Uncovering Hidden Treasures in Anacortes

April 2025 - I headed to Anacortes during the Easter long weekend in 2025 and the beginning of the Trump tarrifs, which initiated the beginning of the "Buy Canadian" mentality. Living on the Pacific NorthWest, we sometimes forget that there are so many small towns that scatter along this region. During the spring and summer, don't forget to get away from modern times and head over to La Connor, known for the Skagit Valley Tulip festival, where there are more than four tulip fields, and marvel at the magnificant colours. Later on, be sure to end your trip exploring one of the few San Juan Islands including Friday Harbour, Lopez Island, and Orca Island.

1. Blaine - Take a quick stop over at Blaine Washington, and don't forget to stop by the local Railway coffee shop refurnished to look and feel like a train station stop. Here, stop by for a picture overlooking Birch Bay.

   
   

   

   
   

2. La Connor and Skagit Valley - Afterwards, be sure to head over to Tulip Valley in Mount Vernon during the annual Tulip festival, and stop to take photos. The Skagit Valley and La Connor is known for its Tulips and proximity to the waterfront.Each Tulip field requires seperate tickets, so be sure to buy tickets accordingly. With multiple assortments of Tulips on display, so free to see the whole range of tulips.

   
   
   
   

   

   
   

3. Deception Pass Bridge - Don't forget to make your way over to the Deception Pass bridge, and take the trail down to North Beach. Built in 1934-35 during the Great Depression, Deception Pass Bridge is now a major tourist attraction and a symbol of Pacific Northwest architecture. The land surrounding this bridge was originally a military reservation which is why Anacortes, Washington, has a significant military presence, primarily through the National Guard and located near a major naval air station.

   
   
   
   

   

   
   
   
   

4. Anacortes - Anacortes is the crown jewel of Fidalgo island and is known as the landing dock to San Juan Islands. Nothing as changed alot since I went to Anacortes six years ago in the summer - still clean but quaint. In this small town, you will find rustic antique bookstores as well as dazzling caffes and charming restaurants, including a lively Italaian restaurant called Nonna Luisa - where the waiters come over to you to light intimate candels and display outstanding customer service. Hotel Highlight : Stay at the Majestic Inn and Spa for classic elegance in Anacortes, and within walking distance to fabulous restaurants.The architectural style of these older buildings is reminiscent of the 1920s. Today, the primary industry is still oil refinery, along with tourism and other industries.

   
   

   

   
   

5. Ferry to Orcas Island- From Anacortes, don't hesitate to take a short ferry to the lovely Orcas Island, where small and cozy cafes and boutiques decorate the small town. There is also a small Museum called the San Juan Historical Museum here where it highlights and brings back to life the history of these small towns. Orcas Island is the largest of the San Juan islands and is known for hiking and other nature pursuits. As the second stop after the ferry stops in Lopez island, it is more developed, and is filled with a small town elegance.

Chelsea Reviews: 4/5

It is always a delight to discover new places, such as Orca Island, and being inspired to travel to new places such as Friday Harbour and others. However, sometimes passing through old places brings back familiar memories, such as the Deception Pass bridge, which stunning backdrop, no matter what season, will always stay in my mind. Deception Pass will always be a favourite place for me to return to, with lots of good memories.

One of the greatest treasures of life is to explore new places and forever have that sense of adventure and a thirst for trying and living new things.