Seattle Gay News
Coast in Hang out
Issue 12, Volume 43, March 20, 2015
Arts & Travel
discover
Downtown Anacortes features many historic buildings – courtesy of Anacortes Chamber of Commerce
Anacortes is located on Fidalgo Island (the most accessible island in the San Juan archipelago), and is conveniently situated halfway between Seattle and Vancouver, BC. We are the destination point for the San Juan Islands and international ferry runs for Washington state. Whether you are planning a day trip or a vacation, Anacortes has something for everyone. Whale watching tours, kayaking excursions, sailing, boating, birding, fishing, crabbing, hiking or biking – just to name a few activities! The Waterfront Festival and Anacortes Arts festival are enjoyed by all ages. For those visitors who are over 21, the Spring Wine Festival and Bier on the Pier are events that are well attended year after year. Coast in and hang out in our vibrant Old Town. All within walking distance you’ll find casual cafes to elegant dining, quirky to sophisticated shopping, art galleries to boutique vintage shops and unique accommodations. Anacortes has a pleasantly mild climate, with daytime average temperatures in the 40s during the winter and 70s to lower 80s in the height of summer. Our island boasts 65.4 miles of saltwater shoreline, 3,091 acres of city-owned forestlands for our guests to explore, and 12 city-owned parks. Featured activities include:
First Friday Art Walk (Year Round) Spring Wine Festival (April 11) Boat Show (April 10-12 & October) Farmer’s Market (May - October) Waterfront Festival (June 6) Arts Festival (August 7-9) Oyster Run Bike Rally (September 27) – “The 34th Annual Oyster Run – The Largest Motorcycle Event in the Pacific Northwest” – www.oysterrun.org Bier on the Pier (October) SPRING WINE FESTIVAL Just around the corner, it’s almost time for Anacortes’ 7th Annual Spring Wine Festival! This year, we’re bringing 32 wineries to Fidalgo Island for a weekend of decadent wine tasting, food pairings, live music, art, shopping, and blooming tulip fields. Visitors travel from all corners of the world to behold the amazing Skagit Valley tulip fields in full bloom. Enhancing their journey to the valley, the Spring Wine Festival (Saturday, April 11, from 12 noon to 4:30 p.m.) presents the opportunity to indulge in the appreciation of red, white and blush wines from across Washington state. (www.anacortes.org/spring-wine-fest) This year’s lineup of wineries boasts delicious wines from all of Washington’s major wine regions. With a mix of returning and new wineries to the show (including Washington’s first dedicated sparkling
Ferry docked at the Anacortes ferry terminal – courtesy of Anacortes Chamber of Commerce
The best viewing for bald eagles in Anacortes is from mid-December to mid-February – courtesy of Anacortes Chamber of Commerce
wine house!), attendees can explore finishing flavors of vanilla, spice, tobacco, floral, butter and berry on the historic Anacortes pier overlooking the beautiful Guemes
flamenco, alternative folk, jazz vocals and instrumentals, and dance music as you explore the tasty drink and dinner menus of our downtown restaurants:
Cap Sante Boat Marina from the Cap Sante Park Viewpoint – courtesy of Anacortes Chamber of Commerce
Channel. Festival attendees’ enjoy a 10% discount on their wine purchase on the day of the festival. While at the festival, attendees not only get to taste some of the best wines in the Pacific Northwest, they will be indulged with tasty bites from local restaurants. Make it a full weekend of the festivities by staying at one of our areas many lodging options. Attend one of the Friday night winemaker dinners, featuring wines from the festival in an intimate setting with the winemaker. We’re excited to offer five different dinners this year – and one Winemaker Brunch on Sunday! Several area restaurants are also featuring wines from the festival during the month of April. Explore the full list of events in Anacortes for April and plan a weekend getaway to Fidalgo Island. AND IN THE EVENING… After the day’s festival, enjoy live music at multiple downtown venues from 5 p.m. to midnight. With the staggered start times you can stop by each venue and listen to
The Rockfish Grill (320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes) – Jennifer Kienzle Quartet from 5 to 8 p.m. Kienzle is a female vocalist with playful lyricism and a pure tone. Her bright and upbeat band creates unique interpretations from the American songbook. Frida’s Gourmet Mexican (416 Commercial Ave., Anacortes) – Amigos Nobles from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. A Euro-Flamenco instrumental trio that blends elements of blues, world beats, and jazz with a driving Latin beat. The 5th Street Bistro (419 Commercial Ave., Anacortes) – Savage Jazz Quartet from 6 to 9 p.m. Exciting and inventive instrumental jazz quartet with a playful approach to jazz standards and obscure tunes. H2O (314 Commercial Ave., Anacortes) – The Mix Party Band 7:30 p.m. to midnight Playing fun and danceable music from the ‘70s through present day. Spot-on persee anacortes page 6