Skagit Valley is famous for its Tulip Festival, but there is so much more to experience here in every season. Travel writer Linda Kissam shares her favorite Skagit towns and discoveries, and Kristen Keltz of the Skagit Tourism Bureau joins her on the podcast to talk about whales, farms, fall fun, winter wildlife and more.

Watch this Big Blend Radio "Sip, Savor & Travel" Podcast episode below with producer Lisa D. Smith, host / travel writer Linda Kissam "Food Wine & Shopping Diva" & Kristen Keltz, CEO of the Skagit Tourism Bureau. You can also listen to or download the audio version on Podbean.

By Linda Kissam

Between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia, Skagit Valley, WA, unfolds as a sensational travel discovery that feels uniquely enticing and unexpected. This is a destination I am quite fond of. In a single day, you can watch whales breach in the Salish Sea, linger over lunch with views of fertile farmland, browse a historic downtown, visit unique nurseries, and end the afternoon hiking beneath the vivid peaks of the North Cascades. This is a place (especially for city dwellers) to relax and re-coup. Skagit is a place for slowing down to explore with curiosity. Allow the day to unfold as it will. Every community has its own personality, and each offers a different reason to stay awhile.

Skagit Valley's greatest strengths are its coastline, islands, farms, rivers, mountains, wildlife, art, food and charismatic small towns. It's like a story with a grand ending. You might know the Skagit Valley for its famous tulip fields, but in my opinion, the most rewarding way to experience it is to look beyond the spring blooms. Here are a few places I think you'll love.

Begin in Anacortes, a dynamic waterfront town on Fidalgo Island and the gateway to the San Juan Islands. It is tempting to think of Anacortes as simply a place to catch the ferry, but that would mean missing the point entirely. With its marina, waterfront trails, galleries, independent shops and excellent restaurants, Anacortes is a gem of its own. It is a superb base for whale watching and exploring the Salish Sea, with festivals and events adding vitality throughout the year. I once went kayaking there with a group of fellow writers. It was a wildly fun—and diverse experience. You do not need to be buff to do this activity. There are guides in their 20's that will sit in back of a two-seater kayak who will help –or do—the paddling and help you in and out of the kayak.

Along the Swinomish Channel, La Conner offers a gentler, more intimate experience. If you are in your boat, La Conner is easily accessible via a channel. Its walkable historic center is filled with locally owned shops, galleries, restaurants and museums, including the Museum of Northwest Art. Its waterfront magnificence, communal spirit and creative spirit can be enjoyed year round.

Mount Vernon sits at the heart of the valley along the Skagit River. Its historic downtown offers dining, shopping, arts and entertainment, while the Lincoln Theatre and Riverwalk provide easy ways to connect with the local culture and landscape. Surrounded by farmland, it is a short stop worth your time.

Burlington is hard to beat. Centrally located with a strong selection of lodging, restaurants, boat excursions and shopping, it makes it easy to set out in any direction. The town is also developing a reputation as a sports tourism destination.

Then there are Bow and nearby neighbor Edison, two small communities with an outsized personality. The journey is part of the choice. Follow the Chuckanut-area roads toward bakeries, restaurants, galleries, local souvenirs and nearby farms. This is where Skagit's talent for "small" surprises becomes especially apparent. Tip: Visit during blueberry season. Take home a bottle of blueberry juice.

Travel east toward Sedro-Woolley, where the agricultural valley begins to meet the mountains. The town's logging and timber heritage can be seen in its murals, wood carvings, local shops and community events. It is a natural connection between two very different landscapes and a fitting gateway toward the North Cascades. Try the wines at Eagle Haven Winery. It is a family-friendly destination offering wine tastings, events, and overnight camping options.

Farther along the Skagit River, Concrete brings history and outdoor adventure together. This area is for my outdoor aficionados. The town is a gateway to hiking, fishing, rafting, birdwatching and winter eagle viewing, with the historic Concrete Theatre adding a distinctive touch of community character. I hear the annual ghost walk will ignite your senses.

Beyond it, Marblemount and the Upper Skagit open into some of Washington's most spectacular scenery, with access to the North Cascades National Park, mountain trails, river adventures and abundant wildlife.

Don't miss Conway, a small agricultural community. It adds a central note to the valley's story. Its farmland, local food and rural character reflect the traditions that continue to shape Skagit today. The ideal approach is not to choose one town and stay there. Pick a home base – preferably a farm stay, as I did, then explore. Each community tells a different story, and the contrasts are part of the experience. Antique shopping is a "sport" here.

Skagit Valley may be best known for tulip time, but fall and winter reveal some of its most memorable treasures. No matter what season you visit, please, please visit Christianson's Nursery if gardening is your thing. Wander the rose garden, potting shed, propagation shed, and conservatory. Time fades into the background as you stroll the grounds.

Beginning in late autumn, snow geese and trumpeter swans arrive in the valley and remain through winter. The sight of thousands of snow geese lifting from a field is unforgettable: first a ripple of movement, then a sudden rush of white wings filling the sky, accompanied by a sound that seems to travel across the entire landscape. It will likely overload your senses – in a good way.

Winter birdwatching is wonderfully accessible. You do not need to be an expert to appreciate the spectacle, and with more than one hundred thousand acres of wildlife areas and farmland, there are opportunities to observe nature throughout the valley. January brings bald eagle viewing along the Skagit River, along with the Skagit Eagle Festival, making the season especially appealing for wildlife enthusiasts.

As always, the best viewing is respectful viewing. Stay off private farmland, avoid blocking roads, give wildlife plenty of space and remember that agriculture remains an active and essential part of the valley.

For more about winter activities, holiday events, wellness opportunities and more, visit genuineskagitvalley.com

Let me end by awarding the "Smart Cookie Award" to Kristen Keltz, CEO, Skagit Tourism Bureau, for her thoughtful closing remarks, "People may first know us for our tulips, but what I hope they discover is everything beyond the blooms. Skagit Valley is our farms and our mountains, the Skagit River and the Salish Sea, snow geese filling a winter sky, whales just offshore, incredible local food, artists and makers, and small communities that each have their own personality. Come for what you already know about Skagit Valley—but give yourself enough time to discover what you didn't expect. That's where the magic really is." I agree! Diva Approved travel.

Plan Your Visit at: VisitSkagitValley.com

Linda Kissam is a professional travel, food, and wine writer based out of Arizona and the Pacific Northwest, who specializes in easy, breezy destination stories sharing her favorite things about the places she visits. Visit FoodWineTravelChix.com

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