LaConner
A Slough Runs Through It...

Getting There: By car: Traveling north or south on I-5, take exit 230 and head West. By boat: Consult marine charts for Swinomish Slough.

What do Olga, Russia, San Rafael del Sur, Nicaragua and Kenmare, Ireland have in common? Well, they’re all sister cities of LaConner. Admit it – that bit of trivia rocked you, didn’t it?
La Conner, the oldest community in Skagit County is also probably the most picturesque. Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, this former fishing town is a great place to eat, shop and tarry awhile...

Just a short jaunt off of I-5, La Conner should not be missed. Backed onto a quiet channel that neighbors the Swinomish Indian reservation, La Conner offers a quaint and culturally-diverse experience to visitors. The town was founded in the early 1860s. John Conner ended up buying the trading post in 1869 to which he added a post office.

In 1870, he renamed the town from Swinomish to La Conner in honor of his wife, Louise A. Conner. The town is still home to farmers and fishers but the population has grown to include artists, writers and retirees. There are a number of inns and B&Bs. Check out the La Conner Brewery, or the Rexville Grocery just south on Best Road, where you can experience the “Writer’s Tuna” sandwich, named after resident author Tom Robbins and made with albacore tuna, kimchee and evenly-spread mayo.

The Swinomish Slough separates the town from Fidalgo Island, connected by the Rainbow Bridge. It is a popular stopping point for boaters making their way to and from Whidbey Island. Each spring, the town receives hordes of visitors who are attracted by the immense display of tulips grown in neighboring farms.
One highlight is the La Conner Quilt Museum, located in the Gaches mansion. It’s the only quilt museum in the Pacific Northwest. From September 1 through October 7, quilts will be placed throughout local businesses for the 10th anniversary Quilt Walk.

Take the outdoor sculpture walking tour. Behind the historic lime dock building is a wonderful tableau built on top of the wharf adjacent to Champagne Cove, a gallery filled with art and wonderful bric-a-brac. On the third Saturday of the month, there is a gallery walk where various artists’ work is showcased.

On June 16 & 17 there is the 11th annual boat show & swap meet. Again on the 16th there is the Museum of Northwest Art’s 15th annual art auction. Like pretty colors and loud noises? Show up on July 4 for Fireworks Over The Swinomish, a half-hour long fireworks display. On August 2, grab a salmon BBQ lunch at the 105th annual pioneer picnic in Pioneer Park. Ten bucks gets you lunch, music and convivial conversation.

On September 15, La Conner holds its classic yacht and car show. Along with the boats and the cars, there is boat and car stuff for sale, a Kiwanis BBQ and a beer garden. Can you think of a better way to spend a day?

Don’t miss:
• The outdoor sculpture walk.
• Fish and chips at La Conner Tavern.