La Conner Channel Lodge

written by Lauren Kramer

Perched on the Swinomish Channel, the La Conner Channel Lodge is a family-run, boutique lodge, its cedar shake exterior delivering a quaint, country feeling that befits La Conner’s rich agricultural environs. The only waterfront accommodation in town, it’s perfectly located for exploring the galleries, gift shops and restaurants that define La Conner’s main street. On a sunny spring afternoon, we sipped wine on the patio of our waterview room, luxuriating in the warmth as yachts glided up and down the channel. We took a lazy walk around town, joining others who came to steep themselves in the sweetness of a Washington town with a population of 982. La Conner is sleepy, quiet and calm, with none of the urgency of city life. No traffic, no stoplights and no need to rush anywhere—unless you’re looking for dinner after 9 p.m., in which case you’re driving out of town.

ACCOMMODATIONS

All forty of the rooms at the La Conner Channel Lodge are comfortably furnished and equipped with gas fireplaces. Our corner suite had a king bed, a seating area with armchairs in front of the fireplace and a large jacuzzi-style bathtub that doubles as a shower and easily seats two.

The lodge’s rooms are nicely furnished and come with a gas fireplace.

DINING

Overnight accommodation at the lodge includes a continental breakfast with cereal, pastries, fruit, yogurt, toast and eggs. Guests are welcomed to the hotel with complimentary cookies at reception, and room service is available from the Oyster & Thistle restaurant, a short walk away. Read more about Oyster & Thistle on pg. 27.

AMENITIES

The lodge has a comfortable great room adjacent to the lobby, where a local musician plays the piano on Friday and Saturday evenings. Guests gather in the great room to relax in front of the fireplace, play games and gaze out at the channel. When weather permits, Adirondack chairs and a fire pit on the patio make for a cozy destination with great views.

Elegant living room featuring a black grand piano with a floral arrangement, wooden flooring, and cozy seating area with bookshelves, showcasing stylish home decor from 1889 Magazine. — A local pianist brings this grand piano to life on Friday and Saturday evenings.

DON’T MISS

Stop by the nearby O’Neil’s Confectionary & Soda Fountain, a nostalgic tribute to a bygone era where candy, ice cream and history meet unexpectedly. Owner Stan O’Neil, a long-time collector of classic soda fountain bars, has decked his large store with these grand, wood and marble relics of the past, creating a fascinating venue that’s a treasure trove of memories. It also sells milk-shakes, smoothies, fudge, taffy, ice cream, beer and food from morning until night.

205 1ST ST.
LA CONNER
www.laconnerchannellodge.com