds to search through. From handcrafted jewelry to a small clothing section, there is something for everyone to look through. Re- Feather Your Nest is particularly popular just before the holidays because of all of the fantastic Christmas decorations. If you are shopping in January, you may be able to get a bargain on many of their Christmas décor that is left over. For each holiday, they stalk the shelves with themed décor so that your home can look great year-round.
El Sage Designs in Mt. Vernon is a small, locally-owned print shop. Using both block printing and screen printing, they create Pacific Northwest-themed clothing, art, and stickers. They have a large selection of hats, sweatshirts, t-shirts, and more, all printed in small batches. El Sage Designs advocate for social and environmental responsibility; they donate 1% of their annual earnings to organizations fighting to save the environment. On any given day when you head in, you can probably find the owners Phoebe and Jonathon working and printing new designs.
Pac Nor Westy is home to everything outdoors and PNW themed. They offer t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and more that are all printed with fun outdoor imagery. Some with mountains or the ocean and others with slogans like “hike it wet” and “Camp more.” In addition to clothing, they offer field notebooks, journals, books, cards, and stationery, all outdoor and PNW themed. They also offer things such as cups, mugs, blankets, and more that are all aimed at PNW lovers.
Pac Nor Westy opened its doors in 2017 and has since been striving to become more sustainable and ethically sourced. Many of their items come from small-batch artisans, and they strive to source from the USA and the PNW whenever possible. Shopping in Skagit County is a great way to get your fix of PNW gear.
Elizabeth’s Cottage by the Sea, located in Anacortes, is a shop of all things. They sell Jewelry, Beads, gifts, crystals, furniture, antiques, gems, minerals, and more. The shop is a mix of a gift shop and a local boutique. They have a large section of antique and new jewelry in one area, and in another, they sell paint and transfer supplies. This multi-level shop has bins, shelves, and display cases aplenty to keep you busy for as long as you want to browse.
In Conway, you will find a plethora of antique stores. Alley Cat Antiques has a large front and usually has a large selection of items from local estate sales. Alley Cat antiques have everything an antique lover could want, from quilts to typewriters and everything in between.
In Anacortes, on 9th street, Pelican Bay Books and Coffee house stands. The bookstore was first opened in 1994 in a different building, and after moving several times, it has been in its current building since 2006. This book store is unique because it is a used and rare book store. It’s owners chose Anacortes to be close to the sea and the forest and now use the space as both a book store and a small café with coffee and pastries.
In Edison, Indigo Dreams Fiber sits on the main street, Nestled in between the Edison Restaurant and several other popular Edison eateries. This small boutique sells clothing, fabric, jewelry, and more. In the tiny town of Edison, this is one of the only businesses that is not a restaurant, bakery, or bar. They are open Friday-Sunday or by appointment.
This furniture and antique store is located on the corner in Edison. They have an eclectic combination of handmade items, art, and furniture. They are very popular in the town of Edison, and their interesting window displays draw in crowds of tourists each summer.
There are so many great shops to discover in Skagit county. From tiny boutiques hidden on county roads to local tourist shops on the main drag. All of these businesses are locally owned and operated by families in Skagit county who need support and shoppers through the winter season. When it’s rainy and cold out, considering going on a shopping tour of Skagit County! January- March is a critical time for small shops to prepare for the busy spring and summer season, and they love to have visitors come in, support, and learn more about their business.
For more shopping, eating, and local gems, check back into the Skagit County Clever Neighbor.