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Mt. Vernon

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.

Alpacas of South Fork Farms

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

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

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

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

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.

Alley Cat Antiques

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.

Pelican Bay Books and Coffee House

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.

Indigo Dreams Fiber Studio

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.

The Lucky Dumpster

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.

The PNW is home to an outdoor enthusiast’s playground. Northwest Washington is home to Skagit County, which is the perfect spot to find fun activities for the whole family this summer. Located in between Seattle, Washington, and the Canadian border, Skagit county touches the Puget Sound and reaches all the way into the North Cascades. With endless room to explore, traveling Skagit county will provide you with excellent indoor and outdoor activities to keep any adventure entertained for a long weekend or maybe a few weeks if you have the time.

Skagit County is expansive! So we have broken down this guide to adventure into three separate parts to help keep your travels organized. Activities to do near the water (the West third of the county), the Valley (the middle third of the county), and the foothills (the Eastside of the county).

Skagit County-What to do near the water

La Conner Washington Kayaking

Skagit County spans through Anacortes and into the Puget Sound, encompassing Guemes Island and Samish Island. This area is ideal for kayaking, boating and fishing, and biking! If you are looking for activities to do on the water, consider getting out in a kayak. There are plenty of rental areas in both La Conner and Anacortes. If you head into La Conner, launch from town and head southwest through the channel. Look for the hole in the wall, and you can paddle through and head into the Skagit Bay. Be prepared to see seals, porpoises, Eagles, and maybe whales, if you are lucky.

Biking Guemes Island

If you want to try your hand at Island life, head to Anacortes and take the ferry to Guemes Island. This tiny ferry will take you on a quick trip across the Guemes Channel over to the island. Guemes is a popular spot to bike. You can circumnavigate the island with views of Samish Bay, Bellingham Channel, the North Cascades, and Mt. Baker on a clear day. The whole island takes just a few hours to bike around, and there are even a few hiking trails that you can stop at on your path.

Deception Pass Bridge and Mt. Erie

A must-see stop is Deception Pass Bridge south of Anacortes. Rosario beach on the northside of the bridge is an excellent spot for a hike or kayaking trip. If you are feeling brave, walk across the bridge for a great view of the Puget sound from the center point. If you are looking for more incredible views of the Sound, consider hiking on MT. Erie. The trails will take you to a high vantage point to see amazing views of Anacortes, Lopez Island, and the ferry crossings.

Washington Park

The perfect place for a sunset picnic near the water is at Washington Park. With picnic tables that line the shore, you will be able to enjoy the sun and the saltwater all in one place. During the summer, this location is busy, so make sure to get here early to grab a table. Watch the Ferries pass to and from the islands, walk the trails or cruise the beach for shells. Washington Park is an excellent stop for all ages and a way to see great water views without having to hike. There is a road that takes you all the way through the park to a viewpoint at the top, so make sure not to miss it on your drive out!

La Conner Shopping

The quaint town of La Conner is not just the perfect place to launch a kayak from. There is a number of great shops to wander through and merchants to talk to. If you head down to the main street, find a parking spot and plan on spending at least a few hours checking out all these shops. Like a farmers market, you’ll want to check out all the offerings and walk down both sides of the sidewalk. If you get hungry during your shopping, pop into one of the many restaurants for a bite to eat or head into the Calico Cupboard at the end of the street for a Coffee or a dizzying array of baked goods to choose from.

Best stops in Skagit Valley, Skagit County

What is commonly referred to as the Skagit Valley is an excellent place for great food, biking, views, and fun. This section spans from Conway to Alger. Starting in Conway, consider heading the Skagit Wildlife Area-Wiley Slough. This area is a bird watcher’s favorite spot! Eagles, Heron, and more are all common sites in this area. You can take a bike ride on the Skagit River Dike to get here, or you can park your right at the wildlife area and walk the short trail out to the water. This area is high in ecological diversity. Take your wildlife ID books with you!

Edison

Food, drinks and more biking. Edison and the Bow, Wa area is a quieter area of the Skagit Valley, home to far lands and sloughs. Edison has a few excellent restaurants that come with great views. Check out Slough foods, where you can eat with a view of the slough and the wetlands beyond. Right next door, be sure to stop into the Bread Farm for fresh bread, cookies, and other baked goods. This entire area is excellent for biking, and if you head west from Edison, you can bike onto Samish Island.

Be sure to drive through the farm fields between Bow and Burlington. In the summertime, stop by From the Farm to get fresh berries: strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, and more accompanied by homemade shortcakes and local goodies. There is plenty of berry stands throughout the Valley. While From the Farm is dedicated to berries from the Skagit Valley, there is a fruit stand in the parking lot of Karl’s Paints & Supplies in Mt. Vernon that hosts peaches, cherries, and apples from Eastern Washington.

The Skagit Valley Casino

Suppose you are looking for a bit of indoor fun; head to Alger, just off I5 to the Skagit Valley Casino. Complete with a hotel, several restaurants, and plenty of opportunities to gamble, the Skagit Valley Casino is an excellent place for some adult fun. This large Casino is the biggest north of Marysville, Washington, which is about an hour south.

Mt. Vernon Farmers Market

In downtown Mt. Vernon on Saturday mornings, you will find the Mt. Vernon farmers market. Right along the Skagit river, vendors from all over the county set up on the embankment to sell food, trinkets, and local gear. If you are looking to support local vendors and buy a few souvenirs to commemorate your visit to Skagit county, this is the perfect stop. After you finish wandering through the farmer’s market, there are a variety of breweries and restaurants to walk to. There are also a few excellent shops to wander through on the main street.

Where to head in the foothills of the Cascades in Skagit County

Sauk Mountain Trail

If you are ready to hike the North Cascades, the Sauk Mountain Trail might be the perfect fit for you. This 4.2-mile-long trail takes you up switchbacks to the top of Sauk Mountain. During the summertime, you can see wildflowers, marmots, chipmunks, and butterflies. This trail gains 1200 feet and reaches a high point elevation of 5500, giving you great views of the rest of the North Cascades mountain range. At the top, there is often snow, so be careful if you want to venture farther than the viewpoint at the top. Bring a lunch and a cold beverage because you will want to spend a while sitting at the top, enjoying the views. This trail sits along highway 20, headed east into the foothills of the Cascades.

Skagit River

The Skagit River runs across the entirety of Skagit County. The river itself begins in southwest British Columbia in Canada and ends by flowing into the Puget Sound. The river is roughly 150 miles long. The Skagit River is the only river in the United States that is home to all five species of salmon. If you are a fishing enthusiast, then look no further. There are plenty of great areas to fish on the river.

If you want to venture just outside of Skagit County, you can follow the river up highway 20 to Diablo Lake, which is a reservoir created by the Diablo dam. The water here is often a picture-perfect blue, and there are plenty of viewpoints along highway 20 to take in the views. The Skagit river also supports one of the largest populations of Bald Eagles in the United States. No matter where you are on the river, you are bound to find lots of fish, birds, and views.

Baker Lake

Just outside of Concrete, Wa, you will find Baker Lake.

Baker Lake is a massive lake situated just inside the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Park. Home to hiking, fishing, boating, kayaking, camping, and swimming areas, Baker lake is the perfect summer stop. With stunning views of Mt. Baker and plenty of coves and beaches to explore, it is a favorite place for many people from Skagit County. If you are looking to stay, there are plenty of campgrounds on the lake.

Make sure to take a trip over the dam while you are here! It is definitely worth the drive. Bake lake has a few different swimming areas and public parks that often fill up during the summer months so make sure to grab a parking spot early in the day. If you are looking for a hike, there is a trail on the south side of the lake with incredible views of the mountains and even a few spots to jump in and swim.

Newhalem

If you are driving up HWY over the North Cascades, make sure to stop in Newhalem. This tiny town is the last town on the west side of the mountains and is a great pit stop on your way to Eastern Washington. The family favorite of this iconic stop is the retired train right on the side of the HWY. This historic train is often a playground for young children and their families. Make sure to take a turn ringing the bell attached to the front. If you need a place to stretch your legs, there are a few walking trails and even a campground in this tiny town.

Blue Lake

At the very eastern edge of Skagit County, in the Northern Cascades off highway 20, you can find the Blue Lake trailhead. This trial is a hot spot for day hikers because of its beautiful views. This four-mile roundtrip hike is perfect for almost any ability hiker, and the payoff is huge. The lake is crystal clear during the summertime, and if it’s hot enough outside, you can even take a dip. During the summer, the snow will melt off, and the trail is clear and easy to navigate. If you make the trek during the summer, make sure to come back in the fall to see the Larches!

While many tourists are in Washington to visit Seattle, the Skagit County is a must-see stop just an hour north of the city. With places to play for both ocean and mountain lovers, there is something for everyone. If you are ready to hike, fish, boat, bike, and play in the Sound, you have to make a trip to Skagit County this summer. There is a plethora of tiny towns, ecological diversity, and stunning views. From the Islands all the way into the cascades, the Skagit Valley may be one of the most diverse counties in the PNW. If you are looking for the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Seattle, or you are visiting from another part of the country, make sure to start planning all your stops in Skagit county today!

Takeaway

If you plan to visit Skagit County this summer, these summer activities mentioned above should be on your list! Never underestimate Skagit County as this outdoor playground has lots to offer, and it will only make you fall in love with the PNW even more. To learn more about Skagit County, visit https://cleverneighbor.com/