September 2009 Events, Specials and Happenings

Be sure to stop by the Visitor Information Center at 606 Morris Street as you enter La Conner for the 2009 Coupon Book, with 70 coupons good for dining, lodging, services, and museums. Good through December 31, 2009. 360-466-4778.


LODGING SPECIALS:

Estep's Residences consist of four fully equipped homes. Waterfront Condo is on the water, the Boat House and One Moore Place feature views of the Swinomish Channel, and Gina's Place has a hot tub and private yard. All are located in the heart of La Conner. Stay three nights and receive half-off your third night. Call (360) 466-2116 to make your reservations.

Katy’s Inn is offering a Midweek Special, Sunday - Thursday. Stay 2 nights and receive $50.00 off second night OR stay 3 nights and receive third night FREE! Make reservations online or call 866-528-9746. Katy's Inn is a Victorian house built in 1882. Four rooms, private baths, hot tub, full breakfast, view of the Swinomish Channel! Located at 503 S. Third St, La Conner.

The Queen of the Valley Inn is offering "Cash for Couples": 10% off one night, 20% off two nights, and 30% off three nights. For all reservations September through December. Queen of the Valley Inn is located at 12757 Chilberg Rd, just outside La Conner. 360-466-4578 or 888-999-1404.

The Heron Inn & Watergrass Day Spa is offering Canadian dollars at par! Located at 117 Maple Ave, the Heron Inn is a member of the Small Elegant Hotels group. Call 360-466-4626 to make reservations.

SHOPPING:

Champagne Cove is closing its storefront. At www.champagnecove.com you will receive the same Champagne service and unique quality selections of merchandise. In addition, we will be bringing you new items that we could not display in our current retail space! Call 800-745-8766.

Skagit County Historical Museum’s big 40% Off Sale continues through the month of September! Remember our current exhibit Harvesting the Light: Images of Contemporary Skagit Farm Life closes September 27, so don’t miss your last chance to see this marvelous photography exhibit about our very fertile and fabulous Skagit farmland. And pick up the award-winning gift book of the same name for a dazzling 40% off!


Something Blue Bridal Boutique is having an "Augusta Jones Trunk Show" September 18, 19 & 20. Featured Trunk Show Designers are Augusta Jones Bridal, Angela Nuran Shoes and Heidi Hull Jewelry. We will be offering a 10% discount for orders placed during this weekend only! Call for Appointment today as space is limited. Something Blue Bridal Boutique is located at 623 Morris St, 360-466-0415.


EVENTS:

September 1 – October 4 ~ Quilt Walk in La Conner Shops! This year’s Quilt Walk takes place in 37 La Conner shops and venues, with more than 90 quilts on display. Pick up a map at any participating venue or the La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum. The Quilt Walk features quilts by members of the Contemporary Quilt Art Association (CQA), based in the Seattle area.

September 5 ~ Fairy GodMother's Unlimited will be hosting local Equine author Connie Funk, and artist Kim McElroy on Saturday, September 5 from noon-5 pm. Both will be signing the book "Celebrate the Horse a Spiritual Connection" they collaborated on. See you there! Fairy Godmother's Unlimited is located at 705 S. First St., La Conner. Call 360-466-3340 for more info.

September 5 ~ Christianson’s Nursery presents Cooking with Julia & Jacques on Saturday, September 5, 11:00 AM Cost: $12 pre-register at 466-3821. A decade before the Julie and Julia phenomena there was Julia and Jacques Cooking at Home. Join Joanne Romann as she demonstrates the preparation of Julia’s Leek and Potato Soup and Large Pan Bagnat and Jaques Pepin’s Sautéed Pork Tenderloin with prunes and port followed by his Pears and Chocolate sauce.

September 11 ~ La Conner Retirement Inn presents "Passion for Fashion" Vintage clothing…1885 to 1985 join us for an afternoon of Fun, Music and Refreshments It is absolutely FREE! Friday, September 11 1:30 to 3:00 PM La Conner Retirement Inn is located at 204 N. First Street. 360-466-5700.

September 12-13 ~ Two Museum Estate Sale on September 12 in La Conner Civic Garden Club at 622 South Second Street. FEATURING: Quality antiques, collectibles, art, quilts, dishes, interior furnishings, glassware, jewelry, rugs, silverware, and vintage clothing. PUBLIC SALE DATES: Saturday September 12, 9am – 4pm and Sunday, September 13 10am-4pm. 2009 PRIVATE PRE-SALE Party: Friday, September 11, 5:30 - 8:00pm Tickets: $25 per person. BENEFITING: The Museum of Northwest Art and the La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum. To donate items, volunteer, or for info: call (360) 466-4446, ext. 112.

September 12 - October 10 ~ RoozenGaarde knows that Fall is the time to plant for spring! Join us every Saturday, beginning September 12th - October 10th for our bulb planting seminars! Each session begins at 10:30am. Learn how to plant, maintain and store your bulb investment, ask questions and watch as our display garden crew demonstrates how our beautiful 3 acre display garden is planned and planted each fall. Each person in attendance will receive an exclusive coupon for 20% off their bulb purchase! RoozenGaarde is located at 15867 Beaver Marsh Rd. For additional questions, please call (360) 424-8531 or toll free at (800) 732-3266.

September 12 ~ Christianson’s Nursery hosts local author Constance Funk for a book reading and interactive discussion on her latest book “Holy as Thou” and “Beauty from Brokenness” Saturday, September 12, 12:30 – 3:30 PM. Complimentary pre-register at (360) 466-3821. Light refreshments will be served.

September 13 ~ Museum of Northwest Art hosts artist, Ellen Sollod for an Artist's Talk and Book Signing on Sunday, September 13, 1pm. Ellen Sollod discusses her project, "Lake Washington Palimpsest," her process, and the discoveries she made along the way that revealed dramatic environmental impacts to the second largest lake in Washington. Sollod will sign copies of her newly released book, "Lake Washington Palimpsest". 121 S. First St, La Conner. Open daily 10-5 pm. 360-466-4446.

September 26 & 27 ~ Antique, Craft, & Flea Market at Skagit County Fairgrounds. Saturday from 8:00am to 4:00pm and Sunday from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Skagit County Fairgrounds located at 1410 Virginia Street, Mount Vernon (located at the corner of Hazel and Virginia). Admission: $3 for both days or $2 per day. Parking: $2. Over 200 retail vendor booths offering antiques, collectibles, toys, art, crafts, books, automotive, sporting goods, camping, hunting & fishing equipment, glassware, household items, furniture, and more. Food vendors including burgers & hot dogs, kettle corn, mini donuts and more. Kid’s Activities: Free Train Rides

September 27 ~ Museum of Northwest Art hosts artist Wynne Greenwood on Sunday, September 27, 2pm. Seattle-based artist Wynne Greenwood explores various intersections of Northwest art through images and video. The Museum of Northwest Art is located at 121 S. First St., La Conner. Open daily 10-5. 360-466-4446.

Seed’s Bistro & Bar invites you to enjoy weeknight specials from 5-9 pm and live music every Thursday. Monday is Burger & Brew night, Tuesday is Local's Night, and Wednesday is Wine night! Located at 623 Morris Street, La Conner. Open 11:30 - 9 pm daily, Happy Hour from 3-6 pm. Call 360-466-3280 for reservations or more details.

La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum invites you to “Saturdays with the Divas”! Every Saturday from 11-2, one or two of the Fidalgo Island Quilters Wearable Art Divas will be here to meet our visitors. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to talk with the artists firsthand! La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum is located at 703 S. Second St, 360-466-4288.

Skagit County Historical Museum - As participants in the La Conner Quilt and Textile Museum Quilt Walk, we are pleased to exhibit five unique small quilts in our lobby from September 1 through October 1. Four were created by Lindi Wood and one by Lynne Rigby, and they’re definitely not from Grandma’s trunk! Come on up and take a look!


MUSEUMS:

La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum invites you to see their newest exhibit, "Play with Your Food: The Delicious Quilts of Sandy Bonsib". September 30 - December 27, 2009 Featuring textile artist and author, Sandy Bonsib. Also featuring “As the Needle Turns” with the students of Nancy Chong, and Quilts from our permanent collection featuring quilts from the Schlotterback Collection. La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum is located at 703 S. Second St. and is open Wednesday - Sunday from 11 am -5 pm. Admission is $5. 360-466-4288.

Museum of Northwest Art invites you to the opening reception of three new exhibits, October 10, 2-5 pm. GOVEDARE, IVERSON, KEPPELMAN, LIVINGSTON & NEIDIG: REPRESENTING ABSTRACTION. Five Northwest artists combine the abstract and the representational with very different results. .
BOYD SUGIKI: LAYERS. Inspired by Istanbul’s skyline of historic domes and minarets alongside modern buildings, Boyd Sugiki creates a series of forms reminiscent of architecture in blown glass.
TONY ANGELL: SPIRITS OF PLACE. A selection of works by noted Northwest sculptor Tony Angell in the second floor galleries. This exhibition is held in conjunction with the release of Angell’s latest book, Puget Sound Through an Artist’s Eye.

SERVICES:

Blue Water Massage is offering a 'Summer Soother' Massage Special. In this fun treatment you'll start by soaking those dry, flip-flop feet in a moisturizing foot bath as you sip on a cold, fruity beverage. You'll then be treated to a soothing, rejuvenating massage that combines a variety of relaxation techniques, stretching, and foot reflexology. Loose clothing is advised, Hawaiian shirts recommended. Bring your favorite relaxing summer music if you wish. The 'Summer Soother' special is available Mon-Fri and runs through Sept. $55 for 1 hour or $80 for 1.5 hours. Call 360-333-8811 for scheduling or gift certificates. Call 360-333-8811 for information about services, rates, and scheduling. 125 Washington St., La Conner.


Native Springs is offering a Back to School Special. Our 75 minute teen facial and consult is usually $90. During the month of September it is $45, yes that is 1/2 OFF for students! Show your current student ID, whatever the grade, you save! The clay facial works naturally to remove the bacteria and clear blackheads, leaving the face smooth as silk. Head back to school with clearer and healthier skin. Call Joan at 360-708-8313 to schedule. Located at the La Conner Wellness Center on 2nd and Washington Street, plenty of client parking.



SAVE THE DATE!

October 2-4 ~ Join us for 12th anniversary Quilt Festival 2009! This annual event takes place October 2-4 in three fantastic venues in La Conner, Washington–The La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum in the Historic Gaches Mansion, Maple Hall, and The La Conner Civic Garden Club. Quilt Fest is a celebration that includes a dazzling show of award-winning quilts, fabulous workshops, vendors, a silent auction, and three floors of exhibits in the Museum. Two new exhibits open in the Museum during Quilt Fest weekend: “Play with Your Food: The Delicious Quilts of Sandy Bonsib” and “As the Needle Turns: The Students of Nancy Chong.” Visitors can also stroll through the shops of La Conner during the month-long “Quilt Walk in the La Conner Shops.” The only quilt museum in Washington & one of only thirteen in the U.S., the La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum may be contacted for more information at 360-466-4288.

October 3 & 4 ~ Join us for the 11th annual Festival of Family Farm Tour. An “open barn” celebration featuring Farm tours (15 to choose from!) including dairy, row crop, animal, organic, orchard, shellfish and Christmas tree Fresh produce, dairy, beef and shellfish markets and roadside stands Delectable treats and free samples Hands-on children’s activities: veggie car races, artificial cow milking, veggie art, oyster shuffleboard & more! Hay rides, pony rides & horse drawn wagons Scarecrow making & corn mazes U-pick and pre-picked pumpkin patches Farm animal viewing, petting and walking Meet the farmer sessions and educational exhibits Farm equipment displays…. and much more! Begin & end your tour in the Historic Waterfront Village of La Conner ~ The Heart of the Skagit Valley! Experience the diversity, beauty and bounty of “Washington’s backyard.” Saturday 10-5 pm and Sunday 12-4 pm.

October 4 ~ Skagit Valley Farm Pedal! Enjoy a visit to several Skagit Valley farms by bicycle during the Festival of Family of Farms. Choose to ride 18 or 35 miles in Skagit Valley, where the terrain is flat and the traffic is low. Riders will depart from La Conner Flats after enjoying hot coffee, cider and pastry at the farm’s Garden Café. Both routes will then visit Hedlin Family Farm, Schuh Farms and Gordon Skagit Farms. The 35 mile route will take you through the farm lands of Fir Island for a visit to Alpacas of Misty Ridge. Each farm is unique, offering specialized tours, delicious treats and fresh farm products for purchase. PLUS ... our “sag” driver will pick up your farm purchases and bring them back to the finish! HELMETS REQUIRED ... EXPERIENCED RIDERS ONLY! Maps are provided and routes are led by experienced local bicyclists. For more information contact Skagit Bicycle Club members Dian and Steve Jahn at dianstevejahn@hotmail.com or call 360-293-1340.

October 9-11 ~ Hotel Planter Presents: "Healthy Indulgence". Indulge yourself in a weekend replenishing your mind, body and spirit through pampering and fun! Plan to come for the weekend or just for the day! Pick which events, spa & relaxation sessions and free talks you would like to attend and then we’ll take care of the rest. Prices range from $10 and up. (Free Talks are FREE!) Give us a call to book your reservations. If you stay for a night or two over the weekend, we are offering light breakfast fare with freshly brewed coffee and herbal tea. Hotel Planter ~ 715 First Street ~ La Conner, WA 98257 Reservations: 800-488-5409 ~ Phone: 360-466-4710.

October 9 ~ La Conner Institute of Performing Arts presents Andre Feriante at 7:30 pm in Maple Hall. Andre Feriante, award winning composer/guitarist, will present a program of original works in the classical, flamenco, and Brazillan styles. Andre was born in Naples, Italy and began playing the guitar as an adolescent in Rome. Feriante has ten recordings to his credit and has performed internationally for over two decades. Concert takes place at Maple Hall located at 105 Commercial St., La Conner. Tickets can be purchased by calling Next Chapter Bookstore 360-466-2665.

October 10 ~ Skagit County Historical Museum invites you to the opening of the new exhibit Paint Me a River! Art Meets History running through January 3, 2010! The works of over 85 local artists feature the artists’ individual views of Skagit history. 501 S. 4th Street at the top of the hill, 360-466-3365.


October 24 ~ Bears ‘N Friends invites you to a Steiff event in La Conner. Claire Steiff Meisel, granddaughter to Richard Steiff, who invented the teddy bear will be in the store signing and answering questions from 11:00-4:00. There will be door prize drawings and we will be handing out goody bags at the store, while supply lasts, along with our wonderful desserts. There will be two showings of the DVD at the LaConner Waterfront Cafe, one around noon, and the second one about 2:30. If people would like to come early and have lunch while the presentation is going on they are more than welcome. We will have samples of the new Fall/Christmas line and other Steiff pieces. If you have any questions please contact the store at 360-466-3538

November 6, 7 & 8 ~ La Conner's 25th Annual Arts Alive! Invitational Art Exhibition and Open Show with local artists at Maple Hall. New this year is an Emerging Artist exhibit! Businesses throughout La Conner will have featured artists in their facility with demonstrations.
Artist's Reception at Maple Hall with featured artist, Georgia Gerber, will take place Friday evening 5-8.
Art League North will have an Artist's Reception on Friday evening, 6-8 pm at La Conner Retirement Inn.
Chowder by the Channel will be hosted by Kiwanis with proceeds to benefit La Conner Boys and Girls Club. This takes place at the La Conner Middle School at 305 N. 6th St. on Saturday, November 7th from 3-6 PM. Cost is $7. Vote for the Best Chowder!

FEATURED BUSINESS:

Katy’s Inn is one of the oldest homes in La Conner and when opened in 1984 it was the first bed and breakfast in town. The inn sits high on a hill overlooking the Swinomish Channel and just two blocks from the beautiful artistic village of La Conner, with easy access to sightseeing, shopping and dining. There are three bedrooms upstairs; each room has doors leading out onto the balcony and one bedroom downstairs with a private entrance and porch. All four rooms have private baths. Guests are encouraged to sit in the parlor, play games and dine at the spacious dining room table. Breakfasts are always a highlight, served in your room or in the dining room. If outside is where you would rather be, you will find a large wrap-around porch for rocking and reading, a deck with hot tub, covered lounging area with fireplace and BBQ area, and well manicured grounds. Katy’s Inn is open year-round and can also be booked for weddings, workshops, reunions, and special occasions. Voted #1 bed and breakfast in Skagit County for 2009! Current special; stay Sunday – Thursday and receive $50 off second night stay OR third night FREE!
Located at 503 S. Third Street, on the corner of Washington and Third. Book online or call 360-466-9909/866-528-9746.