Come see what`s “new” in La Conner
Transcription
Come see what`s “new” in La Conner
Lamplight News and Information from the La Conner Country Inn and Channel Lodge G Come see what’s “new” in La Conner “Every April, the fertile, sprawling fields of Washington’s Skagit Valley erupt in a riot of multicolored bloom... La Conner...a coastal community with just 775 residents, is an ideal weekend base. It has many inns and a restored waterfront lined with shops and restaurants, and it’s just minutes away from the brightest fields around.” Travel + Leisure, March 2003. If you’ve visited La Conner, then you know that in addition to the spring blooms, the town has countless reasons to visit at any time of the year: arts festivals, outstanding museums, a bevy of quaint shops and eclectic galleries. It is a place rich in history, beautiful natural surroundings, friendly people, and a charm that sets it apart from the crowd. While all of this still holds true, things in La Conner have changed. The town has undergone a renaissance of sorts a ‘new and improved’ La Conner. And we invite you to come see for yourself. New projects have created an even more visitor-friendly La Conner including a roundabout for easy access into town, wider roads, new sidewalks, removal of telephone poles, replaced with new lampposts sporting hanging flower baskets and colorful banners. At the end of Morris and First Street, a park awaits you with a stage and tiered seating for year-round concerts. Looking for that creative and • 2003–2004 roups, Meetings, and Retreats The La Conner Country Inn & Channel Lodge have successfully hosted group meetings and events for years. With dedicated staff, outstanding service, ample space, free parking and our close proximity to downtown and waterfront restaurants, we are the perfect venue for that special event, meeting, retreat, wedding or reunion. And, with our group discount starting at just five rooms and up, it’s a great deal. But, don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what people have to say about their experience: “Thank you again for making our visit to La Conner such a success. All of our managa special occasion, As you’re strolling around town, check out the new, outdoor ers commented on the great art sculptures. Through January the work of 15 renowned birthday or for sleeping accommodations, the Northwest sculptors is featured in an outdoor walking tour. wonderful lunch, your responthe Holidays? At the Front Desk, pick up a walking tour map. Every second siveness to special requests Saturday of the month, La Conner’s art galleries, museums and Why not purchase a and your friendly staff. You gift galleries host an art walk, when over two dozen venues stay proved a perfect setting for our open late to offer art, conversations with artists, music, refreshIFT ERTIFICATE retreat,” Anne L Kirchner, Rick ments and entertainment. Steves’ Europe Through the for accomodations? La Conner’s three museums also feature notable Northwest artBack Door ists, and special events throughout the year. Located across the 1.888.466.4113 “At every opportunity, you street from the La Conner Country Inn and Channel Lodge, the www.laconnerlodging.com went above and beyond to proMuseum of Northwest Art is a destination in itself for art lovers vide what we needed...I have throughout the year, MoNA’s special events provide a terrific planned and facilitated many of our focal point for a La Conner weekend getaway. retreats and working with you on this one stands out as exceptional,” Patrice The Skagit County Historical Museum and Gaches Mansion, featuring the La Conner Roney, Adler Giersch Law Quilt Museum, are also just a hop, skip and a jump away from the La Conner Country From start to finish, your needs are met Inn & Channel Lodge. Both feature outstanding exhibits that seemingly take visitors back by our experienced and professional in time along with ongoing special events. For dates for any of these events, see our staff. We can accommodate events of calendar on the following pages. up to 100 people, providing a pleasant A new wine tasting festival in November features local and regional wineries, fine cheesand casual environment in an inties, breads, olives and dipping oils plus a raffle for wine and winery tours. If you find a mate setting. And this year, we added particular wine that you can’t resist, bottles are available for purchase. wireless technology for your communication needs. Call our Group Sales Whether your reasons for visiting La Conner are old (arts festivals, museums, quaint Specialists at 360.466.3101 or email shops, galleries) or new (art sculptures, wine festival, outdoor concerts), it doesn’t matter. [email protected]. Any excuse is a good excuse to visit us at the La Conner Country Inn & Channel Lodge anytime of the year! unusual gift for G C D C ear Guests, Clients and Friends, First, thank you for your continued patronage, support and friendship. Everyone at the La Conner Country Inn & Channel Lodge values your business and strives to provide outstanding service, so your stay with us is unsurpassed. Each year, we see visitors from all over the country flock to the Skagit Valley for the Tulip Festival, but just between you and me, any time of the year is a great time to visit, with endless things to do and see. To entice you further, below are some new special packages along with our most popular. Any one of these makes a great surprise for someone special (don’t forget, we offer gift certificates) or indulge your self with a weekend getaway. 12th Annual La Conner Shopper’s Package • From October 1, 2003 through March 31, 2004, stroll through the exquisite galleries, antique shops and boutiques that make La Conner so famous. Along with your stay at the La Conner Country Inn or Channel Lodge, you’ll receive over $200 in amazing discount coupons at more than 50 local shops and services. Romantic Getaway Package • Romance never dies at the La Conner Country Inn or Channel Lodge. Year-round, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to celebrate a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply each other. To make your stay even more special, we’ve included some notable amenities like a gas fireplace, delectable chocolates, a chilled bottle of champagne or sparkling cider, a $50.00 dining credit, and a homemade continental continued on page 3 ommunity Cal September 2003 September 6 & 7 ~ MoNA’s Art & Architecture Tour of Homes, 11 am - 5 pm September 13 ~ MoNA will be hosting an After Hours Party in the parking lot. More info call 360.466.4446. September 13 & 14 ~ Vintage & Classic Boat and Car Show Festival – A celebration of LaConner’s maritime history, featuring vintage and classic yachts, arts and crafts, music, food and children’s activities. September 22 ~ Native American Days – A celebration of the Swinomish Tribal Community with canoe races. Maple Hall 10:30am - 5pm. September 26 & 27 ~ LaConner Quilt October 2003 October 1~ Start of the 12th Annual Shopper’s Package. October 4 & 5 ~ Fifth Annual Festival of Family Farms www.skagitcounty.net/familyfarms October 20~ Skagit County Historical Museum – Topic: Putting Food By in WWII, Vivian Smallwood of the Skagit County Agricultural Extension shares the secrets of how women preserved family foods on a wartime budget. Museum’s Sixth Anniversary Celebration with a quilt walk through town and two showings at the museum 360.466.4446. January 2004 Bird watching ~ An astonishing display of nature, when the skies fill with tens of thousands of trumpeter swans and snow geese returning to the Skagit Valley. A spectacular sight for the next two months. February 2004 February 1 ~ Sweetheart Month – Romantic Getaway Package. February 21 ~ MoNA Style Wearable art and fashion show – A fun and festive annual event, featuring outstanding works of art by Northwest artists (all wearable, of course). February 28 ~ LaConner Rotary Club 35th Annual Smelt Derby May 2004 May 20 – 22 3rd Biennual Skagit River Poetry Festival ~ A three day celebration of poetry and capstone event to over 50 ”Poet-in-the-classroom” appearances. Iris Fields in Bloom After the Bloom Special ~ Take advantage of lower rates in May and June. May 1~ Spring Channel Cruise Pkg Begins May 3 ~ Opening Day of Boating Season – Parade of Boats at 3pm. May 18 ~ Whisker’s Camaro Show – LaConner’s annual showing of these classic cars. June 2004 June 1 ~ Whale Watching Begins – Local Orca Pods can be spotted in the San Juan Islands from June through September. June 14 ~ MoNA’s Annual Art Auction – A museum and yearly auction dedicated exclusively to exhibiting, preserving and collecting contemporary Northwest art. June 15 & 16 ~ LaConner Yacht Sales 7th Annual Boat Show & Swap Meet June 25 – 27 ~ New Outdoor Art’s Festival lendar of events November 2003 November 2 - 4 ~ LaConner’s 18th Annual “Arts Alive” Festival and Invitational Art Show - A festival dedicated to local and regional artists. With exciting exhibitions and gallery demonstrations plus live music and special workshops, it’s a true celebration of the arts and its contribution to our community, our history, and our lives. Call 360.466.4778 for more information. November 15 ~ NEW! La Conner’s Wine Festival Featuring Local/Regional Wineries, fine cheeses, breads, olives and dipping oils. Raffles for wine bottles and winery tours. Come join the fun! March 2004 Daffodils in bloom~ Before the arrival of the ever-popular tulips, the fields are aglow with daffodils, bringing us our first hint of spring. July 2004 4th of July Fireworks Show What a Blast! Third Annual Fourth of July Fireworks Special – Whether you stay at the Country Inn or the Channel Lodge, you receive front row ‘seats’ at LaConner’s annual fireworks display. You’ll be privy to private waterfront space for the spectacular show as well as the friendly atmosphere and cozy ambiance always present at our properties. At the Inn enjoy our family package, where children under twelve stay for free and receive a token of celebration. December 2003 December 6 ~ Hilltop Holiday Festival at the Skagit County Historical Museum 360.466.3365 December 7 ~ Santa & Mrs. Claus Parade to the Fire Museum at 2pm December 7 ~ Lighted Boat Parade at 6:30pm Local Legend: It’s been said, the name Lamplight derives from a practice common during the last century when ships were directed through the Swinomish Channel by townsfolk bearing lamps. April 2004 April ~ Skagit Valley Tulip Festival ~ Thousands of acres filled with colorful blooms plus art shows, gala celebrations, entertainment and guided tours. For more information call the Tulip Hotline at 360.428.5959 or visit www.tulipfestival.org August 2004 August 5 ~ LaConner’s Annual Pioneer Picnic – 11:30 am at Pioneer Park. August 26 – 28 ~ Harley owners group rally passing through LaConner. For more details and daily event schedules, visit the LaConner Chamber of Commerce website at www.laconnerchamber.com Don’t forget to visit our website at www.laconnerlodging.com for updated special packages and events. continued from page 2 breakfast - all of the right ingredients for romance. Some rooms also feature a jacuzzi bathtub - just ask us for details. Spring Channel Cruise Package • During May and June at the La Conner Country Inn or Channel Lodge, enjoy a cruise aboard the Viking Star, exploring beautiful sites such as Hole-in-the-Wall, Shelter Bay, Eagle’s Nest, Swinomish Village and the Skagit Bay, while back dropped by the magnificent Cascade Mountains. View the abundant wildlife including migratory birds, river otters and seals. Package rate includes an overnight at the Country Inn or Channel Lodge, a 1-hour cruise and a homemade continental breakfast. New! Spa Getaway • In addition to a relaxing stay at the La Conner Country Inn or Channel Lodge, pamper yourself with a massage. Located a block away from either hotel, Joanne Mitchelle of Jo’s Healing Hands utilizes a combination of techniques to relax sore muscles, improve circulation, release tension and balance your spirit. Call ahead or ask the Front Desk for more information. For more details about the above packages including rates and dates, please call us at 1.888.466.4113 or visit our website at www.laconnerlodging.com. Best Wishes, Cindy Nelson, General Manager P.S. The Lamplight Membership Program has been a huge success, with numerous prizes going to our valued guests. Remember to sign up at the Front Desk the next time you visit us and not only will you receive exclusive information on specials, but you could also win a free night’s stay! A Taste of LaConner Viking Cruises' Cracked Crab feast & Cruise For over 25 years, Viking Cruises has provided excursions plying the beautiful waters of Puget Sound. One of their most popular cruises is the “Old-fashioned Cracked Crab Feast.” This 3-hour excursion conveniently departs from the Channel Lodge and once underway each guest is served a casual, sit-down meal featuring an endless supply of Dungeness crab. Also on the menu is French bread and dessert (a delightful Lemon Cheese Square drizzled with raspberry sauce) from Georgia’s Bakery, potato salad from Pioneer Market and Barb’s Beans Coffee; all La Conner small businesses. After the meal, guests can relax in the wheelhouse with the skipper or out on deck to enjoy the scenery of Deception Pass. Deception Pass is Washington’s most popular state park with annual visitors near three million. The Viking Star cruises the park’s waters into Bowman Bay, around Deception Island and out into Rosario Straight, where a stunning view of the San Juan Islands, Olympic Mountains and Victoria, British Columbia awaits.Viking Cruises’ owners, Bob and Marci Plank, Lamplight P.O. Box 573 La Conner, WA 98257 invite you to join them for an unforgettable cruise and crab feast during your visit to La Conner and the Country Inn or Channel Lodge. For more information, please visit www.vikingcruises.com for upcoming dates or call (888) 207-2333. To tempt you, they’ve provided the recipe for Lemon Cheese Squares below for a hint of what’s in store. Lemon Cheese Squares • • • • • • 1 Box Yellow cake Mix (extra moist) 3 Large Eggs 1/2 Cup Butter (melted) 1/2 Cup Pecans (chopped) 2 Cups Powdered Sugar 8 Ounces Cream Cheese LEMON CURD: • Juice of 3 Lemons or 5/8 Cup Lemon Juice • 1/2 Cup Butter • 6 Egg Yolks • 3/4 Cup Sugar Combine lemon juice and butter in sauce pan, simmer then remove from heat. Whisk together egg yolks and sugar. Pour 1/2 lemon mix into egg mixture and whisk. Pour back into sauce pan with remaining lemon mix and over medium heat, stir constantly until thick for 5 to 7 minutes. Let cool then refrigerate. (room temperature) Lamplight is • 1/4 Cup Sour Cream • 1Tbl. Grated Lemon Peel published annually to inform and communicate • 1Tsp. Vanilla Combine cake mix, butter, 1 egg and nuts. Press into a 9” x 13” baking pan. Beat sugar, cream cheese and sour cream. Mix in 2 eggs, lemon peel and vanilla. Spread over cake mix. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until top sets. points of interest in and about the Skagit Valley, for guests, CHANNEL LODGE 205 N. First Street La Conner La Conner, WA 98257 360 • 466 1500 TOPPING: (see below) La Conner Country Inn and Channel Lodge. Melinda Burghduff Director of Sales • 1 1/4 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream (whip first) • 1 1/4 Cup Lemon Curd Whip 1 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream, blend in 1 1/4 cup lemon curd. Spread mixture over baked and cooled cake. Refrigerate a couple of hours before serving. clients and friends of the C107OUNTRY INN S. Second Street La Conner La Conner, WA 98257 360 • 466 3101 Sandy Johnson-Itter Graphic Designer www.sanjidesign.com Brandie Ahlgren Writer/Editor www.bsacommunications.com Bulk Rate U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 15 La Conner, WA 98257