Anacortes, Washington
~ Autumn Leaves Bed and Breakfast ~

Luxury...serenity...romance...

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.

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:  www.flounderbaycafe.com, www.charliesrestaurant.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.