anacortes visitors and newcomers guide

ANACORTES

anacortesvisitor.com2013

Visitors and Newcomers Guide to a Special City and Island in NW Washington

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However you’ve arrived, whether on a drive through beautiful Fidalgo Island or a scenic flight or ferry ride, you’ve felt the change of pace and already experi-enced some of what’s wonderful about this special place. You’re invited to “Coast In and Hang Out” — as our chamber of commerce puts it — and discover even more, whether you’re here for a long weekend or looking to put down roots.

Anacortes used to be known as the Gateway to the San Juans. Not anymore. Sure there’s a state ferry terminal here that can take you to the islands and Canada, but this historic city has long been a destination all its own. Our guide can help you discover, or rediscover, all the things that keep people coming back here.

As a seaside community, Anacortes has long been tied to the waters sur-rounding Fidalgo Island. We still work and play on the water, and you’ll find so much to do. The whale watching here is world class, and the kayaking, boating, sailing, fishing, crabbing and scuba diving opportunities are hard to beat.

Anacortes has a long history of preserving open space and boasts wonder-ful parks and preserves. The Anacortes Community Forest Lands are one of the city’s treasures: 2,800 acres forever preserved from development. A trail system stretches more than 50 miles for use by hikers and bicyclists.

The arts are another ingredient that make this such a vibrant place. You’ll encounter wonderful murals and sculptures around town, and there are numerous galleries, concerts and community theater productions. We celebrate it all at the town’s biggest annual event, the three-day Anacortes Arts Festival that begins the first Friday in August.

Strong schools are important to Anacortes residents. Levies pass regularly and test scores here are consistently above the state’s average.

Our hospital enjoys strong support as well and recently completed a major expansion and renovation and added a medical arts pavillion with updated cancer care and physical therapy departments.

Not many cities our size have such excellent health care facilities, and even fewer support a museum and library at the level Anacortes does. It adds up to a special place indeed.

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Welcome to Anacortes

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Table of ContentsHistory ...........................................................................6Recreation .....................................................................8Viewpoints ....................................................................14Fidalgo Island Map ........................................................15Events .............................................................................16Anacortes Map .............................................................18Museums & Tours .........................................................20Murals ............................................................................21Tribes ..............................................................................22Arts ................................................................................23Anacortes Today ...........................................................26Guemes Island Map .....................................................33Weather .........................................................................34Directory of Advertisers ............................................34

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For many years Anacortes was a bustling fishing, canning, logging and mill town. When natural resources dwindled, it found ways to adapt. Home to two major refineries since the mid-1950s, Anacortes has a strong industrial component that includes Dakota Creek Industries, a busy shipyard on the Guemes Channel that draws residents and visitors eager to peek at its latest projects.

In recent years, the city’s quality of life and amenities have attracted a large population of affluent retirees. There are now about 16,000 people here.

Before Anacortes became a city, the area was home to the Samish and Swinomish tribes, who still have a strong presence here.

Coast Salish peoples thrived on the rich natural resources of Fidalgo Island for 10,000 years before Spanish explorers started mapping the area in 1790 and 1791.

European settlers staked their claims at Fern Prairie, now March Point, in the 1850s. They raised fruit, hops, cabbage, cauliflower seed and cattle. By 1873 the island was home to nine white women.

In 1876, Amos Bowman and his wife moved to the Ship Harbor area. When Bowman established a post office in 1877, he gave it the Spanish-sounding name Anacortes, a version of Annie Curtis — his wife’s maiden name.

In the boom year 1890, the population jumped from 200 to 2,000 fueled by speculation the town would become a transcontinental railroad terminus. Land prices jumped from $50 an acre to as much as $3,000 for a corner lot.

But the bubble burst the same year when the railroad selected Seattle. Hundreds departed, leaving behind many of the beautiful buildings that give downtown such charm today.

Incorporated in 1891, Anacortes recovered as salmon and codfish industries grew. By the early 1900s hundreds of people worked at a dozen fish-processing plants, and Anacortes called itself the salmon canning capi-tol of the world. Dances were held whenever the fishing fleets came home. Trident Seafoods, Sugiyo and SeaBear still process fish today.

Lumber was another vital industry. In 1911 Fidalgo Bay had 13 shingle and lumber mills. They thrived until resources grew scarce in the 1950s, and the last mill closed in 1992. Clear-cuts were gradually replaced by second-growth forests.

A new industrial era began in the mid-1950s, when Texaco and Shell built refineries on March Point. Today the facilities, now operated by Shell and Tesoro, fuel the regional economy.

The community’s tradition of land preservation dates back nearly a century. As early as 1913, citizens began donating key tracts, including the land that now comprises Washington Park, to preserve them for future generations. Today, more than half the area inside city limits is either park or forest, and 2,800 acres in the Anacortes Community Forest Lands are permanently preserved by easements.

In the late 1960s, marinas and pleasure boats began to replace water-front mills and canneries, and tourism and boat-building industries grew. Developers began building upscale developments, most notably at Skyline in the West End. These amenities, as well as the arts scene, recreation and natural beauty, attracted well-heeled retirees, allowing Anacortes to evolve into the diverse city it is today.

History

» Stroll the docks at Cap Sante Marina — and pick up fresh seafood in season.

» Visit the Cap Sante viewpoint located just blocks from downtown.

» Go whale watching and enjoy the breathtaking scen-ery and varied wildlife of the San Juan Islands. (There are whale sightings on almost every trip.)

» Check out the W.T. Preston snagboat down by the marina and the adjacent Maritime Heritage Center, both part of the Anacortes Museum, a treat in itself.

» Drive to the the top of Mount Erie, arguably the best viewpoint on Fidalgo Island. The lookout is about 20 minutes from downtown in the center of the island. On a clear day, the crystal blue Salish Sea studded with its gem-like green islands will startle your eyes and feed your soul.

» End a downtown stroll at Dakota Creek Industries on the Guemes Channel and peek at the ships under construction and repair.

» Plan a walk in the Community Forest Lands. There are trails of all kinds.

While You’re Here

anacortesvisitor.com 2013 AnAcortes Visitors & newcomers Guide 9

450 full-time, family-wage jobs for local residentsJOBS $125,000 in annual

charitable contributionsHOPE$20 million in annual state and local sales taxTAXES 2,300 volunteer hours in

the local community last yearHELP

Puget Sound RefineryPuget Sound Refinery

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Whale WatchingThe breathtaking scenery and varied

wildlife of the San Juan Islands draw thou-sands of visitors to the area each year for close encounters with nature, especially or-cas. Three pods of Southern Resident orcas, the J, K and L pods, spend much of the sum-mer and fall among the San Juans.

Two charter companies provide whale-watching excursions from Anacortes. Cruis-es, usually five to six hours, depart from Cap Sante Marina. Riders may see orca whales as well as harbor seals, sea lions, porpoise, bald eagles and a variety of seabirds.

island adventures 1801 Commercial Avenue360.293.2428 or 800.465.4604island-adventures.com

mystic sea cHarters819 Commercial Avenue Suite E360.588.8000 or 800.308.9387mysticseacharters.com

KayakingKayaking is a great way to get out on the

waters of the San Juan Islands, whether for a quick paddle or a trip lasting several days. Paddlers can enjoy beautiful vistas and see wildlife from a different perspective while gliding quietly along a shoreline or exploring a secluded cove.

People new to paddling can get a scenic introduction at Deception Pass State Park. Kayak rentals through Anacortes Kayak Tours are available seasonally at Bowman Bay, and a guide can take the whole family on a short trip. Anacortes Kayak Tours also offers half-day and full-day family friendly trips in the waters around Fidalgo Island, and multi-day sea kayak tours through the San Juan Islands.

anacortes KayaK tours2201 Skyline Way, Suite 203800.992.1801anacorteskayaktours.com

A major Northwest kayaking event is the Deception Pass Dash held at the begin-ning of December by Outdoor Adventure Center. Close to 200 kayakers race from Bowman Bay in Deception Pass State Park

through the pass as the tide changes. More information can be found at rubycreekboat-house.com.

Members of the Hole in the Wall Pad-dling Club take day and multi-day kayaking trips throughout the region and encour-age safe kayaking. More information can be found at holeinthewallpaddlingclub.org.

MarinasAnacortes Marina is a privately owned

condominium marina with 466 covered and open berths from 32 feet to 60 feet in length. Amenities include power, water, pri-vate laundry facility, restrooms and showers. Nearby facilities include a 60 ton lift, fuel dock and pump-out station. No transient moorage available. Annual leases only.

anacortes marina2415 T Avenue360.293.4543anacortesmarina.com

Cap Sante Marina is owned and oper-ated by the Port of Anacortes. It is on the west side of Fidalgo Bay within walking dis-tance to downtown stores and restaurants.

Recreation

The pristine waters surrounding Fidalgo Island delight sailors, fishermen, kayakers and whale watchers, while the island’s parks and Forest Lands tempt hikers, bicyclists and nature lovers.


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The marina provides permanent and tran-sient moorage with 150 to 200 berths for guest moorage. Floats have power and water. Other accommodations include restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, fuel dock, pump-out stations, boat launch and free Wi-Fi.

cap sante marina1019 Q Avenue360.293.0694 or 360.661.5000 after 5 p.m.portofanacortes.com/visit/the-marina

Skyline Marine Center is at Flounder Bay on the west end of Fidalgo Island. The marina provides guest moorage, a launching hoist, fuel, pump-out services, shower and laundry facilities. Old Salt’s Deli and Market is near the marina. Office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Sunday.

sKyline marine center2011 Skyline Way.360.293.5134skylinemarinecenter.com

CyclingMountain bikers can enjoy many easy

to moderate trails winding through the nearly 2,800 acres in the Anacortes Com-munity Forest Lands. Maps are avail-able through the Anacortes Parks & Recreation department at City Hall and at the Visitor’s Information Center.

anacortes parKs & rec904 6th Street360.293.1918cityofanacortes.org/parks/forestlands

visitor's info center819 Commercial Avenue Suite A360.293.3832cityofanacortes.org/parks/forestlands

The High Tide Ride at the Anacortes Wa-terfront Festival is Saturday, June 1. Routes are 25 miles, 50 miles and 75 miles. A 5 mile family fun ride is also included. They all begin and end at the Anacortes Waterfront Festi-val at Cap Sante Marina. Sites along the way include Skagit Valley farmlands, Mount Baker, Swinomish Channel and San Juan Islands.

Proceeds benefit North Islands Young Life.

GolfThe Similk Beach Golf Course sits be-

tween Fidalgo and Similk bays, giving golfers views of the water and sometimes bringing light breezes into play. The 18-hole, par-72 public course plays 6,177 yards long. The course designed by Rod Turner is rated 68.4 and has a slope rating of 110.

similK beacH Golf course12518 Christianson Road360.293.3444

TennisThe Anacortes Tennis Club (no courts)

holds clinics throughout the year for be-ginning, novice and intermediate players. It teaches basic techniques, tactics and strate-gies for this lifetime sport. For more infor-mation, contact the Anacortes Parks & Rec-reation Department.

» Anacortes Middle School, 2nd Street near J Ave., six tennis courts.

— Dick Smith / Anacortes Yacht Club


360.378.5947www.zipsanjuan.com

Come and experience for yourself the only Zip Line Tour in the San Juan Islands. Our family friendly zip tour features 8 zip lines that will take you through a beautiful forest, across a pristine lake and

over protected wetlands. This tour is an amazing way to experience the natural landscape of San Juan Island while zipping from platform to platform through the forest canopy.

over protected wetlands. This tour is an amazing

» Clearridge Park, 1900 Block of Blakely Dr. next to the Anacortes Airport, two ten-nis courts next to a basketball court.

PoolThe 25-meter by 25-yard, 280,000 gallon

pool at Fidalgo Pool & Fitness Center has a water slide, 1-meter diving board, Ollie the inflatable Octopus, inner tubes and more. The average water temperature is 83 de-grees. The water is treated with an ultravio-let system so chlorine is minimal. The pool’s weekly schedule includes family/open swims, lap swims, water aerobics, swim lessons, aqua arthritis and aquatic therapy sessions, water walks, preschool and prenatal swims and pool rentals. The upstairs fitness center offers aerobic and other exercise classes along with Nautilus equipment, free weights, treadmills and stairmasters. Hours are 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - noon Saturday and noon - 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

fidalGo pool & fitness center1603 22nd Street360.293.0673fidalgopool.com

Farmers MarketThe Depot Plaza is bustling each sum-

mer with folks stocking up on fresh veg-etables, fruits and berries, artisan cheeses, fresh bakery goods and more at the Ana-cortes Farmers Market. Look for fresh fish, jam, honey, coffee, tea and fudge. Plants and fresh and dried flowers are also offered. Craft items include ceramics, photography, kitchen accessories, jewelry, garden art, knit-wear, soaps and lotions and hand-spun yarns and clothing.

The Art of Gardening Event is Saturday and Sunday, April 27 and 28. The Holiday Farmers Market at the Port of Anacortes Transit Shed is Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 23 and 24. Summer hours are 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturdays from mid-May through October and 4 - 7 p.m. Wednesdays, mid-June through August. Indoor winter hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. second Saturdays, January through April.

tHe depot plaZa7th Street and R Avenue360.293.7922anacortesfarmersmarket.org

Forest LandsThe Anacortes Community Forest Lands

encompass nearly 2,800 acres preserved for-ever from development under a conserva-tion easement program overseen by the city, Skagit Land Trust and Friends of the Forest.

Those acres include forest lands, mead-ows, wetlands, Mount Erie, Sugarloaf Moun-tain, and Cranberry, Whistle and Heart lakes. The 50 miles of trails in the Forest Lands accommodate hikers, bicyclists and horse riders. A limited number of trails are open to two-wheeled motorcycles during the warm-er months. Dogs must be on a leash at all times in the Forest Lands. Maps of the Forest Lands are available at City Hall, the visitor’s information center and local merchants.

Parks» Washington Park, 6300 Sunset Ave., is

220-acres on the west side of Fidalgo Island. The park has day-use and overnight camp-ing facilities for tents and RVs, a boat launch, picnic shelters, playground, showers and laundry facility. A 2.3-mile loop road around

Dog Parks» Anacortes has a leash law, but dogs have a great place to romp at Ace of Hearts Rotary Park (38th Street and H Avenue). There’s a huge off-leash area and a special spot for small dogs. Plenty of water, pet waste disposal bags, portable restrooms — and lots of dog lovers. The park is busy all year.

» A temporary off-leash area is open near Cap Sante Marina at Ninth Street and O Avenue.

(Continued on pg. 13)

» Ship Harbor trail. Short, wide and flat with views of Ship Harbor, the Guemes Channel and the Washington State Ferries terminal. Viewing platforms and easy beach access. Go to the San Juan Passage development and curl down to the water via Edwards Way. Head west on the gravel path. You can also go east on the pavement and enjoy the first leg of the Guemes Channel Trail.

» Tommy Thompson Parkway. Great for walking or biking. Runs along Fidalgo Bay south of downtown and continues across a trestle. Access it at 11th Street, 22nd Street, 34th Street or the RV park at Fidalgo Bay Resort.

» Seafarers’ Memorial Park on the south side of the Cap Sante Marina. Lots of grass, a nice beach and great views of boat traffic on Fidalgo Bay.

» Causland Memorial Park a few blocks west of town on Seventh Street. Lovely spot that’s on the National Regis-ter of Historic Places.

» Rotary Park on the far side of the Cap Sante Marina. A short stroll from the northeast corner of the marina takes you to a gazebo and picnic tables with hillside views of the marina and Fidalgo Bay. You can pick your way down to the beach and dine amidst the driftwood as well.

Waterfront Walks Places to Picnic


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the park can be walked or driven.

» Cap Sante Park, 1000 W Ave., is a 37-acre forested area at the top of Cap Sante on the northeast corner of the island. The park offers views of Fidalgo Bay, March Point and the rest of Fidalgo Island.

» Tommy Thompson Parkway has trail heads at 22nd St. and R Ave., Fidalgo Bay RV Park, and 30th St. and U Ave.. The paved path for pedestrians and bicyclists runs along the west side of Fidalgo Bay, leading to a walk-way over the bay on a former train trestle that connects to March Point.

» Volunteer Park, 1915 13th St., is the city’s sports center with a fastpitch/Little League field, two regulation baseball fields, Kiwanis Meadows soccer field, basketball court and Doug Colglazier Playground. The park also has walking paths.

» Storvik Park, 1110 32nd St., is home to the community-built Our Town Our Park playground. The nearly 9-acre park has a Lit-tle League field, two basketball courts, picnic tables and barbecues.

» Causland Memorial Park, 710 N Ave., is a 2-acre park dedicated to Anacortes veterans and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The park has decorative rock and black and white mosaic walls and structures, including a bandstand, amphithe-ater and terraces.

» Ace of Hearts Rotary Park, 38th St. and H Ave., has a Little League field and fenced off-leash dog area complete with wa-tering station, wash-off hose and a special area for smaller dogs.

» John and Doris Tursi Park, 2200 Penn-sylvania Ave., is a small neighborhood park just east of the Anacortes Airport. The park has a playground, picnic tables, nature trail overseeing wetlands and a pavilion made of raw cedar logs.

» The Ben Root Skate Park, 2313 R Ave., has a 7,500-square-foot concrete skate area with lights, seating and nearby restrooms.

» Kiwanis Waterfront Park, 1708 Sixth St., is a 2-acre park overlooking the Guemes Channel and the Guemes Island ferry landing.

» Rotary Park, 701 T Ave., is a 1.5-acre park running along the shoreline of a Fidalgo Bay inlet north of the Cap Sante Marina. The park has walking trails and a gazebo.

» Shugarts Playground, 10th St. and N Ave. next to the Anacortes Public Library, has a small playground area with picnic tables.

» Clearridge Park, 1900 block of Blakely Dr. next to the Anacortes Airport, is nearly 1 acre with two tennis courts and a basket-ball court.

» 29th Street Playground, 29th St. and Q Ave., is a half acre park with playground equipment.

» N Ave. Park, Second St. and N Ave., is close to a half acre park with views of the Guemes Channel.

Organizations

friends of tHe forest619 Commercial Avenue, Suite 32360. 293.3725friendsoftheacfl.orgHours: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday.

old anacortes rowinG & sail-inG society2821 Commercial Avenue 360.299.3787oarss.org» Meets Fridays at 7:30 a.m. at San Juan Lanes Bar and Grill.

puGet sound anGlers fidalGo cHapter 807 Commercial Avenue psafidalgo.org» Meets third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Village Pizza.

(Continued from pg. 11)


Choosing the best viewpoint in Anacortes isn’t easy, with so many remarkable vistas easily accessible. In fact, just driving around town you’ll be treated to gorgeous sun-rises and sunsets and plenty of saltwater scenery. Here are some of our favorite spots.

CAP SANTECap Sante, just a few minutes from downtown, provides

the most scenic overview of the city itself. To get there from downtown, take Fourth Street east to the top, turn right and follow the road up to the park. There you will be treated to a view of the city and the San Juans to the west, refiner-ies and bays to the south and a stunning view of Mount Baker to the east — plus boat traffic, everything from sail-boats to tankers, much of the time.

SUNSET BEACHThis sprawling expanse of beach and grass is in Wash-

ington Park at the west end of Fidalgo Island. It’s about 15 minutes from downtown — and a great picnic spot. The views are north and west to the San Juan Islands and the Washington State Ferries that glide by.

To get there, take 12th Street and follow it west as its name changes to Oakes Avenue, then Sunset Avenue. Fol-low it until it ends in the park. The beach is down to the right, below the playground.

Washington Park’s Loop Road also offers great views. The first section offers views to the West, with a nice area

with picnic tables at Green Point. At Fidalgo Head, there is a landmark madrona tree and beautiful views of Skyline, Mount Erie and Burrows Island.

DECEPTION PASS STATE PARKThere are scenic spots inside the park at Pass Lake, Rosa-

rio Beach and Bowman Bay. But the iconic photo spots are at the pullouts on Highway 20 just before and at the two Deception Pass bridges. The 20-minute drive to the bridge along the west side of Fidalgo Island is scenic in its own right.

MOUNT ERIEArguably the best viewpoint on the island is atop Mount

Erie. The lookout is about 20 minutes from downtown in the center of the island.

To get there, take H Avenue south and continue as it turns into Heart Lake Road. Past the lake, turn left into the park. A steep drive or long hike rises about 1,000 feet to a park donated to the city of Anacortes by the Anacortes Noon Kiwanis Club.

Several pullouts near the top provide access to views in different directions, with a panoramic outlook that stretch-es from the North Cascades to Mount Rainier and back around to the Olympics. Hikers can get views to the north.

The best viewpoint is just beyond the access to the huge cell tower at the top.

Viewpoints


South Fidalgo Island

© Skagit Publishing, LLCMap produced by

Fine Edge, Anacortes, WA

APRILSpring Wine Festivalapr. 13At the Port of Anacortes Transit Shed Event Center with tastes from dozens of Washing-ton wineries.

anacortes.org

MAYTrawlerFestmay 14-19A celebration of the cruising-under-power lifestyle at Cap Sante Marina.

trawlerfest.com

JUNEAnacortes Waterfront Festivaljune 1-2At Cap Sante Marina, includes free boat rides, music, radio-controlled boats, kids activities, a marine swap meet, booths and food.

anacortes.org

St. MerryFestjune 7-9Carnival rides, food and entertainment at St.

Mary Catholic Church, 4001 St. Mary’s Dr.

Bark in the Parkjune 15A dog festival at Storvik Park, includes dem-

onstrations, contests and booths.

JULYOld-fashioned July 4thjuly 4A celebration, town photo, patriotic parade and picnic — complete with food and kids activities. Fireworks display over Fidalgo Bay.

EventsArt enthusiasts, wine and beer lovers and leather-clad

bikers can all find major Anacortes events that will tickle their fancy. So will

bargain hunters, dog lovers and antique engine buffs.


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Kids-R-Best Festjuly 13A free event with inflatable toys, games, food, entertainment and more at Storvik

Park, between 29th and 32nd streets.

Shipwreck Festivaljuly 20Shipwreck Day Flea Market fills several blocks downtown with booths filled with plunder.

shipwreckfest.org

AUGUSTAnacortes Arts FestivalauG. 2-4The city’s biggest annual event and one of the largest arts festivals in the Northwest. Features 250 juried booth artisans, a fine art show, two stages of free music and youth activities. Experience Art Area features art-ists demonstrating sculpture, weaving, paint-ing and more.

anacortesartsfestival.com

Workboat Races and Pirate FaireauG. 24Celebrates the working waterfront with workboat races, clam chowder contest, pirate

contests and more on the Guemes Channel.

SEPTEMBERAntique Engine and Machinery Daysept. 14Brings about 2,000 visitors to check out trac-tors, trucks, engines, saws and steamboats.

Oyster Runsept. 22The largest motorcycle rally in the Pacific Northwest. Thousand of bikers rumble through the county, eating oysters along the way, and arrive in Anacortes for more oys-ters, food and fun.

oysterrun.org

OCTOBEROktoberfest - Bier on the Pier Festivaloct. 4-5Features samples from 30 Northwest brew-eries and German fare at Pier I, First Street and Commercial Avenue.

anacortes.org

DECEMBERWonderland Walkdec. 13-14 Features twinkling lights and decorations at Washington Park campsites decorated by community groups. A holiday stroll for all ages.

cityofanacortes.org/parks.asp


Anacortes Map


© Skagit Publishing, LLCMap produced by

Fine Edge, Anacortes, WA


CAP SANTE MARINA ESPLANADE Behind the snagboat, this attractive waterfront walk offers a glimpse of Fi-

dalgo Bay’s history in a series of interpretive displays. Stop by the marina office if you have questions.

THE ANACORTES MURAL PROJECTDowntown, it’s impossible to turn a corner without encountering a cast of

historic characters from the unique Anacortes Mural Project, a longtime effort by artist Bill Mitchell, a colorful character in his own right. A list of murals is available at the Anacortes Visitors Center.

WALKING TOUR OF HISTORIC DOWNTOWN ANACORTES

The Anacortes Historic Preservation Board has charted a leisurely stroll past historic buildings and places that enhances appreciation of the sites. Don’t miss Marine Supply & Hardware at the bottom of Commercial Avenue. Old Town is full of historic homes such as the J.A. Matheson House on Fifth Street. Brochures are available at the Visitors Center, City Hall and at museum.cityofa-nacortes.org/AHPB/documents/WalkTourBrochure.pdf.

ANACORTES MUSEUMOnce a Carnegie Library, the Anacortes Mu-

seum offers permanent exhibits on the history of Fidalgo and Guemes islands as well as revolving displays. Ending this year in the Carnegie Gallery is “Young Man in a Hurry: The Life of Isaac Ste-vens and the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War.” As Washington Territory’s first Territorial Gover-nor and Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Stevens pushed through treaties with Indian tribes that set off the region’s Indian Wars and still create contro-versy today. Planned next is “We’re Still Here,” a look at Native Americans in Washington that will be supplemented with local information and dis-plays.

The museum is open daily except Mondays; admission is free. A research library with in-depth resources is open weekdays except Mondays. Ap-pointments are preferred.

1305 eighth street360.293.1915museum.cityofanacortes.org

W.T. PRESTON SNAGBOATThe Preston is a historic sternwheeler and a

retired U.S. Army Corps of Engineers vessel that once cleared debris from Puget Sound waterways. The Anacortes Museum restored the craft, now permanently displayed ashore. Admission is $1-$3. The snagboat and nearby Maritime Heritage Cen-ter are open weekends in April, May, September and October; and daily except Mondays in June, July and August.

713 r avenue360.293.1916museum.cityofanacortes.org

MARITIME HERITAGE CENTERThe Maritime Heritage Center, formerly the

Snagboat Interpretive Center, now has a greater focus on the history of the community’s fishing, boat-building and marine transportation industries. This year see a show on the America’s Cup-winning BMW Oracle yacht that was built and tested in An-acortes. Open weekends in April, May, September and October; and daily except Mondays in June, July and August.

703 r avenue360.299.1984museum.cityofanacortes.org

Museums & Tours


Exploring the history of Fidalgo and Guemes Islands through:

• Educational Programs • Exhibits • Research Library • Special Events

8th Street & M Avenue

Gallery Open Year-Round Tues. - Sat., 10-4

Sunday 1-4, Closed Monday

The Carnegie Gallery

For Information Call:(360) 293-1915 or

Check our Website: museum.cityofanacortes.org

Anacortes Museum 1305 8th Street • Anacortes, WA

Open weekends: April - October Open Daily: June, July, August

Closed Monday

The W.T. PresTon & Maritime Heritage Center

9th Street & R Avenue

The exterior walls of Anacortes, especially downtown, are the canvas for Bill Mitchell, well-known artist, historian and generally quirky character. Passers-by are occasionally startled and often charmed to encounter his nostal-gic and distinctive life-sized murals of local characters.

Mitchell’s subjects, more than 120 of them, come from all walks of life: fishermen, mayors, dancers, storekeepers, bar patrons, children, pets, musicians, boaters, church leaders and editors. One mural is a self-portrait of the mutton-chopped artist, seated in his trademark three-wheeled 1954 Autoette, which doubles as a wheelchair.

Cheerfully eccentric and frequently cantankerous, Mitchell attacks his art and historical preservation projects with a missionary zeal. The first mural, of Fred White and his Safety Bike, went up in front of Marine Supply & Hard-ware on May 2, 1984, two years before the Vancouver Expo. Mitchell decided murals would be a good draw for visitors and followed the fair’s theme, trans-portation, so many of his murals feature trains, boats, cars, carts, trucks and wagons. They have proven wildly popular, collecting just enough snubs from art critics to keep them controversial.

Tourists are frequently seen posing for photos with the murals, and prank-sters occasionally embellish them with mustaches or hats — stunts Mitchell minds only if adhesives damage the mural’s finish.

A list of Mitchell’s murals and locations is available at the Anacortes Visi-tors Center at Commercial Avenue and Ninth Street.

Murals

The Samish and Swinomish tribes have important roles on Fidalgo Island, and they make noteworthy economic, cultural and environmental contributions to the community today. Their long history here is inspiring and educational to those who have followed.

SAMISH INDIAN NATIONThe Samish Indian Nation once stretched over a seven-

county region of Northwest Washington.The tribe had more than 2,000 members in 1847, but

raids from northern tribes and epidemics of European dis-eases wiped out more than 90 percent of its people by 1855. Despite this, 113 Samish were present at the signing of the Point Elliott Treaty.

Samish status as a federally recognized tribe was lost through a clerical error in 1969 when it was left off a Bu-reau of Indian Affairs list. The tribe regained recognition in 1996 and since then has played a growing role in Anacortes.

It operates the Samish Longhouse Preschool, the Samish Gallery of Native Arts downtown, the Fidalgo Bay RV Re-sort, a new Health Services building and a beautiful admin-istrative building with carved cedar posts.

Today, tribal enrollment stands at about 1,500. The

TribesSamish Canoe Family occasionally hosts large Coast Salish canoe journeys, usually at the resort, where they greet vis-iting paddlers with drums, prayers, songs and a feast. On special occasions, Samish blessing ceremonies honor such things as a new story pole, the naming of a baby orca or the christening of a new canoe. These moving and inspiring events are always followed by the hospitality of a potlatch.

The tribe was honored recently when the state trans-portation commission decided, appropriately, to name one of its new Washington State Ferries the Samish — a word of proto-Salish origins that describes the “giving people.” So true then and now.

» find more information at: samishtribe.nsn.us

SWINOMISH INDIAN TRIBAL COMMUNITY

The 900-member Swinomish tribe’s headquarters are in the historic Swinomish Village across Swinomish Channel from La Conner. What people might be more familiar with, though, is the Swinomish Casino & Lodge on Highway 20 east of Anacortes. A major expansion completed recently added 98 rooms and the new 13moons Restaurant.

The sweeping views from the lodge take in land where the Coast Salish people have lived for thousands of years. Their culture centered around abundant saltwater resourc-es, particularly salmon and shellfish, which remain a key part of tribal economy today. The aboriginal Swinomish tongue was Lushootseed, a variant of the wider Salish lan-guage, and the tribe now offers language and culture classes for all ages at the Swinomish Social Services Building.

Traditions also are upheld and passed on to future genera-tions through such events as the annual Tribal Canoe Jour-ney and the Blessing of the Fleet and First Salmon Ceremony.

In 2010, the Swinomish entered a partnership with Washington State Parks that resulted in pristine Kiket Is-land becoming a protected site, now known as the Kukutali Preserve, within Deception Pass State Park.

In addition to the casino, which began as a small bin-go operation in 1985, the tribe operates the Swinomish Chevron Gas Station, which includes a tobacco, liquor and convenience store; the Swinomish Fish Company, which processes salmon and shellfish for a global market that in-cludes the United Kingdom and the European Union; and a Ramada Hotel in Ocean Shores on the Washington coast.

The tribe has become one of the five largest employers in Skagit County with more than 250 employees in tribal govern-ment and approximately 300 employees in its casino and other economic enterprises.

The tribe operates a fisheries department, a fish process-ing plant, a water resources program, an environmental education program, social services, a fitness center, senior services, a housing authority, a work training program and many other services.

» find more information at: swinomish.org


Anacortes Arts FestivalThis arts extravaganza fills Commercial Avenue from the water-front to 10th Street Aug. 2-4. Highlights include 250 artisan booths, working artists, live music, food, beer and wine gardens, entertain-ment, children’s activities and a juried fine art show. Pre-events in-clude an Art Dash and the Arts at the Port opening celebration.

» anacortesartsfestival.com

Brewgrass!Several pubs and restaurants host performances of blues and blue-grass, while microbrewers bring kegs of more than 50 small-batch beers to town for tasting. Brewgrass is typically the second week-end in November.

Cap Sante Marina Summer Concert SeriesEnjoy free and family friendly rock and blues concerts Friday nights in July and August at Seafarers’ Memorial Park at Cap Sante Marina.

» portofanacortes.com

First Friday Gallery Walks Folks are invited first Fridays 6-9 p.m. to tour through six or more art galleries. The roster varies, but frequent participants include Scott Milo Gallery, Anne Martin McCool Gallery, Anchor Art Space, Samish Gallery of Native Arts, The Depot and Fidalgo Island Fiber Art.

Quilt Walk and Quilt Show Showcases the stunning fabric art of the Fidalgo Island Quilters. Quilts are displayed throughout April at many shops and business-es participating in the walk. The Quilt Walk is every year. The Quilt Show is every other year. The next one will be in 2014.

» fidalgoislandquilters.com

Arts on the Avenue Exhibit features more than a dozen sculptures along Commercial and Q avenues. Maps are at each sculpture and at the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center.

Heart of AnacortesThis outdoor venue in the “heart” of downtown hosts concerts and other community events in the summer months.

Jazz at the LibraryThe Anacortes Public Library features the Manieri Jazz & Swing collection, specially chosen books, CDs and DVDs on the uniquely American art of jazz and swing music. The library sponsors local jazz events, including free concerts at 2p.m. at the library on the second Sunday of each month.

» jazzatthelibrary.com

Arts

Anacortes is home to numerous galleries, musical events, community theater productions, quilt activities, arts clubs and ongoing art classes. The vibrant arts community draws

inspiration from Fidalgo Island’s striking landscape and channels its expressions of that beauty in diverse genres. The three-day Anacortes Arts Festival, which draws about 90,000 visitors

each year, is the apex of the arts in Anacortes. You’ll see public art any time you come to Anacortes. Visit anacortesartscommission.com to see permanent pieces and what’s new.


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Anacortes Community TheatreIn its 49th year of delighting audiences, ACT will feature the following productions in its 2013 season: “Steel Magnolias,” “Legally Blonde,” “Woman in Black,” “The Importance of Being Earnest,” “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Mama Won’t Fly.”

» acttheatre.com

Organizations

anacortes arts commission An advisory board to the city pertaining to public arts and culture.

» anacortesartscommission.com

tHe an-o-cHords men’s barbersHop cHorus Meets Thursday evenings for open rehears-als at Island View Elementary School, 2601 J Ave.

» anochords.org

fidalGo danceworKsEducation in the art of dance for all levels and abilities.

» fidalgodanceworks.org

fidalGo island Quilters Meets first and third Mondays at New Hope Community Church.

» fidalgoislandquilters.com

fidalGo youtH sympHony» fysmusic.org

anacortes HarmonairesA four-part women’s barbershop-style harmony chorus.

» 360.293.6525


Art’s Alive Here» That woman gazing over town from the south side of the Wilson Hotel at Eighth Street is Anne Curtis Bowman, the wife of founding father Amos Bowman. Swedish artist Lisa Liedgren’s mural went up in 2007 as part of the redevelopment project at the historic hotel.

» Walkers on the Tommy Thompson Parkway encounter several color-ful murals at 30th Street that were funded by proceeds from the annual Art Dash. Farther south on the trail is “Ska-atl,” an otter in stone created by Tracy Powell.

» In 1915, with 11 salmon canneries operating here, Anacortes proudly called itself the salmon-packing capital of Puget Sound. Today, images of some of the early labels have turned down-town trash cans into street art.

» You will notice a striking bronze orca fin that juts above the water-front at the heart of the Cap Sante Marina. The sculpture “Annie Cur-tis” was crafted by prominent artist Gerard Tsutakawa. Other popular public pieces include “Windsong,” a Leo Osborne bronze at Kiwanis Park near the Guemes Ferry Terminal, and “The Bird Family,” a Philip McCracken bronze at the post office located downtown.


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360.293.7383

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Anacortes is a highly livable waterfront city with solid

infrastructure and a wide range of health and social services. Over the years, residents and public servants have worked hard to create a community

that supports industry, while also guarding the island’s peer-

less natural resources. The qual-ity of life has been a magnet, particularly for the well-edu-

cated retirees who form a large percentage of the population.

demoGrapHics and city factspopulation: 15,941 in 2011 (estimated)

persons under 5: 5.4 percent

persons under 18: 19.6 percent

persons 65 and older: 22.9 percent(Source: U.S. Census Bureau)

Government informationcity of anacortes904 sixth streetanacortes, wa 98221360.293.1900cityofanacortes.org

» Anacortes has a strong mayor-city coun-cil system of government. The City Council meets in regular sessions on first and third Mondays, and in study sessions on second and fourth Mondays. The council sets pol-icy, determines building codes and enacts ordinances. Mayor Dean Maxwell, now in his fifth term, is the city’s chief executive. He presides over council meetings and makes sure public policy is enforced. He also man-ages the city, doubling as city manager, and runs the city’s regional water utility.

public safetyanacortes police department1218 24th street360.293.4684emergencies: 911cityofanacortes.org/police.asp

» The department provides 24/7 patrol and emergency response service. The office is staffed 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Fri-

Anacortes Today


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day. There are currently 28 employees, 22 of them commissioned officers.

animal control call 911

auxiliary patrolcityofanacortes.org/police.asp(click Citizen's Auxiliary Patrol)

anacortes fire department1016 13th street360.293.1925emergencies: 911cityofanacortes.org/fire.htm

» The Fire Department office in the main station is open 8 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m. weekdays except holidays. The department staffs two other stations: 5209 Sunset Drive near the ferry terminal, staffed 24 hours, and 9029 Molly Lane, staffed 12 hours, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.. Emergency response is provided by two EMTs and 18 firefighter/paramedics.

new resident pHone numberswater and solid waste city of anacortes 360.293.1921

recycling rabanco 800.942.5965

Gas cascade natural Gas 888.522.1130

electricity puget sound energy 888.225.5773

voter registrationskagit county 360.336.9305

anacortes chamber of commerce819 commercial avenue, suite f360.293.7911anacortes.org

transportationskagit transit105 e. Kincaid street360.757.4433skagittransit.org

» Skagit Transit provides bus service in Anacortes Monday through Saturday. Route

410 includes stops at the Guemes Ferry terminal, the Washington State Ferries ter-minal and March Point. Route 49 runs from 10th Street and Q Avenue downtown to Is-land Hospital. SKAT runs buses throughout Skagit County and offers connector service to Bellingham, Everett and Whidbey Island. The main transfer location for most Skagit Transit routes is in downtown Mount Ver-non. There is a park and ride lot east of Anacortes at March Point. Skagit Transit also offers Dial-A-Ride service for people whose disabilities and conditions prevent them from traveling on fixed routes.

washington state ferries888.808.7977wsdot.wa.gov/ferries

» Washington State Ferries provides pas-senger and car service from its Anacortes terminal to Orcas Island, Lopez Island, Shaw Island, Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, and Sidney, British Columbia, Canada. The ter-minal is located at the end of Highway 20, about four miles west of downtown Ana-cortes. Citizens of the United States and Canada need to have either a passport or an enhanced driver’s license to enter or depart the United States by sea.

Guemes island ferry360.336.9400skagitcounty.net

» Skagit County provides ferry service for passengers and vehicles from Anacortes across the Guemes Channel to Guemes Is-land. The dock is located at Sixth Street and I Avenue. The crossing takes five minutes.

anacortes airport4000 airport road360.299.1828

» The Port of Anacortes operates the air-port on Airport Road in northwest Fidalgo Island. The airport hosts corporate and pri-vate aircraft and offers space for business tenants. San Juan Airlines operates several flights a day to the San Juan Islands, Belling-ham and other destinations. Charters and scenic flights also are available. For informa-tion and reservations, call San Juan Airlines at 800.874.4434. Other services at the air-port include fuel, hangars, tie downs, aircraft service, flight instruction and maintenance and modification.

industryMajor industries include two large refin-

eries on March Point, several boat building


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Did You Know?» The Anacortes Sister Cities Association maintains strong ties with four sister cities: Lomonosov, Russia; Nikaho, Japan; Sidney, British Columbia; and Vela Luka, Croatia. You see the flags when you arrive by Highway 20 or Washington State Ferries. Travel and cultural exchanges are common. Find more information at:anacortessistercities.com.

» Anacortes supplies water beyond the city limits to the March Point refineries, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, La Conner and Shelter Bay.

» Anacortes has been served continuously by its newspaper, the Anacortes American, for 123 years.

» The Port of Anacortes’ main warehouse at the marine terminal on the Guemes Channel has come a long way from storing salmon in its early days. Today the newly dubbed Transit Shed Event Center at the north end of Commercial Avenue is a go-to venue in town for wine and beer festivals , weddings, dances, concerts and fundraising galas.

» Seafarers’ Memorial Park just south of the Cap Sante Marina was revitalized recently through a two-year, $34 million environmental cleanup and restoration wproject. The property was once occupied by the Scott Paper Mill.

» Anacortes has a widely success-ful Senior College offering low-cost classes to those 50 and older in af-ternoon and evening sessions. Almost 250 people took classes last fall. No tests!


and repair businesses and two seafood pro-cessing plants.

Shell Puget Sound Refinery and the Ana-cortes Tesoro Refinery employ close to 800 people from maintenance workers to engi-neers. Both plants, which were constructed and opened in the 1950s, convert crude pe-troleum into fuels.

One of the largest boat building and re-pair businesses in Anacortes leases water-front land at the Port of Anacortes’ marine terminal. Dakota Creek Industries, estab-lished in 1975, employs close to 200 work-ers. The company was recently awarded a $145 million contract to build two Navy research ships.

Additional marine businesses in the city include North Harbor Diesel, San Juan Yachts, Cap Sante Marine, Cortland Puget Sound Rope, Northern Marine and North-west Yachts.

Cortland Puget Sound Rope develops and produces ropes that are engineered for difficult applications and harsh environ-ments, often offshore, in a 70,000-square-foot facility at the port.

The two major seafood processing busi-nesses are Trident Seafoods and Sugiyo USA Inc. Together they employ about 300 work-ers. Trident opened in 1973 and is part of a corporation that harvests, processes and markets seafood. Sugiyo introduced surimi-based seafood products to Americans. Su-rimi is fish paste that with snow crab meat and other ingredients is turned into imita-tion crab.

Anacortes is also home to SeaBear, a company that ships a full line of seafood to customers in all 50 states and has a store in the city.

The company recently completed an ex-pansion, adding more than 12,500 square feet, including freezers, chemical storage, smokers, thawers and refrigerators. It consolidated SeaBear’s Gerard Dominique Seafoods and Made in Washington store brands into one location for processing and packaging.

tHe port of anacortes360.293.3134 portofanacortes.com

The Port of Anacortes operates the 950-slip Cap Sante Marina, Anacortes Airport and a 30-acre marine terminal.

Major tenants include Dakota Creek In-dustries, Puget Sound Rope, Northwest Ma-rine Technology, Micro Aerodynamics and Transpac Marinas.

There are five commissioners, elected

from five individual districts, who serve four-year terms.

median Home priceskagit county — $264,250

anacortes — $379,000(Source: Northwest Multiple Listing Service, year-to-date December 2012)

mediaradio stationsKwle 1340, anacortes Adult contemporary, local news and sports.1340thewhale.com

newspapersanacortes american, weekly901 sixth street, anacortes360.293.3122goanacortes.com

skagit valley Herald, daily1215 anderson road, mount vernon360.424.3251goskagit.com

television/public accesschannel 10, anacortes

» City’s government access channel broad-casting City Council meetings, public notices, community events and related programming.

libraryanacortes public library1220 10th street360.293.1910library.cityofanacortes.org

» The Anacortes Public Library offers much more than books — it is also a thriving com-munity center, a showcase for art, a computer lab and a venue for films, music, lectures and events. The library was a vital public institu-tion even before it officially opened in March 1911. The 1910 Carnegie Library building served Anacortes readers and researchers more than 50 years, until the library moved into the old hospital building at Ninth Street and M Avenue in 1968. That facility served the community 35 years.

In 1999 a group of citizens began work-ing to replace the cramped old building. The community passed a bond in 2000 and the spacious new $6.9 million facility opened in January 2003. Since then, the community has lavished the facility with resources, such as


artwork, a bequest from the Manieri fam-ily for a jazz collection and an anonymous gift for a maritime collection. Volunteers also help with library tasks, raise money, put on programs and sell books in the FriendShop.

» Friends of the Library: Meets 2:30 p.m. second Thursdays in the library. Call Beverly Reed at 360.293.4149.

» Anacortes Public Library Foundation: call Cynthia Harrison at 360.293.1910 ext. 23.

moviesanacortes cinemas(Three screens)415 o avenue 360.293.7000farawayentertainment.com/anacortes

sHoppinG/retailMost of Anacortes’ stores are along

Commercial Avenue, from just past the roundabout at the entrance to town to near the Guemes Channel.

The arch at 10th Street welcomes you to Historic Downtown Anacortes, which is filled with locally owned shops, art galleries and restaurants.

Anacortes has a wide range of service and retail businesses, including two major

grocery stores, several drug stores, two large hardware stores, a lumberyard and a furniture store. Two auto dealerships are in the commercial area along Highway 20 at the eastern edge of town.

The nearest shopping mall is Cascade Mall in Burlington, which is about a 30-minute drive.

social servicesthe islands chapter of the american red cross2900 t avenue360.293.2911theislandsredcross.org

» The chapter has been chartered since 1918, offering disaster assistance, disaster preparedness and health and safety classes.

the salvation army3001 r avenue360.293.6682

» Assists people with food boxes from its food bank, rental assistance, energy assistance and gas for transport in a medical emergency.

anacortes 100 food bank512 fourth street360.293.6445

anacortes family center1011 27th street360.293.2993anacortesfamily.org

» The emergency shelter provides nine temporary housing units for homeless fami-lies. During a limited stay, residents receive support from a case managewr as they build the skills they need to transition out of homelessness.

Gentry House adult day care1208 seventh street360.293.4466skagitadultdaycare.org

» Gentry House offers a safe, nurturing and fun place where people with Alzheimer’s dis-ease and similar conditions can stay for a few hours while their family members get a need-ed respite from the demands of caregiving.

HealtH careisland Hospital1211 24th street360.299.1300islandhospital.org

» Publicly owned Island Hospital takes pride in offering big-hospital services at its small acute-care facility. With 43 beds, it is the smallest hospital in Washington with Level III Trauma care accreditation.

The Emergency Department’s entrance on 26th Street is best reached from Com-mercial Avenue. A certified ER physician and trained emergency nurses are on duty 24 hours a day.

Also known as Skagit County Public Hos-pital District No. 2, Island Hospital serves western Skagit County, north Whidbey Island and the San Juan Islands. The main hospital campus and a family care clinic are in Ana-cortes, and a clinic is on Lopez Island. Medical staff includes more than 100 physicians and other providers.

Since it was built in 1962, Island Hospital has grown with the community. A major ren-ovation and expansion project was complet-ed recently, largely funded by a $30.5 million voter-approved bond. A new Medical Arts Pavilion housing cancer care, wound care and physical therapy services opened recently.

The hospital’s spectrum of services in-cludes inpatient and outpatient surgery, a Birth Center, home health care, acute and critical care, respiratory care, lab services and rehabilitation services. Diagnostic imaging in-cludes MRI and CAT scanning, Dual Energy X-ray, mammography and nuclear medicine.


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other services:» Island Health Resource Center, 1211 24th St., 360.299.1397, offers support and educa-tion such as free SHIBA insurance counsel-ing, support groups, health classes and free/low-cost screenings.

» The Cancer Care Center, in the upper level of the Medical Arts Pavilion, 1015 25th St., 360.299.4200, is accredited by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons. Physicians and nurses have specialized cancer care training and certification. The center offers chemother-apy, medication administration and blood product transfusion.

» Island Hospital Sleep Wellness Center, 1110 22nd St., 360.299.8676, has a board-certified sleep disorders physician to help patients get to sleep.

» Island Hospital Foundation360.299.4201islandhospitalfoundation.org

» Island Hospital Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy, in the Medical Arts Pavilion, 1015 25th St., 360.293.1328, is a comprehen-sive center helping patients manage pain, re-store function and prevent further injury.

» Island Hospital Auxiliary: Meets 12:30 p.m. for coffee social followed by regular meet-ing at 1 p.m. first Mondays October through June in the hospital’s Fidalgo/Burrows rooms.

senior centeranacortes senior activity center1701 22nd street360.293.7473skagitseniors.org

» The center offers a variety of activities for the senior population, including exercise classes, group games like pool and bridge, art lessons, information sessions and wellness activities. It also serves lunch on weekdays. Suggested donation for seniors is $3.50-5.50; lunch charge for everyone else is $6.

education & scHoolsanacortes school district2200 m avenue (upstairs)360.293.1200asd103.org

» The Anacortes School District has an early childhood education center (for birth to kindergarten), three elementary schools,


Welcome to the Port of Anacortes

100 Commercial Ave Anacortes, WA 98221(360)293-3134 www.portofanacortes.com

Marine Terminal

Commercial dock and wharf Log, heavy lifts and dry bulk cargo loading

Anacortes Airport

3,018-foot long by 60 foot wide lighted asphalt runway 69 tie downs and 39 public hangars, new pilot’s lounge

Fuel sales are available through our FBO daily

Cap Sante Marina Customs port-of-entry

933 slips, accommodates vessels up to 133’ Marine services: fuel, launching facilities, showers, laundry and pump out facilities Free Wi-Fi, complimentary bicycles, slip reservation, summer concerts and events

Historic downtown, marine supply, groceries, restaurants nearby

Event Venues Venues available to rent!

Perfect for weddings, memorial services, company parties, trainings and much more!

a middle school and a high school. It offers an alternative program at Cap Sante High School and a community college partnership through Running Start.

The district is also home to the regional Deaf and Hard of Hearing program for kids from preschool through high school.

The district’s enrollment is around 2,600 students and its budget is about $27 million. The district is overseen by an elect-ed five-member board.

Unlike many other districts that place students in schools based on where they live, the Anacortes School District has open enrollment. Families can request which school they want their child to attend.

Test scores are consistently above the state’s average. The district was awarded a rating of 7 (on a scale of 1-10) by Great Schools, a nonprofit group working to im-prove K-12 education by inspiring parents to get involved. It rates schools based on state standardized test scores as compared to comparable districts throughout the state and against state average scores.

Cap Sante High School is an alternative program offering different options for stu-dents in grades 9-12 who “have not found success in a traditional school setting,” the

program’s brochure states.Running Start is a partnership between

Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon and area high schools. It allows eligible high school juniors and seniors to take college level courses tuition-free. Students get high school and college credit for completed classes.

whitney early childhood education center1200 m avenue360.293.9536

fidalgo elementary school13590 Gibralter road360.293.9545

island view elementary school2501 j avenue360.293.3149

mount erie elementary school1313 41st street360.293.9541

anacortes middle school2202 m avenue360.293.1230

anacortes High school1600 20th street360.293.2166

cap sante High school (alternative, grades 9-12)1717 j avenue360.293.1225

northwest career and technical academynwtech.k12.wa.us

» The Northwest Career and Technical Academy offers a satellite campus in Ana-cortes that focuses on marine skills tech-nology. It is a partnership between Skagit Valley College and county high schools. The center is a place where students can gain marine skills, enter the work force and have living-wage jobs. The facility includes four primary labs with adjoining teacher offices and physical and visual connections to a central project area that links to a cov-ered outside work area.

HiGHer educationskagit valley collegeskagit.edu

» Offers two-year degrees in nearby Mount Vernon, about 20 miles from Anacortes.

western washington universitywwu.edu

» The nearest four-year college, about 40 miles north in Bellingham.

anacortes senior collegeseniorcollege.org

» The Anacortes Senior College, which of-fers classes in fall, winter and spring terms to adults 50 years and older, works to pro-vide enjoyable learning experiences and so-cial networking for seniors. Six-week cours-es are $30 and three-week courses are $20.


Guemes Island is just north of Anacortes, a five-minute ferry ride away. The car and passenger ferry sails from the end of I Avenue every 30 minutes or so, docking at the end of Guemes Island Road just south of An-derson’s General Store, where many in the tight-knit community get their supplies.

Anderson’s also boasts a cafe, serving meals throughout the day from cheeseburgers to beet salad with French goat cheese.

Other points of interest on the island include Guemes Island Resort, Youngs Park, Schoolhouse Park and Guemes Mountain, enough for a nice day trip that can include a picnic on the beach or a lunch at Anderson’s.

Guemes Island Resort has a variety of accommodations from large beach-front homes to cabins and yurts. Ame-nities include a boat launch, sauna, massage therapy and kayaks for rent. The resort hosts weddings and other events.

Youngs Park, 13 acres next to the resort, has picnicking amenities and water access.

Schoolhouse Park is a county park in the middle of the island with a ball field, tennis and basketball courts and playground equipment. A covered area has picnic tables.

Guemes Mountain on the east end was purchased through donations from islanders and others to make it into a permanent conservation area through the Skagit Land Trust and San Juan Preservation Trust. Volunteers built a 1.2-mile hiking trail that climbs 550 feet to the summit, a wonderful viewpoint overlooking nearby islands and ocean straits, the Skagit River delta and the North Cascades.

To get there, get off of the ferry, and take a quick right on Southshore Road. Take a left to stay on Southshore Road. The trailhead is on your right. There is parking for four cars and a bike rack. Anderson’s General Store has a courtesy bike program.

to read more about the Guemes island community, visit:

linetime.org

Guemes IslandGuemes Facts» Shrimp fishing in the channel was profitable until about 1912. Guemes residents would row out to the shrimp boats and buy fresh shrimp.

» During World War I, soldiers were stationed in barracks on the south slope of the island.

» The first telephone service was in 1908 when a 3,450 foot cable was laid across the channel.

— Guemes Island Historical Society

© Skagit Publishing, LLCMap produced by Fine Edge, Anacortes, WA


Anacortes and Fidalgo Island have a well-deserved repu-tation for some of the finest weather in Western Washing-ton. With a mere 26 inches of average rainfall and mostly or partly sunny skies at least 230 days of the year, Ana-cortes is an ideal location for anyone looking for a place with a mild climate and unlimited recreational activities.

Lying at the eastern edge of the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, Anacortes is sheltered from the heavi-er precipitation of some of its neighboring cities. Everett to the south and Bellingham to the north get an average of 10 inches more rainfall than Anacortes. And just 15 miles east in Mount Vernon, the average rainfall is 32 inches a year.

Spring on Fidalgo Island seems to last forever. It begins in February when the daffodils and tulips start pushing their way through the soil, and it doesn’t end until July. During those five months the weather can be very unpre-dictable — warm and sunny one day with temperatures in the 70s, then pouring rain and wind the next.

Summers are dry and warm and offer some of the best

weather in the country for July through September. Sum-mer temperatures are typically in the 70s, with very little humidity. Rainfall is minimal, with July and August averag-ing less than an inch.

Winters are typically short and mild, with tempera-tures rarely dipping much below freezing. Average yearly snowfall in the city is just 5 inches. However, there are rare arctic breakouts that can send temperatures plummet-ing into single digits.

Even though Fidalgo Island is relatively small, it still has a number of micro climates. The west side of the island has beautiful sunsets, but can be cooler with more fog and wind than other areas. The southeast end of the island is the driest, with an inch or two less rainfall than the downtown area. The downtown corridor generally has the warmest temperatures.

But no matter where you are on Fidalgo Island, you’ll be in one of the best climate zones of the Northwest.

Weather

Skagit Valley Casino Resort .................................................2Upstage ...................................................................................4Burton Jewelers.....................................................................4Shell .........................................................................................7Judd & Black ...........................................................................9Zip San Juan ...........................................................................11Anacortes Inn ........................................................................13Christianson's Nursery ........................................................17Anaco TV & Appliance .........................................................17Anacortes Museum ..............................................................21

Kenneth Killpack, DDS .........................................................24Gere-a-Deli ............................................................................26 The Marina Inn ......................................................................27 Cap Sante Inn ........................................................................28 Swinomish Casino .................................................................29 The Outlet Shoppes at Burlington ....................................30 Cap Sante Court Retirement .............................................31 Port of Anacortes .................................................................33 San Juan Passage ....................................................................35 Island Hospital .......................................................................36

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We’re building a neighborhood that embraces and enhancesan active coastal lifestyle. Quality, right-sized homes builtwith attention to livability, craftsmanship and the use of earthfriendly materials. Drought-resistant, native landscaping bringsthe residences, parks and tree-lined streets together as one.And a sense of place and community grows every day.

Models open daily, 11-4pm or by appointment.

From Anacortes, take hwy. 20 (12th Ave.) west for 3 miles.The entrance to San Juan Passage is on the right hand side, just before the ferry terminal.

The Northwest’s premier coastal community

www.sanjuanpassage.com360-588-6900

anacortes, Wa

anacortes visitors and newcomers guide

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