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How to Become a Licensed Real Estate Broker in Washington
- Pick a school and do your 90 hours of course work. At Windermere, we recommend Rockwell Institute because it is consistent and has proven success at getting people prepared to pass the exam. Current cost $489 (January 2021).
- HOT TIP: There is an add on to get sample exams and extra cramming practice. GET IT!
- Do the following steps as you get closer to completing the 90 hours to break up the studying with actions that will prepare you for taking the exam and getting licensed…
- Fingerprints! The closest location to Whidbey Island is in Mt. Vernon. You can schedule your appointment on this IdentoGO site. At the time of this blog post (January 2021), it cost $42.80 for the fingerprints and background check. Go to this DOL site for more info.
- Set up a SAW account (Secure Access Washington) if you haven’t already for your driver’s license. For more info: https://www.dol.wa.gov/business/accountaccess.html
- Register as a student with AMP through psi here https://ampportal.goamp.com/School/SchoolUser/WAREPStudentRegistration.aspx.
- Register for the exam. Cost $138.25 https://online.goamp.com/CandidateHome/examination.aspx?p_category=REAL%20ESTATE&p_client_code=WAREP&p_exam_id=21311
- Once you’ve passed the exams apply for your license! https://secureaccess.wa.gov/myAccess/saw/select.do
* Contact the WA DOL Real Estate licensing department if you need extra help. We recommend emailing them instead of calling for a faster response. https://www.dol.wa.gov/business/realestate/contact.html
Follow these suggestions to get yourself mentally and physically ready to launch your real estate career:
- Pick a brokerage. Interview the top brokerages in your area. Since the real estate exam process doesn’t really give you what you need to serve people or build your own business you want to join a brokerage with a robust training program and ongoing support. Schedule a no-pressure introduction meeting with our brokerage today! Email us at WhidbeyCommunications@Windermere.com to do so.
- Change your phone number to a local area code if it is not already. Nowadays all cell phones have caller ID and everyone is screening calls from out of state numbers. Do not confuse people, all real estate is local and your phone number should be too.
- If you are beginning your real estate career in November or December then now is a great time to start collecting mailing addresses for Christmas cards.
- Read some books. We give one of our favorites out a lot!
- Snoop on the local real estate brokers.
What do you see that you like, what don’t you like? Take note! Social media is one good place to find a broker then check out top brokers’ web pages. If you don’t know any go to the website of the brokerage you’re thinking about, head to the agent’s page, and start clicking links. Ours is right here! - Interview brokers you admire. Take a broker that catches your attention online for a cup of coffee (they really do like it!). Ask them all the questions but more importantly LISTEN. Some suggested questions are…
- What do you like most about being a real estate broker? Least?
- What do you like most about your brokerage? Least?
- What advice would you give someone like me who is just getting into the business?
- Download our guide to 5 things you can do to give yourself a head start here.
PHOTOS BY: Kelsey Kurtis
Chuckanut Drive – A Detour Worth Taking
After living in Whidbey Island for a few years I finally decided to venture out and take the cliff-hugging drive along the Chuckanut Drive, a detour worth taking.
SR11 is a 21.28 mile long highway that serves Skagit and Whatcom counties, in Washington.
I started the drive in Edison, the town of kindness, and made my first stop at the Breadfarm. If you love carbs as much as this Italian gal, you will be in love with this bakery. Founded in 2003, Breadfarm is an artisan bakery focused on the production of rustic loaves of bread and pastries, only using high quality natural and organic ingredients. I just love their olive baguettes, ham & cheese croissants, herbed focaccias, and thumbprint cookies!
Once leaving the town of Edison I proceeded to Chuckanut Drive to begin my scenic tour.
Here are my 5 top recommendations for the Chuckanut Drive:
- Rhododendron Cafe – This is a popular cafe’ and restaurant which features a monthly rotating menu’, with cuisine from different parts of the world.
- Bat Caves Trailhead – A famous trail also known as the Oyster Dome Trail. It is a very steep and densely wooded trail but once you get to the top you will be able to enjoy views of the San Juan Islands and Samish Bay. Fun Fact: The bat caves are home to Townsend’s big-eared bats.
- The Oyster Bar – You will definitely enjoy an incredible view combined with an amazing lunch. Did you know? The Oyster Bar used to be a shack where oysters were sold to passing drivers.
- Taylor Shellfish Samish Farm Store – At this location, they have been growing oysters on about 1,700 acres of Samish Bay tideland for about 100 years. The shop sells clams, oysters, mussels, salmon and so much more.
- Clayton Beach – Clayton Beach parking lot is the access point to Larrabee State Park, Washington’s first state park in 1915. Larrabee State Park has 2,700 acres with two lakes, a campground, and miles of hiking trails.
I ended my excursion in Fairhaven, a town well known for its frequent festivals and Victorian charm. Filled with lots of artsy shops and delicious restaurants, Fairhaven is a popular tourist destination.
I particularly enjoyed the Iron Rooster Bakery with its traditional pastries, croissants, quiches, and my beloved macaroons!
Have you taken this drive? If so, do you have any recommendations for the next time I go?
Click here https://www.scenicwa.com/chuckanut-drive for more info.
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Old Growth tree Near Cranberry Lake
3614 Portage Lane 100, Anacortes
Pristine 2-Bedroom End-Unit Condo Awaits in Premium Mariner’s Ridge Community in Anacortes
Offering the opportunity for low-maintenance living and completely move-in ready, this 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo in the premium Mariner’s Ridge community presents a fantastic opportunity! Not only has this spacious 1,114-square-foot home been lovingly cared for over the years, but the community association keeps your surroundings looking pristine. $220/month covers common area maintenance, garbage, and lawn service, meaning you have more time to spend on the things you love!
Located at 3614 Portage Lane 100 Anacortes, WA 98221 on the eastern hillside of Anacortes and close to NAS Whidbey, Anacortes Community Forest North, grocery shopping, restaurants, and more. This condo is listed for $329,000.
Featuring a captivating blend of modern nautical exterior architecture and northwest craftsman interior finishes, this condo is sure to inspire pride in ownership each time you arrive home. Picturesque mature landscaping leads you right to your front door, and the end-unit location ensures you have a peaceful, quiet atmosphere and extra privacy. Gorgeous hardwoods guide you into the main living area, an open-concept space where abundant natural light cascades in through tall windows.
The well-appointed kitchen shows off a smart layout replete with generous cabinetry storage, shimmering granite counters, and sleek stainless steel appliances. Several electrical outlets make it easy to put appliances to work while you whip up home-cooked meals or spend the day baking, and the breakfast bar allows you to entertain with ease. The dining area is just steps away and overlooks the living room, a bright and airy haven designed with entertaining in mind. From here, sliding glass doors lead to a private patio and a lush lawn that extends your living space even more, and you can relax out here all summer long!
This condo’s 2 bedrooms and 2 baths provide flexibility, and the master suite is especially not to miss. In addition to a spacious bedroom layout where large windows fill the retreat with rejuvenating natural light, there’s also a walk-in closet and a sumptuous 5-piece ensuite bath. Spa-inspired amenities rest alongside a palette of neutral-hued finishes that make indulgent bubble baths and wellness routines all the more luxurious.
Living in Anacortes
At 3614 Portage Lane 100 Anacortes, WA 98221, you’re tucked away in Homestead Northwest’s premium Mariner’s Ridge Community. Located on the eastern hillside overlooking Fidalgo Bay, this community not only offers the possibility for an easy “lock up and go” lifestyle, but you’re also merely minutes from local conveniences. From here you’re only about a 17-minute drive to Naval Air Station Whidbey, and you’ll find schools, grocery stores, the library, restaurants, medical services, the marina, and much more no more than a 10-minute drive away.
For those who love adventuring outdoors, you’re also surrounded by opportunities to spend time out in the fresh air! Just around the corner, you’ll find the 2,800-acre Anacortes Community Forest North, an expansive park network that includes lakes for fishing, well-marked and maintained trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, as well as scenic wetlands, meadows, and old-growth forests.
For more information about this Anacortes home, click here! You can also get in touch with REALTOR® Holly Reynolds at holly@whidbey.com and at (360) 914-7585 for more information about this property.
Now What? What to do after Christmas
Now What?
The gifts are all open, friends and family have returned to their respective homes, the ball has fallen, and the kids are back in school. The holiday season has officially come to a close, leaving us with the annual question of “Now what?”
Although this question can be an ominous one correlating to all that life may hold for us in the coming 12 months, for many it also applies to right here and right now. The sudden calm after Christmas can leave people dazed or even in a state of shock when they realize they have a bit of post-holiday cleanup to complete. It can be hard to know where to start or what to do when it comes to reorienting your home back to normal. We are here to help with 5 After Christmas Activities.
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Donate Old Toys
If you’re like most families, the quantity of toys in your home this time of year probably spikes quite a bit. When new and exciting Christmas gifts join those that came before it can feel like you’re living on the Island of Misfit Toys. Sneaking unplayed-with toys out of their room in the dead of night may be the easiest option but encouraging your children to choose which toys they would like to donate can help teach generosity, the importance of cleaning up, and critical decision making skills. Once you and your kids have decided which toys they can bear to part with there are a few choices on where you can donate. Below are some of Whidbey’s second-hand shops and charities that accept lightly used toys.
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Island Thrift | 600 SE Barrington Dr, Oak Harbor
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Upscale Resale | 210 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor
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Habitat for Humanity | 280 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor
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The Garage of Blessings | 800 SE Barrington Drive, Oak Harbor
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Recycle Your Tree
Now for that (maybe less than lush) tree currently gracing your living room with its presence. It’s always a little sad when the time comes around to take down the Christmas tree, but the end of its needle droppings is usually welcomed. What’s not welcomed is the question of what to do with it. If you live in a house with a wood burning fireplace it might be a little tempting to chop it up and throw it in, but this is a BAD IDEA. When pine needles catch on fire they don’t burn slowly like wood, but instead spark out in all directions which can be a huge fire hazard in a home. Instead, what you should do is deposit your tree at one of the island’s Solid Waste drop-off locations where they can be put with other yard waste and recycled properly:
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North Whidbey Solid Waste | 3151 Oak Harbor Road, Oak Harbor
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Coupeville Solid Waste Complex | 20018 State Highway 20, Coupeville
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Bayview Solid Waste | 5790 S Kramer Road, Langley
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What You Can and Can’t Recycle
“Did you know that household waste increases by more than 25% from Thanksgiving to New Year’s?” (King5) It’s little wonder why this increased waste occurs. However, it doesn’t make the statistic any less startling. To put that in perspective, since the average American produces about 4.5 lbs of waste a day (EPA); Whidbey Island theoretically produces an additional 3,500 TONS of waste every holiday season. If there was ever a stat to make you want to recycle, that should be it! However, in order to be an effective recycler you need to know what can and what can’t go in that little blue bin of yours. So here’s a quick rundown of what can and can’t go in your recycling bin.
CAN Recycle● Cardboard boxes● Plain paper boxes and bags● Plain wrapping paper● Holiday Cards (w/o embellishments)● Tissue paper |
CAN’T Recycle● Bubble wrap● Cellophane● Tinsel● Plastic Bags● Holiday Lights● Ribbons● Bows● Foam Packaging |
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Give to the Food Bank
During the holidays it’s very easy to get caught up in the good cheer and generosity of the season. But the time immediately after the holidays can be especially difficult for charities and food banks. The financial exasperation many experience directly after the holidays can cause an all out stop to donations for a while; but unfortunately, needs don’t cease just because Christmas is over. Donating to charities and especially food banks is something critical to do throughout the year and not just in November and December. Below are some local food banks who could do a great amount of good with your post-Christmas donations.
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Help House | 1091 SE Hathaway St, Oak Harbor
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Good Cheer | 2812 Grimm Rd, Langley
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Throw a Regifting Party!
We all have that one gift (or 5) that we simply didn’t want or need. Yes, Aunt Kathy meant well, but what on earth are you going to do with a crochet pillow of her cat?? Often these gifts are begrudgingly placed deep into the depths of our closets never to be seen again (or at least not for a few years). However, it doesn’t have to be this way! We know you aren’t a fan of seeing Whisker’s face on a pillow every day, but who is to say your friend Bethany might not LOVE it? Unwanted gifts don’t need to sit gathering dust in the closet, especially when there’s a simple solution of how to find someone who might actually find use or enjoyment in it.
Throw a Regifting Party!
Regifting Parties are basically White Elephants thrown after Christmas with the intention of finding better homes for those unwanted gifts. The concept and rules for the Regifting Game is simple and match White Elephant almost exactly. So makes some warm drinks, grab a few good friends, and have a great time discovering new treasures!
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Solar Savings
Solar Savings
Did you know Whidbey Island gets half the rain of Seattle and about 30 additional days of sun? The island is one of the sunniest Washington areas west of the Cascades! Because of this extra boost of sunshine, we have a secret superpower. Or should I say Solar Power?
Residents all over Whidbey have been tapping into this natural resource and benefiting big. Granted, preserving our environment by investing in sustainable energy is already a great benefit to us and generations to come, but solar power has a lot more to offer consumers than the feel-good fuzzies from giving back.
Here’s 4 benefits/incentives to going solar:
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Net Metering
Net Metering is a program set up to allow residential and commercial customers for energy services to store up credit with the company when they generate excess energy during the summer months from their solar panels. During the winter months, when the sun is less likely to come out and play, that credit can be applied to their account!
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30% Federal Tax Credit (2019)
Individuals who purchase and install solar panels to their home or business by the end of 2019 are eligible for a 30% federal tax credit when filing. This amount will reduce to 26% in 2020 and 22% in 2021. – Don’t let the sun go down on this great opportunity!!
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Sales Tax Exemptions
Purchasers of solar panels are also eligible for sales tax exemptions! This can save some customers 8.7% of the upfront install cost. That’s a total of 38.7% in tax savings!
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Increased Property Value
Finally, installing solar panels increases the value of your home. Homes that are energy efficient save owners hundreds if not thousand throughout the year and can greatly increase the value of your home when you go to resell.
To learn more about Solar Power you can visit Greenbank Farm’s Solar Fields where they dedicate one acre to solar panels and have helpful information for visitors to read!
Ready to take the leap? Contact Whidbey Sun and Wind! They are Whidbey Island’s experts on renewable energy and will have everything you need to make your home a little greener. They will provide a cost savings timeline which will demonstrate how many years it will take to profit from the up-front expense of installing solar power.
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QR Codes Connecting Us to History
QR Codes Connecting Us to History
Coupeville:
It’s of no surprise to anyone that Whidbey Island is home to some fascinating and wonderful towns each with their own history and culture. Perhaps the most intriguing is Whidbey’s oldest town and home of the first Whidbey Island settlement, Coupeville.
Coupeville is an adorable waterfront community rich in history and culture. In 1850 Issac Ebey became the first official Whidbey Island settler when he applied for the first land claim on the island. Claiming over 600 acres of what is now Ebey’s Landing, Ebey was soon to be followed by his nephew and many others. By 1854 there were 29 settlement claims in Coupeville alone and in 1881 it officially became the Island County seat.
Preservation:
Although all of Whidbey is covered in fascinating history, Coupeville is unique in its preservation. Where many of the original buildings of Oak Harbor and Langley have been torn down or decimated by historic fires, downtown Coupeville’s original buildings remain intact and in use. In fact, the town of Coupeville has more historic buildings in a condensed area than anywhere in the Pacific Northwest.
Technology:
To celebrate this fact and educate people on these beautiful historic buildings, Island County’s 4-H club took on the project of using modern technology to connect us to the past. Next time you’re in downtown Coupeville, take a closer look at those historic store windows. You might just see one of these:
Scattered down Front Street are tons of these QR codes leading to the Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association website developed by the 4-H club in 2012. This website is full of information gathered from the Island County Historical Society, City Records, and over 100 personal interviews with people recounting memories and stories of the historic downtown. Each building’s QR code will lead you directly to that building’s history: when it was built, it’s original purpose, and the different stores that have occupied the space.
So, the next time you are strolling down Font Street whip out that smartphone of yours and learn a little bit of history along the way.
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What would a million dollars buy you in today’s market?
What would a million dollars buy you in today’s market?
Has the thought ever crossed your mind, “if I had a million dollars, what would I do with it?” What about if you had a million dollars to spend on just your house? What would it look like? What kind of area would you like to live in? What would a million dollars even get you these days? Just for fun, we want to show you just what a million-ish dollar home looks like in this current market in three very different places – Whidbey Island, Sequim, and Seattle!
Let’s start right here at home on Whidbey Island!
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1585 West Beach Rd, Oak Harbor – “Island Retreat”
Not far from the hustle and bustle of town, but far enough away to enjoy the calm, cool breeze of the Puget Sound is a real Island Retreat. Listed for $1,050,000, this home combines the simplicity of nature with a modern flare. Here you can enjoy your very private beachfront views from your living room, kitchen, bedroom or deck. Take a walk with Fido down the beach, relax with a steamy cup of coffee on your patio, enjoy views of the Olympic mountains, and soak in a romantic sunset with your special someone right from your own backyard. Now doesn’t that sound heavenly?
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8260 Coho Way, Clinton – “Island Paradise”
Clinton is known for breathtaking homes with stunning views, and this Island Paradise doesn’t disappoint. For $1,598,000 you can call this little piece of paradise your own! Stay warm and cozy by your stone fireplace, and still enjoy a colorful sunset from your large living room windows. Soak in your very own jetted tub, entertain guests from your wrap deck with built in BBQ, play catch with the kids in your spacious yard, or cook a family favorite in your generously sized kitchen. You won’t ever want to leave home!
Moving on to Sequim, and a totally different housing market…
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110 Flying Cloud, Sequim – “The Heavenly Abode”
This home may not have you literally flying on clouds, but you will feel like you found a little piece of heaven! At $1,178,950, this heavenly abode boasts a modern and chic atmosphere, custom features and finishes, generously sized rooms, and breathtaking views. Lose yourself in your favorite novel while sitting in your very own library, immerse yourself in views of the Straight of Juan de Fuca and the Cascade Mountains while you soak in your oversized master bathtub, sip a glass of wine and breathe in fresh mountain air on your patio, work on a project in your walkout basement, or work from home in your spacious office. Who knew a little piece of heaven landed right here in Washington?
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342 Schoolhouse Point Lane, Sequim – “Waterfront Mansion”
A waterfront mansion is what comes to mind when looking at this two-story home with waterfront views. Listed at $1,385,000 this home not only provides you with ample space for your family, but also a separate guest house! Your fenced in yard is perfect for the kids and dog to play, a heated shop with boat and RV storage will give you all the space you need for those projects you’ve been longing to do, host Sunday brunch on your patio overlooking Sequim Bay, snooze in your favorite armchair in your reading nook with large windows and beautiful views, keep an array of plants in your greenhouse year round, or soak up some sun on your private beach area. You’ll find a little bit of everything on this paradise property.
We’ve seen Whidbey Island and Sequim, but what does a million dollars in Seattle look like?
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1758 NW 62nd St, Seattle – “The Tetris House”
It may not seem like much, but this Seattle home is modern and way more technologically up-to-date than Tetris. “The Tetris House” is listed at $1,084,900 and its modern flair makes for a unique appearance inside and out. Entertain guests with a home-cooked meal created in your gourmet kitchen, turn your lights on and off with the sound of your voice, read a book in the sun on your rooftop deck, relax sore muscles in your oversized shower, unwind at the end of the day with dinner in front of your fireplace, or go for a short drive to enjoy downtown Seattle nightlife. This stylish, and smart home will be the envy of all your friends.
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7748 32nd Ave NE, Seattle – “A Modern Oasis”
So new that you can still enjoy that new house smell! This Modern Oasis offers comfort and style in the heart of Seattle. For $1,550,000 you can be the first to occupy this home. Sit and enjoy the sound of rain on your covered patio, host family movie night in your spacious living room and lay out an array of snacks on your extra long kitchen island, relax in your master bath soaking tub, build a fort with the kids in your fenced in yard, and worry no more about dirt being tracked inside thanks to your conveniently located mud room off the front door. This home is a blank slate for your imagination to run with and make your very own!
Can you imagine yourself living in one of these unique homes? Maybe you aren’t in the million-dollar market for your next home, it can still be fun to daydream a little!
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Skagit Day Trip
Skagit Day Trip
Finally, after what has seemed like the never-ending winter, spring has made an appearance! The sun is shining, the air is cool and crisp, birds are singing, and we are eagerly waiting for the first opportunity to get out and explore. If you haven’t started planning already, we have a great day trip already planned for you in Skagit County! Skagit is packed with great shops, restaurants, and places to explore, and here are a few of our favorite spring-time activities.
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Tweets Café- Bow Edison, WA
What’s a day trip without filling up on a great breakfast or brunch to fuel you for a day packed with activity? Don’t let this little establishment fool you, Tweets is known for a breakfast and lunch menu filled with flavor that seems too big to fit into such a small space. Serving an array of seasonal dishes, Tweets uses local and organic ingredients to give them a unique and special touch. As soon as you walk in the door
you will feel like family. The owners have created a light and comfortable atmosphere as they welcome you inside and make you feel like you’ve known them forever.
Something that makes Tweets Café so charming is that they are only open Friday through Sunday from 9am-4pm. So, since you can’t just head over whenever, it makes it an extra special weekend treat. (Think of it like visiting your grandma on the weekend and so looking forward to those giant cookies she always bakes!) You will leave feeling full of delicious food, energized for your next adventure, and excited for the next weekend visit! Tweets Café only accepts cash, so make sure you drop by an ATM before heading that way!
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Skagit Valley Tulip Festival- Mt. Vernon, WA
If you’ve been in the area for any length of time, you are sure to have heard of the Tulip Festival. April 1-30th people will travel from all over to experience the sea of color made up by thousands of tulips. When visiting the festival, you will find every type of tulip you can imagine, and the sight of it is truly breathtaking. For an up-close experience, you will want to pay a visit to Tulip Town or RoozenGaarde. Maybe even both, as they both offer a completely different experience.
Tulip Town features huge fields with tulips as far as you can see, enormous and colorful kites flying, as well as their infamous windmill. After you’ve wandered the tulip fields and absorbed all its beauty you can make you way into the barn where you will find information on the different types of tulips, artwork by local artists, and fresh stems and bulbs for sale. Tulip Town is open from 9-5pm, 7 days a week for your enjoyment!
RoozenGaarde also gives you the experience of the tulip fields, but their specialty is the landscaped gardens you will stroll through. Every year, the gardens are landscaped differently, and hundreds of species of tulips are featured. You will find some different shops where you can purchase tulip bulbs, fresh cut stems, local artwork, concessions, and different types of souvenirs to commemorate your visit. RoozenGaarde is open 7 days a week throughout the festival from 9-7pm.
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Nasty Jacks Antiques- LaConner, WA
A dose of nostalgia is the best way to describe Nasty Jacks Antiques. Here you will find coin operated rides, a Zoltar machine, reproduced vintage signs, furniture, toys and so much more. There really is “something for everyone”! You can spend hours sorting through their huge, and constantly growing inventory. In fact, Nasty Jacks is home to one of the largest inventories of collectable LIFE and Saturday Evening Post magazines you’ve ever seen.
Being one of the largest antique stores in the region it is nice to know that Nasty Jacks is still owned and operated by the original founding family who will share with you the story of Nasty Jack and how the name came to be. (You must be curious by now!) The friendly service, and the original family is one the biggest things that make Nasty Jacks so charming and fun to visit. Take your time to really dig in and find that one item that speaks to you. A visit to Nasty Jacks will have you driving home and sharing all your childhood memories with your lucky passengers.
These are just a few of the places you can check out in Skagit, as there are so many great places to check out. What are some of your favorite places to visit this time of year?
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Skagit Day Trip
Skagit Day Trip
Finally, after what has seemed like the never-ending winter, spring has made an appearance! The sun is shining, the air is cool and crisp, birds are singing, and we are eagerly waiting for the first opportunity to get out and explore. If you haven’t started planning already, we have a great day trip already planned for you in Skagit County! Skagit is packed with great shops, restaurants, and places to explore, and here are a few of our favorite spring-time activities.
-
Tweets Café- Bow Edison, WA
What’s a day trip without filling up on a great breakfast or brunch to fuel you for a day packed with activity? Don’t let this little establishment fool you, Tweets is known for a breakfast and lunch menu filled with flavor that seems too big to fit into such a small space. Serving an array of seasonal dishes, Tweets uses local and organic ingredients to give them a unique and special touch. As soon as you walk in the door
you will feel like family. The owners have created a light and comfortable atmosphere as they welcome you inside and make you feel like you’ve known them forever.
Something that makes Tweets Café so charming is that they are only open Friday through Sunday from 9am-4pm. So, since you can’t just head over whenever, it makes it an extra special weekend treat. (Think of it like visiting your grandma on the weekend and so looking forward to those giant cookies she always bakes!) You will leave feeling full of delicious food, energized for your next adventure, and excited for the next weekend visit! Tweets Café only accepts cash, so make sure you drop by an ATM before heading that way!
-
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival- Mt. Vernon, WA
If you’ve been in the area for any length of time, you are sure to have heard of the Tulip Festival. April 1-30th people will travel from all over to experience the sea of color made up by thousands of tulips. When visiting the festival, you will find every type of tulip you can imagine, and the sight of it is truly breathtaking. For an up-close experience, you will want to pay a visit to Tulip Town or RoozenGaarde. Maybe even both, as they both offer a completely different experience.
Tulip Town features huge fields with tulips as far as you can see, enormous and colorful kites flying, as well as their infamous windmill. After you’ve wandered the tulip fields and absorbed all its beauty you can make you way into the barn where you will find information on the different types of tulips, artwork by local artists, and fresh stems and bulbs for sale. Tulip Town is open from 9-5pm, 7 days a week for your enjoyment!
RoozenGaarde also gives you the experience of the tulip fields, but their specialty is the landscaped gardens you will stroll through. Every year, the gardens are landscaped differently, and hundreds of species of tulips are featured. You will find some different shops where you can purchase tulip bulbs, fresh cut stems, local artwork, concessions, and different types of souvenirs to commemorate your visit. RoozenGaarde is open 7 days a week throughout the festival from 9-7pm.
-
Nasty Jacks Antiques- LaConner, WA
A dose of nostalgia is the best way to describe Nasty Jacks Antiques. Here you will find coin operated rides, a Zoltar machine, reproduced vintage signs, furniture, toys and so much more. There really is “something for everyone”! You can spend hours sorting through their huge, and constantly growing inventory. In fact, Nasty Jacks is home to one of the largest inventories of collectable LIFE and Saturday Evening Post magazines you’ve ever seen.
Being one of the largest antique stores in the region it is nice to know that Nasty Jacks is still owned and operated by the original founding family who will share with you the story of Nasty Jack and how the name came to be. (You must be curious by now!) The friendly service, and the original family is one the biggest things that make Nasty Jacks so charming and fun to visit. Take your time to really dig in and find that one item that speaks to you. A visit to Nasty Jacks will have you driving home and sharing all your childhood memories with your lucky passengers.
These are just a few of the places you can check out in Skagit, as there are so many great places to check out. What are some of your favorite places to visit this time of year?
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