Mt. Vernon

Small-town manners, once-in-a-lifetime adventures

Situated an hour north of central Seattle, Mount Vernon is a colorful city known for their tulips, greenery, and abundant natural beauty. A picture-perfect downtown district is home to old-fashioned bakeries, riverfront parks, and some of Washington’s favorite breweries and vineyards. Once awarded the title of the nation’s top small city, this friendly community is a hidden gem in its own right, offering small-town pleasures to those lucky enough to stumble upon it.

Mount Vernon’s first settlers arrived in 1870 on the shores of the Skagit River. Named after George Washington’s Mount Vernon, this heavily wooded community first boasted a strong logging industry. Today, Mount Vernon is famous for its flower farms, picturesque downtown, and a slower pace of life simply not found elsewhere.

What to Love

• Some of the region’s most beautiful outdoor scenery
• Charming downtown with a plethora of cozy, friendly mom-and-pop businesses
• A stone’s throw from several local breweries and wineries
• Conveniently located right on Interstate 5, making trips into Seattle and other nearby cities simple

Local Lifestyle

Mount Vernon is the quintessential place to enjoy a quiet life in the Pacific Northwest countryside, small-town pleasures, and old-fashioned manners. Situated in the heart of the Skagit Valley, Mount Vernon is widely known for its colorful tulips, which rival those of the Netherlands. Every spring, the endless tulip fields attract visitors from near and far, allowing one of the Pacific Northwest’s best-kept secrets to truly shine. Throughout the rest of the year, locals enjoy a quiet existence and dwell in spacious abodes positioned upon generously sized lots, allowing them to enjoy Mount Vernon’s beauty, scenery, and agreeable spring and summer climates from the comfort of their own homes.

Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping

Mount Vernon may be a smaller community, but its recreational scene packs a colorful punch. Quiet afternoons are enjoyed wandering the gorgeous Pacific Northwest countryside discovering new greenery, exploring regional farms, and picking up local goodies to take your at-home meals to the next level.

Calico Cupboard Old Town Cafe & Bakery is the best place in town to start the day, no matter what time of day. This rustic, two-story space boasts soaring ceilings, a bakery featuring a large menu of freshly baked goods, and an all-day breakfast menu. The cinnamon roll French toast, warm pastries, smoked salmon scramble, and eggs Benedict are just a few of their top sellers, guaranteed to satisfy any sweet or savory craving.

COA Mexican Eatery & Tequileria is a simple space serving explosive south-of-the-border flavors paired with a colorful selection of refreshing margaritas. A menu offering gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options ensures every member of the community is able to enjoy their ever-popular offering of enchiladas, carne asada, and Pacific Northwest-style fish tacos.

Tom yum soup, curries, chicken satay and other spicy specialties are served in a comfortable space at Thai House, just a block from the river. Locals have referred to this Thai treat as “welcoming,” “to die for,” and a “must-try.”

A unique shopping experience awaits at Christianson’s Nursery & Greenhouse. So much more than your typical flower shop, Christianson’s is known for its selection of rare plants, larger-than-life roses, and expertise which the community has enjoyed since 1990. Their selection changes throughout the year to ensure patrons can enjoy in-season offerings for all months of the year.

Things To Do

Mount Vernon is arguably best-known for its striking tulips, the likes of which are only found in the Netherlands. Each spring, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival attracts visitors from near and far to celebrate every aspect of the valley’s horticulture industry. Local restaurants, breweries, museums, and shops get involved in holding unique events of their own celebrating the colorful beauty of these blooming bulbs. Little Mountain Park, ironically the largest park in town, consists of 522 acres of scenic trails and mountain views, featuring a mile-and-a-half long trail to the top of the mountain. Nearby, Big Lake is one of Mount Vernon’s favorite places to enjoy swimming, angling, boating, and other aquatic pastimes. Fun for residents of all ages awaits at Lang’s Horse & Pony Farm. Since 1975, this family-owned and operated stable has been providing fun experiences and educational lessons, experienced on one of their nearly 100 horses. In addition to their ever-popular summer program, Lang’s offers accompanied trail rides for guests to enjoy PNW beauty from a different angle.

Schools

Children of this close-knit community attend:

• Mount Vernon School District, prekindergarten-12th grade; one of the more diverse schools in Washington also enjoys a stellar staff and excellent fine arts program