Behind the Sign

December 14, 2021

Tales From the Magic Skagit: The Eatin’ on 2nd Street is Dog Gone Good!

A couple of weeks ago, Meyer Sign owner Ken Hitt and I visited a place just down the road from the company’s Old Hwy. 99 South address. It was one of those events that proves yet again that when one door closes, another opens…and then serves up a killer sandwich.

September 29, 2021

Tales From the Magic Skagit: “For As Long as the River Runs Free”

Inscribed on a memorial along Mount Vernon's River Walk are the names of eight loggers who nearly 150 years ago devoted an arduous three years of their lives to removing a barrier on the Skagit River that opened the way for Mount Vernon to become a hub of commerce…and ultimately the county seat of power in the Skagit Valley.

September 17, 2021

Tales From the Magic Skagit: From These Waters

If you've ever driven north on S. 1st Street, Mount Vernon, it’s highly likely that the mural at the intersection with Gates Street caught your eye. It’s big, it’s bold, it’s colorful — and last but not least — it is a swirling tapestry comprised of vignettes about the immigrant experience, particularly as it applies to the Skagit Valley.

Tales From the Magic Skagit: When One Door Closes…

When it comes to good food, we have an embarrassment of local culinary riches here in the Magic Skagit. While most of my favorite restaurants weathered the pandemic, there was one that survived only to be closed under circumstances I've yet to figure out, but that ultimately don't matter to the hole left in my heart...and my tummy. When one door closes, however, another opens...

Tales From the Magic Skagit: We Are The Champions!

Those of you Tales From the Magic Skagit readers who have followed the story of Mount Vernon's epic tulip poplar at the corner of Cleveland and Snoqualmie will be pleased to know that we've learned more about our State Champion, thanks to the efforts of an "arboreal trophy hunter" named Robert Van Pelt.

Tales From the Magic Skagit: ‘Rhod’ Rage!

If Cleveland Street ever considers changing its name, I think it should be called Rhododendron Way. While there are magnificent rhodies to be seen all over the Valley, the concentration of epic blooms along Cleveland Street — especially between Hazel and Kincaid — is worth a slow ride on a sunny day. Or better yet, park the car and head north. You are in for some jaw dropping floral displays

Tales From the Magic Skagit: The Story of Pasek Cellars

In vino veritas — in wine is truth — and the truth is that Pasek Cellars is yet another example of a local agricultural enterprise whose reputation, like that of our world famous blooms, has grown well beyond the Magic Skagit. I’ll drink to that.

Tales From the Magic Skagit: A Tulip Tower of Power

The origin story of Mount Vernon's iconic Tulip Tower goes back to a time when the Skagit Valley was better known for its dairy industry than for flower bulbs.

Under a Tulip Moon

Mount Vernon artist Jennifer McGill and her husband were cruising the tulip fields exactly one year ago today when the inspiration for this year’s official Tulip Festival poster struck. This is the story behind the image.

Spring Hopes Eternal: Welcome Back, Tulip Festival. We Missed You!

The Tulip Festival is back. The Tulip Festival is back. The Tulip Festival is back. Have I made myself clear on this point?

Tales From the Magic Skagit: Goodwinds Composites and the Pursuit of Excellence

I first heard of the Mount Vernon company known as Goodwinds Composites the same way most other residents of the Magic Skagit did: from a recent article in the Skagit Valley Herald about a local company that was helping NASA with the first unmanned helicopter exploration of Mars. It was a fantastic account of engineering marvels and high tech materials; but if truth is stranger than fiction (and it is), the story of how Goodwinds Composites came into being is even more interesting than its contribution to our knowledge of the red planet.

February 14, 2021

Tales From the Magic Skagit: The Story of COA

The story of COA is more than the story of the trials and tribulations of a locally owned restaurant and its efforts to win a loyal customer base. It is a Magic Skagit story of immigrant ambition, the risks and rewards of forging a culinary brand, the determination of small business owners to weather adversity…and last, but not least, the enduring power of family to realize dreams beyond the grasp of any single individual. In that sense, it’s an American story — one infused with chili peppers, tequila, love, sweat, and grandma’s home cooking.

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