Great Escapes: Tiptoe Through the Tulips!

Head north for a day, or an overnight, and partake in the showstopping beauty of acres and acres of tulips in Skagit Valley. If you've never been to the Tulip Festival in Mount Vernon before, you owe it to yourself to take part in an event that attracts visitors from all over the world. Celebrating its 28th year, the annual spring festival continues to expand-in participation and special events.

Here are five upcoming events to enjoy:

1. Begin or end your Tulip Festival experience-and indulge in award-winning chowder-at The annual Chili, Chowdah & Chocolate Cook-off on April 23 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. You'll have plenty of energy to wander through the fields after sampling some piping hot bowls worth of yum!
2. From April 16-30, The Friends of the Fish Art Show is showcasing local artists on display. The artists' fish and water landscape-themed work will be available for purchase, and a portion of all proceeds from artwork sales will benefit Salmon Education for local children.
3. The Spring Garden and Fine Arts Show, from Friday April 29 to Saturday April 30, offers art workshops, potted flower and vegetable plants, crafts, jewelry and more. Located at the City of Burlington Parks and Recreation center, the event is free to the public.
4. Enjoy samples of the official Skagit Valley Tulip Festival wines at Pasek Cellars Winery tasting room. Crafted from Washington grown grapes-combined with northwest and tropical fruit-this premiere boutique winery might be an ideal stop en route to, or from, the festival.
5. If you'd rather not tiptoe, perhaps you'll want to pedal along the trails through the Skagit Valley. Tulip Country Bike Tours offers guided tours that take you to the best vistas in the valley, or just rent a bike and enjoy your own self-designed tour through the town.

The festival lasts through the end of April, so get away for an afternoon, a day or a weekend and enjoy the beauty of the blooms. Oh, and don't forget your camera!