Things To Do
Tweets Cafe
Easily our favorite spot for brunch, and we know a thing or two about brunch. Tweets has a rotating farm-to-table style menu with everything sourced locally, including the coffee — which is AMAZING. It's a smaller restaurant, so expect it will take time. The good news is that it's 100% worth the wait and it will take you a bit just to absorb how special this place truly is.
Oyster Dome Trailhead
This hike is not for the faint of heart, as it is a serious climb to the top — but oh that view! The trail weaves up the hillside through beautiful old forests with a rocky outcropping at the top. This is a popular hike, so those who get up early are rewarded by having less people on the trail.
The Rhody Cafe
For the later brunch crew, The Rhody Cafe offers exceptional brunch, lunch and dinner. On the weekend you may need a reservation for dinner, but it's well worth it. If you're looking for something a little more casual, they have a cafe and bakery next door that has sandwiches and treats.
Padilla Bay Trailhead
If you're looking for an easy walk along the water, this is it. An out-and-back along a gravel path with views of Padilla Bay. You are bound to see plenty of birds hanging out in the channels, fields or water.
Calle
Who doesn't love tacos? Calle is our go-to spot for street style Mexican food and great margaritas — cucumber margarita, anyone? It can get busy but service is quick and prices are great.
Mount Vernon Farmers Market
Looking for a fun activity before the wedding? Our local farmers market is Saturday 9am-2pm right along the riverfront in downtown Mount Vernon. Wander through the stalls and check out all local artists, produce and food vendors. We recommend the Swedish Pancakes with lingonberry butter, so good!
Skagit Valley Food Co-op
Need a quick snack, coffee or lunch? The Co-op is your spot! With an amazing deli, coffee bar and ice cream (along with a great selection of natural foods) you're bound to find something tasty. If you want a sit-down meal, their sister restaurant The Third Street Cafe shares a parking lot and offers great breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Skagit River Brewery
One of our local breweries with good food and a laid-back environment. They have great wood fire pizza and rotating guest taps.
Christianson's Nursery
The most spectacular place to just wander and fall in love with too many plants. A mix of antique glass greenhouses and outdoor nursery grounds filled to the brim with all types of plants. On the weekends there is often a coffee stand and sometimes crepes — pure magic!
Deception Pass State Park
If you've never been, it's worth the trip. Deception Pass is a strait separating Whidbey Island from Fidalgo Island and connects Skagit Bay, part of Puget Sound, with the Strait of Juan de Fuca. While it is somewhat touristy, the walk or drive across the bridge offers spectacular views of the surrounding islands. There are several parks in the area if you want to walk around closer to the water.
Nell Thorn
If you're feeling fancy, Nell Thorn is your spot. Located right along the channel in La Conner, Nell Thorn offers some of the best food in Skagit Valley. It is on the spendy end of things, but worth every penny!
The Oyster & Thistle Restaurant and Pub
You'll recognize this spot from our Proposal Story, as this was one of our stops that night. The food is great, but it's all about the amazing craft cocktails. The bar is our favorite spot, with a very cozy atmosphere and board games.
Island Adventures
As far as tourist activities go, Island Adventures is awesome. We went last summer and had such an enjoyable time, even as locals who spend quite a bit of time in the islands. We saw multiple kinds of whales, seals, birds and other wildlife. Definitely worth the price tag for a fun day out on the water.
Adrift Restaurant
One of our favorite spots for dinner or brunch when in Anacortes. Their menu is very PNW, with lots of seafood and locally sourced produce.