Washington state possesses spectacular geography, a cornucopia of alpine settings, rainforests, wild beaches and grasslands, and fortunately, reaching these marvels are easier than one might think. Residing on Fidalgo Island, visiting Anacortes only requires one crossing via the Twin Bridges over the Swinomish Channel.
Anacortes is a working harbor town, and a premier coastal destination in its own right. A day trip or weekend getaway there contains an itinerary that combines forest and coastal walks, eclectic shopping and, best of all, in late fall and winter, inviting establishments that take the chill out of the afternoon or evening. The Nantucket Inn keeps things toasty, too, within walking distance of downtown.
And a clean, well-lit place for books offers the perfect respite to a moody day. Watermark Book Co. displays the latest titles, a recommended reading list, and great merch like puzzles and art supplies for those dark days. Boxes and Bears provide another antidote to dreary days: scores of high-quality board games and hundreds of puzzles. Pelican Bay Books & Coffeehouse presents a massive collection of well-tended used books, hot drinks and fresh pastries.
Finding two bookstores within two blocks is one of several discoveries on a casual stroll in the heart of Old Town along Commercial Avenue. Discovery is certainly the operative word when exploring The Shabby French Market, a Parisian-style arcade filled with antiques, heirloom jewelry and pretty much every curio one can imagine.
The French aesthetic appears several times in Anacortes, like the Old World-inspired wines and charcuterie boards at Blackbird Wine Bar, a playful setting equal parts Parisian salon and New Orleans parlor. A’Town Bistro serves a distinctively French menu, think French onion soup and truffle parm frites, with local nods like the Skagit Valley burger and Taylor shellfish clam chowder.
The Rockfish Grill adds an impressive bed of mussels in a white wine and garlic sauce. Rockfish’s vast menu is designed to satisfy any palate and pair well with the upward of twenty brews crafted at the partner Anacortes Brewery. Down the block, Brown Lantern Ale House has celebrated the tavern lifestyle since 1933. Then there’s Gere-a-Deli. The Reuben and hot pastrami sandwiches will warm up diners from the inside.
The Anacortes culinary atlas covers other cultures, too. Frida’s Gourmet Mexican Kitchen keeps things spicy with Pollo Diego Rivera, a patiently prepared mole. Nonna Luisa Ristorante takes similar care with its menu, serving cannelloni, the pasta filled with braised pork belly and goat cheese, in a lively ambience sparked by accessible wines and a custom cocktail list.
Outdoor enthusiasts will also discover an array of gentle trails a quick drive away in Washington Park and the Anacortes Community Forest. More rigorous hikes exist for those interested in summiting Mt. Erie or Sugarloaf Mountain. You can spend an hour or a day on the trails around Anacortes.
Like the best coastal towns, Anacortes is infused with quirky boutiques and craft stores, including surprises like Anacortes Oil and Vinegar Bar. Crafters find many resources at Fidalgo Artisan Yarn & Clothing, Fabrics Plus and The Bead Store at Elisabeth’s Cottage just in time for holiday gift making.
Anacortes also celebrates the season with several annual events, starting with Anacortes Coastal Christmas Tree Lighting. The traditional Wonderland Walk in Washington Park’s campground, a unique festival of light with music, campfires and hot chocolate, offers an authentically Northwest yuletide experience along with other holiday events.
Across America, coastal towns convey a unique combination of quaintness and working harbor grit. This cultural blend often draws musicians to perform sessions in seasoned establishments like Brown Lantern and artisans who find affordable studios to hone their crafts. Long seen as a point of departure, Anacortes nails the working wharf vibe for all to discover, with no ferry lines required.
Anacortes offers everything from casual cafes to elegant dining, quirky to sophisticated shopping, art galleries to antique shops and unique accommodations. Anacortes has something for everyone: Whale-watching tours, kayaking excursions, sailing, boating, birding, fishing, crabbing, hiking, biking and more.