THE PLAN ~ UPDATED ~ CAMPING INFO BELOW
10:00 AM: Rallying at the Schuck's auto parts located at the intersection of Highway 99 and 220th Ave in Edmonds, Washington. On I-5 you will get off at exit 179, head WEST toward's Stevens Hospital (blue "H" sign) and Schucks will be on your left just before the intersection of 220th and Highway 99.
10:20 AM: Drivers meeting ~ review of club rules, safety, radio frequency for FRS and route distribution.
10:30 AM: Depart Edmonds, Washington for Exit 229, Burlington, Washington (on time departure is critical)
11:20 AM: Arrive at Art In A Pickle Barn at 15195 Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon (art display and sale). Also a bathroom break and a chance to stretch the legs.
12:50 PM: Arrive at Tulip Town at 15002 Bradshaw, Mount Vernon for picnic lunch (or carnival style food if you desire), shopping and photography. Limited seating at picnic tables, great opportunity to tailgate, weather permitting. See the tulips and meet with vendors, kid activities.
2:30 PM: Arrive at Art Bash at 15927 McLean Road, Mount Vernon for more art and childrens activities (children art). Good place for children to do some stuff and blow off steam before the next leg.
4:00 PM: Arrive at Taylor Shellfish Farms on 2182 Chuckanut Drive in Bow. Take a scenic drive along historic Chuckanut Drive to pick up some oysters, mussels, or other seafood items. Right now fresh Pacific (Samish) and Kumamoto oysters are available. You can also get fresh Manila and Littleneck clams. Great views and the drive out is incredible.
5:00 PM: Arrive at the Burlington Prime Outlets off of Interstate 5 at exit 229. Good shopping for clothing, visit the Rocky Mountain Candy Company for a candy apple you will never forget (at less than 1/2 the price of Pike Street Market, thank you very much). If you're Jonesing for a donut, Krispy Kreme is just around the corner. There are also a number of casual dining places and the route puts those camping at Deception Pass close to Anacortes to the west.
These times are approximate and wiggle room is possible. If you're late and trying to catch up it is advised to catch up with us before or after Tulip Town. It will be highly unlikely that we will be able to park together and historically we have scattered as a group once we get there. The route could be tweaked next week as the bloom information changes. Sadly, all reports are pointing to this weekend being "it" for seeing flowers ~ hence the leg up Chuckanut Drive along the coast.
Think about it ~ camping at Deception Pass, Oysters roasting on a fire, art in the back of your Av and a full digital camera.
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This is the Skagit Valley's Tulip Festival 21st year! Another wet winter with a warm spring should mean outstanding blooms (last year things bloomed to early for us and the flowers were limited). It is GREAT family fun that people of all ages will love and a great time to drive around in your Avalanche. Skagit Valley is one of the largest producers of tulip bulbs in the world and by the 17th they should be spectacular.
What: Skagit Valley Tulip Festival GTG
Where: Skagit Valley, Washington - about 60 miles north of Seattle. We'll be meeting at the Schuck's Auto Parts at the intersection of Highway 99 and 220th in Edmonds, Washington. On Interstate 5 get off at exit 179 and follow the signs to the hospital (turn WEST). Schucks will be on your left. For those wanting coffee there is a Starbuck's accross the street. For those needed a grocery store there is a Top Foods also across the street. For those needing gas there is
For those who want to stay overnight you have a wide range of lodging choices at reasonable rates.
VERY NICE: Lynnwood, Washington Embassy Suites Hotel. Hey, Embassy Suites are consistent, free breakfast, nice two room suite, free drinks in the afternoon, indoor pool, you know the deal. Under $100 a night.
NICE: Courtyard by Marriott, Lynnwood. Indoor pool and hot tub, restaurant, most Courtyard rooms are also suites and will have a kitchenette. Under $80
A PLACE TO CRASH: Travelodge Edmonds. Hey, it's a place to crash. There are a couple of great local clubs around if you're into the beer, pool and southern rock thing. Under $50 and if you beg probably under $40 this time of year. The area isn't "BAD" but I wouldn't leave my radar detector sitting out on the dash or my cell phone in the charger. You can also stay at the Edmonds Travelers Inn and Suites. Also a good place to crash this place, and at $39 a night with breakfast it is tough to beat!
CAMPING:
UPDATE! Six members will be camping at Deception Pass State Park. Deception Pass is a historic and highly scenic location on Puget Sound, located at the northern tip of Widbey Island (bridge accessible from the north, ferry accessible to the south). Campsites are limited already as this is a very popular park. It is located just minutes from Anacortes and also just a short hop away from the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Hiking trails, tide pooling, canoeing or kayaking in fresh or salt water (bring your own paddlecraft), and some interesting history about the CCC can be explored there. Incredible scenic beauty and the bridge over the pass is one of the most photographed man made structures in the state of Washington.
When: Saturday, April 17, 2003 at 10:00 AM, drivers meeting at 10:20 AM and departure at 10:30 AM
Why: Why? It's GREAT family fun. It's a great day to get out and enjoy your Avalanche in the incredible fields of daffodils and tulips.
They'll be more to see than just flowers. Art displays, crafts, a parade, and events just for kids. Many of these activities are rain or shine.
How: Just show up with your Avalanche. It is STRONGLY, STRONGLY, STRONGLY recommended to bring the following: a camera, comfortable footwear you can get muddy or dirty - Tulip Town is usually very muddy, strollers or even better a wagon for the kidlets (strollers tend to have problems in the mud), and cash as almost none of the events and attractions will take credit cards or checks.
You should also pack a picnic lunch. Weather permitting we'll tailgate at Tulip Town or other area to have a picnic lunch together and help keep costs down. This time of the year things could still be VERY wet.
See you there!
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