Experience the Small Town in Washington That Feels Straight Out of ‘Dawson’s Creek’

What is it about fall that makes me so nostalgic? Just as some Washingtonians gear up their spooky season with a docket of scary movies, I'm reaching for my favorite comfort show and the biggest mug I can find of apple cider. Once upon a time, I might have followed my friends to the nearest haunted house. This autumn, I've decided to head instead to some of the many communities in the Evergreen State that make visitors feel they've stepped onto the set of their favorite TV series. One of my favorites? Skagit Valley's La Conner, a small town straight out of "Dawson's Creek."

Perched on the edge of the Swinomish Channel in lush farmland and framed by breathtaking mountains, La Conner embodies the best that Skagit Valley has to offer. Alongside nearby Mount Vernon, it's best known for being the epicenter of Washington's famous tulip festival. Still, it's high time locals flocked to this button-sized town for fall.

With just under 1,000 year-round residents, La Conner radiates the welcoming small-town charm we so often fall in love with on screen. Not to mention, despite its snug downtown core, La Conner is home to an array of bustling businesses. Grab a cup of joe at a favorite local watering hole like Raven's Cup to fuel your exploration. Whether you're window shopping, admiring the work of talented artists, or heading off to nearby pumpkin patches, you'll be glad you paused to soak in the community's neighborly atmosphere.

La Conner also proves small doesn't mean insignificant. On the contrary, the townsite has always served as a hub of local history, hosting commerce and providing a hearth to centuries of inhabitants. With this in mind, it's no surprise that you'll find many of the community's buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's also no surprise that La Conner outkicks its coverage when it comes to museums. Whether your interests lie in quilting, art, or regional history, La Conner offers visitors a place to plug in. And while it's easy to fall for the town's small-screen looks, believe me when I say that this community's real-life stories are every bit as fascinating.

Surrounded by gorgeous trails, thriving fisheries, and fertile farmland, La Conner is Skagit Valley at its most splendid. If, like me, you prefer nostalgia over jump scares this autumn, it's the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Like a small town straight out of "Dawson’s Creek," La Conner offers the hospitality, coziness, and beauty of a made-for-TV community, yet carries the heart, culture, and history of a place deeply rooted in Washington’s real story.

Plan your own trip to La Conner, Washington, with Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner. And if you have any recommendations on things to do in La Conner, let us know by filling out this nomination form. We'd love to check out your suggestions on our next adventure.