Fall and winter in the Pacific Northwest bring plenty of gray, drizzly days. That is not a reason to stay inside all weekend. Just north of Stanwood, the small waterfront town of La Conner has three museums that make a perfect rainy-day outing, all within a short drive of Old Town Stanwood.

Here is how to plan a cozy museum day in the Skagit Valley, with a quiet historic apartment in Stanwood as your home base.

Museum of Northwest Art (MoNA)

The Museum of Northwest Art focuses on art from the Pacific Northwest. Its collection holds more than 2,500 works, from the early 1900s to today, including artists like Mark Tobey, Dale Chihuly and George Tsutakawa. It is a great stop for anyone who wants to see how the region’s landscape and light have shaped its artists.

Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum

This museum started in 1997 as the La Conner Quilt Museum and now fills the second floor of the historic Gaches Mansion. Its permanent collection includes quilts and textiles dating from 1820 to the present. Even if you do not sew, the detail and history in these pieces are worth the visit, and the old mansion itself is part of the charm.

Skagit County Historical Museum

Round out the day with local history. The Skagit County Historical Museum tells the story of the Skagit Valley through its permanent exhibits, a good fit for families and history buffs alike.

Museum hours and admission change with the seasons, so check each museum’s website before you head out.

Your Home Base: The Retro Willows in Old Town Stanwood

History lovers will feel right at home at The Retro Willows. It is a renovated one-bedroom apartment on the second floor of an 1890 Victorian landmark in Old Town Stanwood, so your museum day starts and ends with a bit of history.

• Queen Lull mattress, sleeping up to 4
• Bathtub for a warm soak after a damp day out
• Full kitchen and coffee bar for an easy breakfast before you go
• Room-darkening shades, AC and fast Wi-Fi
• Keyless entry and free parking, plus laundry on site

You can walk to shops, cafes and the grocery store in Old Town Stanwood, so you can pick up dinner supplies on your way back. The apartment is up one flight of stairs, it does not allow pets, and quiet time starts at 9 PM.

More Ideas Nearby

Stretch your trip into a full weekend. Camano Island is just across the bridge from Stanwood for beach walks on drier days, and Mount Vernon is close by for more shopping and dining in the Skagit Valley. If the weather turns nice, you are also within easy reach of Snohomish County and a straight drive down I-5 to Seattle.

Plan Your Stanwood Getaway

A rainy weekend can be the coziest one of the year with the right plan. Booking direct is the simplest way to reserve your dates. Questions? Call or text Derrick at 360-913-5965.