What can be said about Mt. Vernon other than it’s a cute, artistic little city that is centrally located next to the Skagit River, and holds a population of around 35,200. Typically known for the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival with millions of tulips grown every Spring. However, we were there to explore the town a little bit and participate in the Illuminight Winter Walk. We began our tourism by checking out a carved stone statue of the city’s founder Jasper Gates, with his grandson John Knox standing next to him. The statue is a commissioned piece created by the artist Tracy Powell. If you’ve been following along in the blog you have already seen another of his works, the Maiden of Deception Pass. All his work is distinctively sinuous and beautiful to look at.

From here, and before anything could take place, we had to get coffee. So we headed to Ristretto Coffee Lounge & Wine Bar. It’s a quaint coffee shop that offers coffee, tea, local baked goods, lunch or dinner. Along the walls many local artists are on display, pieces you can either briefly admire or take home with you to create your own art space. Recommended as one of the best coffeehouses in Mt. Vernon you can’t go wrong whatever you try!

Next we headed downtown, noticing all the murals and fun window displays dotting the way. We made a stop at the Skagit Valley Food Co-op. While it was packed inside it was also quite cozy and fun hanging out with the locals. We bought and ate the most delicious honey caramels we’ve ever had! And as their mission states, when you shop at the Co-op you support our vibrant community, sustainable farming, and your own health. So, to health, and all those good things!

Afterward we walked to the 1926 Lincoln Theatre just to take a few photographs of the exterior, but were actually allowed a quick private tour despite it being closed. The building is a restored 1926 vaudeville and silent movie house that hosts concerts, films, as well as community events. Downstairs many artists that perform here sign their name to the plain wooden door leading to the dressing room. The auditorium itself has beautiful red velvet seating opening to a fairly large stage. A BIG thank you to the Lincoln Theatre staff who allowed us to see it for ourselves!

Getting kind of hungry again (as we seem to) we decided to stop at District Brewing for an early dinner. We ordered meatless wings and the Tombstone pizza in addition to drinks; a Narrows Passion Fruit Sour and the District Black Lager. Everything was as tasty as could be and we had good seating too, upstairs with a view of the window as well as the main room.

At around 5pm we walked outside to the Illuminight Winter Walk gathering as it was held in the same vicinity. It’s a free event celebrating art, light, health, community, and the Skagit ecosystem. They had live music by Laventure Marimba which was an exciting, wonderful performance. They also had dancers and made a few speeches. At 6pm there was a luminary lit procession through downtown. The luminaries were magical as the parade was fun. It’s an annual walk so be sure to check it out next year!