First year Skagit Fair attendee and volunteer. I wasn't sure what to expect from this "smallish"…read morefair; I was pleasantly surprised. The fair offers a little bit of everything. Musical entertainment, shows, vendors, food, exhibits, competitions, roving entertainment, etc. It reminds me of the fairs that I attended as a child in Northeast Ohio. 2019 Prices Admission Wednesday/Thursday: $7, 5 yrs old& under Free Admission Friday/Saturday: Adults (18-64) $10 Youth (6-17) Seniors (62+) $8 Family (2 adult/2 youth) $25 5 yrs old & under Free Carnival- 1 Day wristbands $30 Both entrance and carnival prices are slightly cheaper in advance. See fair website for details. Consider volunteering! As a fair volunteer, you get a free shirt, free admission day of volunteering, vendor parking, and snacks. Well worth it!

Giddy-up cowboys and cowgirls!! Yeeeee-haaaahh!!!…read more While the actual Skagit Valley fair isn't until August, check website for details, http://www.skagitcounty.net/Common/Asp/Default.asp?d=Fairgrounds&c=General&p=fairschedule.htm this little gem in the rough is totally what you'd expect to find in a small home-town run fair. You may ask, what's go'n on at the fairgrounds when the "fair" is not being held. Well, this past weekend they held their annual Garage sale and Antique's sale. More of a open air flea market, where they actually had more fleas than much of a market, for a $1.00 per person and $2.00 for parking we walked around the various barns and poked around at what the locals had in the way of used items to offer for sale. My Mom found a few items she just couldn't live without. I toted bags back and worth from the seller's stalls to the car and got my daily work-out in. My mom, Starch-boy and his buddy had a grand time walking and looking around. I was somewhat satisfied with my luke-warm corndog, but hey, it's better than nothing! Update: 12/07 Check out this site for upcoming events! http://www.skagitcounty.net/Common/asp/default.asp?d=Fairgrounds&c=General&p=main.htm Darn, I missed the last gun show...

Exactly the kind of small town charming museum worth stopping in during a visit to La Conner. I…read morepicked up a mini sewing kit from the gift shop, a perfect addition to my travel kit. Enjoyed the museum and then walked across the street to enjoy the view from the butterfly garden.

I am so sad that I had to run in and run out! I probably could've spent a week there! Giant store…read morewith lots of options for Quilt Holics!

If you are looking for an usual experience on Orcas Island do not forego visiting this very special…read moreprivate museum that has over 800 works of art from 250 San Juan Island artists. It features the largest collection of HELEN Loggie's work and an extensive collection from James Hardman all in an exquisite architectural setting on the water with breathtaking views complete with follies. It is breathtaking and will provide you with inspiration and awe along with thanks that people like Leo Lambiel exist in this world.

Leo Lambiel's guided tour of his awesome home cum museum is awesome, and well worth the $20 fee per…read moreperson. His taste in art by San Juan Islands artists is eclectic -- inspiring, humorous, ironic, abstract, representational -- in a range of media. The house reflects his own craftsmanship in construction and decoration, and grew from its origins as a cabin to a mansion of many rooms, soaring ceilings, windowed walls, and outdoor stairways. Leo's folly is the grotto, which he continues to work on after 17 years. Wine also is his passion, and his wine room has patterned walls made of used corks. Altogether, a wonderful tour.

I really dig this lovely little gallery, located in one of the coolest middle-of-nowhere towns I've…read moreever stumbled into. I've been to a couple of openings here and had a blast each time. It's about an hour and a half drive north of Seattle, into the beautiful pastoral area of the Skagit River Valley, and well worth that drive for a gallery opening or an artist talk. Smith & Vallee put a lot of emphasis on both paintings and sculpture, particularly from regional artists (and the Skagit Valley area happens to be loaded with great artists, presumably attracted to the great landscapes and light angles, and the arts-friendly communal atmosphere of Bow-Edison). A cozy, intimate gallery + talented local artists + a supportive community = really fun and well-attended gallery openings. It can get pretty packed, which might force you to rubberneck a bit in order to see some of the art, but people are generally kind and relaxed. If it's too crowded for your blood, walk around and check out some of the other neato little shops, restaurants or bars in town and then filter back after a bit. "Town," by the way, is more or less a couple of charming little blocks that look as if you're on the set of a movie.

Their collections are very well-curated and showcase regional talent. The gallery is warm and…read moreinviting, not at all stuffy or snooty. The owners are also furniture and cabinetry makers, mostly working with reclaimed & unique slabs of wood. Their work is beyond compare.

Daniel is the best axe and knife guide thank you so much!!!! We went for Wednesday mid week fun and…read morewe were so impressed!!!! I especially love the knife challenge! Those things are hard to throw! Can't wait to come again ! My husband loved the fun memories coming back with his fave arcade game !!

Pinball machines are in great condition. Super friendly…read moreowner. Good vibes and fun place to hang out.

Quick stop at Tulip Town to enjoy the beautiful tulip field. We paid 18.00 to get in . There are…read morefields of different colors and varieties of tulips to walk through. We hopped on the truck/tractor for a short ride around the fields. Cute little windmill with beautiful flowers all around. They have a gift shop that includes a bar/snack area. You can buy some tulips inside. They have an option of potted tulips to take home. You cannot buy bulbs but they do offer info on ordering the bulbs to be sent to your home address in the Fall. The staff were fun and helpful in ordering into and helping decide which bulbs to order. Fun stop for families or just anyone wanting to enjoy the beautiful colors of the flowers.

Lovely Skagit Valley Tulip Festival at Washington State. It's about 1.5 hr away from Seattle…read more Usually around mid April. Tulip Town showcases variety of tulips. Nice photo ops around the field. They also have tractor ride (free), cafe, and a souvenir store. I had much fun taking all the pictures and getting some flower seeds for home. If you are around the area, I'll say definitely come by to see the flowers. Very relaxing to enjoy the view.

I have shown my horse here for 2 years now and I have to say I love the Stanwood fair the community…read more here is amazing. But there is its ups and downs. Like here are some pros and cons about showing at the this fair or just going to see what the fair has. Pros : the fair is overall nice no trash on the ground, the food is great, everyone is so kind and understanding and lastly its great animal shows. Now here are the cons : The people showing there horses just need to really keep account on where there horse is we had about 2-3 loose horses. and let me tell you it was really upsetting. My horse was getting spooked by the loose horses all the time like. Come on its not that hard to keep an eye on your horse. Also when showing The little kids all ways get first place. Witch is not fair to kids like me.

Cute small country fairgrounds with good parking, a nice stage and pretty much everything that you…read morewould expect from a fair ground. Very clean and no graffiti!

This historic school house is beautifully restored. The volunteers, who offer personalized tours,…read moreare so knowledgeable and friendly. You can see items donated by previous students who came to this school once upon a time, and standing inside feels like you've traveled back in time. There are also many original items such as the oil cloth lesson board, the original chalk board, wall lanterns and more. In the summer they also feature a spooky story telling. Touring the museum is a must-see if you're staying on the island!

We stopped by the Crow Valley School on orcas Island and were delighted with how well preserved the…read moreschool was with original lesson plans and account books available to peruse, a headmaster's black dress displayed, some original school desks, and several enlarged old photographs of students. We received a personal tour of the school from Rebecca and were delighted to visit this historical spot on Orcas.