The Cambridge Dictionary defines meander as “to wander aimlessly without a set destination, or to follow a winding curvy path rather than going straight”.

We had a full day to go from Bothell, Washington up to Anacortes – so we chose to meander our way up the coast instead of simply driving I5 to get there as quickly as possible. Our meander took us from our RV camping spot in Bothell, Washington up to the Ferry Dock at Anacortes.

But I am getting ahead of myself.

Our youngest son Andrew was back in the United States and had just given an invited talk at a Gordon Conference in Maine and had a free weekend before heading to meeting with some colleagues at the University of Washington Friday Harbor Labs in the San Juan Islands. We decided to meet up in Seattle for a fun weekend of activities before he had to get back to work in Friday Harbor. Our Saturday visits included spending time at the Seattle Art Museum (one of my favorites), a visit to Three Girls Bakery at Pike Place Market and dinner served tableside at El Gaucho in Seattle.

After what seemed like a short night – it was time to begin our trek northwards.

The day started with coffee in the New Aire at Pleasant Lake RV Park in Bothell (watch for a future note on this hidden gem).

We jumped into the Bronco and headed to the Barking Frog at Willows Lodge in Woodinville for a mid-morning brunch. I last dined here pre-COVID for a Washington State University Board of Regents meeting – and the food was as good as I remembered it. Noel and I are light breakfast eaters on most days – but the huckleberry pancakes were amazing and we somehow managed to consume an order of freshly baked beignets even though we were “pretty full”. If you go – these two items – the huckleberry pancakes and beignets – are “must haves”.

After waddling out of the Barking Frog after our hearty brunch – what was next?

We drove about 0.5 miles over to the Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery and tasting room and enjoyed a nice chilled glass of a 2025 Limited Release Midsummer’s White while walking around the grounds. We also enjoyed reading a bit about the history of wine making in the State of Washington in the large tasting room.

After our wine was done – it was time to move on.

Our meander took us north to Mount Vernon, WA to the WSU Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center (Go Cougs!) for a stroll through the magnificent Discovery Garden. If you are ever in the Mount Vernon area and want a nice stopping place to enjoy a peaceful and serene garden walk – you will not be disappointed. I had last walked through the Discovery Garden back in 2017 – and this was my first time back to see the exhibits and read the signs when I was not rushing off to a meeting.

It was time for lunch – so our meander took us to La Conner, Washington – a delightful coastal town with art galleries, small shops and most importantly – a local brewery!

Interestingly, everyone else in Seattle felt it would be a nice day to visit to La Conner as the streets were packed with people and there was no parking to be found close to our lunch spot. I did find a parking spot about 0.5 miles away (it did cost $5 for the day) and walked the entirety of the main drag on my way to the La Conner Brewing Company for lunch.

The beer was excellent and the chicken natchos hit the spot for a mid-afternoon snack as we were still recovering from a large breakfast earlier in the day. Andrew had the Raspberry Wheat and I had the Fishtown Summer Ale. Both were refreshing and served ice cold.

It was getting time to head to the last stop on our meander through the Skagit Valley – so we left La Conner and headed for the coast. It took about 40 minutes to drive to the Ferry Dock at Anacortes. We arrived in plenty of time for Andrew to catch his ferry to Friday Harbor to meet with his colleagues at UW.

It was great seeing Andrew for what seemed like a very fast and busy weekend hitting some sights in Seattle and then enjoying a drive through the Skagit Valley and then to the coast.

Our meander was fun and is a reminder that there is a lot to see and do in Washington – and sometimes the best way to your destination in the route less traveled!

Until next time …