Anacortes – A Must Visit Summertime Destination

While Anacortes is certainly on the way to the San Juan Islands (SJI), it is not just a destination to get to the ferry… Anacortes is a destination in and of itself! From wonderful local eateries and restaurants to boutiques to find that perfect gift or travel memento, to events and festivals, Anacortes has it all! So if you are planning on a trip to the San Juans or simply need an escape from city life, be sure to build in time to stop off in Anacortes.

LOCAL BUSINESS PROFILES

Bryan Holmes opened Blackbird Wine Bar & Charcuterie after years of traveling and working abroad. He wanted to return to the region and incorporate his travels into Blackbird. “All the décor in Blackbird has significance to me,” Bryan said, while describing the farm lights hung within Blackbird – he was born in Wisconsin. Bryan loves food, wine, people and traveling. You’ll be sure to see those passions on all four walls of Blackbird. The back room with an Asian and French influence and there is a “living room” setting complete with comfortable couches. “I just wanted to offer a real friendly environment, where people can come to chat, relax, and enjoy some great wine and small plates.” Blackbird is great for group gatherings too! Be sure to stop by next time you are in Anacortes and introduce yourself to Bryan.

If you are looking for something more on adventurous side of things for the family or a group, look no further than Anacortes Kayak Tours and Blue Otter Outfitters. Owners Megan and Erik Schorr have laid claim to being repeatedly selected as “The Best Eco-Adventure in Washington State” by Evening Magazine. Both M and E worked on SJI for a number of years before getting married. They saw an opportunity to take their work from SJI to Anacortes, the rest is almost history and they’ve been in business for 19 years! They pride themselves on offering fun and engaging trips supported by fantastic customer service. From shorter 90-minute trips to multi-day excursions, there is something for everyone at Anacortes Kayak Tours. Their convenient location at Anacortes’ Skyline Marina means you have immediate access to the San Juans, and their close proximity to the San Juan Islands ferry terminal helps to make planning your trip a breeze. There is no need to load a rental kayak onto your car and drive on the freeway! If you need other equipment beyond the basic kayaking gear included in any rental, Anacortes Kayak Tours and Blue Otter Outfitters have a range of camping equipment and secondary paddling kit – they’ve got you covered! It is one big happy family at Anacortes Kayak Tours and Blue Otter Outfitters. Whether you’re a first timer, repeat customer, or even a former or current employee, you’ll feel right at home at Anacortes Kayak Tours and Blue Otter Outfitters. Visit their website today to book a tour or reserve your kayaks and paddleboards.

TWO UPCOMING EVENTS

The Anacortes Waterfront Festival is a free event which showcases the best of waterfront activities. On Saturday, Quick and Dirty Boat Building teams build boats all day and then test their floatability. Take a free boat ride, register at the gazebo by the Cap Sante Marina’s main office for a free boat ride provided by the Anacortes Yacht Club. Hands-on children’s activities include building wooden sailboats with Fidalgo Island Rotary, games, making costumes, and more. The Channel of Discovery displays range from canoes and a pirate ship to learning about marine wildlife education and the environment. A great variety of food vendors offer everything from Hawaiian BBQ, shaved ice, cotton candy characters, corn dogs, Thai, Gyros, and more! Relax in the beer garden with live music and sea shanties.

Decades ago, local commercial fishermen sold their used gear as yard art on Commercial Avenue in downtown Anacortes, Washington. Today, “Shipwreck” has evolved into the biggest flea market in Washington State, aptly named, The Shipwreck Festival. The Shipwreck Festival will take place on Saturday July 16th. This event features over 200 vendors set up in booths along Commercial Ave.; each booth brings something new and usually very eclectic, and you are sure to find something that you can’t live without. There are also some food stands set up that serve a variety of different and delicious treats.

As you can tell, Anacortes has something to offer for everyone! From wonderful and local food and drink, finding that perfect gift or souvenir, fun and exciting festivals and events to living life on the edge and exploring all the beauty Anacortes has to offer through an adventurous excursion – Anacortes has you covered. So next time you are thinking about a day trip, or if you are headed to the SJI ferry terminal, be sure to stop off in Anacortes to experience all it has to offer.