Washington: Reap the seafood and agricultural abundance of the Pacific Northwest

When foodies think of the Pacific Northwest, the first thing that comes to mind might be Seattle’s Pike Place Market, but a whole universe of delicious possibilities is found in outlying areas, from pick-your-own farms to fresh-off-the-boat seafood.

Drive 254.6 miles, 7 hours, 39 minutes

1. Woodinville

Starting Point

Just 30 minutes from downtown Seattle, Woodinville hosts several wineries that serve up distinctive Pacific Northwest vintages. From the Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery to Ambassador Wines of Washington, you’ll find lots of opportunities for tastings and purchases. For a hearty meal to pair with your wine, take a trip to Pike Place Market in nearby Seattle. Explore 9 acres of fresh produce, great seafood, quality meats, fresh cheese and more.

RECOMMENDED STOPOVERS 

Lake Pleasant RV Park
Bothell, WA
(425) 487-1785

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2. Snohomish County

48.3 miles, 1 hour, 31 minutes

Libations abound in Snohomish County, where you can choose from five wineries, five breweries and two local distilleries. Wine lovers can enjoy local wines at Columbia Winery, Quilceda Creek Vintners, Silver Lake Winery, Alai Wines and Dubindil Winery, all close by and specializing in the distinct fruit-forward wines of Washington. Beer lovers can quaff a brew at Redhook Brewery, Skookum Brewery, Lazy Boy Brewing, Black Raven Brewing Company, or Mac & Jack’s Brewing. Dry County Distillery and Skip Rock Distillers offer vodka, gin and whiskey.

3. Skagit County

94.4 miles, 3 hours, 9 minutes

Skagit County is an agricultural delight with more than 90 different crops and 1,500 acres of tulip, daffodil and iris bulbs—more than anywhere else in the country. Skagit Valley also produces more strawberries, raspberries, and red potatoes than anywhere else in Washington. Get out and explore this fertile valley by visiting local farms, u-picks and farmers markets for organic veggies, fruit, honey, eggs, dairy and fresh flowers.

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4. Anacortes

71.2 miles, 2 hours, 13 minutes

Located on Fidalgo Island, Anacortes is a fishing town where “fresh” means caught today by local fishing boats and “slow” promotes clean and fair fishing practices for sustainable food. For fresh-caught seafood to prepare on your own, visit Black Rock Seafood or Puget Sound Prawns, or head to the other side of the bay and visit Blau Oyster Company, Taylor Shellfish Farm and Skagit’s Own Fish Market, which also offers lunch.

5. Bellingham

40.7 miles, 46 minutes

Get away to Whatcom County, home to a bevy of pick-your-own berry farms growing some of the most delicious berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and blackberries) in the Pacific Northwest. For a u-pick experience in a natural, no frills setting, visit Barbie’s Berries with strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries. Boxx Berry Farm offers more than just fruit; select from fresh produce, abundant flowers, thick jams and wonderful preserves. Bellingham Country Gardens beckons harvesters with everything from beets to strawberries to onions. Pick some flowers to complete your trip.