Hotel at a Glance: Hotel Planter

At Hotel Planter, a historic inn in La Conner, Washington, most guests gravitate toward the garden courtyard. Adorned with cedar trees, birdbaths, and bubbling water fountains, it’s a charming spot to enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. You’ll also find handcrafted sculptures and ornaments strewn throughout, a testament to the town’s love of contemporary art.

• Art galleries, antique stores, and museums are located within walking distance of the hotel.
• Renovated guest rooms feature handcrafted furnishings and private bathrooms.
• Wine tasting: Hellam’s Vineyard offers samples in a Tuscan-themed wine shop with a bar made from old wine barrels.
• North Cascades mountain range: You can go fishing, kayaking, and river rafting in the area.

La Conner, Washington: Historic Waterfront Town with Contemporary Arts Scene

Situated halfway between Seattle and Vancouver, La Conner is a small waterfront town surrounded by tulip and daffodil farms. The oldest town in Skagit County, it was originally a fishing village thanks to its location at the tip of the Swinomish Channel, a saltwater slough that connected local fishermen to Puget Sound. Today, you’re more likely to see recreational boaters sailing the channel; the bright-orange Rainbow Bridge offers one of the best views.

Following the Great Depression, La Conner became a haven for writers and artists who found inspiration in the picturesque scenery and quiet lifestyle. By 1970 the town was home to one of the most vibrant artists’ communities in the Northwest. You can glimpse this legacy at the Museum of Northwest Art, where exhibits highlight work from the region’s many contemporary artists including Walter Isaacs and Morris Graves.

For a living history lesson, check out the 19th-century homes and businesses lining the streets of downtown La Conner, which has more than 160 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Among them, the restored Gaches Mansion houses the La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum, where you can see three stories of locally made quilts that range from traditional to contemporary.

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