La Conner sees most of its visitors in the spring, when acres of daffodils and tulips bloom in fields nearby, or in the summer, when breezes off the Swinomish Channel cool the tourists along First Street.

However, autumn in this small, historic waterfront town, which was Skagit County’s first seat of government, is the season the locals love most. I know. I am one.

Located about 45 minutes north of Everett, La Conner is home to great restaurants, dozens of artsy shops and a few touristy ones, the Museum of Northwest Art, Skagit County Historical Museum, Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum in the restored 1890s Gaches Mansion, our new La Conner Swinomish Library, our one-campus K-12 school (Go Braves!), a channel-side boardwalk, and beautiful Pioneer Park.

Just across the iconic

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