Mount Vernon

Where one can’t help but smell the flowers

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Back in the 1800s, Mount Vernon was known as a transportation and trading center for the logging industry. Now, Mount Vernon is known throughout Washington as the land of tulips, tulips and more tulips. The town is a welcoming agricultural hub, which invites visitors from near and far to enjoy Skagit Valley’s landscapes, locally-sourced food and wildlife. Make sure you’re looking up every so often, because Mount Vernon boasts some of the best skies for bird watching. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, swans and snow geese.

Lilies, dahlias, marigolds, snapdragons and, of course, tulips grace the farms of Mount Vernon. Spring is official with the first tulip blooms and carries on a tradition of colorful floral fields for the duration of the spring. April and early May are home to the Tulip Festival, which does not disappoint. Come see the beauty of endless rows of tulips and take photos buried in fields of flowers. Then take some bulbs home to create your own slice of Mount Vernon in your garden.

Mount Vernon is located in the heart of Skagit Valley. Take a bike tour around the Skagit trails or stop for a bite at the local restaurants. Find more information about bike trails at visitskagitvalley.com/biking.

Mount Vernon is full of cafes, breweries and home-style restaurants. Breweries are popular here, so grab a pint and a snack at Trumpeter Public House, North Sound Brewing Co., 192 Brewing Company, Farmstrong Brewing Company or Skagit River Brewery.

Wineries also abound in Skagit Valley, so discover the best of Washington’s wine in local tasting rooms, vineyards and restaurants. Wander through Wooden Shoe Vineyards any day of the week for their daily tastings. Their hours are expanded during the Tulip Festival. Bertelson Winery hosts music shows and festivals throughout the summer in addition to offering tastings Wednesdays through Sundays beginning at noon.

Historic downtown Mount Vernon boasts many of the best antique shops in the region. Grab a bite, enjoy the waterside views and head to the Red Door Antique Mall, offering a collection of one-of-a-kind boutiques that highlight the town’s agricultural history. Mount Vernon’s central district is ideal for taking a stroll, perusing art galleries and absorbing the town’s atmosphere.

The summers in Mount Vernon are filled with activity. Check out the Skagit County Highland Games in July to experience bagpiping competitions, bands, fiddling and other traditional Scottish pursuits. In August, the four-day Skagit County Fair sports live music, carnival rides, farm animals and eating contests.

For a taste of the outdoors, try Edgewater Park, where 54 acres along the Skagit River offer a playground, boat launch, large stage and softball fields. Little Mountain Park on the other hand, has 11 miles of trails that are sure to be fun for the whole family whether hiking or biking is on the agenda.

Mount Vernon will surprise you with fields of vibrant flowers, abounding nature and a quant local culture.

Learn more at visitmountvernon.com.