For more than 25 years, I lived along the I-90 corridor, much of that time wearing a groove into the commuter route to my job at KING-TV. I loved everything about it, especially when The Mountain was out, but in retirement, my husband and I were searching for something less hectic, more attuned to nature and the water. We were looking for both adventure and peace. And that’s how we ended up living in Anacortes.

At the risk of sounding like I’ve taken over the tourism board, let me tell you all the ways I love this place! As I write this, I’m looking out at the ferries coming and going. ‘The gateway to the San Juans’ is an invitation to all that’s out there—from the resident Orca pods to the spectacular views from Mount Constitution. On my morning walks, I say hello to the tall creature I’ve named Monsieur Heron and watch as he ambles along the shoreline. The water is magical, the wildlife is abundant, the smell of the air stirs my blood every single time.

As a newly minted Skagit County booster and a descendant of farmers, I’m also a huge fan of the agriculture (more than 90 crops including strawberries, raspberries, special potatoes, daffodils, pickling cucumber) and the working marine industry here. We’re closing out the Tulip Festival, which is a glorious riot of color and fun. And summer is coming, with a lively arts, food and boating scene, including a chance to see the whales and learn more about the ocean environment that we must respect and protect. Mount Baker presides proudly over the area, and a newly built overlook landing at Cap Sante Park offers breathtaking views. By the way, when you visit that spot, you’ll be standing on 160-million-year-old bedrock, scraped bare and sculpted by an epic glacier a few thousand years ago. Check it out with Central Washington University lecturer and geologist Nick Zentner from the PBS show, ’Nick on the Rocks.”

After many years of city life, a small town is a welcome change. We love Commercial Avenue here as the main drag, and the historic downtown filled with restaurants, bookstores, coffee shops, and my favorite spot to grab some Lopez Island Creamery ice cream. People are friendly, the pace is comfortable.

At the same time, Seattle is still the Emerald City and we make that trip frequently for ball games, concerts, dinner with friends. It will always be our hub. Meantime, I look forward to clamming, exploring, hiking, swimming, and taking endless sunset pictures. We live in such a beautiful state, and there is peace in a cathedral of trees or the oasis of a small cove with the soft music of lapping water. It feels like such an antidote to the static and noise in the world. So, if you need me, I’ll be right here in the Upper Left, with a big smile on my face. Come visit!

Margaret Larson retired as host of KING 5‘s “New Day Northwest.” Her impressive 35-year career included stints as a London-based foreign correspondent for NBC News and as a news anchor for the Today show, as well as a reporter for Dateline NBC and anchor at KING 5.

Connect with Margaret Larson at:

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