About the Anacortes, Mt. Vernon and Rural Skagit, Washington Area
SKAGIT COUNTY…enriched with
history and full of many traditions.
Adapted from Michael Karkabe-Olson
of 2002 Skagit Valley Almanac
Skagit County derives its name from the
Skagit Indian tribe that once inhabited much of the area. The first white
settlers arrived in the late 1850s. By 1873 most of the Skagit Territory,
including Fir Island was settled.
Skagit County consists of about 1,735 square
miles and is situated in the northwestern part of Washington State. It is
bordered by Whatcom County to the north, Snohomish County to the south, Chelan
and Okanogan counties to the east and Puget Sound to the west; the gateway to
the San Juan Islands. It is approximately 60 miles north of Seattle and 80
miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia ~ Canada.
The first industries to hold major
importance in Skagit County were agricultural and fishing-based. Fishing
consisted largely of cod and salmon while major crops included oats, barley and
hay. Around the same time limestone, coal and iron mining also began to take
hold in eastern portions of the county. Within a few decades, though, logging
began to dominate the area's economy. This held true throughout much of the
early 1900s and beyond.
Today, the economy is mixed, consisting of
agriculture, manufacturing, retail, forestry, tourism and a rapidly growing
segment of high-tech industries.
With an estimated population of 103,000
people, it is one of the fastest growing counties in the state…eighty
percent of the county's growth over the past decade has been through migration.
Most of the population is concentrated along
the Interstate 5 corridor, Highway 20 and westward to the coast with eastern
portions of the county remaining sparsely populated and rural. The major urban
centers are Mount Vernon with a population of roughly 26,232, Anacortes with a
population of 14,557, Sedro-Woolley with 8,658 people and Burlington with
6,757.
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SKAGIT COUNTY RESOURCES
Utilities
Garbage: Rural Skagit Sanitation
360-757-4069
Water: Public Utility District 360-424-7104 1415 Freeway Dr,
Mount Vernon
Gas: Cascade Natural Gas 360-336-6155 1520 S Second St, Mount
Vernon
Phone: GTE 800-483-4100
Electricity: Puget Sound Energy
888-225-5773 1700 E College Way, Mt.Vernon
Cable: AT&T 877-824-2288 717
Bennet Rd, Burlington
Personal Services
A Gentle Touch - Electrolysis - 360-757-0384
- Rochelle Griffin.
Trendz - Professional Hair Stylist - 360-755-2201 -
Rone'e Pearcy
Synergy Salon - Professional Massage Therapist - 360-428-5055
- Barbara Alumbaugh.
Riverside Chiropractic Clinic - 360-424-6104 - Lanny
Jacobs, D.C.
Universities & Colleges
Washington
State University
"You stay at home and earn your degree" 1-866-999-0272
Skagit Valley College
or 360-416-7600
Serving our community since 1926…offering training and
education for workers in 24 Professional/Technical careers.
Banks
Skagit State Bank
12 locations to serve you.
People's Bank
360-424-2056 Carolyn Lloyd
or Jennifer.
Financers
Preliminary Title Reports, 1031 Exchanges,
Maps:
First
American Title Company
Parks and Recreation
North Cascades Nat'l Parks, including Mount
Baker 360-856-5700.
Washington State
Parks 360-902-2844. Reservations at: 1-888-campout.
County Parks and Recreation 360-336-9414.
Driving
Department of Transportation (Including
Mountain Pass Reports) 800-695-7623.
Driver's License 360-416-7563 1920 Third
Street, Mount Vernon Washington Department of
Licensing. This site will help you find out more information on WA State
Driver's Licenses and I.D. Cards, office locations, changing your address, teen
licenses, motorcycle endorsements, commercial driver licenses, vehicle
licensing and business licensing.
For Your Children
North Puget Sound
Kids Directory
Casino
Skagit Valley
Casino Resort at 1-877-2-SKAGIT
Shopping
If you like shopping then try the outlet
mall located in Burlington, I-5 Exit 229 360-757-3549
http://www.primeoutlets.com or 1-877-GO-OUTLETS.
Golfing
Eaglemont Golf Club
4125 Eaglemont Dr,
I-5 Exit 227, Mount Vernon. Voted Top 10 Public Golf Courses by PGA
Professional's of Washington. 360-424-0800 Course features: 18-hole, dry,
year-round course, very good greens, inspiring views of Mount Baker and Skagit
County forests and scenery. Pro shop and restaurant. Longest hole: #17 - 563
yards. Shortest hole: #4 - 130 yards.
Similk Golf Course
Located beside
Highway 20 five miles east of Anacortes and a short 10-minute drive from
Burlington. 360-293-3444 Course features: 18-hole public course with scenic
vistas of both nearby Similk Bay.
Fidalgo Bay
Wide open fairways and
user-friendly greens. Longest Hole: #12 - 538 yards, par 5 and Shortest Hole:
#6 - 115 yards, par 3. Pro shop, driving range and power carts.
Avalon Golf Club
19345 Kelleher Rd,
Burlington. 360-757-1900 Course features: 27-holes, three different and
distinct stand alone course, peaceful, good views of the Skagit Valley. Host
site for 1994 and 2001 US Open Qualifying Tournament. Longest hole: #6 North -
596 yards, par 5 and shortest hole is #4 West - 134 yards, par 3. Features:
driving range, practice-putting area, restaurant, caddie service and power
carts.
Skagit Golf and Country Club
16701
Country Club Dr., Burlington 360-757-4081 Private Membership only, open to
public for open tournaments and as a guest only. Course Features: 18-holes at
6,100 yards long, driving range, power carts and storage. Longest Hole: 544
yards, par 5 and shortest hole 135 yards, par 3.
Sauk Mountain View
839 Fruitdale Road,
Sedro-Woolley 360-856-0315 Course Features: 9-hole golf course, public, classes
for high school students. Longest hole: 510 yards, par 5 and shortest hole 170
yards, par 3. Fast food, power carts, pull carts, rental clubs and pro-shop.
Overlook Golf Course
17523 St Hwy 9,
Mount Vernon near Big Lake 360-422-6444 Course Features: 9 Holes with great
views and a restaurant. Longest hole is 478 yards, par 5 and shortest hole is
136 yards, par 3. Pro shop with clubs and a snack bar, lessons, pull carts and
power carts are also available.
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CITY OF ANACORTES
Anacortes, a scenic seaside community is the
second largest city in Skagit County. It is the busiest seaport, and is quickly
becoming the retirement destination spot for folks from just about everywhere.
Anacortes is known as being a part of the "banana belt" when it comes to the
climate. It seems that almost year round there is blue sky beckoning you to
experience all of the wonderful in and outdoor activities that Anacortes,
located on Fidalgo Island, has to offer. The city boasts modern, effective
educational facilities, state-of-the-art health care, and a thriving job
market. Add the spectacular natural beauty and you'll understand why over
14,700 residents call Anacortes their home.
Anacortes is the sister-city to Sydney,
British Columbia (located on Vancouver Island). Named by town founder Amos
Bowman for his wife, Anna Curtis, Bowman added to Anna's name the Spanish
influence of many of the area's geographical features. The views from Cap
Sante, also referred to as Lover's lane features phenomenal views of Guemes
Island, Mount Erie, Mount Baker, downtown Anacortes, Fidalgo Bay and the San
Juan Islands. Anacortes features many boat marinas, parks, camping, boutique
shops, a beautiful new senior center, walking and hiking trails, the ferry to
the San Juan Islands and a thriving historical society. Anacortes is truly a
unique place to visit and to live!
Retirement Communities
Chandler's Square is located at 1300 "O"
Avenue, Anacortes, WA 98221 Toll Free 888-381-1300 or
http://www.chandlersquare.com.
Cap Sante Court Retirement located at 1111
32nd St Anacortes, WA 98221 360-293-8088.
Longterm care then check out Northwest
Regional Council http://www.nwrcwa.org.
Family Care Clinics of Island Health
Northwest
Anacortes Family Medicine 2511 M Ave, Suite
B Anacortes, WA 98221 360-299-4211
La Conner Medical Center located at 528 E.
Myrtle St, La Conner, WA 98257 360-466-3136
Island Hospital Northwest located at 1211
24th Street Anacortes, WA 98221 360-299-1300. Or visit them on the web at
http://www.island-health.org.
Fun Things to Do
Want to try Sea Kayaking?
Visit
http://www.seakayakshop.com
or call them at 360-299-2300. Located at 1019 Q Ave Cap Sante Marina in
Anacortes, WA 98221
Want to try a horse adventure?
Visit
Happy Horse Acres of Anacortes at 360-421-0765 or
http://www.happyhorseacres.20m.com.
Port of Anacortes
http://www.portofanacortes.com.
Anacortes Arts Festival
http://www.cnw.com/~aaf.
Boutique Shops
The Dish Ran Away With the Spoon, Inc.
http://www.thedishranaway.com.
SEABEAR Smokehouse and Store
http://www.seabear.com.
Lodging, Camping & Tourist Info
Fidalgo Country Inn 1-800-244-4179 7645
State Route 20, Anacortes
http://www.NWCountryInns.com.
Camping something that you might enjoy?
Then try Pioneer Trails Campground and RV Resort located at 7337 Miller Rd,
Anacortes, WA 98221. Sleep in covered wagons.
http://www.pioneertrails.com
1-888-777-5355.
Anacortes Visitor Information Center
http://www.anacortes.org
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THE CITY OF LA
CONNER
La Conner is a turn-of-the-century time
capsule, it is truly an authentic waterfront community left intact and
unchanged by progress. The town features many true Victorian-era buildings that
are still in use 100 years later.
La Conner is one of Washington State's most
popular tourist destinations. The picturesque downtown waterfront district
renders views of fishing and pleasure boats moored at Swinomish Channel. Locals
say that some of the best views of Mount Baker actually come while standing on
the award-winning Rainbow Bridge.
The town is filled with many quaint shops,
galleries, museums, restaurants and bed and breakfast inns that are held in
high standings by regional critics. The town features many events, including
the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival events, Art's Alive, Vintage and Classic Boat
Show, Smelt Derby, Pioneer Picnic, an Opening Boat Day Parade, and the
Christmas Boat Parade.
La Conner is Skagit County's oldest
community. Numerous early pioneers were active in the area, called Swinomish,
in the early 1860's. The town continues to grow and support a variety of
industries, the major one now being tourism, while still supporting several
timber and fishing-related companies. On the other side of the channel, the
Swinomish Tribe honors many traditions and customs.
Lodging
The Wild Iris
1-800-477-1400 "La Conner's Eminent Victorian Inn" Bed and Breakfast 121 Maple
Ave. Box 696 La Conner, WA 98257
LaConner Channel
Lodge "The Town's Only Waterfront Hotel" 888-466-4113
The Heron "A Small
Country Inn Offering Intimacy And Privacy" 360-466-4626
Florists
Skagit Valley Flowers
Roozengaarde
1-866-4-TULIPS 360-424-0419 15867 Beaver Marsh Road "Open Year Round"
Museum
Skagit County Historical Museum 360-466-3365
501 S 4th St in La Conner Email: museum@co.skagit.wa.us.
Antiques
Morris Street
Antiques 360-466-4212 503 Morris St.
Nasty Jack's
World Famous Antiques at 1st & Morris
Legacy
800-757-9146 508 Morris St.
Casino
Swinomish Northern
Lights Casino360-293-2691
Retirement
LaConner Retirement Inn 360-466-5700 204 N.
First Street http://www.laconnerretirement.com
Creekside Retirement Community in Burlington
http://www.creekside.retirement.com
Mountain Glen Retirement Center in Mount
Vernon http://www.mtnglen.com
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CITY OF MOUNT
VERNON
Mount Vernon is also known as the River
City, and is home to most of Skagit County's vital services, its only college
and one of its three hospitals. It has a population is 26,232 or roughly
one-fourth of the entire population of Skagit County, making it the largest
city in the county. Historically, Mount Vernon got its start in 1870.
In Mount Vernon the arts are alive and well,
and it is led by dozens of events scheduled through the historic Lincoln
Theater in old downtown. The city is also home to a vast variety of restaurants
from fast foods to fine dining!
Mount Vernon is home to many public parks
and it also has the largest downtown shopping center in Skagit County,
including an abundant array of small boutique businesses, hobby shops and other
intriguing stores.
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THE CITY OF
BURLINGTON
The city is the retail hub of Skagit County.
The town has transformed from its rich roots in the logging industry to the
richness of agricultural to that of a booming retail center. The town was
founded in 1882 and has a population of just over 6,700 people. Burlington was
incorporated in 1902.
In addition to having healthy business
district along Fairhaven Avenue, the city now boasts a regional shopping mall,
a large factory outlet mall, and a number of national retailers along
Burlington Blvd including Costco, Target, Pier 1 Imports, K-Mart and Fred
Meyer.
Agriculture also remains a major industry to
the community.
THE CITY OF
SEDRO-WOOLLEY
Sedro-Woolley incorporated in 1898. In a
growing era of strip malls and modern construction this unique town has
retained a sense of identity that is all its own. One needs to only stroll down
Main Street and see the vintage buildings that are all still standing - some
with a few renovations - as well as the old light posts, murals and log carved
statutes. The population of the town is approximately 8000. The town is home to
major industrial parks, many smaller retail stores and businesses.
Sedro Woolley is also the starting point for
Skagit County's Cascade Trail, a former rail corridor running more than 20
miles east to Concrete, that has been converted to a place for walkers,
equestrians and cyclists.
The town is also home to Logger
Rodeo--Washington State's oldest continuously run Fourth of July celebration,
which attracts thousands of people each year, annual Christmas Tree-lighting
and Christmas parade, as well as Founders Day, which features a re-enactment of
a famous bank robbery that took place in 1914.
UPPER RIVER - CONCRETE, LYMAN
AND HAMILTON
Concrete - Concrete formed into a
city in 1909 when the small towns of Cement City and Baker, on either side of
the Baker River merged. The cement companies with the logging industry and the
start of the power industry started the big boom in the town through about 1968
when the cement companies finally departed, which of course was followed by a
major downturn in the logging industry in the 1980s.
The town downsized and it continues to have
a small town feel. The nearby Baker River Hydroelectric Project, managed by
Puget Sound Energy is still a major contributor of the local
economy.
The town is also attracting dollars to the
area with special events like the annual Bald Eagle Festival, Good Olde Days,
and Farmers Markets. Tourists also pass through town on their way over the
mountains to Eastern Washington via the scenic North Cascades
Highways.
Lyman - The town first got its start
in the 1870s by early hops growers and finally became a municipality in the
early 1880s. The town was named for Dr. Lorenzo Lyman, the town's early
postmaster. Today, the town is a quiet residential community with an identity
all its own. The town is approximately 8 miles east of Sedro-Woolley, and its
boasts a strong sense of community spirit.
Hamilton - The town is located on the
banks of the Skagit River about 14 miles east of Sedro-Woolley, it is truly a
picture of small town America. It has a population of just over 300 people and
was founded in 1891.
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