Flowers, Food, and Fun!

Everything in my life seems tied in one way or another to food … and that’s a good thing, as far as I am concerned!

At the beginning of 1963 I moved from Wyoming to the Pacific Northwest … and more than half a century went by before I finally made it up to the beautiful Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. There was never any real reason for me not to go see the tulips long before this year, but for some reason 2022 was the just the right year for me to attend. This is the 39th year for showing off the spring majesty of the fabulous fields and gardens of tulips, and my friend Kathy and I filled our day with flowers, food and fun!

I took many pictures of the tulips … it is difficult to comprehend that there are so many different types of tulips and that they come in so many beautiful colors! We visited the Roozen Gaarde, where the Roozen family has been growing bulbs since the early 1700s, beginning first in Holland and then in 1947 emigrating to the United States. The Roozen family and their farm have both grown over the years, and today their bulbs cover nearly 750 acres in the Skagit Valley.

Kathy and I went from exploring the fields and manicured gardens of flowers in the valley into the nearby delightful little town of La Conner. We had a taste for some delicious fish and chips from the La Conner Pub and Eatery. Always busy, this small waterfront tavern does a huge business and it is always crowded, yet their friendly staff makes you feel as if you are their only customer. The food is delicious, the staff is delightful, the ambiance is “pure pub” ~ complete with several pool tables and comfortable stools at the well-worn bar. Even though the indoor dining area is fairly small, every table overlooks the Swinomish Channel. Weather permitting, more dining is available on the outdoor deck.

After enjoying all the beautiful flowers and eating some delicious food, it was time for some more fun … so we strolled in and out of several of the terrific little shops that line La Conner’s main street. We have several favorites, of course … and the Ginger Grater kitchen shop is always first on our list of stops. One of the newer shops features absolutely gorgeous Italian imported dishes and table linens (so it is a”must-do” every visit too!). Numerous clothing boutiques in town have also gotten into our wallets from time to time … the fabrics and colors they offer are so completely individual and so beautiful.

With flowers, food and fun finished for now, it was time to head back home. There is about a 2-hour drive ahead of us and the evening traffic rush is about to begin, so we brought our adventures to a close. It was a really great day for us filled completely with flowers, food and fun!