Located in Skagit County, Mount Vernon is a popular place during the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival each April. But when it’s not crowded with tulip-loving tourists, it’s a quiet little farm town that rests on the banks of the Skagit River. And if you’ve never been, you should come see why it was once voted the #1 “Best Small City in America” by the New Rating Guide to Life in America’s Small Cities.

Mount Vernon has a population of 35,000, so it’s a mid-sized city by definition.

Becky McCray / Flickr Still, it definitely has a small town vibe.

The city was established in 1877, with Jasper Gates and Joseph Dwelley being credited as its founders.

Wikipedia Its growth was helped by its central location in reference to the local mining, logging and farming communities.

These days, you’ll still find a large farming community in Mount Vernon.

Jasperdo / Flickr The agricultural industry is enormous in Skagit County.

Of course, this means the city has an incredible Farmers Market, which you’ll find at the Skagit Riverwalk Plaza on weekends from May-October.

MMount Vernon Farmers Market Facebook Here you can meet local farm producers while enjoying the freshest produce, local meats and cheese, and handmade goods.

If you don’t visit during Farmers Market season, you can always check out Schuh Farms.

Schuh Farms Facebook The farm is open from April- December, and depending on the time of year, you’ll find fresh berries, veggies, pumpkins, winter squash, and homemade goods.

If you’re looking for fresh, healthy, local food, you’ll love the Skagit Valley Food Co-Op and Deli on S. 1st St.

simivalley1699 / TripAdvisor This place is an absolute gem.

Mount Vernon has plenty of tasty restaurants as well, like the Skagit River Brewery on S. 3rd St.

Tara M. / TripAdvisor Their wood-fired pizza is made from their own handmade dough, and the burgers are also delicious.

You can get a hotel room anytime. But when you visit Mount Vernon, you should stay on a real life farm.

airbnb.com The Gooserosa Bed & Breakfast Farm Stay offers a one-of-a-kind experience.

At The Gooserosa, you’ll have a charming carriage house all to yourself on a sleepy farm with goats, chickens, and a horse.

airbnb.com Start your day with freshly baked bagels from the Skagit Co-Op. You can even gather your own fresh eggs for breakfast!

And if you can, you’ll definitely want to catch a sunset from Bay View State Park.

SwandiMeow / TripAdvisor This photo speaks for itself.

Visiting Mount Vernon is a pleasure. Much like these charming small towns, the locals love this little farming community.

Becky McCray / Flickr

Still, it definitely has a small town vibe.

Wikipedia

Its growth was helped by its central location in reference to the local mining, logging and farming communities.

Jasperdo / Flickr

The agricultural industry is enormous in Skagit County.

MMount Vernon Farmers Market Facebook

Here you can meet local farm producers while enjoying the freshest produce, local meats and cheese, and handmade goods.

Schuh Farms Facebook

The farm is open from April- December, and depending on the time of year, you’ll find fresh berries, veggies, pumpkins, winter squash, and homemade goods.

simivalley1699 / TripAdvisor

This place is an absolute gem.

Tara M. / TripAdvisor

Their wood-fired pizza is made from their own handmade dough, and the burgers are also delicious.

airbnb.com

The Gooserosa Bed & Breakfast Farm Stay offers a one-of-a-kind experience.

airbnb.com

Start your day with freshly baked bagels from the Skagit Co-Op. You can even gather your own fresh eggs for breakfast!

SwandiMeow / TripAdvisor

This photo speaks for itself.

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