As I strolled along the quiet boardwalk of charming La Conner, Washington, enjoying the sounds of the seagulls overhead, and the smell of salt in the air, I was glad I had stumbled upon the small town. I ended up spending the night in La Conner purely by accident, but what a beautiful accident it was! I wished I could stay for an entire weekend because La Conner is one of the cutest little coastal towns ever!
Fascinating History
La Conner, situated in beautiful Skagit County, became a settlement in the mid-1800s. Pioneers and settlers built dikes on hundreds of acres of land, creating lush farmland that is still thriving today. La Conner quickly became a hub for steamer ships carting freight and passengers from nearby Seattle. By the turn of the century, La Conner’s population had grown to over 1,000 residents and was a flourishing community, mostly because of its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Logging and fishing were the leading industries until the Great Depression hit. After that, artists settled in the area inspired by its unique charm and peaceful nature.
Quaint Shops
The boardwalk in La Conner
By far, the most popular and intriguing shops in La Conner are the endearing little shops owned and operated by local artisans. One of my favorites was Artfully Ann’s. It is filled from top to bottom with her amazing beaded jewelry featuring lovely semi-precious stones from around the world, pottery from other local artists, hand knit scarves, darling paintings, and much more. Each artists had obviously put their love and sweat into their handiwork!
Lovely Accommodations
The receptionist at La Conner Country Inn
La Conner is only about twenty minutes away from the town of Anacortes, Washington, gateway to the stunning San Juan Islands! That is how I ended up there. I missed the last ferry of the day and had no choice but to find nearby accommodations. I spent the night at La Conner Country Inn, which was cute as a button but a little over-priced. The receptionist looked like a porcelain doll sitting behind the front desk. It was just one of the many intriguing aspects of the place.
Tons of Recreational Opportunities
An old barn on the way to Anacortes
It seems like everyone else in town had come with a purpose. There’s a little something for everyone in La Conner. From fascinating museums, fun fishing excursions, kayaking, Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP), shopping, and fine dining, there is plenty to do and see. Ferries to the various San Juan Islands are only a quick drive away, where you can enjoy whale watching, collecting and eating fresh oysters, hiking, and much more.
Lots of Fun Events
La Conner Live, Sunday Concert Series, is a favorite place for locals and tourists to gather and enjoy great live music during the summertime. The La Conner Art Walk is also a fun event and takes place the first Saturday of every month from June through October. It’s a great way to view samples from all the local artists and get your creative juices flowing.
La Conner is an adorable little town and surely worth a visit. Plan to stay a few days so you aren’t rushed, and sit back and relax. Do a digital detox and enjoy all that it has to offer.