Travel Reference
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there's a huge stone fireplace, and every guest room also has its own fireplace.
The second-floor rooms have high, beamed ceilings, for that rustic country-inn
feel. Although the rooms are fairly large, the furnishings are quite basic. Room
no. 28 has the feel of a separate cottage and is worth requesting.
107 S. Second St., La Conner, WA 98257.
&
888/466-4113
or 360/466-3101. Fax 360/466-5902. www.laconner
lodging.com. 28 units. Apr and July-Sept $99-$130 double; Oct-Mar and May-June $92-$102 double. Rates
include continental breakfast. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Pets accepted ($25).
Amenities:
Restaurant (International);
pub. In room:TV, coffeemaker.
White Swan Guest House
If you're here for the tulip blossoms or if you're
a gardener, make this your first choice. Located out in the country, this yellow Vic-
torian farmhouse is set beneath ancient poplar trees and is surrounded by stunning
perennial gardens. Of the guest rooms in the main house, we like the one with the
turret, though all are comfortable enough. For more space and privacy, opt for the
rustic little cottage set on the far side of the gardens. Peter Goldfarb, the owner,
bakes up some of the best chocolate chip cookies around.
15872 Moore Rd., Mount Vernon, WA 98273. www.thewhiteswan.com.
&
360/445-6805.
4 units, including 1
(cottage) with private bathroom. $75-$85 double; $140-$175 cottage. Rates include continental breakfast. MC,
V. In room:No phone.
The Wild Iris
The Wild Iris is a modern Victorian inn on the edge of town,
and most second-floor rooms have views of distant Mount Baker (these rooms are
definitely worth asking for). The inn was designed for romantic weekends, and
many of the rooms have double whirlpool tubs. In some the whirlpool tub is in
the room, while in others it's on the balcony. Friday and Saturday, dinner is also
available ($18-$26 for entrees) in the inn's small dining room, which serves up
some of the best meals in town. This is a good bet for a romantic getaway.
121 Maple Ave. (P.O. Box 696), La Conner, WA 98257.
&
800/477-1400
or 360/466-1400. www.wildiris.com.
19 units. $109 double; $129-$189 suite. Rates include full breakfast. AE, MC, V.
Amenities:
Restaurant (North-
west); concierge. In room:TV, dataport.
WHERE TO DINE
Kerstin's
NORTHWEST Located in a tall, narrow building across the
street from the water, this contemporary restaurant and wine bar is your best bet
in the area for a romantic dinner. Kerstin's also serves the most creative menu in
town. While it looks from the street as though this restaurant only has a couple
of tables, you'll find a larger dining room on the second floor. The local Samish
Bay oysters, baked on the half shell, should not be missed. You'll also find plenty
of other well-prepared local seafood, including wild salmon (perhaps with a
lime-butter sauce). Lamb shanks, prepared various ways, also show up regularly
on the menu.
505 S. First St.
&
360/466-9111.
Reservations recommended. Main courses $9-$12 lunch, $18-$32 dinner.
AE, MC, V. Daily noon-9pm.
La Conner Brewing Company
PIZZAS/PUB FARE If you eschew
tourist haunts when it comes time to dine, then you might want to check out the
menu at this stylish modern pub. A favorite of the locals, the pub lacks water views
but more than makes up for this with its excellent beers and creative pub fare.
While pizzas are the main beer accompaniment here, there are also interesting
panini, quesadillas (including one with smoked salmon), and good Caesar salads.
117 S. First St.
&
360/466-1415.
www.laconnerbrewing.com. Main courses $7.50-$11. MC, V. Sun-Thurs
11:30am-8 or 8:30pm; Fri-Sat 11:30am-9pm.
Finds
