When people think of Mount Vernon, most picture rows of colorful tulips at the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, but what happens when the flowers disappear? Mount Vernon is blooming with possibilities, even when the tulips aren’t. If you plan on enjoying your summer on The Cascade Loop, here’s a guide on how to make the most of Mount Vernon.
Step Outside
Mount Vernon offers miles of hiking trails and a one-of-a-kind view over the Skagit Valley. With trails that range from easy walks to tougher treks, Mount Vernon offers everyone the chance to explore the outdoors. Stroll down the Skagit Riverwalkor climb to the top of Little Mountain for a beautiful eagle-eye view of Skagit valley from two observation platforms. Combine the great outdoors with education and plan a visit to the Breazeale Interpretive Center. Located within walking distance of Padilla Bay, the center offers free science lessons and activities suitable for all ages.
Explore the Culture
Mount Vernon bursts with history. Sit down at the Lincoln Theatre, built in 1926 as a vaudeville and silent movie house. The Lincoln Theatre offers guest the chance to watch films they can’t find at other cinemas. Upcoming showings include RBG, a documentary on U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, The Beatles' Yellow Submarine 50th Anniversary and the Full Draw Film Tour.
McIntyre Halloffers a wide variety of performances from world-renowned artists, ranging from theater and dance to bluegrass and jazz. The hall hosts regular performances by its community partners, including the Northwest Ballet Theater and Skagit Opera.
Stop by the Skagit County Historical Museum for a peak into the rich and rugged heritage of the Skagit Valley, dive into our military’s history at the Heritage Flight Museum or stop by the Cascade Mall for the Children’s Museum of Skagit County.
Annual events
Join us on the second full weekend of July each year for theSkagit Valley Highland Games. This year’s games will be held July 14- 15, and are fun for the whole family. The games feature bagpipe bands, drumming competitions, Scottish Highland dancing and traditional Scottish athletics. On the third Saturday in July, Mount Vernon hosts the annualChildren’s Art Festival. With hands-on arts and crafts provided, children can enjoy the day creating anything from fish prints to sand art for free.
Unsure What To Do Next?
Stop by the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce for your ultimate guide to summer. We’ll be sure to point you off to your next favorite restaurant, coffee house or antique dealer.
Mikayla King is the marketing specialist at the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce. When she’s not at the office, you can find her nose-deep in a novel or exploring The Cascade Loop in her own town.
Resources
Skagit Riverwalk: https://www.mountvernonwa.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Skagit-Riverwalk-Park-28
Little Mountain: https://www.littlemountainpark.org
Breazeale Interpretive Center: https://ecology.wa.gov/Water-Shorelines/Shoreline-coastal-management/Padilla-Bay-reserve
Lincoln Theatre: http://www.lincolntheatre.org
McIntyre Hall: http://mcintyrehall.org
Skagit County Historical Museum: https://www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/HistoricalSociety
Heritage Flight Museum: http://heritageflight.org
Children’s Museum of Skagit County: http://www.skagitchildrensmuseum.net
Skagit Valley Highland Games: https://celticarts.org/celtic-events/2018-games/
Children’s Art Festival: https://www.mountvernonwa.gov/227/Childrens-Art-Festival
