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Within an hours drive south of the border from Vancouver, B.C., or a two hour drive north from Seattle, there lays a little gem of a region in Washington State, the Skagit Valley. The Skagit Valley is home to an annual - and very popular - tulip festival, as well as wineries, farm markets, and a state park, and of course cheaper gas, amongst many offerings.
It also offers great shopping and eating establishments. For Canadians, the high dollar adds tremendous value for a quick overnight trip or even a longer stay. In fact, the Canadian Government is soon to increase the personal exemption amount from the current CDN$50/24 hours, to CDN$200/24 hours, making a cross border trek very appealing!
Here are a few of my family’s favourite Skagit Valley sites, eateries, and haunts:
Skagit Valley Ridge Hotel
Off Interstate 5 at Exit 236. This hotel features 40 Guest Rooms and One Executive Suite,
Complimentary Continental Breakfast, 24-hour Casino Shuttle and 2,000 Square Feet of Event Space. The hotel is only a few years old and we found it very quiet and clean with a very friendly staff.
Rooms go for as little as USD$69 per nite when you sign up for a free Casino Rewards Card. Across the street, the Casino offers three different eating experiences including their Five Onion Grill casual dining (fantastic Prime Rib for only USD$12.95!), The Market Buffet with a good selection of local and international fare, and the Market Express for a quick snack in the casino.
Four Seasons Buffet (Chinese)
For first timers, the selection alone will boggle your mind! Huge selection of Asian favourites including a Mongoli grill, sushi, and even dim sum items. The lunch is only USD$8 (tea included, fountain drinks separate). Located at 1216 South Burlington Blvd, Burlington, WA. Interstate 5 Exit 229.
The Torch Grill (American)
Located inside the Quil Ceda Creek Casino. A small diamond of a restaurant featuring high quality food at tremendous prices! You have to try prime rib for only USD$11.95, and is offered every day. They have big seniors selections which are ‘half’ but are very generous! I asked if I could order a seniors plate although I’m not a senior and they said sure with no hesitation!
Their half sandwich and soup was massive and I think many seniors would have to pack some it to go! Just travel to Interstate 5, Exit 199.
Camano Island State Park
A great family camp experience. A 134 acre camping park nestled among mountain views with plenty of beach access and rocky shoreline to walk. The park itself is open year-round for camping and day use. The camp has over 80 tent spaces as well as 5 cabins and a dump station and 2 restrooms and 2 showers. An upper camp area is for RV use. All campsites are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Groups can be accomodated by making advance reservations. The Park address is 2269 S. Lowell Point Road, Camano Island, WA
Seattle Premium Outlets
Located off Interstate 5 Exit 200. Regular Hours are Monday thru Saturday 10am-9pm and Sundays 10am-7pm. This factory outlet boasts top name brands including Nike, Calvin Klein, and DKNY. In Marysville next to Tulalip Resort and Casino.
Burlington Factory Outlets
A smaller outlet mall but surrounded by other retailers including the big box store like Costco, Target, Best Buy and Home Depot. The mall itself has brand name retailers including lululemon, Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, and Gap Outlet. In Burlington on Fashion Way, off Interstate 5 Exit 229.
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