Luxury...serenity...romance...
Things to Do
Anacortes is on Fidalgo Island, which
is accessible by bridge - No need to pay for a ferry or wait in long
ferry lines. We are of course surrounded by water, which makes
boating and water sports a natural. Autumn Leaves is close to it all:
Whale watching cruises - Orca,
minke and humpback whales - what a thrill to see them up close.
Contact www.mysticseacharters.com or www.island-adventures.com
Scenic, sunset and/or dinner cruises - Fabulous, romantic, unique. www.paracletecharters.com; www.deepseacruise.com; www.mysticseacharters.com or www.island-adventures.com
Kayaking - Take a kayak tour
with www.anacorteskayaktours.com.
They provide the kayak and everything you need, no experience required.
River rafting and eagle watching -- Combine a stay in Anacortes with an adventure on the Skagit River. Bald eagle season is not to be missed. Check out the www.blueskyoutfitters.com website.
Charter boats - For parties,
weddings or to feel like royalty in your own private vessel. www.mysticseacharters.com, www.abcyachtcharters.com, www.ayc.com, www.deepseacruise.com, www.paracletecharters.com, www.lujacsquest.com.Sailing
Charters in the Pacific Northwest - sBoats.com
Sport fishing - Salmon, halibut,
lingcod and bottom fish. www.seahawksalmoncharters.com, www.rrcharters.com or www.catchmorecharters.com
Scuba diving - Check out www.lujacsquest.com or www.deepseacruise.com.
Ferries - Take a ferry to one
of the San Juan Islands for the day, or catch the international ferry
to Vancouver Island (remember your passport or birth certificate).
Ferry information: www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries
Walking, bicycling or mountain biking - Anacortes has 2700 acres of forest with many miles of trails.
We'll lend you a trail map; remember to bring a backpack for the picnic! There are trailheads a short walk from our house. You could also join a bicycle tour. See www.countrycycling.com.
Washington Park - Great picnic
spot with trails through the woods. Walk, cycle or drive the 2.3
mile loop road and enjoy the breathtaking view of islands and water.
Views - Everywhere you look in
Anacortes you see something beautiful: water, islands, mountains and
forest. You can walk or drive up Mt. Erie, the island's high point,
for an unforgettable panoramic view.
Beaches - Grassy Sunset Beach
or sandy Rosario with tide pools, fabulous views, picnic areas
Deception Pass State Park - The
state's busiest park. The much-photographed bridge connects
Fidalgo Island with Whidbey Island to the south.
Downtown - Small town charm,
great antique and gift stores, art galleries.
Restaurants - Something for every
taste: steak, seafood, ethnic, or fast food. Some of our favorites: starbaranacortes.com, www.adriftrestaurant.com, www.anacortesrockfish.com (restaurant and BREWERY)
Evening entertainment - Movies,
bowling, casino, community theatre www.acttheatre.com
Gift shops, flowers, gift baskets,
wine - www.donatelloflowersandgifts.com (flowers, gift baskets); www.sheelysfloral.com (gifts, flowers); www.baysidesweets.com (fabulous chocolate); www.compasswines.com (wine or picnic, delivered); www.seabear.com (smoked
salmon, gift food items).
Getting around
If you need to get from Seattle/Tacoma Airport to Anacortes, look at www.airporter.com.
For a taxi in Anacortes, go to www.triangletaxi.com or www.countytaxi.com.
For a map of Fidalgo Island, go to Guide to the San Juan Islands, NW
Washington and Sidney, B.C.
SPECIAL EVENTS include:
PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO
ANACORTES
Whether you have one day or much longer, you won't run out of things to
do. Autumn Leaves has sitting rooms, a reading nook and patio
where you may, read, play games or listen to music without ever having
to go out. But for those who like "a plan," here are some suggestions:
First day:
Stroll around downtown's shops and art galleries. Starbuck's or
Penguin are only two of the coffee shops in town: a good place to rest
and begin to unwind.
For lunch, try Gere-a-Deli. They
have great salads, soups and sandwiches and positively sinful desserts.
Drive or walk to Cap Sante Marina,
then walk to Cap Sante Point to admire the boats and lovely scenery.
At 3 p.m. you may check in at Autumn Leaves. We will bring you a beverage and snack as you
relax in the parlor or on the patio by the waterfall.
Before or after dinner, admire the
fabulous view from Washington Park as you drive or walk the loop
road. If you still have time, Mt. Erie is a short drive away,
with more breathtaking views.
For dinner look through our
menus and choose one of the fine restaurants on the island. And you may
want to check out the brewery or go bowling
If you return to Autumn Leaves before 10, let the jet tub soothe tired muscles before you sink into your antique queen size bed.
Second day:
Start with a mouth watering breakfast at Autumn Leaves. Allow time to
enjoy each delicious course as you chat with hosts and other guests.
Stop by the deli for a sandwich
or salad to take with you on a whale watching cruise. Take a warm
jacket; it can be cold on the water. Take sunscreen too!
When you return, rest a while at Autumn Leaves. This would be a good time for the reading
nook. Check out the old magazines. We'll bring you a beverage, or you
may help yourself from the refrigerator in the sunroom.
Dinner could be followed by a
movie or an early night. You'll be tired after a day on the water.
Third day:
Another wonderful Autumn Leaves breakfast, then it's time to work it
off.
Walk in the Anacortes forestlands,
or go on a kayak tour. Kayak rental and instruction is available;
you don't have to be experienced.
In the afternoon, the short drive to Deception Pass Bridge would be enjoyable. You could take a picnic there or to a grassy beach in Washington Park. We know the BEST place to
get a fabulous picnic. Another good picnic spot is Rosario Beach, where
you could peer into tide pools and listen to the oyster catchers.
That evening, try your luck at the casino.
Fourth day:
A leisurely breakfast at Autumn Leaves. This is your third sinfully delicious
breakfast in three days, so strenuous exercise is called for.
(1) Golf at Similk Golf Course OR (2) A trip to the outlet
mall in Burlington. Visit Mikasa, Royal Doulton, shoe, clothing,
gift and kitchen stores
Then back to Autumn Leaves to get ready for dinner and a sunset
cruise. Contact Mystic Sea, Island Adventures, or Paraclete
Charters. This is romance time. Wear one of those great outfits you just
bought, or show off the tan you got on the golf course. You will unwind
and relax and wish you never had to go home.
Fifth day:
After breakfast at Autumn Leaves drive to
the ferry terminal (about 2 miles). Park your car and walk on the
ferry, thus avoiding the long lines and the expense of taking your car.
Enjoy the boat ride, spend a few hours in Friday Harbor or on Orcas and
return to Anacortes in the early evening.
Of course, all good things must come to an end, but then it's time to
start planning your next Autumn Leaves adventure.... Let us help you plan a
really special getaway.
