I had read somewhere about this little neighborhood called Deep Cove in North Vancouver. Located on Indian Arm off of Burrard Inlet, it is the most adorable little gem of a community with a stunning view and peaceful harbor.

After a 1 1/2 hr wait to cross the border, we asked Google Maps to take us to Panorama Park in Deep Cove. She mapped the quickest route, which took us on a different journey through New Westminster and Burnaby before crossing Burrard Inlet and taking us into North Vancouver. It was an adventure weaving through neighborhoods we normally would not venture to.

On the website it warned that on a nice summer day Deep Cove was a popular place and parking was limited. We did manage to find a spot a few blocks from town in a quiet neighborhood park. We then walked along the shoreline and strolled into town. The town is small, just a few blocks with shops and restaurants, but adorable. We stopped at the "must stop" Honey Doughnuts and Goodies shop but the line was too long and it was a 15 minute wait for them to make the doughnuts, maybe next time, because we will definitely go back to explore.

Kayaking is a popular activity in Deep Cove. The Deep Cove Canoe and Kayak Centre was bustling with activity. We didn't have time for hiking but there is some great hiking trails around the area. A hike they recommend is Quarry Rock, an easy hike with a view that makes the trip worth it.

This little community was worth the visit. Next time, I will plan it better and stay longer. I can see why it a gem of a community hidden in a beautiful location. But this quiet area is no longer a 'hidden' gem.

What a dandy way to spend a spring day, bicycling through the valley wearing tweed and stopping for a picnic and a game of croquet. The look and the feel of yesteryear, when families dressed up and ventured forth on their bicycles through the countryside than stopped for a picnic amongst the beauty of mother nature, was the inspiration for this event. For four years, to celebrate the arrival of Spring, folks have signed up for the Dandy Daffodil Tweed Ride. Dressed in their Tweed finest, a picnic basket full of goodies, they mount their bicycles and off they go. Their route takes them from the lovely town of LaConner, WA, through the Skagit Valley fields where daffodils sprinkle the landscape in yellow. They meet at Rexville Grocery where they enjoy a picnic and a game of croquet. The ride ends back at LaConner where they raise a glass of wine and salute the arrival of Spring and a day to remember.

For those living in the Pacific Northwest, specifically the west side of the Cascade Mountains, winter tends to be a long, continuous season of dark, rainy, cloudy, windy and depressing weather. The color of the season is gray, gray, and well, more gray. By January, any spot of sunshine is a welcome relief from the dullness of winter. By February, we are desperate for sun or even a hint of blue skies. 
Then it happens—a Spring day. Birds chirp, bees buzz, the sky is painted in various hues of blue, and the sun spreads light and warmth. We emerge from our winter hibernation and venture outside, shedding our winter gear and ready to hike, bike, walk, or simply sit outside soaking up the long awaited sunshine.
Surrounded by beauty and some of mother nature's best landscapes we are offered some of the most scenic spots to visit, and all right here in our backyard. Mountains, beaches, islands, wildlife, seascapes, trails, forests, it calls to us and we answer with a roaring—yes. 
It is days like these that remind us why we live here. Suddenly we go from dull gray to a visual explosion of color and beauty...a true work of art. Trees are blooming, flowers blossom, sunlight shines on the water, the mountains shine in all their glory, and life feels alive again. Out of the darkness of winter comes spring and a blast of light. 
Life is full of beauty, gratitude, fresh air, sunshine, and color. Enjoy it, we deserve it after months of gray, dark dullness.

Here are some good reasons to shop local in Anacortes, WA for the Holiday season. When we spend locally with small businesses we are supporting our community, creating jobs, protecting our environment, and investing in our future. Downtown Anacortes and Anacortes businesses provide shoppers with a diverse and unique selection of gift ideas. Support local businesses, they keep Anacortes thriving.

The Waggoner Bookstore
902  8th St
Books for boaters, children's books, cookbooks, and nautical maps

The Good Stuff
604 Commercial
Gifts for artists, unique gifts, ornaments, holiday cards, and great gift ideas under $20.00

 Red Snapper
​501 Commercial Ave
Cards, fun and unusual gifts

​Farmer markets are all the rage, and they should be. They provide a great place to buy local and healthy food, they are a great place to gather, and they bring a community together. 

Local Farmers bring the best of their crops to the Anacortes Farmers Market each Saturday from May to October. Fresh, delicious, and a bounty full of goodness.

You will find just about everything you need at the Anacortes Farmers Market. A diverse variety of healthy options.

The Anacortes Farmers Market is located at the historic Anacortes Depot Arts & Community Center. You will find the Depot at 611 R Ave, just two blocks from Commercial Ave in the lovely historical downtown Anacortes, and two blocks from Cap Sante Marina, a boater's haven.
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A little about the Depot
DEPOT: The “new” Great Northern Depot was built in 1911 at Seventh Street on R Avenue, more than 20 years after Seattle and Northern Railroad Company ran the first passenger train to Anacortes on August 5, 1890.

Hungry? There is usually a nice variety of food vendors and great bakeries at the Anacortes Farmers Market. Get some lunch, sit down in the Depot Plaza, and enjoy the music while you fuel up from shopping.

This well-run farmers market is comprised of some of the best volunteers around. It is their support, which has made this one of the best farmer markets in the state. 
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By Karla Locke
Author of The Blood Stone Queen and other ebooks, Freelance Writer for Stories from the Front Porch and other publications. Karla shares her passion of the arts and artists, photography, writing, small businesses, and people who live, work, and play with passion.