You’re driving down a country road in March in the Skagit Valley, the brisk early spring air pouring in through your car window. It’s sunny now, but the world is wet from the seasonal downpours, deep puddles are reflecting the sunlight in the fields outside. Something yellow catches your eye, you turn your head. You see an expansive field of bright yellow daffodils. A flock of snow geese soar overhead. Is this some kind of bucolic fever dream? No, it’s the La Conner Daffodil Festival.
That experience can be yours this March. The La Conner Daffodil Festival, like it’s more famous sister, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, is a self-guided driving tour. Which means, you have to come prepared for a bit of a hunt and an adventure. But once you get a glimpse of those joyful, Avant garde-looking yellow blooms out your car window, you’ll understand the excitement.
To help guide your drive, local flower farm Roozengaarde has provided The La Conner Chamber of Commerce with an updated bloom map. Once the daffodils start blooming, you’ll see yellow daffodil icons popping up on the map to show you which fields are currently in bloom.
Edible Adventures in La Conner
Daffodils are lovely, but sadly they’re not edible. And we wouldn’t be Genuine Skagit Valley if we weren’t looking out for all of our farms and food producers. So, while you’re enjoying the La Conner Daffodil Festival, why not make a day of it and support some other local farm, food, and beverage businesses?
- Christianson’s Nursery & Greenhouse
Christianson’s Nursery is right in the middle of the excitement, and well worth a stop. The park like setting is a nice place to stretch your legs, and you just might find a plant or gift you like while you’re there.
- Mesman Farm Store
All that daffodil hunting can make you hungry. Pre-order and pick up some pasture-raised, organic pork, beef, and lamb cuts from Mesman Farm Store for dinner.
Located at:
12609 Dodge Valley Road
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
To pre-order, please visit Mesman Farm’s farm store website.
- Nell Thorn Waterfront Bistro & Bar
La Conner’s downtown is the perfect place is well worth a visit, daffodil festival or no. The oh-so-quaint waterfront is a must-see, and locally sourced restaurant Nell Thorn Waterfront Bistro & Bar stands out as the go-to farm-sourced eatery. From their Dungeness Crab Mac and Cheese, all the way to their Duck Confit, Skagit Valley’s flavors and talents are on full display at Nell Thorn.
- La Conner Brewery & The Firehall Kitchen & Taphouse
What would a Western Washington road trip be without a stop at a brewery? La Conner Brewery will satisfy that need and then some with their delicious beers, and prime downtown La Conner location. If inspired beers like Raspberry Wheat and the Washington-grown Northwest IPA don’t appeal to you, that’s ok. Cider and wine drinkers will also be pleased with their high-quality selection of alternate fermented adult beverages. Established in 2022, The Firehall Kitchen & Taphouse is the sister establishment to the La Conner Brewery and features family-friendly indoor and outdoor seating, a 21 and over bar area and beer garden, a welcoming staff and can accommodate groups of all sizes.
When Does the La Conner Daffodil Festival Begin?
The start date all depends on the weather. So sit tight, and follow the La Conner Daffodil Festival on Facebook for updates from the field, and info about other events. You can also check out Visit Skagit for more information on daffodil inspired events in La Conner.