La Conner - Washington State - travel

LA CONNER:
HAVEN FOR VICTORIANA AFICIONADOS
by
Bruce Burnett

A friend of mine is fond of telling people that he tolerates his wife's rather expensive and time-consuming interest in antiques because, "the older I get, the more interested she becomes in me."

They had just returned from another Saturday trip to La Conner, in Washington State, about a two hour drive south of Vancouver, BC, and even my jaded friend was at pains to disguise his fondness for the place. "You and your wife should drive down there one weekend," he enthused.

So we did.

La Connerites boast that there's more Victorian furniture in the town now than there was in 1890, even though the people are fewer 117 years later. This population depletion accounts for much of La Conner's considerable appeal. Its charm has never been sullied by a "boom" - tourist or otherwise.

Thomas Hayes founded la Conner, the oldest town in Skagit County, as a trading post in the early 1860's. Originally called "Swinomish," the post was purchased in 1873 by Missourians John and Louisa Ann Conner. The post was re-named in Louisa's honor.

In the late 1800's there was great excitement about the possibility of the railway terminal for the Pacific Northwest being located in La Conner. Real estate soared in value. By the turn of the century when it became evident that this honor was Seattle's, an economic depression set in that lasted until the outbreak of World War ll.

After the war, La Conner became an artists' haven and many of those original artists are still residents of the town. Indeed, art is so alive in La Conner that the first weekend in November each year celebrates the fact with a festival called "Art's Alive." In one weekend visitors can feast on the culinary, literary and visual arts of the Pacific Northwest.

LA CONNER: HAVEN FOR VICTORIANA AFICIONADOS by Bruce Burnett A friend of mine is fond of telling people that he tolerates his wife's rather expensive and time-consuming interest in antiques because, "the older I get, the more interested she becomes in me." They had just returned from another Saturday trip to La Conner, in Washington State, about a two hour drive south of Vancouver, BC, and even my jaded friend was at pains to disguise his fondness for the place. "You and your wife should drive down there one weekend," he enthused. So we did. La Connerites boast that there's more Victorian furniture in the town now than there was in 1890, even though the people are fewer 117 years later. This population depletion accounts for much of La Conner's considerable appeal. Its charm has never been sullied by a "boom" - tourist or otherwise. Thomas Hayes founded la Conner, the oldest town in Skagit County, as a trading post in the early 1860's. Originally called "Swinomish," the post was purchased in 1873 by Missourians John and Louisa Ann Conner. The post was re-named in Louisa's honor. In the late 1800's there was great excitement about the possibility of the railway terminal for the Pacific Northwest being located in La Conner. Real estate soared in value. By the turn of the century when it became evident that this honor was Seattle's, an economic depression set in that lasted until the outbreak of World War ll. After the war, La Conner became an artists' haven and many of those original artists are still residents of the town. Indeed, art is so alive in La Conner that the first weekend in November each year celebrates the fact with a festival called "Art's Alive." In one weekend visitors can feast on the culinary, literary and visual arts of the Pacific Northwest.
Gaches Mansion	From the gourmet dinner that benefits the Valley Museum of Northwest Art, housed in the Gaches Mansion (circa 1890), to the Children's Art Workshop, this celebration is for all ages and tastes. Visitors can witness demonstrations in pottery, weaving and jewellery making. Local authors and poets are on hand to sign their works and La Conner chefs show off their formidable culinary skills.
La Conner's unrivalled selection of galleries and antique shops draws thousands of visitors from all over the Pacific Northwest and beyond. On Morris Street alone there are eight antique stores. Most of these businesses, along with many of the town's private residences, are housed in edifices dating from the late 1800's and early 1900's. Thus La Conner's unique fin-de-siecle ambience is genuine, not replicated. A mere day in La Conner was not enough for me. Should you decide likewise, there are two inns, one R.V. Park and six bed & breakfast establishments at your service. Truly remarkable in a town of just 840 people. From Vancouver take I-5 south to Highway 20 (Exit 230), just north of Burlington. Go east on Highway 20 then south on the La Conner-Whitney Road to La Conner. Once off the freeway the road to La Conner is well sign-posted. LA CONNER: HAVEN FOR VICTORIANA AFICIONADOS was first published in Antique and Collectibles Showcase

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LA CONNER: HAVEN FOR VICTORIANA AFICIONADOS by Bruce Burnett

Gaches Mansion

Bookmark this page and visit us often. We regularly bring you the latest and best travel writing from around the world.

Contact Global Ramble Click email icon on right

Destinations: Asia - British Isles - Canada - Europe - New Zealand - USA About Us - Home Page

Exceptional Travel Writing

LA CONNER:
HAVEN FOR VICTORIANA AFICIONADOS
by
Bruce Burnett

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Click email icon on right

Destinations:
Asia - British Isles - Canada - Europe - New Zealand - USA
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