It’s January 2024! Time to think about all the things we’d like to do this year – let’s face it, if we don’t plan them now, they just won’t happen. Make 2024 the year you explore some of the fun, interesting and tasty things our lovely county has to offer. To get you started, here are 24 things to do in Skagit County for 2024.
1 – Visit the Rodale Institute
In 2023, General Mills donated the Cascadian Farm to the Rodal Institute for organic research. Take time in 2024 to visit the re-opened farm and learn about the great things they are doing for the county and the planet.
2 – Taste a Big Scoop Sundae
Make a note to visit the last true mom-and-pop soda-fountain-style ice cream parlor in Mount Vernon. Big Scoop Sundae is the perfect place for any celebration of 2024.
3 – Go on a Brewery Tour
Skagit County has a lot of locally owned and operated breweries. 2024 is a great time to visit them!
4 – Enjoy the Fall Leaves
Make a plan to walk among the gold and red this fall. The beauty of a fall walk in Skagit County will energize you.
5 – Have a Spot of Tea
If you have never experienced an English afternoon high tea, make 2024 the year you do. It’s a relaxing and social experience – no rushed server giving you the bill before you even finish your appetizers. Visit Wonderland Tea in Mount Vernon to find out for yourself.
6 – Indulge in Local Chocolate
At some point in 2024 you are going to need some chocolate. A birthday. A breakup. A pick-me-up. Or just because. It’s all better with chocolate! Visit Chocolate Forte and indulge in locally-crafted treats from a professional chocolatier.
7 – Volunteer
It’s always a good idea to volunteer! Make plans in 2024 to spend some time doing good at one of our many local nonprofits.
8 – Take a Drive on the North Cascades Highway
Sometimes just taking a drive to explore our beautiful county is just what you need to relax. Make 2024 the year you take a drive on the North Cascade Highway.
9 – Experience the Lincoln Theatre
There is nothing like seeing a live show. Make 2024 the year you catch a performance at the historic Lincoln Theatre.
10 – See the Anacortes Murals
Visiting the quaint Anacortes is always a great bucket list item. In 2024, why not visit and take a walk to enjoy the Anacortes murals painted by Bill Michell.
11 – Walk Through History at the Anacortes Museum and Maritime Heritage Center
Do you know the story of Betty Lowman? Find out all about her and her canoe name Bijaboji at the Anacortes Museum and Maritime Heritage Center.
12 – Catch a Flick at the Renovated Concrete Theatre
The historic Concrete Theatre is home to classic and new movies, as well as an ice cream parlor. The owners work hard to preserve it. Catch a flick and support them in 2024.
13 – Explore a Lighthouse
Have you ever been to a lighthouse? Make 2024 the year you go! Visiting the Burrows Island Lighthouse in Anacortes is a fun trip for the entire family.
14 – Relax at Bow Sanctuary
Our lives are stressful. At the top of your 2024 to-do list should be some self-care. You can find it at the Bow Sanctuary.
15 – Stop and Smell the Flowers at Roozengaarde
Open year-round, you don’t have to wait for the tulip festival to stop in at Roozengaarde and explore all their delights.
16 – Hike Oyster Dome Overlook
The views at Oyster Dome Overlook are well worth the hike. Make 2024 the year you experience it!
17 – Visit the Museum of Northwest Art
Looking at art feeds a human soul. Take some time in 2024 to visit the Museum of Northwest Art and feed yours.
18 – Stroll Through Wiley Slough
Head to Fir Island sometime this year and stroll through Wiley Slough, a wildlife and bird-watching area managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. It’s the perfect place to experience nature.
19 – See Skagit Wineries
The scrumptious wines are not the only draw at Skagit County wineries. Their breathtaking landscape is also a treat. Visit a couple in 2024.
20 – Cozy Up With a Book from Pelican Bay
This family-owned bookstore and coffee house in Anacortes is a great place to find your next favorite novel. Grab a cup of joe and curl up with a good book at Pelican Bay Books & Coffeehouse – it’s the perfect way to spend the day!
21 – Experience Care at Willowbrook Manor
Another great place for afternoon tea is Willowbrook Manor and Tea House, which also has a nonprofit arm that helps women dealing with homelessness.
22 – Check out the New Goodwill Store
Sedro-Woolley is getting a new Goodwill Store in 2024. Be sure to check it out. Need a job? It will also have job training and education services.
23 – Join the Celtic Arts Foundation
From the Highland Games and Celtic Festival, to smaller festivals, this group is a lot of craic! (That’s Gaelic for “fun”)! Join them or attend one of their events in 2024.
24 – Witness the Snow Geese
You may have noticed them flying high above you as they migrate through Skagit County every fall and winter. This year, make the time to see the Snow Geese as they rest on their journey south.
