It’s that time of year again. We bid a fond farewell to the year past and look towards a brand-new year ahead. What will the next 12 months bring? The possibilities are endless and knowing where to start can sometimes be a daunting task. Don’t fret. We’ve made it easy for you with our list of charming small towns to visit in Washington. There is one incredible town for each month of the year and the best part is, you can start any month you want! Feel free to add to the list. There’s so much to do and see in the Evergreen State!
1. January - Chelan
The holiday season might be over, but you can still enjoy all the fun winter activities you love. Chelan is home to Lake Wenatchee Sno-Park where you can get your fill of powdery fun on the miles of cross-country and snowshoe trails, as well as amazing snow tubing hills.
2. February - Stanwood
About an hour north of Seattle lies the small town of Stanwood. Steeped in rich Scandinavian history, Stanwood boasts beautiful, pastoral farmlands, extraordinary shopping, and diverse dining. Every February, Stanwood is host to the Great Northwest Glass Quest, an annual 10-day treasure hunt for blown glass. Locals and tourists alike look forward to this yearly event.
3. March - Blaine
The small town of Blaine is known as The Peace Arch City and borders British Columbia. Blaine is a friendly fishing community with a vibrant downtown. If you visit Blaine in March, be sure to check out the annual Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival.
4. April - La Conner
Located on the Salish Sea between Seattle and British Columbia is the cutest little town of La Conner. Perfect for a weekend getaway any time of the year, but during the spring, La Conner comes alive with vibrant colors during the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Bring your camera and capture the stunning views of thousands of colorful tulips in bloom.
5. May - Port Orchard
A darling, historic downtown with cafes, bakeries, and shopping brings visitors to this waterfront town in Kitsap County. Visitors are drawn to Port Orchard in the warmer months to take a ride on the foot ferry to Bremerton. When flowers start to bloom, you’ll want to visit Brother's Greenhouses, home of the famous Port Orchard Hobbit House!
6. June - Anacortes
Anacortes is a small town with lots of fun activities to satisfy any nature lover. Boating tops the list of popular outdoor activities and boaters often encounter seals, otters, sea lions, and eagles. Your best chance for viewing Orcas is during the summer months and into early fall. For a wilder nature experience, check out Predators Of The Heart, an exotic animal sanctuary and home to rescued wild animals including wolves, cougars, and bobcats.
7. July - Sequim
The charming town of Sequim is known for very little rainfall and glorious lavender fields. Enjoy stunning, purple blooms all summer long on the Lavender Trail during the annual Lavender Festival.
8. August - Coupeville
The tiny seaport town of Coupeville is a great place for hiking, fishing, and strolling the waterfront. Picturesque and full of charm, Coupeville is the perfect weekend getaway destination. And speaking of charm, did you know that Coupeville was the setting for the 1998 film, "Practical Magic", starring Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, and Stockard Channing? Visit Coupeville and see if you can pick out some of the iconic storefronts used in the movie.
9. September - Prosser
Prosser, Washington is nestled in the heart of wine country, along the Yakima River. Known as the birthplace of Washington wine, Prosser has a rich history in agriculture. But it’s the yearly Prosser Balloon Rally that draws visitors to the area each September. Hot air balloons lift off at sunrise for a stunning display of color in the skies over Prosser.
10. October - Kennewick
Part of the "Tri-Cities", along with Pasco and Richland, Kennewick is a great family getaway destination. Columbia Park is popular among locals and tourists for its abundant outdoor activities. For a unique experience like no other, don’t miss the annual, family-friendly Tri-Cities Water Lantern Festival, a yearly celebration of happiness and hope.
11. November - Langley
On a bluff overlooking the Cascade Mountains, sits Langley, Washington. Whidbey Island’s "Village by the Sea" is a quaint small town full of quirky shops, outdoor adventures, and an eclectic art scene. Escape from the daily hustle and bustle and enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, and clamming in the charming town full of serene landscapes and fresh sea air.
12. December - Leavenworth
The obvious choice for the best small-town destination in December is Leavenworth, but there’s just no beating this magical Bavarian-style town during the holiday season. Brightly lit buildings, strolling carolers, a reindeer farm, and visits from Santa – it doesn’t get more festive than that! If you’ve never seen Leavenworth in December, you need to put this trip on your winter bucket list. This is one enchanting Christmas town you don’t want to miss!
There you have it - twelve incredible Washington destinations to quench your thirst for adventure and travel all year! What small towns would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments.
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