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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.

Whale Watching

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.

Bird Watching

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.

Kayaking

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.

Small Airplane Tours

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.

Skagit River tour

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.

Rafting tour

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.

Skagit Farm to Pint Passport

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.

Fishing tours

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.

Hot Air Balloon Tours

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!

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 quaint area of Bellingham has activities and outdoor adventures to do year-round, and the holiday season is no exception. There are several exceptional holiday activities to enjoy in Bellingham in December. Like any small community, the magic of the holidays overwhelms Bellingham. Whether you are looking for an outdoor adventure in the snow or a cozy Christmas activity complete with Christmas music, there is an activity for everyone. Below are just a handful of Best of Bellingham in the winter!

Skiing

If you have been looking forward to snow-packed mountains since the snow melted off in August, look no further. The snow is here, and that means that winter alpine sports are kicking up for the season. If you are looking to head up to the mountain to go Skiing or Snowboarding this season, head to MT. Baker. Mt. Baker offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the Pacific Northwest. In 2020, Mt. Baker Experienced the deepest snowpack in the United States and had an excellent alpine season.

With runs for all levels from beginner to expert, there is a place for the whole family to enjoy. If you are new to skiing or snowboarding, consider signing up for lessons. Mt. Baker Ski resort is near Bellingham in the Cascade Mountain Range.

Alpine Hiking

One of the most incredible winter activities to do in the Pacific Northwest is to go see the Larches. Larches are a type of tree that turn golden in the Late Autumn and early winter. Their needles turn golden as they die because the tree is withdrawing nutrients from them to save for the winter. Larches are popular because beautiful snowcapped areas turn golden in September, October, and early November with these unique trees.

While there are many Apline hikes to see the Larches in Washington State, there are several that are close to Bellingham. In the North Cascades, Maple Pass Loop, a 7-mile trail, is a beautiful larch location. Blue Lake is a 4.5-mile hike that leads you to a frozen lake in the wintertime and has a beautiful display of larches. Cut Throat Pass, a more difficult hike at a 10-mile round trip, also has an excellent larch view. These hikes are often covered in snow in late October, so be prepared.

Christmas Tree Farms

Finding a Christmas tree is arguably one of the most essential activities of the holiday season. Bellingham and the surrounding area in the foothills of the North Cascades is home to dozens of Christmas tree farms. There is plenty of trees to choose from and many local Christmas tree farmers to support.

Alpine Meadows Christmas Tree Farm

The Stremler Family has been running the Alpine Meadows Christmas tree farm since 1982. The farm is located just outside Bellingham in Deming, Wa, and is open during November and early December every year. This family-owned business is excited to help you find the perfect tree for you and your family. This is a U-cut Christmas tree farm, so get ready to take home a fresh tree!

Activities

Holiday Port Festival

The Holiday Port Festival is a free, family-friendly event that is held during the first weekend of December. There is a number of community events and other activities to do, such as Performances by local choirs, bands, and dancers. There is a gingerbread house display and free cookies and hot cider during a normal year. For kids, there is always an area to visit with Santa, and there are often horse-drawn, and tractor wagon rides. The exact dates for this event change yearly, so make sure to check in with the port of Bellingham’s website to find out this year’s dates.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

If you are looking for an exciting day trip from Bellingham, the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in British Columbia, Canada, is exceptional! This suspension bridge park is lit up with Christmas lights every year in December and is complete with hot cocoa stands, Christmas music, and more. While the main suspension bridge is exciting, there are also many bridges in the forest from tree to tree that are fun for the whole family to explore! Make sure to bring your passports and warm clothes for this adventure.

Fairhaven Winter Fest

The Fairhaven Winter Fest is a community-driven event that creates a sense of magic for the holiday season. With lights under the winter sky, shops, holiday music, and more, this is an excellent evening activity in December. Part of this Fest is a lighted Bike parade where anyone can sign up and decorate their bike in lights and ride through Fairhaven Village. There is a window decorating competition for the businesses in Fairhaven and plenty of holiday cheer.

Fairhaven Firelight Stroll

The Firelight stroll is a part of Fairhaven’s Winter Fest. This quaint holiday tradition has plenty of small-town Christmas spirit to go around and is something you don’t want to miss. Starting in front of First Federal at 10th and Harris, everyone in the community gathers for a Christmas stroll. The surrounding streets are decorated with lights and other Christmas decorations, and there is often the soft lull of holiday music playing as your walk. This half-mile stroll is a great family activity! Grab your hot cocoa and your winter coat for this winter wonderland activity.

Holiday Market by the Sea

The holiday Market by the Sea is an indoor Market that features homemade soaps, candles, pastries, jam, coffee, and more. This event is located in Blaine, Wa, and happens in late November and December. If you are looking for last-minute Christmas gifts or stocking stuffers, the Holliday Market by the Sea is an excellent place to support local vendors for the holidays.

The Bellingham Clever Neighbor is happy to bring you the best recommendations on activities for every season. Check back in soon to find out what the best spring activities are in Bellingham.

Just like any close-knit community, Skagit county does a lot of community-centered events during the holiday season. In any given neighborhood, Christmas lights begin going up in early November, and by early December, neighborhoods are fully decorated. Every house will be lit, trees will be up, and you may even hear Christmas music.

Christmas is a fun time to be surrounded by friends and family, but it is also fun to partake in all of the community festivities around you. While so many traditions happen in December, this article is meant to help you pick out just a few Christmas-related activities to do near you this December. All over Skagit County, there are tree lighting ceremonies, Christmas plays, and more going on. Make sure to look into your cities events list to find a complete list of the events.

LaConner Boat Parade

In December, the Swinomish Channel will be aglow with the lights from decorated boats! The La Conner Boat parade happens every year and is a community favorite. Boats from the marina decorated with Christmas lights, Santas, music, and more drive through the channel at night!

Everyone lines the La Conner Channel Walkway and settles in with hot cocoa. Christmas music plays to get ready for the parade of boats to move down the channel and under the rainbow bridge before turning around and coming back through. Many of the boats are themed for their owner’s favorite Christmas movies. Some people even get creative with costumes to match their boats.

Homestead Drive Christmas Lights

There are quite a few spectacular neighbors with amazing Christmas lights in Skagit County. In Burlington, Nearly L.U. School, there is a very well known neighborhood, well known for its Christmas lights that is. Every year homestead Drive gets into the Christmas spirit. Every Single house puts lights up, and many houses add festive music, blow-up characters, or other fun additions to their yard. Many people add lights to the trees that line the neighborhood, and the neighborhood votes on the best lights every year.

In 2019, the neighborhood decided to take its Christmas celebration up a notch and have a winter block party complete with a sleigh and a real-life reindeer. The reindeer stayed for a few hours while children waited to take their pictures with it. There was Christmas music and hot cocoa, and because the event was posted on the news, people from all over the valley turned out to join in. On any given year during December, there is often a steady stream of cars making their way through the neighborhood to check out the lights once it’s dark out.

Mt. Vernon Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting

Most cities and towns in Skagit Valley do some type of Christmas celebration each year, but Mt. Vernon also offers a Christmas Parade. In early December, Mt. Vernon hosts a parade followed by a tree lighting event in Downtown Mt. Vernon. The parade usually starts at 5 pm and travels down the main street before the Tree lighting ceremony happens at Pine Park. This is a very fun community even, and the parade is filled with Christmas lights and people dressed as Santa.

Mclean Christmas Trees

Another key part of every Christmas celebration is a Christmas tree! There are several Christmas tree farms in Skagit County and even more in the surrounding areas. But you won’t have to go far for a perfect tree as Mclean Christmas Trees on Mclean road in Mt. Vernon sells excellent Christmas trees. The Mclean Christmas Tree Farm is a 12-acre farm with a variety of Christmas trees. They have Fraser Firs, Nordman Firs, Blue and Green Spruce, Douglas Firs, and Pine Trees. They open on the weekend after Thanksgiving on a normal year and often sell out extremely quickly. On their website, they mention that they have been completely sold out of trees for several years by December 2nd or 3rd.

National Forest Christmas Tree Permit

If you are excited about a traditional tree cutting experience with your family this Christmas, you may be interested in the National Forest Christmas Tree Permits. Every year, there are limited permits available to cut down Christmas Trees in the national forest. Christmas Tree permits are available for the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie national forest. The permitting usually begins in early November and goes until Christmas. This is a unique opportunity to partake in an old Christmas tradition that is unavailable in many areas of the state and the county.

Notable Mentions

The Towns of Burlington, Sedro-Woolley, Anacortes, and several others also hold annual Christmas tree lighting events. The dates and regular occurrences of these events change from year to year and have been affected by the ongoing pandemic, but it is worthwhile to check out your town’s community page in the late fall to find out what activities are happening near you.

There is plenty of opportunities for Santa Pictures in Skagit County as well. At many of the tree lighting events and the Mt. Vernon parade, there are Santas that are ready to take pictures with young children. Every year, the Burlington Mall offers a Santa Display with a Santa that children can talk with and take pictures with.

The town of Concrete offers a holiday lane every year, and several other areas have drive-through Christmas light displays. There is a singing house in Sedro-Woolley that times its Christmas lights to a local radio station. The singing house is located at 4623 Blank Rd. off Prairie Rd. near Samish School, Sedro-Woolley (musical display 92.3 FM. There is also a singing house on HWY 20 West towards Anacortes that has a very festive light display that is also in tune with a radio station. Anacortes has a community light show in the middle of December every year.

In Skagit county, there is no shortage of light displays, decorations, and events that happen to celebrate the winter holidays! It is a festive time, and due to the limited daylight hours and colder weather, taking advantage of some of these holiday events can be a great way to stay entertained during December. Check back into the Clever Neighbor for more holiday events and activities year-round.

A thanksgiving feast from Skagit county. With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, you may be planning your dinner menus and deciding which family member is making the stuffing this year and who is cooking the Turkey. While doing the big thanksgiving grocery haul can seem overwhelming, it doesn’t have to.

Unfortunately, with a valley full of local resources and struggling farmers, many people don’t know just how much of their thanksgiving feast they could find right here in Skagit County. From veggies to the dessert and the rolls to the turkey, nearly everything on your thanksgiving menu grows locally during the fall months.

While there are always more small farms and roadside stands to add to this list, the below guide is meant to help you find all of the main ingredients for your Thanksgiving feast somewhere local. Your quest for fresh finds may take a bit longer than a traditional trip to the grocery store; the work will be well worth it.

At every stop, you are sure to find farmers and families with stories on where their produce comes from and how it gets to your table. You will find fresh, local ingredients that haven’t traveled across the county or the world to get to you. You’ll be able to see the fields or talk to the baker, and maybe you’ll find a new favorite spot in Skagit County. Thanksgiving Dinner in Skagit County can and should be sourced locally!

The Turkey

Starting with arguably the most prominent part of a Thanksgiving spread, several local farms raise turkeys in Skagit County. While you may pay a premium for a local turkey, the benefits are significant. You will know where the turkey was raised, what it was fed, and if it is organic or not. You will know that your purchase came from a small-scale farm and not a bird mill. And, you will be able to support a great local meat place.

Skagit River Ranch is a Sedro Woolley Farm that is certified organic. They are a grass-fed family business that has been around for over 17 years. They believe in sustainable farming, clean food, and healthy living. Their certified organic turkeys are not filled with antibiotics, steroids, growth hormones, or animal by-products. They do not use chemicals or pesticides on their pastures, and their animals spend their entire lives on organic fields.

They require a $50 deposit on their Turkeys and the rest when you pick your turkey up. If you want a particular size bird, make sure to head to their turkey sign-up and deposit page to reserve your turkey.

Baked Goods and Pies

After the turkey, arguably the most essential part of a thanksgiving feast is the pies and desserts! Everyone eats a bit less turkey than they could stuff in every year to save room for pie! If you aren’t a world-class baker or simply want to leave it up to someone else this year, there are so many good bakeries in Skagit County.

For berry pies, check out Schuh farms. Steve and Susan Schuh have been farming in Skagit Valley since the 1960s and know a thing or two about berries. They grow seven varieties of berries, pumpkins, squash, corn, and more. They pride themselves on fresh-baked pies for the holiday season. Stop in or go online to place an order for your favorite kind of pie. They offer vegan and gluten-free options. If you want homemade tasting pies made with local ingredients, Schuh Farms is the place to stop.

The Calico Cupboard Café and Bakery offers up all kinds of delicious fall treats to add to your Thanksgiving table. This made from scratch bakery prides itself on a high standard of food quality and looks for opportunities to source locally. While their baked goods can be found in all three locations, the bakery itself is located in Anacortes.

In addition to breads of all kinds that you may need for stuffing or bread pudding made at home, the Calico has pies, scones, bars, cookies, and cakes. All of which can be pre-ordered to make sure you get the one you want. The Calico is known for their pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting, enormous cinnamon rolls, and specialty pies like Peanut butter pie during the Fall months.

Also available at the Calico is key lime pie, lemon sour cream pie, chocolate milk, coconut cream, fruit pies, apple dumplings, danishes, and more. You can always stop in to browse the dessert cases and make your pick before placing your order for Thanksgiving. They also offer a wide range of gluten-free options. The Calico was first opened in 1981 and has been serving up baked goods ever since.

If you are in need of local bread and cookies, head to the Bread Farm in Edison. The bread farm was opened in 2003 and is an artisan bakery. They source local ingredients and believe in sustainable agriculture and stewardship of the land. They source ingredients free from harmful chemicals and pesticides and do not use additives or preservatives.

You can utilize curbside ordering to ensure they have what you need to add to your harvest table. They often sell out of bread and cookies before the day ends, so plan ahead and call if need be. Thanksgiving Dinner in Skagit County needs pies and desserts so why not let the local bakeries do the leg work!

Potatoes

No Thanksgiving would be complete without potatoes. Whether you like them bakes, mashed or scalloped, they are a critical component of most thanksgiving tables. Skagit county grows 95% of Washington’s red potatoes, so why not buy your potatoes from local farms.

Knutzen farms was founded in 1894 and are still run by the fifth generation of family members. Deeply rooted in family and farming, the Knutzen’s would love to share a bit of their pride and joy and send you home with some potatoes for your table. While this farm is a larger scale farm that sells commercially, they are always happy to make sure the locals have local potatoes.

Call the farm ahead of time to make sure they have what you want. If you are in the grocery store, look for “Chuckanut Valley,” “Naturally Healthy,” and “Highland View” for their private labels. Thanksgiving Dinner in Skagit County wouldn’t be complete without local potatoes.

Veggies

There are vegetables galore that are ready for harvest in November. Skagit Valley grows Brussel sprouts, chard, pumpkins, potatoes, kale, apples, squash, shallots, onions, and lettuce that all are harvest-ready in time for Thanksgiving. There are several places through the Skagit Valley that provide year-round crops.

If you are interested in having vegetables during the winter months, consider signing up for a CSA winter farm box. This will provide you with a box of fresh vegetables and other goods every other week for a certain amount of time. Many winter boxes run from November 3rd through March.

If you are only looking for vegetables for your Thanksgiving feast, a few places are open year-round or until Thanksgiving.

Schuh farms are one of the most reliable stands that are open year-round for vegetables. It is worth calling to farms like Swanson Family Farms and Hedlin farms, both in La Conner, as they both harvest winter vegetables but do not always have winter farm stands.

If you cannot find what you are looking for by either of those options, check out the CO-OP in Mt. Vernon, as they sell local, fresh and organic vegetables year-round.

Appetizers and Wine

Every good thanksgiving meal has a table full of appetizers before dinner even begins. For those who love oysters, Taylor’s shellfish is a true gem. Not only are the oysters delicious, but the views are incredible. Locals describe it as a quintessential PNW experience.

Located on Chuckanut drive on a rain line, Taylor’s Shellfish is a destination stop for tourists worldwide. When you stop by to grab your oysters for your Thanksgiving appetizer, make sure to sit down and eat a few while you watch the sunset over the San Juans.

Cheese is another staple of Thanksgiving. Cheese is essential whether you are whipping into your mash potatoes or serving it up at an appetizer. Samish Bay cheese is a farm run in Skagit Valley that produces organic, local cheese. Their cows are fed 100% organic feed, no hormones or antibiotics, and are given plenty of access to the outdoors. They believe that their animals live a good life on the farm and are excited to share their products with you. They have dozens of cheeses and cheese dips ranging from mild cheddar to Salmon dip.

For many, wine is a must at Thanksgiving. From reds to white, rose to sparkling, you will be hard-pressed to find a thanksgiving celebration without at least a few bottles of wine. There are many wineries in Skagit County, and no matter where you are, you shouldn’t have to drive far to find a local winery.

Eagle Haven Winery in Sedro Woolley is just one of the many great wineries in the county. Located in the foothills of the north cascades, they pride themselves on grapes grown in the fertile Skagit soil. The Eagle Haven winery began as an orchard in 1968 and today is a space for visitors of all ages to enjoy music, community, and wine if you are over 21.

Skagit County truly has so much to offer for your holiday season. Your traditional Thanksgiving spread can be entirely sourced from the county with a bit of leg work. Thanksgiving Dinner in Skagit County is truly a community effort from local farms and vendors.

Check back into the Skagit County Clever Neighbor for more local finds!

Idaho has a lot of great places to visit for families who want to have a good time. There are numerous museums, national monuments, and beautiful parks to explore. Also, its mountains, rivers, and beautiful woods make it an ideal destination for those who love outdoor activities. So, if you’re wondering where to take your family for your next trip, Idaho is the place to go. If we haven’t already convinced you, here are the 6 best family vacation ideas in Idaho that will. You can start packing your bags now since you will want to leave for Idaho by the end of the article.

Bellingham is home to family-owned farms, Halloween activities, spooky tours, and more during the fall season! There is always something to do and this fall you can fill your weekends with fun, local activities.

SM’ Apples

Just North of Downtown Bellingham in Ferndale, Washington is SM’ Apples U-Pick Orchard. This U-pick orchard is family-owned and home to about a dozen varieties of apples. You can check out their website here to find harvest dates and prices for their apples. Their U-pick Orchard is a great family-friendly activity for this fall! Spend the day tromping through the rows of trees picking apples for apple pie, apple sauce, canning apples, and more!

Bellewood Farms and Distillery

At Bellewood Farms and Distillery, you can experience a farm-to-glass distillery in action. Bellewood takes apples grown on their very own farm and turns them into their award-winning Gin, Brandy, and Vodka. Their unique tasting room is open Wed-Sun from 10 am to 5 pm. They aim to put the highest quality fruits into their distilled products, and they are proud to focus on sustainable agriculture.

If you are looking for family-friendly activities, Bellewood Farms and Distillery offer a host of fun activities for all age. Their U-pick apples are a fan favorite, and during September and October, they are known for their Orin, Sonata, Bellewood Prince, Honeycrisp, and Fuji apples. You can take their bin train out to the field and spend the day picking apples.

During late September through October, their Harvest Happens event runs every day from 9 am to 4 pm. In addition to apple picking, they have a large field of pumpkins to choose from, Fresh Cider Doughnuts and kettle corn on the weekends, and much more. Bellewood Farms and Distillery is an excellent place to celebrate fall and local harvests.

Sunday Drive on the Water

If you are looking for stunning views of the Puget sound paired with a bit of fall, driving down Chuckanut Drive is a great option. Chuckanut Drive is a winding road that follows Bellingham Bay from Edison to Bellingham. With excellent scenic views, this drive is popular year-round. Covered by a canopy of trees, during the fall, this drive becomes a colorful fall fairytale. If you have part of the day to spend, do this drive and perhaps stop at Taylors Shellfish as you pass by for excellent views of the water and even better locally harvested Oysters.

Gore and Lore Tour

Every fall, Bellinghistory with the Good Time Girls offers a Gore and Lore tour of Bellingham. The Gore and Lore Tours feature Creepy tales from downtown Bellingham’s crypts – unsettling hauntings, strange historical happenings, and horrific true crimes in the dark heart of Bellingham. If you are looking for a creepy activity to do this Halloween season, check out the Gore and Lore Tour.

Also hosted by Bellinghistory with the Good Time Girls, you can take a Sin and Gin tour. These tours follow Bellingham’s saloon history through the prohibition era. This tour is 18+ and is an excellent option for adults looking to get to know Bellingham’s past.

Bellingham’s Irish Festival

If you are looking for a unique fall event this season, consider checking out Bellingham’s Irish Festival. From October 8th- 10th, you can enjoy educational workshops, classes, and performances, as well as several theaters, shops, and restaurants that are participating. This is a fun way to learn about Irish culture and enjoy a weekend.

Enjoying the Outdoors

Fall in the Pacific Northwest is notably mild. The weather is clear during much of September and October, and the temperatures are mild, making for great outdoor recreation. In the Bellingham area, an outdoor enthusiast’s playground awaits. There are a number of relays, races, and hikes that the city of Bellingham hosts in the fall that are open to anyone to sign up. Several bike races in September and October are an excellent way to enjoy the lovely fall weather outside.

If you are looking to be a bit more adventurous, the Puget Sound and Bellingham bay are calm and the same temperature year-round. Many people enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, and other water sports throughout the fall. Bellingham Bay is a perfect space to kayak through September and October.

Lake Padden is home to an excellent outdoor walking trail that is mostly paved or gravel, which means it will not get as muddy as other trails during the wetter months. Fragrance Lake is another great hiking option year-round as it is a 5-mile trail that brings you to a lake. The hike does not have very many extended viewpoints, which means your experience will not be impacted by weather.

City of Bellingham sponsored Events

During most Halloween Seasons, Bellingham hosts a number of fun, family-friendly events. In previous years, Halloween scavenger hunts, virtual Halloween historical tours, scary storytellings, Farmers Market Pumpkin Hunts, and more have all been on the Calendar for October. Make sure to check in with the City of Bellingham’s website this October to see all the activities.

Bellingham is full of activities year-round, and fall is no exception. If you are ready to celebrate the fall harvest, there are pumpkin patches and farmer’s markets galore for apple picking, corn mazes, and more if you are a Halloween adventurer, spooky tours, Halloween nights, and more on the horizon in Bellingham this fall. If you are just looking for more ways to be outside. Now that summer has ended, there is plenty of hiking, biking, and water sports options for you to enjoy in Bellingham through October. Cozy Flannels, hot apple cider, and pumpkin season are quickly approaching, so make sure to check out all of the options in your area of Bellingham.

Check back into the Bellingham Clever Neighbor to find more season activities, recommendations, and more.

While the rest of Washington State begins to fall into the rainy fall weather and things button up for the cold weather, Skagit County is entering one of the year’s busiest seasons. As Skagit County is a farming community, there is much to harvest and celebrate in the fall months. September and October are alive with festivals, harvests, and plenty of picture-worthy colors and activities. Fall in Skagit County is beautiful and full of harvest colors and pumpkin patches for the whole family.

While many people think that the end of August brings the end of good weather in Western Washington, during an average year, the weather remains clear and warm during September, and October temperatures stay in the 50s. It is an excellent time to dive into all of the agriculture in the PNW.

Fall in the Skagit Valley is beautiful whether you love pumpkin patches, harvest dinners, farm stops, or bird watching. There is something fun for everyone to partake in.

Gordons Pumpkin Patch

If you are looking for fall colors, Instagram-worthy photos, and pumpkins galore, Gordon Skagit Farms in West Mt. Vernon is the place to visit. This outdoor playground is full of beautiful pumpkin displays full of every type of pumpkin and gourds you can imagine.

Gordon’s pumpkin patch prides itself on honing in on the best of Skagit Valley in the fall. This pumpkin patch is dedicated to fall, so you will not find any spooky spider webs or gouls hiding around the corners. You can, however, find local apples, dried flowers, and corn stalks.

If you are lucky, you might run into the horses and chickens that live on the property. In addition to the animals, you can find beautiful dresses, people, and other structures made out of corn and dried flowers. Gordon Skagit Farms is the quintessential fall in Skagit County.

Schuh Farms

Schuh farms is the perfect mix of Halloween and Fall festivities. While Schuh farms is open during most of the year, they truly shine during September and October. They have a large field where you can go out and pick your pumpkin. It is always fun to weed through rows and rows of pumpkins to find the perfect one to carve.

Schuh Farm is also in west Mt. Vernon and is home to a cute farm stand, farm animals, and lots of local delicacies. There are apple hand pies, local honey sticks, apples, and homemade applesauce. For young children, there are some Halloween-themed decorations and activities. The fan-favorite activity at Schuh farms is the animal area where goats, chicks, and sometimes pigs are often there.

Bird Watching

Fall bird watching is another excellent fall activity in the Skagit Valley. In October, the Snow Geese migrate back to the Skagit Valley from Russia’s Wrangel Island and parts of Alaska. The department of Fish and Wildlife estimates that nearly 80,000 Snow Geese spend their winters in Western Washington.

They are indeed a sight to behold. These Snow Geese are recognizable by their black wing tips and red feet. They come to Fir Island in Early October and Stay until mid-April. They move in huge groups across Fir Island and the Flats of La Conner and Mt. Vernon. On any given day in the winter in Skagit Valley, you are able to find them nestled in a farm field somewhere. They eating worms and other goodies leftover from the crop season.

In addition to the Snow Geese, Skagit County is home to many other birds during the fall and winter. With farmlands, marine areas, mountains, and forests, there are many environments for many different species. From Eagles to Blue Heron and more, Skagit County is the place to visit if you are a bird lover.

The Skagit Bay- Skagit Wildlife Area – Wylie Slough Area on Fir Island is just one of the many areas for birding in Skagit County. From the sea to the mountains and all of the farmland and forests in between are full of some of the best birding in Washington State. If you are ready to go birding on your own, simply decide what birds you want to see and head to the right water basin area in the valley.

If you are new to birding or want a guided tour of a new area, check out Skagit Guided Adventures for their birding tours. They offer several different birding tours throughout the year for different areas and types of birds. Even if you aren’t out specifically looking for birds, make sure to look up every so often as you adventure around the valley because you never know when you might spot a bald eagle, a nest, a hawk, or a flock of Snow Geese.

Festival of Family Farms

The Festival of Family Farms is one of the highlights of the fall season in Skagit County. The festival is a way for the county to celebrate the hard work of farmers through the busy season. Part of the main fun of the Festival is where everyone can learn what it takes to run a farm. From growing crops to feeding and tending animals, many of the Festival of Family Farms activities are hands-on experiences.

Participating farms, wineries, and other agriculture or livestock-based farms across Skagit County every year. This year’s festival of family farms will happen the weekend of October 2nd, and 3rd from 10 am-4 pm on both days. Corn mazes, pumpkin patches, kid’s activities, farm tours, and animal exhibits are all common occurrences at the festival. Local restaurants often set up booths at the farms to sell goodies, and each stop turns into a mini farmers market of sorts. Whether you are traveling with young children or solo, the Festival of Family Farms is a must-do activity in the fall.

Fall Crops

While many people associate the spring and summer with fresh fruits and veggies, Skagit Valley crops are harvested year-round. The fertile grounds and mild winters make for the perfect growing climate for leafy greens and root vegetables. A fun fact on fall harvests: Skagit Valley produces 95% of the red potatoes grown in the state of Washington.

If you are local to Northwest Washington and want to take your local buying year-round, consider a winter CSA. A CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. A CSA is a model where members pay upfront to help farmers cover the cost of growing the food, and in return, members get a portion of the harvest. This is a great avenue to support local farmers and eat local veggies year-round.

There are CSA’s nearly year-round in Skagit Valley with Pickup spots as far north as Bellingham and as far south as Seattle and Renton. Boldly Grown Farm offers a fall and winter CSA program that offers all sorts of locally grown goodies from November to March.

The Pumpkin Pitch

If you are a pumpkin enthusiast, the Burlington Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Patch is for you. This family-friendly event happens on the last Saturday of September at Skagit River Park from 10 am to 4 pm. This is a great event for small children because of the inflatables, pony rides, kid’s activities, and more. This event is completely free and takes a love of squash to a new level. There are often cars made out of zucchinis hurling around the park, a great pumpkin weigh-in contest, and best of all, the pumpkin patch.

Imagine pumpkins flying hundreds of feet through the air at high velocity. Every year, pumpkin pitch competitors build catapults or traction trebuchets to launch their pumpkins the entire length of the park. The pumpkins crash land at the end of the field, and the winner takes bragging rights for the year. The Burlington Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Pitch is truly a fun way to spend a Saturday.

There are so many fun things to do in Skagit County in the fall. Don’t let the rainy weather and clouds stop you from adventuring! On any given weekend in Skagit County in the fall, there is a farm festival, pumpkin-themed event, or a crop to be harvested. If you are ever looking for an additional way to spend the day, simply drive through the farm fields and see what is being grown and harvested.

While tourist season in Skagit County definitely peaks in the spring and summer, there is so much to explore and do in the county year-round. The fall can be a great time to beat the crowds and still enjoy mild weather. Biking, hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities are extremely popular past times September- Early November before freezing temperatures come.

If you need activities to do in Skagit County in all of the other seasons of the year, make sure to check back in with the Clever Neighbor!

Visiting Boise in the winter months offers a plethora of activities to choose from. Whether you are wanting to brave the frigid slopes of one of the nearby ski resorts or would rather stay warm in a gorgeous natural hot spring, Boise offers something for everyone.

Bogus Basin

Just a 45-minute drive from downtown Boise, Bogus Basin offers easy access to countless winter activities. The main attraction is the ski hill which offers 2,600 acres of terrain, 80 runs, and 10 lifts. If flying down a mountain is a little extreme for your taste, they also offer cross-country skiing, winter tubing, and snowshoeing. Bogus Basin is also home to Idaho’s only mountain coaster, where riders can fly down 4,330 feet weaving in and out of trees and experience the mountain like never before.

Winter Garden aGlow at the Idaho Botanical Garden

If you’re visiting during the month of December, the Winter Garden aGlow at the Idaho Botanical Garden is a can’t-miss event for the whole family. Every night during December that Idaho Botanical Garden lights up with over 550,000 lights across its 14 acres of land. Along with the amazing visual experience, there are food trucks, live music, and fun events and activities for the kids. Winter Garden aGlow is one of the botanical garden’s biggest fundraisers of the year, so not only will you receive a memorable experience, but you will also be helping the garden provide a wonderful service to the local community.

Sun Valley

Sun Valley is an extremely popular ski-resort town about 3 hours northeast of Boise that offers skiing, fine dining, and an exciting nightlife. Bald Mountain is what brings most winter tourists up to the town. If you enjoy beautiful views, you’ll find plenty in Sun Valley, but the one you can’t miss is at the Seattle Ridge Day Lodge located at the top of Bald Mountain. At 8,800 feet you can see forever, and if you time it right you can see the mountains turn from white to a combination of a breathtaking pink and blue at sunset, just make sure you call ahead because you do need a reservation.

Along with the mountain, Sun Valley has a laundry list of other winter activities such as ice skating, sleigh rides, and ice sculptures. Once you have gotten your fair share of outdoor time, you’ll need to warm up inside with a hearty meal and a drink of your choice. There’s plenty of options to choose from, but some of our favorites include Sawtooth Brewery, Lefty’s Bar & Grill, and The Roundhouse.

Hot Springs

It’s difficult to find yourself anywhere in Idaho without being close to a hot spring. There are dozens of springs within a couple of hours of Boise, here’s a great guide that lists most of the ones available to the public.

If you’re looking for a hot spring experience that has a resort feel to it with built-out pools and some amenities such as bathrooms, food and drink, and on-site parking, we’d recommend Goldfork Hot Springs near McCall or The Springs at Idaho City. Both locations are easy to access while still getting all the benefits of a natural hot spring.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous and want to experience a more “natural” hot spring experience you can’t go wrong with Kirkham Hot Springs or Trail Creek Hot Springs. Both require a small but relatively steep hike down to the pools, but the scenery and experience is well worth it if you can make the trek.

McCall

Another lovely mountain town about 2 ½ hours north of Boise is McCall. With many of the same characteristics as Sun Valley, McCall offers all the typical mountain activities in a beautiful city built right next to Payette Lake.

Brundage Mountain & Tamarack Resort are both within a short drive from McCall and have some of the best ski terrains in the Northwest.

In late January to early February McCall hosts their annual Winter Carnival which is a favorite among locals and tourists. One of the main attractions is the ice sculpture contest, where amateurs and professionals compete for $1,000+ prizes for the best sculpture. There are upwards of 100 sculptures each year so just walking through town is an event in and of itself.

The supporting events are just as fun, with activities such as a dog sled challenge, chef collaborative dinner, mardi gras parade, and snowshoe golf.

Looking for more things to do while you are in Boise? Check out our other guides here.

_{Charles Knowles from Meridian Idaho, USA, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons}

The fall months are some of the best times to visit Boise. Tree’s all around the city start to change, turning the city from a giant green patch to a kaleidoscope of red, pink, yellow, and orange. The weather is also quite pleasant in the fall months, nestled right between the 100 degree days of summer and the freezing, windy days of winter. Along with the city’s natural beauty, there are a number of exciting events going on during these months that are sure to please.

Spirit of Boise – Hot Air Balloon Festival

Probably the most popular fall event, as well as one of the most picturesque, is the Spirit of Boise hot air balloon festival. It is a 5-day event that usually takes place the first week of September. They do a wonderful job offering different types of events for the whole family.

It typically starts with a kid’s day where kids can take a “tethered ride” where they can experience a hot air balloon ride while still being roped to the ground, giving parents slightly less anxiety about watching their child float away. Later in the week, they have multiple flights where 20+ balloons take to the skies and float over the city and neighboring areas. On Friday night they have the Nightglow Spectacular, where they inflate all the balloons after dark and put on a light show along with music, drinks, and other fun events.

Treefort Music Festival

If music is more your thing, the Treefort Music Festival is a great opportunity to see not only great artists from Boise and the Inland Northwest, but the festival attracts big names from across the country as well. Previous years have featured artists such as Run The Jewels, Vince Staples, and Lizzo. If none of those appeals to you, there are over 100 shows every year, so you’re bound to find something that fits your taste. It’s typically a five-day event in the heart of downtown that features beer gardens, comedy shows, and plenty of food trucks to explore.

Boise Farmers Market

Every Saturday local farmers, artists, business owners, and chefs set up downtown for the Boise Farmers Market. Located in the heart of downtown, the farmers market is a great place to start your Saturday even if you don’t plan on purchasing anything. You will get the chance to see unique works of art by local artists, local and international cuisine, and tons of options for organic vegetables, beef, and fish.

Boise State Football Games

Even though Boise isn’t home to a major sports team, they still have one of the most exciting teams in college football. The Boise State Broncos rose to prominence in the early 2000s and have made it to a bowl game every year since 1999. The team is fun to watch and the environment is electric for a sports fan. Along with the great food and company at the tailgate, the stadium includes the famous “smurf turf” which was the first non-green playing field in college football history.

Boise Restaurant Week

If you consider yourself a “foodie”, or just enjoy a great meal in a fun environment, you can’t miss the Dine Out Downtown – Boise Restaurant Week. Dozens of restaurants participate in this event which includes special menus, deals on food and drinks, and fun events put on by each restaurant. Usually, this is held around the last week of October or the first of November. If you’re wanting to double down on your Boise food experience, there is also the Boise Grilled Cheese and Beer Festival held right before restaurant week.

Harvest Festivals

Few things get people more excited about fall than harvest festivals, and the Boise area has plenty of them. With pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, along with numerous other activities there is fun for the whole family at any of these festivals. There are numerous festivals throughout the fall, including in Eagle, Garden City, Caldwell, Emmett, and Kuna.

Boo at the Zoo

If you’re visiting around Halloween the Boise Zoo hosts an annual Boo at the Zoo event for children and families. The event usually consists of costume contests, prize giveaways, trick or treating, face painting, and games for all ages.

If you’re in town earlier in the month you can still experience the Zoo with a Halloween twist. Every weekend in October they have Spooktacular Evenings from 6-9 PM. They call it a “merry-not-scary” event that is suitable for all ages. The Zoo will be lit up with Halloween displays and will also have activities and special entertainment every night.

Visiting Boise during a different time of the year or want to check out more of what the city has to offer, check out our other recommendations here.

_{Tamanoeconomico, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons}

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