This area is a nature-lover's dream!

There is convenient access to the Anacortes Ferry terminal for day trips to the San Juan Islands or Victoria, B.C.. Whale-watching and fishing tours can be booked in Anacortes, and the entire area is popular for bicyclists and hikers. Small plane airports in the area include Anacortes and Skagit Regional, and Bellingham offers the nearest major airport. There are airport shuttles between LaConner and Bellingham Airport.

For golfers, some of the best public courses Washington has to offer in the area between La Conner and Bellingham, including (but not limited to) Avalon, Lake Padden, Eaglemont, Sudden Valley, Homestead Farms and Shuksan. The nearest course is Similk, on the way to Anacortes.

Deception Pass State Park is nearby and the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in the spring draws national and international visitors to the area every year.

La Conner has, for years, been the residence of artists, brought to the area by the quality of light and supportive community. Author Tom Robbins used to live next door (to the north) and returned to the area after a time away.

To say the La Conner area has been an inspiration for the best of 'Northwest style' art would understate its importance. Most have said it's the quality of light here that draws them, and indeed, the light can take one's breath away...

Other day trips in the area might include a drive to Whidbey island (no ferry necessary) for the mussels at Toby's Tavern in Coupeville, as well as jaunts to explore the surrounding farmlands and small towns where, during the summer months, one can fill up on an incredible bounty of local produce and berries. The emerging art scene in the tiny town of Edison (which also has a couple of wonderful bakeries) is certainly worth checking out.

The nearby towns of LaConner, Mount Vernon and Anacortes offer display gardens, museums, galleries and great restaurants. Vancouver, B.C., an urban mecca, is about two hours away (you need a passport or card to cross the border).

RESTAURANTS:

Seeds Bistro is consistently great and the desserts will melt anyone's willpower...the La Conner Pub and Eatery has the best fish/prawns and chips, period--try for an outside table if the weather permits, and watch working and pleasure boats drift by. For breakfast, the Calico Cupboard is always crowded and their breakfast pastries are famous.

The Point House is located on the Swinomish tribe's reservation.