Weekender: Mt. Vernon, Wash.
Farm-Fresh Foods in Mount Vernon
Story and photos by Diane Rudholm
Photo at right: Taking a break from the ride to enjoy blueberries at J4 Farm
When was the last time you stopped into Mount Vernon, Wash., to enjoy a meal or get some fresh air? Most often, Mount Vernon has been a town I drive through to hike or ski in the North Cascades. It has not been a destination.
Variety of organic lettuce at Skagit Flats Farm
That changed at the end of August. I had the pleasure of visiting Mount Vernon for a night and a day to join Skagit Valley Co-op on its annual Bike-to-Farm ride. The cycling event was part of a group of free events in Mayor Boudreau’s August Wellness Challenge, a program to promote healthy living.
After a good night’s rest at the Best Western CottonTree Inn, I met up with 30 other cyclists at the Skagit Valley Co-op. Mayor Boudreau was there to greet everyone, doling out handshakes and smiles, and helping ensure everyone had what they needed for the ride.
The 147-year-old cottonwood tree at J4 Ranch
We buckled helmets, checked tires and looked over maps, and rode along a mix of paved and dirt roads, through neighborhoods lined with small yellow flowers. Backed by a clear sky, Mount Baker peeked over rooftops and trees the whole way.
Four organic farms
Our first stop was Skagit Flats Farm, where we checked out hulking onions, squash, sunflowers and a whole lot of lettuce, and learned about natural fertilizers—bird byproducts and bones, anyone?
Next we set out to J4 Ranch. We befriended curious horses and dined on pints of fresh blueberries. Besides plenty of plump berries, the farm features a Heritage Barn built in 1906 and an enormous 147-year-old cottonwood tree out front.
Tour participants dig up purple carrots and wash them in ice water
Ralph’s Greenhouse was next. There was no greenhouse in sight and the man who owns the place is named Ray de Vries—not Ralph—but the tour was informative and fun. Leeks are its main crop, but they also grow other veggies and flowers. Cyclists were encouraged to dig up a few purple carrots as tasty souvenirs.
Connected to Ralph’s Greenhouse was the final farm on the tour, Living Rain Farm, which is owned by de Vries’s brother John de Vries. Living Rain Farm grows plenty of spring crops to balance the offerings of Ralph’s Greenhouse. This allows the two farms to share a staff and help keep their workers employed year-round.
Back at the co-op
Sadie fetches potatoes and keeps farmers on their toes at Ralph's Greenhouse
After our tour, I rode back to the Skagit Valley Co-op to enjoy a Thai wrap and ice cream, and to learn more about Skagit Valley’s history and offerings from Raschel Richards of the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce. The area is filled with interesting history and incredible food that makes it, in fact, a fantastic destination.
If you go
General
Mount Vernon Chamber Tourism: www.visitmountvernon.com
Stay
Best Western CottonTree Inn: www.bestwesternwashington.com/hotels/best-western-plus-cottontree-inn-mount-vernon
Whispering Firs BB & Lodge: www.whisperingfirs.com
Skagit Island State Park: www.parks.wa.gov; www.stateparks.com/skagit_island.html
Autumn Events
Through Sept. 30: U-pick Pumpkins & Farm Activities
Fall decorations, fresh cider and produce from Skagit Valley farms.
www.visitskagitvalley.com
Oct. 5–6: Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms
Educational exhibits, farm tours, harvest markets, gardening demos, freebies, kid’s games, corn and hay mazes and more.
www.festivaloffamilyfarms.com
Nov. 16: Skagit Beer & Wine Festival
Washington wines and microbrews with Skagit appetizers, chocolate and cheese.
www.mountvernonchamber.com
