Tulips Ablaze in Skagit County!

Seattlest is a horrible role model. If we're not pickling our livers at famous local dives then we are snorting rat droppings in our basements. Either that or we're licking rusty old rail track. That's the price we pay to bring you, dear reader, this here fine reportage. In short: Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Seattlests. Get out of this dirty dirty town and consider playing hooky on the next available gorgeous day to head on up to Skagit County for the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.

(Geographical note: Skagit County is that honest place in between our waterside shantytown and beautiful downtown British Columbia.)

Do not ask questions; do not second guess. Just grab this map and go. A word of warning: a lot of tenderfoot city slickers clog the rural roads on the weekend. For that reason, we suggest getting creative in your route to avoid bottlenecks. Remember also that some of the best fields are the smaller ones --i.e. not Tulip Town or Roozengaarde-- where you just park at the roadside and wander. Also, bring appropriate footwear for possibly muddy fields, for St. Hubbins's sake.

(Sartorial note: By appropriate, we don't mean Ugg(h)s, either.)

If you take the Mt. Vernon exit (226), you'll get to snake through this quaint little town. Take some time to wander it, take in the old buildings, and perhaps gets yourself a malt --or a malt-containing beverage. On the other hand, exit 221 at the very south end of the map leads you on an extended drive through pretty rural scenery. Either way, you can't lose; you'll get a nice dose of Americana regardless of the path you choose.

Don't wait... just go. We'll write you a note. Colorful splendor awaits! Photographic evidence after the jump...