Julie developed new tourism websites and content marketing programs for Skagit County and La Conner, Washington along with more than a couple dozen other tourism and craft beer related businesses and organizations. She has contributed to Sparksheet and travel-related blogs. Julie splits her time between her homes in La Conner (on the Salish Sea and north of Seattle) and White Salmon WA (on the Columbia River and east of Portland) where she also has an airbnb. She takes a break from it all in the wilderness where she lets her creativity go wild.
As the world turns its attention to the 2026 global soccer celebration, the Pacific Northwest will be one of the most exciting places to experience the action. While matches take place in major host cities like Seattle and Vancouver BC, savvy travelers are discovering a better way to do it all—by staying in La Conner. […]
Spring in the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is a feast for the senses—fields bursting with color, fresh coastal air, and the quiet beauty of the Skagit Valley. But what if you could complement that visual experience with something just as immersive for your body and mind?
Each spring, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival transforms the landscape into a vibrant mosaic of color—but timing your visit just right can make all the difference. That’s where the 2026 Interactive Bloom Map comes in, helping you experience the Skagit Valley at its most colorful.
Each spring, La Conner comes alive with color, community, and celebration during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival—and few events capture that spirit quite like the Annual Tulip Festival Parade. A beloved tradition for decades, the parade is one of the festival’s signature moments, bringing together locals and visitors for a joyful showcase of small-town charm and creativity.
Every spring, the Skagit Valley transforms into a vibrant patchwork of color, drawing visitors from across the country to experience the magic of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Rows upon rows of tulips burst into bloom, creating one of the most iconic seasonal landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. And right in the heart of it all sits La Conner—a charming waterfront town that offers the perfect home base for your tulip-filled getaway.
Spring returns to the Skagit Valley in spectacular fashion with the 2026 La Conner Daffodil Festival, a celebration of bright blooms, local creativity, and the slower rhythms that make this season so special. This year’s official festival poster features a stunning photograph by Sarah Walls, winner of the 2025 La Conner Daffodil Festival Photography Contest. Her image captures the quiet magic of daffodils stretching toward the light—a fitting visual invitation to another unforgettable spring in La Conner.
La Conner is rolling out the red carpet for one of its most entertaining weekends of the year – La Conner Murder Mystery weekend!. On March 7–8, Lights, Camera… Murder! returns with a brand-new whodunit, The Silver Screen Slayer—and the entire town becomes part of the show.
When it comes to romantic getaways, La Conner has a way of slowing time and inviting you to linger. Tucked along the Swinomish Channel, this historic waterfront town is made for couples seeking connection, charm, and a little coastal magic. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, now is the perfect moment to plan a weekend escape that feels intimate, effortless, and memorable.
Birders, nature lovers, and curious explorers are invited to experience the
beauty of Skagit Valley’s winter wildlife at the La Conner Birding Festival, returning Saturday
and Sunday, January 24–25th, 2026. Hosted in the heart of La Conner, this annual event
celebrates the region’s extraordinary bird populations while supporting local businesses and
conservation efforts.
Winter in the Skagit Valley brings a quieter pace, misty mornings, and one of the most spectacular wildlife experiences in the Pacific Northwest: the Birds of Winter Experience. Each year, thousands of birders and nature lovers travel to the region to witness the seasonal migration of bald eagles, snow geese, swans, raptors, and dozens of other species that make this landscape their winter home. And there is no better place to base your birding adventure than La Conner.
The holidays shine a little brighter in La Conner — and this year’s Community Tree Lighting promises to be a night full of warmth, wonder, and small-town magic.
Looking for the perfect way to welcome the New Year? LaConner Live invites you to celebrate in style at their Annual New Year’s Eve Fundraising Party, an evening filled with music, dancing, and community spirit.
Join friends and neighbors for a memorable night at Maple Hall as we count down to 2026 together—La Conner style.
There’s nothing quite like the twinkle of holiday lights reflecting off the Swinomish Channel—and in La Conner, the magic shines brightest during the annual Lighted Christmas Boat Parade!
Brew on the Slough is a vibrant annual celebration held each October in the our beautiful town of La Conner, Washington, along the Swinomish Channel. This event highlights the region’s craft beer culture, featuring a diverse range of brews from local breweries.
Art’s Alive, La Conner’s premier PNW fine art event, is celebrating its 40th year, and a tremendous show is planned to take place in Maple Hall on October 24, 25, 26, and 27!
We’re thrilled to announce that the winner of the 2025 La Conner Daffodil Festival Photo Contest is local photographer Sarah Walls, owner of Cedarbrook Studio. Her breathtaking image of a lone daffodil catching the light and standing tall among a sea of blooms captured the essence of the season—and our hearts.
We are beyond excited to invite you to a milestone celebration—the 25th Annual La Conner Classic Boat & Car Show, happening on Saturday, August 2, 2025! For a quarter of a century, this beloved event has brought together classic car and boat enthusiasts for an unforgettable day of craftsmanship, community, and camaraderie. This year will be our biggest and best yet—an event you won’t want to miss!
April is here, and that means it’s time for the breathtaking agricultural tulip bloom around La Conner! Beyond the acres and acres of SkAGit Valley’s agricultural crops lies our tiny waterside town of La Conner. Its abundant resources, artistry, commerce, and community is admired by tens of thousands of visitors from across the nation and beyond borders for its simple lifestyle.
As the vibrant hues of spring emerge, the Skagit Valley transforms into a breathtaking canvas of color during the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, held from April 1 to April 30, 2025. This month-long celebration showcases millions of blooming tulips, drawing visitors from around the world to partake in the beauty and festivities.
If you’re a craft beer lover with a taste for local flavors, the Skagit Farm to Pint Passport is your golden ticket to exploring the best breweries in Skagit Valley. This unique experience invites beer enthusiasts to collect stamps while enjoying farm-to-glass brews crafted with ingredients grown right in the region. And when it comes to the perfect home base for your adventure, there’s no better place to stay than charming La Conner!
Springtime in La Conner is a vibrant tapestry of color and community, and there’s no better way to experience it than by attending the 38th Annual Tulip Parade. Set for Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 2:00 PM, this cherished event transforms downtown La Conner into a lively procession of floats, performers, and, for the first time, a delightful Daffodil Pet Parade.
Are you ready to step into the past and uncover a chilling crime? La Conner’s 3rd Annual Murder Mystery Event is back, and this year, it’s more thrilling than ever! Immerse yourself in a gripping tale set in March 1943, a time when World War II gripped the world and changed daily life—even in the peaceful town of La Conner.
Nestled in the heart of the Skagit Valley, Tandem Wheels Photography is more than just a business—it’s a labor of love, a journey, and a way of life for Sean and Amie Wheeler. With deep roots in the Pacific Northwest, this dynamic husband-and-wife team has turned their passion for photography into a thriving business that celebrates the stunning landscapes and vibrant community of La Conner and beyond.
As the gray days of winter begin to fade, the charming town of La Conner, Washington, prepares to welcome spring with its vibrant and beloved Annual Daffodil Festival! Running throughout the month of March, this spectacular celebration is a must-visit for anyone looking to revel in the beauty of millions of bright yellow blooms spread across Skagit Valley’s picturesque countryside.
If you’re looking for a perfect weekend getaway that combines delicious food, scenic beauty, and engaging activities, look no further than La Conner. This charming waterfront town is hosting two incredible events that you won’t want to miss: the 1st Annual La Conner Firefighters Chowder & Chili Cookoff and the renowned La Conner Birding Festival.
As the new year begins, we whole-heartedly welcome 2025 and all of its opportunities for growth. Thanks to all who supported Erth’s natural beginnings and continue to nurture its provisions.
The charming town of La Conner, Washington, is gearing up to host the much-anticipated 2025 La Conner Birding Festival on January 25th and 26th! This annual event is a must-attend for bird enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone looking to experience the beauty of the Skagit Valley during the winter season.
Kick off the new year with an evening filled with inspiration, creativity, and community at the La Conner Art Walk! Taking place on Saturday, January 11th, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, this event is your opportunity to delve into the vibrant local art scene that makes La Conner so special.
Get ready to say goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2025 in style at La Conner’s New Year’s Eve Party, an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and celebration. Hosted by La Conner Live, this event takes place at Maple Hall, 103 Commercial St., La Conner, WA, and promises to be the highlight of your holiday season.
Tucked away in the charming town of La Conner, Washington, ERTH is more than just a boutique—it’s a destination for sustainable living, meaningful connection, and community inspiration. Founded by Stephanie Banaszak, ERTH opened its doors in early 2023 at 105 S 1st Street, blending eco-conscious products with a commitment to supporting local artisans and businesses. With decades of retail and creative experience, Stephanie brings her vision to life, making ERTH a cornerstone of the Skagit Valley community.
Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, La Conner, Washington, is the quintessential small-town holiday destination. With its charming waterfront, boutique shops, and warm community spirit, La Conner is the perfect place to celebrate the magic of the season. This December, the town lights up with holiday cheer, and two standout events promise to make your visit unforgettable.
Join us on Saturday, November 23, for an unforgettable evening at Maple Hall in La Conner as we gather to celebrate community, creativity, and the future of our beloved La Conner Swinomish Library!
Get ready to sleigh the season in style! La Conner invites you and your friends to our beloved annual tradition, the Jingle “Belles” – A Ladies’ Night of Shopping, on Friday, November 22, 2024, from 4 PM to 8 PM. It’s the perfect evening to gather your gal pals, sip champagne, and dive into holiday cheer while supporting local businesses.
Tucked away in the charming town of La Conner, Washington, The Slider Café offers a unique blend of comfort food, scenic views, and small-town charm that captures the hearts of locals and visitors alike.
Art’s Alive!, La Conner’s premier PNW fine art event, will be marking its 39th anniversary on October 25, 26, 27, and 28! The 2024 art exhibition is entitled ‘Along Salish Shores’ and will be a celebration of local artists and the volunteers.
Brew on the Slough, the La Conner Beer Festival, is back and scheduled for October 12, 2024 in the picturesque town of La Conner, Washington, along the Swinomish Channel. Brew on the Slough highlights the region’s craft beer culture.
We will be picking the photo with the most likes on June 1st!
Have you ever felt the magnetic pull of the ocean, drawing you towards its mysteries? Home of guaranteed Whale Tours with over 98% success rate over the last ten years makes this a must-do tour when visiting La Conner!
Nestled on the bank of the Swinomish Channel at the edge of the idyllic farm lands of the Skagit Valley in the great state of Washington, the town of La Conner has been host to some of the world’s famous artists, poets, and authors. With such a history steeped in the arts, we couldn’t think of a better place to showcase the Art of Lutherie with some of the finest luthiers in the world. luthier (lü-thē-ər, -tē-ər) noun: one who makes stringed musical instruments
We are thrilled to announce that registration is now open for the 24th Annual La Conner Classic Boat & Car Show, taking place on August 3, 2024!
In spring, La Conner becomes a destination for flower enthusiasts, families, and photographers alike, as millions of daffodil and tulips burst into bloom across the Valley. The Tulip Festival Parade serves as the kick-off of this floral extravaganza, drawing crowds from near and far!
Springtime in La Conner, Washington, is a spectacle of vibrant colors and natural beauty. As the winter chill melts away, fields of daffodils burst into bloom, painting the landscape with golden hues. To celebrate the season, the La Conner Daffodil Festival Photo Contest invites photographers from near and far to capture the essence of spring through their lens.
As winter recedes and the vibrant colors of spring begin to bloom, there’s no better way to welcome the season than by immersing oneself in the beauty of nature. In the waterfront town of La Conner, Washington, nestled amidst Skagit Valley’s picturesque landscapes, the arrival of spring is celebrated in grandeur through the annual La Conner Daffodil Festival!
The Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum stands as a beacon of artistic expression and cultural preservation in the heart of Washington state’s picturesque Skagit Valley. Established in 1997 and nestled within the charming town of La Conner, this museum is more than just a repository of textiles; it is a testament to the enduring legacy and innovation of fiber arts.
In the heart of La Conner, where the sky meets the fiber, Birds of a Fiber 2024 is set to take flight, celebrating not just artistic prowess but also the deep connection between art, nature, and community.
La Conner, a picturesque waterfront town known for its charming streets and vibrant arts community, is about to get even more colorful and welcoming. Introducing the La Conner Banner Project, an exciting initiative aimed at celebrating local photographers and beautifying Morris Street with their stunning work.
We are delighted to extend a cordial invitation to you for a weekend of natural marvels at the La Conner Birding Festival, gracefully returning to enchant us on February 3rd and 4th, 2024. Nestled amidst the scenic beauty of Skagit Valley and La Conner, this festival promises an enchanting experience filled with birdwatching, artistry, and educational exploration for both adults and children alike.
Get ready to ring in the New Year with a night filled with laughter, joy, and fantastic memories. Our New Year’s Eve Party promises to be dazzling, featuring dancing, sipping, and tasty treats!
As the holiday season approaches, many of us look forward to a relaxing and memorable getaway. While popular destinations like bustling cities and well-known tourist spots have their own allure, sometimes it’s the hidden gems that offer the most unforgettable experiences. La Conner is a charming village tucked between the Salish Sea, farmlands, and the North Cascades. Join us in La Conner this Holiday Season!
La Conner, Washington, a picturesque town nestled along the Swinomish Channel, is a haven for artists and art enthusiasts alike. Every year, this charming community hosts an event that celebrates creativity in its myriad forms: Arts Alive. In 2023, this festival promises to be a vibrant and unforgettable experience, showcasing the rich tapestry of artistic talent that calls this town home.
The holiday season is fast approaching, and what better way to kick off the festivities than with the much-anticipated Jingle Belles Shopping Event hosted by the La Conner Chamber of Commerce? This enchanting event promises a delightful blend of local charm and seasonal cheer, making it a must-attend for all.
It’s time to dress cozy, create a road trip playlist, grab a pumpkin spice latte, and drive to La Conner to celebrate the Skagit Valley Harvest! We have waterfront hotels, along with dog-friendly hotels that offer e-bike rentals! Our waterfront farm-to-table restaurants will serve you the daily catch while you watch the fishing boat go by. Walk on our boardwalk and take in the wine tasting and boutique shopping after your harvest adventures!
Make it a weekend in La Conner! Book your lodging, mooring, or RV reservations for amazing craft beer, seafood, and live music for the last weekend in September!
September 2nd is Tom Robbin’s Day! Join us as we show gratitude to a beloved community member and celebrate his literary legacy! Use your imagination and creativity, and let’s have fun in Tom Robbins style!
The 4th of July is a day of immense pride and celebration for Americans across the country. In the picturesque town of La Conner, Washington, this patriotic holiday comes alive with a blend of small-town charm and vibrant festivities. As we dive into the details of the 4th of July 2023 in La Conner, get ready to witness a day filled with joy, community spirit, and dazzling fireworks that will leave lasting memories for all who attend.
The Intuitive Arts Fair is a must-attend event for anyone interested in exploring their intuition and spiritual side. Taking place on Saturday and Sunday, June 24 – 25, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Maple Hall, La Conner, this in-person event promises to be a day full of insightful and inspiring experiences.
Get ready for the 23rd Annual La Conner Classic Boat & Car Show! Mark your calendars for August 5th, 2023, from 10-3, and spiffy up those boats, cars, motorcycles, and tractors! Book your reservations at one of our many lodging options. Are you staying on a boat or RV? Be sure to make your reservations now with the La Conner Marina.
The finalists have been chosen. Now it’s your turn to vote with a like! The 2023 photo with the most likes wins and will be featured in the 2024 La Conner Daffodil Festival. The winner will be announced Monday, May 31st!
Welcome to La Conner and the 2023 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival! Surrounded by the Salish Sea and farmland filled with tulip and daffodil bulbs, our waterfront town is ready for your visit.
The Waterfront Café invites you to enjoy a unique dining experience with one of La Conner’s best waterfront views from their outside dining area or inside seating. Enjoy the spectacular murals throughout the restaurant painted by one of America’s renowned muralists, Jerry Ragg.
April 1st officially kicks off Skagit County’s 2023 Tulip Festival. This is an exciting and busy time for our community, with thousands of visitors visiting local tulip fields throughout the month of April.
Join us in La Conner on March 18th from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM to celebrate the Daffodil Festival and our beloved pets!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 25, 2023, for the first annual La Conner murder mystery event “The Case of the Slain Slough Swindler.”
Join the fun as a sleuth as you search for clues around town and interview suspects on the street to solve the case.
Join us for the annual La Conner Daffodil Festival! There’s nothing quite as extraordinary as entire fields of bright, cheery daffodils against our Mt. Baker backdrop. It’s just so beautiful in March with the Daffodils blooming, and there are so many fun events and exhibits in La Conner during the month of March.
Welcome, Christina and Robyn, to the La Conner business community as the new owners of Tillinghast Postal and Business Center! They look forward to upholding Tillinghast’s legacy and “never say no” motto. Whatever the project may be, they’ll get it done for you!
Book your La Conner lodging, make those dinner reservations, and get ready to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2023 in La Conner! The New Year’s eve celebration featuring the Chris Eger Band is December 31, 2022, at Maple Hall from 8:00 PM – 12:30 AM. Tickets are $75 and are on sale now!
Gather your friends and support our local businesses; La Conner is hosting the annual community-inspired “Jingle Belles” A Ladies’ Night of Shopping on Friday, November 18th!
La Conner Dental provides a state-of-the-art facility with the highest quality dental care. Patients’ health and comfort is the top priority. You become part of the La Conner Dental family when you walk through the door. As a family, La Conner Dental values your trust and strives to consistently exceed your expectations.
Join us for the annual La Conner Halloween Parade and Trick-or-Treat on Monday, October 31st, from Noon-1:30! Gather your goblins, witches, and rock stars at the north end of First Street behind the La Conner Retirement Inn. Then start walking down First Street. After the parade, kids are invited to trick-or-treat at participating La Conner businesses.
To support lifelong literacy and cultural diversity through the writing, reading, performing, and teaching of poetry in Northwest Washington schools and global communities, Join Terrance Hayes, Javier Zamora, Ray Young Bear & 25 other remarkable poets for the Skagit River Poetry Festival at Maple Hall in La Conner, October 6-8, 2022.
M.D. Med Spa & Wellness Centers has expanded to La Conner with offices in Blaine and Fairhaven. M.D. Medical Spa offers the latest anti-aging medical treatments and services, including medical aesthetics, medical lab testing, wellness therapies, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, and medical weight loss. International model and television spokesperson Marika Dawe is the CEO. With over 20 years as an entrepreneur owning health clubs and consulting with health clubs and spa owners throughout the US and Canada, Marika has a passion for health, beauty, and quality of life.
A Community Celebration! The La Conner Arts Commission invites you to join us on Sept. 3 at 4:00 in Maple Hall for a dedication and celebration of the public art donated to the Town of La Conner during 2020 – 2022.
The mission of the La Conner Chamber of Commerce is to advance the La Conner area’s economic, cultural, and civic welfare. We are dedicated to promoting La Conner as a vibrant business community while at the same time preserving the uniqueness and charm that makes La Conner such a wonderful place to live, work and […]
The Swinomish Casino and Lodge, just 10 minutes from La Conner, features 33 full hook-up RV sites overlooking Padilla Bay, Swinomish Channel with views of Mount Baker and the Cascade Mountains.
Spend a day of fun under the sun at Swin Summerfest! Join on July 23 in Waterfront Park, beginning at 2 pm (ending at 8:00 pm) for an afternoon and evening of free live music, fantastic food, and delicious drinks, including craft beer from local breweries!
Make La Conner your home base for the 4th of July weekend! We have you covered for celebrating the 4th of July with live music and fireworks over the channel!
In a town without chains and franchises, Pioneer Market steps up to the challenge to offer both locals and visitors a convenient place to shop. Before heading out on the water or to the beach, stop by Pioneer for ice, drinks, snacks, and crab bait! The beer selection is impressive with over 300 different styles and breweries to choose from.
The La Conner Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the “Picture Yourself in La Conner” coloring contest! Get creative this summer! The contest is for “Kids at Heart” and is open to anyone aged 18 and up. Winners will be selected randomly in June, July & August. The winners will receive their choice of a $20.00 gift certificate for any La Conner business.
The 2022 Opening Day Boat Parade in La Conner is on May 7th and hosted by the Swinomish Yacht Club. The theme this year is Jungle Cruise. Hang out at the La Conner Marina and walk the La Conner boardwalk to take in the opening boat day festivities!
Get ready for the 22nd Annual La Conner Classic Boat & Car Show! Mark your calendars for August 6th, 2022 from 10-3, and spiffy up those boats and cars! Make your reservations at one of our many lodging options. Staying on a boat or RV? Be sure to make your reservations now with the La Conner Marina.
With over 54 years of experience and hundreds of online reviews, La Conner Marina is at the heart of La Conner’s waterfront community! Offering two moorage basins, more than 500 moorage slips (including covered moorage), and 2,400 lineal feet of dock space for boaters, a variety of boating services, and an RV Park for camping guests, the La Conner Marina is a hustling and bustling destination in La Conner for individuals and groups.
Katy’s Inn is a two-story early Victorian home sitting at the corner of 3rd and Washington streets, only two blocks from most of downtown La Conner. Built in 1876, it doesn’t have all the detail and gingerbread that the late Victorians are known for, but tall ceilings and elegant woodwork are throughout.
Join us in La Conner for the 35th Annual Tulip Festival parade! The Parade takes place on Saturday, April 9th, 2022 in downtown La Conner.
Garden Rosalyn is a 13 acre complex with lots of parking, and 6 acres of tulips planted in fun designs, including stars, animals and manicured beds. Buy lunch or a snack from on-site vendors and enjoy the picnic tables and see the resident waterfowl and birds. Well-behaved dogs on leashes welcome.
Welcome to La Conner and the 2022 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival! Surrounded by the Salish Sea and farmland filled with tulip and daffodil bulbs, our waterfront town is ready for your visit. La Conner’s boardwalk, waterfront hotels, farm-to-table restaurants, boutiques, and museums make it the perfect Tulip Festival vacation home base!
Join us for the first Daffodil Pet Parade and Costume Contest on March 26th from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm at the La Conner High School track. Awards will be given for the best daffodil costume and best celebrity look alike! This is a free, family friendly event.
La Conner Artists Gallery will be celebrating its 10th Anniversary in March. “Every Saturday, we will have Artists Meet & Greets, Artists in Action, special sales, refreshments, and live music,” says Lisa Judy, Chief Founding Officer, La Conner Artists Gallery. The Gallery is open daily in March from 10-5:30 with Live Music Saturdays 12 – 6 and Artists Demonstrations on Fridays and Saturdays from 11-3. Daffodils will be for sale in the Gallery supporting the La Conner Kiwanis.
What better way to enjoy the beginning of spring than wide-open spaces and fields of cheerful yellow and white daffodils at the La Conner Daffodil Festival 2022!
Skagit Valley and La Conner offer an authentic experience in many ways and nothing is perhaps more unique and beautiful than the annual migration of birds into this inviting part of Washington State. Providing an ideal wintertime habitat for hundreds of different types of bird species, the farmlands and wetlands as well as the prairies and forests along with the local marine environment provide for the ideal habitat for a host of different species of birds.
A glittered haven housing things to spark joy is how Stephanie Sherman, owner of The Cusp Apothecary, describes her new boutique in the La Conner waterfront Pier 7 historic building. “I make most of the things you’ll find at The Cusp, from the locally sourced soy and beeswax for candles; to the nature-inspired art,” says Stephanie.
The Channel Lodge is designed to relax your senses from the minute you walk through the entrance. Enjoy the cozy chairs and warmth from the fireplace in the lobby while you take in the music. Listen to the pianists play their original works every Friday and Saturday evening from 5:00-7:00 pm.
The Salted Grape offers exceptional food and wine in an approachable setting where customers feel welcomed and comfortable. You will see many local items on the menu as they work hard at sourcing locally. “The Skagit Valley has such amazing farmers and producers!” says Leslie. They also procure pasta from the Bellingham Pasta Co. On weekends you will see specials on the menu, including halibut, which is always popular.
Spend the Holidays in La Conner! Book your lodging, make your dinner reservation and get ready to relax and unwind this Holiday season in walkable water-front La Conner!
Calico Cupboard is celebrating 40 years in business and now has around 100 employees, seasonally upwards of 130, many of which have worked for Calico Cupboard for over ten years and upwards of 35 years. “I love working with our staff and our favorite customers, who travel from near and far on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis, and many of which eat at all three of our locations,” says Brenda.
Shop locally in La Conner from November through February, and you will be entered in a monthly drawing to win prizes! Spend $50.00, complete your frequent shopper card, and enter to win. The more you shop – the more chances to win!
Just in time for the holidays! Art’s Alive! is Nov. 5, 6, 7, & 8 in La Conner’s Maple Hall, featuring incredible regional artists including Steve Jensen, Susan Bennerstrom, Coizie Bettinger, Brooke Borcherding, Mary Ennes Davis, Kris Ekstrand, Gary Giovane, Nicolette Harrington, Meg Holgate, Lisa McShane, Richard Nash, Lillian Pitt, and Doug Bison.
The average lifespan of a small business is 8.5 years. Jennings Yarn & Needlepoint will be in business for 50 years in 2022. Christina Jennings took over the reins 35 years ago from her family and her attention to detail and high standards are the keys to this business’s longevity. “I am passionate about what I do, and it’s not ‘just a yarn shop’. Every single item in my shop has been hand-picked by me. I strive to carry only high-quality products that I believe in,” says Christina.
Honoring Cultural Traditions in Fiber Art is a three-day virtual event with speakers representing four different cultural backgrounds, mini-workshops, networking, and discussion groups. Speakers include Chickasaw textile artist/weaver, Margaret Roach Wheeler, Associate Curator at the National Museum of Mexican Art, Dolores Mercado, renowned Japanese quilters, Miwako Kimura and Noriko Koyama, and quilter and curator of African American fiber arts exhibitions, Torreah “Cookie” Washington.
Kari VandenBosch started working in restaurants at a young age before working at La Conner Seafood & Prime Rib House for the founding owners, eventually buying it from them. “I have always loved the challenge of the complexity that comes from the many moving parts of owning a restaurant,” says Kari. La Conner Seafood is a family-run business with long-time staff and a focus on sourcing local seafood.