Edison, LaConner, & Anacortes

Northbank Cottage is a pleasant short drive from three great northwest towns.

Edison
Location: about 10 vehicle minutes east of Northbank Cottage in the farmlands.
By bike: a leasurely half hour ride through Samish Island and down into the "flats" through poetic seaside Skagit Valley farmland.

Edison is ten minutes by car or a half hour by bicycle from Northbank Cottage. Small, quiet and picturesque Edison is wrapped with bucolic farmlands and bordered by Edison slough, a tidal tributary of nearby Samish Bay.

Edison and nearby Bow are home to many of the region's best fine artists & photographers including Joel Brock, John Simon and Dick Garvey.

The Edison Eye Art Gallery hosts lively art openings throughout the spring, summer and fall showcasing the art of local artists. Located in "downtown" Edison the "Eye" as local's call it is the region's premier avant garde art gallery. Saturday evening artist's openings at the "Eye" are always lively with superior fine art complimentary fresh salmon, fresh baked bread, salads made from local greens, local wines and live music. The "Eye" is also open during daytime most weekends.

Edison is also home to two great taverns, a small town cafe, two bakeries, a specialty food shop, a liquor store and is close to the exceptional Rhodendron Cafe. Lean more about these fine Edison and nearby establishments by browsing our dining out nearby local interest page.

LaConner
Location:about 20 vehicle minutes south on the Swinomish Channel.
By bike: this is a wonderful outing and an easy cyclists day trip from Northbank cottage.

LaConner is one of the region's best loved towns. Located along the scenic Swinomish channel LaConner offers the best specialty shopping in the region as well as many first rate restaurants, gift and antique shops, the Museum Of Northwest Art and the Skagit County Museum. Visit the Wood Merchant for the finest in hand crafted wood furniture and accessories.

After exploring town visit the LaConner Brew Pub where the friendly and attentive staff serve up award winning micro-brews and tasty wood fired pizza. A favorite breakfast destination is the Calico Cupboard cafe and bakery where hearty country breakfasts and lunches will leave you more than satisfied. For fine channel side gourmet dining try Palmer's or the LaConner Seafood & Steak House. Up the hill a bit and behind the post office dine and dring well at Nell Thorn Restaurant & Pub. A favorite destination for locals and visitors alike is the venerable LaConner Tavern where you can dine outside by the channel enjoying outstanding pan or deep fried oysters, jumbo prawns, delicious burgers, fresh salads, great beer and delightful views as tugboats, yachts and fishing boats cruise by.

Anacortes
Location: about 30 vehicle minutes west of Northbank Cottage.
By bike: not realistic or safe due to lack of safe bike lanes along high vehicle speed access roads.

Anacortes is our region's most colorful town. Visit the newly restored historic downtown. Explore the many fine art galleries including Insights Gallery, the Scott Milo Gallery, the Depot Arts Center and the the new Bowman Gallery. Anacortes is host to many great restaurants featuring Italian, Thai, Vietnamese, Mexican and fine, fresh northwest cuisine. The fabulous La Vie en Rose french bakery creates mouth watering pastries, cookies, breads and light lunches.

Each year Anacortes hosts three premier events. Every 3rd weekend in July Shipwreck Days will delight garage sale buffs with hundreds of local residents lining the main street hosting tables laden with treasures. The renowned Anacortes Arts & Crafts Festival is held the first full weekend in August. Hundreds of talented artists and crafts people bring their delightful creations for a weekend of fine art, craft, music and dance. The new and growing Anacortes Jazz Festival is held the 3rd weekend of September featuring local, regional and national Jazz greats. Past jazz artists have included Ernestine Anderson and local favorite Dillinger's Clambake.