At the Cottage

Many of our guests choose to stay close to home while at the cottage. A row boat, canoe, picnic table, and gas barbecue are provided to help you take advantage of the lakefront setting. For days when the weather is inclement or evenings when you want to relax, a TV, VCR, and CD stereo allow you to enjoy movies and/or music. (A video rental store is located near the grocery and deli.) A telephone is available for local calls to reserve tee times, make dinner reservations, or contact friends on the island. The gas fireplace downstairs or the enjoyable view out the living room windows upstairs make enticing places to curl up with a good book or watch the waterbirds on the lake. You might get lucky enough to see a bald eagle swooping down to spot fish, or you could try your luck flyfishing off the beach. (Sorry, Smith Lake is a no-swimming lake.) A special feature is a beautiful antique pump organ, brought from the Old Country by the parents of a local resident, for the enjoyment of those who know how to play.

Golf

Camaloch Golf Course offers power carts, pull carts, rental clubs, demo clubs, a driving range, and an indoor snack bar. Seasonal 18-hole and 9-hole rates make it attractive year round, and there are special rates for juniors and seniors on weekdays. Tee times should be reserved in advance at (360) 387-3084.

On the Island

The cottage is on tranquil Camano Island, so you're just moments away from spectacular Puget Sound beaches. There's public access to boat launching, fishing, crabbing, clam digging and ocean swimming. The Island's County and State Parks (both just a ten minute drive from the cottage) afford either an eastward view of Port Susan Bay and the Cascade Mountains, or a westward view of Saratoga Passage, the Olympic Mountains, and Whidbey Island. There are well marked public trails, seasonal nature talks, and picnic areas at the State Park. A quiet walk along the beach in the fresh sea air at sunset makes a perfect way to end the day.

In the Vicinity

The nearby city of Stanwood is home to the Scandia Bakery, serving up Scandinavian pastries and baked goods. Down the street is the Snow Goose Bookstore where the friendly staff can help you browse for a good read. Restaurants, dress shops, fitness centers, movie house, and a summer Farmer's Market are some of the businesses that can help make your visit to this area enjoyable.

LaConner, a delightful waterfront town full of art galleries, antique shops, craft stores, and fine dining, is only 45 minutes away. You'll enjoy exploring the small specialty shops along the historic wharf area. Lunch and dinner cruises are available from LaConner to Deception Pass and other areas.

Half an hour away is Mount Vernon and the Skagit Valley, home of the famous Tulip Festival every April. Visit the bulb gardens and nurseries, order some exotic fall bulbs to take home, and be amazed by the incredibly colorful fields of tulips and daffodils.

Anacortes is about an hour drive from the cottage. It offers charter fishing, shopping, and panoramic and ferry connections to the San Juan Islands and Victoria, B.C. You can take bicycles on the ferry for leisurely island sightseeing, or travel the full loop and enjoy the awesome view from the ferry.

Several major shopping malls are also accessible within an hour of the cottage -- Bellis Fair to the north and Alderwood Mall to the south are first-class shopping experiences. No matter what your interest, you'll be able to find plenty of attractions within easy traveling distance of the cottage.