Mount Vernon is conveniently located in Skagit County nearly halfway between Seattle and Vancouver BC and is the main hub of the beautiful Skagit Valley. Here you can find rolling hills and nutrient-rich farmland, exciting Skagit river adventures, healthy living and multitudes of natural resources. When you venture from Mount Vernon nearby to the western part of the county, you can drive the stunning Chuckanut Drive, which is referred to as one of America’s most scenic byways. If you head to the eastern edge of the county along a magnificent stretch of highway, you will see the North Cascade Mountains where you can view eagles on the Skagit River or take a hike on 50 miles of trails to choose from.
The city of Mount Vernon got its humble beginnings in 1870, when settlers first appeared in the area. The city was named after the plantation estate and resting place of George Washington. The first industry was logging as camps were set up to log the townsite, followed by mining for a short time. The city experienced substantial growth which was helped by its central location to the farming, mining and logging communities as well as its access to Puget Sound. The lack of a railroad connection to surrounding cities such as Everett, Seattle and Vancouver BC did cause further growth to be hindered but in the 1890’sthis was resolved with the laying of railroad tracks. In the early 1900’s the railroad line was opened to carrying passengers as well as freight. In 1969, I-5 was built through downtown which severed the city from most of the residential district but opened the farmlands north of the city to urban development where many of Mount Vernon’s downtown businesses moved. Current industries in Mount Vernon include a good variety of healthcare, farming and manufacturing.
Mount Vernon is a place where you can find just about anything to do that will bring fun and rich experiences your way. The choices are practically endless but here are some suggestions: you can experience exciting eagle watching, fantastic wine tours, bountiful family farms, adventuresome hiking as well as plenty of enjoyable indoor attractions too.
Events that occur annually are the Riverwalk Concert Series located in Historic Downtown Mount Vernon where you can find a place to settle in, listen to and dance if you so desire to a mix of family-friendly local and regional artists’ music. This concert series occurs from mid-July to the last week in August. Another event that is worth checking out is Summer Sips: Arts and Ales occurring June 1st. This event features craft beer, cider, spirits and wine to sample. Enjoy the Skagit Artists Studio tour preview as the businesses stay open late for you to encounter unique experiences for you and your friends.
Come and enjoy an unforgettable time in Mount Vernon soon so as not to miss out on the good times that await you!
Bay View is a small town approximately 70 miles north of Seattle in Skagit County. Living in Bay View offers residents a suburban feel and most residents own their homes. One of the main attractions is Bay View State Park on Padilla Bay. Bay View State Park is a 66-acre camping park overlooking the San Juan Islands with stunning views of the archipelago. Bay View is also home to Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve which makes up 11,000 acres of the bay. This reserve is one of 5 protected areas in the western United States and it includes open waters, eelgrass beds, intertidal bays, uplands, freshwater sloughs, and high salt marsh.