Taster's Choice in Skagit Valley: La Conner Farms & More

An edible tour of Washington's Skagit Valley.

Packed with nutrient-rich loam soils, the Skagit Valley is a virtual cornucopia, overflowing with a mouthwatering bounty of fresh produce, grains and seafood. (And perhaps best known for its spectacular annual April Tulip Festival.)

Near the southern end of cliff-hugging Chuckanut Drive, in charming Edison, Slough Food offers complete picnic supplies, from fresh cheese to wines from the Chuckanut Ridge Wine Company. Just west of Edison, Samish Island cradles tidal treasures at Blau Oyster, including live Dungeness crab and just-shucked oysters.

In La Conner, drop by Lenning Farm’s Berry Barn for seasonal lingonberry pies and jams, and load up on produce at Dunbar Gardens Farm, Mother Flight Farm (360.445.3501) or Hedlin Family Farmstand.

In South Skagit County, stop at Mount Vernon’s Skagit River Brewery for a house-brewed root beer, and sample organic strawberry ice cream at Cascadian Farm’s roadside stand on Highway 20. Set in the dramatic valley of the North Cascades, it’s the perfect spot to tip your hat to the Skagit’s quilt of green and gold farmland.

Learn more about all there is to see and do in Skagit Valley.

—Lora Shinn