THINGS TO DO IN MT. VERNON / BURLINGTON: TASTE SOME MICROBREWS: Try a selection of micro, craft and local brews at one of four brewpubs – The Trumpeter, Empire, and Porterhouse and Skagit River Brewery – all located within easy walking distance. CREATE A PICNIC: Grab some organic fare and wine at the Skagit Valley Co-op and picnic at Little Mountain Park or at one of the many parks that line the banks of the Skagit River. WATCH A SHOW: Enjoy a play, concert or movie at the historic Lincoln Theatre. SHOP THE SALES: Snag some serious deals at the Cascade Mall and the Outlet Shoppes at Burlington. GET YOUR BARD ON: Experience a performance at the Skagit River Shakespeare Festival, running from July 6 to August 10.
Across the Skagit River in bustling Burlington, get ready to shop ‘til you drop. The crossroads of northwest Washington, Burlington is the gateway to the breathtaking North Cascades National Park, but that’s no reason to leave town quite yet. Browse the Outlet Shoppes at Burlington to find deals at stores including Gap, Lululemon Athletica, Nike, Eddie Bauer, Coach, Nine West and more. Just down the road, the Cascade Mall offers more shopping, great dining options or first-run movies at the Loews Cineplex. While you’re there, check out the Children’s Museum of Skagit County, located inside the mall. Kids can explore the seas on the museum’s 21-foot tug boat, or operate a fully interactive 10foot crane. The museum also offers an art studio and reading area for the more introspective child, along with a wide variety of kids’ camps and special events. Once you’re all shopped out, head toward downtown Burlington to get a taste of the city’s past as the region’s railway hub. Historic Fairhaven Avenue is lined with locally owned shops, restaurants and service businesses. Stop by the Train Wreck Bar for a pint and some yam fries, and cheer with the rest of the patrons when a freight train rumbles by. W For more info, visit mountvernonchamber.com/visitors or burlington-chamber.com.
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