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Steve Berentson
Anacortes, WA
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Steve Berentson
Anacortes, WA
Anacortes is the perfect Northwest getaway.
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Steve Berentson
Anacortes, WA
No matter what time of year you visit, there is plenty to do in Anacortes.
Courtesy of Experience Anacortes – Your Island Getaway, photos by Steve Berentson
If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you may think of Anacortes as a gateway to Victoria, BC or the San Juan Islands. You may have even stopped there for a quick lunch and then went on your way to the ferry terminal. What you may not realize is there’s no reason to go past Anacortes – it’s the perfect getaway. Come for a day, a weekend, or even a whole summer to explore this seaside city that will have you feeling relaxed the entire time.
Two bridges along SR 20 connect the valley with Fidalgo Island, which is where you’ll find the seaside town of Anacortes – the ideal launch point for a boating adventure. The inland waterways between the mainland and Vancouver Island are recognized worldwide as a boater’s paradise, with line-of-sight cruising and incomparable sea life. Enjoy the thrill, intimacy, and contentment of wind on your face and the inspiring beauty of islands and coast in every direction. The only visitors with you? Bald eagles, orcas, migratory birds, and bow-riding porpoises.
This town is known for its historic waterfront. It has 80 km (49 miles) of hiking trails, and mix of annual festivals. Its music scene is lively all-year, and visitors can soak up a range of tunes ranging from rock n` roll and bluegrass to jazz at outside venues during the summer and restaurants and bars throughout the year. The culinary scene is ever-growing. There ’ s a variety of restaurants with farm-to-table menus, house-made ingredients, and original specialties such as BBQ and fusion.
In a Festive Mood?
No matter what time of year you visit, there is plenty to do. The annual tulip festival coincides with the Anacortes Spring Wine Festival, where attendees can sample choice wines from 30 Washington wineries. In summer, the Saturday Anacortes Farmers Market is the place to be for everything local like fresh farm cheeses, handmade bread, gourmet nuts, jewelry, and more. Enjoy June’s Waterfront Festival at Cap Sante Marina, or Bier on the Pier in early October. Winters are mild and perfect for hiking or exploring the town’s history on self-guided walking tours.
Get into the Vibe of Anacortes
Enjoy months of free concerts at Seafarers ’ Memorial Park as Anacortes is known for its thriving music scene. All year, local venues like the Rockfish Grill, 13moons, H2O, Brown Lantern and Guemes Island General Store rock with musicians. In the summer, Seafarers’ Memorial Park, the Farmer’s Market at the Depot and The Heart of Anacortes amp up the ambiance with inviting outdoor stages. Sometimes there’s a cover charge, but usually it’s free with beverages and savoury bites available. At Seafarers’ Memorial Park all one needs to do is bring a chair or a blanket and some goodies to snack on. Whatever musical vibe you’re into, Anacortes has it.
Stroll the docks at Cap Sante Marina and hike the trail around the marina to Rotary Park. There are several benches and a covered picnic area. Seafarers’ Memorial Park, which is on the south side of Cap Sante Marina, has a pebble beach and picnic spaces. On the north end of the marina are large grassy areas and there’s also Rotary Park, which connects to the 37-acre Cap Sante Park.
For more info visit anacortes.org or call the visitors’ center at 1-360- 293-3832.