An artist once called this place "a
Japanese valley with
Dutch overtones."
Every spring the Pacific Northwest's Skagit Valley
comes alive, carpeted with vibrant color, as acres of
tulip fields burst into bloom.
The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival owes its origins to
Dutch farmers who settled in the area and began the
commercial cultivation of their homeland's signature
flower.
Now, after more than two decades, the Tulip Festival
has grown from a simple tour of tulip fields, to a
month-long April celebration that includes arts, crafts,
food and wine, a street fair,music, and a host of
affiliated events, some annual, and some which vary
from year to year.
Two of RV Trekker's longtime favorites are the
Kiwanis salmon barbecue at Hillcrest Park, and the
downtown Mount Vernon street fair.
The Kiwanis barbecue runs daily, throughout the Tulip
Festival, in the Hillcrest Park Lodge, a historic log
building with a permanent outdoor barbecue facility
where local groups have been grilling succulent
Northwest-signature salmon for generations.
Reservations aren't required unless you're a group
of 15 or more. For group reservations, e-mail the
Kiwanis.
To reach the park, take Exit 226 east from Interstate 5.
Turn right on 13th Street and go four blocks to the
entrance to Hillcrest Park. The lodge is clearly visible
from the park entrance. Parking is available next to the
lodge, and throughout the park. The lodge is an easy
stroll from every parking spot on the grounds.
And, while you're there, take time to explore the
Hillcrest Park grounds, shaded by tall evergreens,
with some surprises in the form of art poles carved
with lifelike woodland creatures.
Come early for best access to the downtown Mount
Vernon street fair. The fair is held along First Street,
which is Mount Vernon's main street. While there is
some parking available on neighboring streets, the
best parking is just west of First Street in a parking
area called "the revetment." The revetment sits
up
over the bank of the Skagit River, next to a bridge
linking the main part of the city with its west side.
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Along with the street fair's classic offerings, as long
as
you're on First Street, stop by the historic Lincoln
Theatre,
712 South First Street, which is generally open for
afternoon tours during the street fair.
Home to an old-fashioned pipe organ, the Lincoln was
the grandest, and is the only surviving one of three
movie
houses that once played First Street - the Lido and Lyric
theaters having long been converted to other businesses.
Rescued and revived by a nonprofit organization, the
Lincoln currently offers both movies and live stage
shows.
For a full listing of Tulip Festival events and
locations,
visit the festival's web site,
or pick up a brochure with
map. They're available all over Skagit County. For
RV camping, check RV Trekker's Skagit County
Campground
Directory.
And remember, the Skagit Valley is no stranger to rain,
especially in the spring. It's what makes the flowers
grow. But it can also make tulip fields slippery and
muddy. Dress accordingly, and if the skies look
cloudy, remember your rain hat, or umbrella.
During the Tulip Festival, take some time to visit
some more of RV Trekker's favorite fun and shopping
spots:
- Libation
Station in The Grainery,downtown Mount
Vernon, offers wine tasting & wine
shopping.
- The
Granary Antique Mall, also in The
Grainery (one of downtown Mount Vernon's
tallest buildings), has one of the Skagit
Valley's best selection of antiques &
collectibles.
- Relaxation
Station, downtown Mount Vernon on First
Street, is where you can get a fully-clothed
chair or dry water massage & try the
oxygen bar -a great rest & recharge.
- Rosabella's
Garden Bakery, Farm to Market Road, Bow,
Washington, features 5 pound apple pies &
more, in a big red barn surrounded by an
apple orchard.
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