Mount Vernon is a small, historic town that operates as the main civic town for the Skagit Valley. The Skagit Valley region is known for its local, and some organic farming, as well as it's miraculous tulip fields. Located a short drive from Seattle, urbanites escape the city to experience small town charm year round by visiting the downtown establishments and enjoying the local flora and fauna. If wanting to spend an afternoon in Skagit, here is where to go and what to do during your visit. 

Throughout the spring, during the month of April is Washington's most popular tulip festival. Visit Tulip Town to experience the Dutch-inspired tulip and daffodil fields. In operation since 1983, a Dutch immigrant, Anthony DeGoede, operated the main tulip farm until 2019. The annual tulip festival is one of the main reasons why people visit Mount Vernon during the spring season.  The farm also opens during October for fall fun and harvest celebration with corn mazes, a pumpkin patch, and beer garden. 

Downtown Mount Vernon
The cute and quaint downtown Mount Vernon features small town charm, with some big city shopping and dining opportunities. Everything from the hole-in-the-wall historic diner, to a modern brewery exists, attracting a variety of locals and travelers alike. 

The Skagit Valley has long been known for its history of organic farming, with most granola munchers recognizing Cascadian Farm Cereal, which has its birthplace in the Skagit Valley. 

To experience the true aura and essence of the traditional PNW granola munching-hippie, be sure to stop for lunch or some bulk foods from the Skagit Valley Food Co-Op in downtown Mount Vernon.  They also sell a large variety of local beers and wines, which are the perfect souvenir to enjoy at home. 

If you're into health, and looking for a local greasy spoon, curb your cravings at The Lunchbox. This old-fashion diner serves up a variety of breakfast, sandwich and burger options to get you through the day. The best part is that the prices are what sandwiches used to cost in Seattle in the early millennia.  Stay posted to their Facebook page about closures during COVID 19. 

Walking around downtown can take one to two hours if spending time inside the shops. If you love antiques stop at Babe Rainbow Antiques. 

Lincoln Theater
Whether you want to marvel at the theater's architectural design, or actually watch a movie or a play if you have time, be sure to stop at Lincoln Theater. In operation since 1926, the theater's origins began as a silent movie house and vaudeville theater. Today it operates as a multi-purpose theater showcasing movies, concerts and plays. It is most known for its spectacular ornate interior design and is home to one of less than 100 20th-century Wurlitzer organs located in their original installation locations. 
During COVID, for only $200, the theater will allow you to host your own movie party with up to six household residents to watch a private screening chocked full of snacks and concessions. 

Temperate Habits Brewery
Located in downtown, this is my top choice of brewery / pub in Mount Vernon. The interior is gorgeous between the exposed wood planks and tufted brown leather chairs, ignites a cozy modern-vintage aura and atmosphere. This brewery is created by two pharmacists, both women, who understands the chemistry behind good brewing. With a mission to support a fun and relaxing atmosphere, the owners have certainly done that. 

The Skagit Riverwalk is a 2.3 mile paved pathway that leads behind downtown Mount Vernon and trails alongside the riverside. The trail is accessible from any spot behind the businesses located adjacent to the river. Here one will noticed a variety of unique statues from eagles to tulips, displaying what Mount Vernon is known for, eagles and tulips. 

At the north end of Lion's Park, the trail shifts to gravel and dirt. The riverwalk provides a nice outlet to enjoy the local scenery without going too far from the downtown. 

After walking, or before leaving Mount Vernon, be sure to visit The Old Town Grainery Tea Room for either a light meal or a cup of tea from one of over 40 teas listed. 

How do you spend your afternoon in Mount Vernon?
​Let's Connect! 

This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to How to Spend a Day in Mount Vernon, Washington.

In Mayan, Akumal mean, "land of turtles." And most tourists visit Akumal in hopes to come face to face with the majestic sea turtle. 

Akumal is a small beach town located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum and is 60 miles south of the Cancun International Airport. Most people either choose to lodge in Akumal or visit from one of the neighboring cities. No matter where you stay, Akumal is a popular day trip destination. With so much to do and see, here is how to spend a day (or 24 hours) in Akumal. 

Start the day with a Sunrise. 
Depending on the time  of year, you can expect the sun to rise between 7 to 7:30am during the peak tourist season (winter). If the sky is clear the sunrise is less impressive, but none the less it is a beautiful sight to see the sun rise over the trees. 

If you love flying solo, at sunrise you may be the only person on the beach. Enjoy the quiet atmosphere,  the beach gets crowded by mid-morning. 

8:00am - Breakfast 
Unless you have a kitchen and plan on making your own breakfast, head to the Turtle Bay Cafe, Lucy's Kitchen or La Buena Vida. La Buena Vida now serves breakfast from 8-11am daily. Here you'll find the traditional breakfast options, but with excellent views of the ocean. 

I'm partial to the Turtle Bay Cafe as they have a wide selection of pastries, juices, smoothies and egg dishes. But I do recommend the Turtle Bay Cafe for lunch. Almond and soy milk are also available for vegans. 

9:30am - Park Your Stuff on the Beach & Sign up for Snorkeling with Sea Turtles
Walk to the main entry way to the beach. You'll notice a small shack not too far from the ocean. It's nearby the Akumal dive center. Here, you can sign up for a guided snorkeling sea turtle tour. 

If you have your own gear you do not need a tour guide, but I recommend it. Getting a tour is somewhat of a waiting game. If a time slot is not available, you'll wait at the shack until a few more people sign up to get a group. Sometimes locals wander around asking, "Hey you want to snorkel?" 

Either way, expect to pay around $40USD. The guided tour includes gear and a life vest. The best part is that the tour starts and ends at the shack, so no long distance travel. The guide swims with a small life raft and takes the group around the buoys. Most tours will not let you swim with suntan lotion on. Listen to the guide and do not touch the sea turtles. The lotion and oil from our hands causes an allergic reaction on the turtle's skin. You'll  notice this on the tour where some turtles have goiters on their neck. 

Every tour is different and depends on the weather. I saw around 8 turtles where others have seen close to 20. They are so cute and will surface for air before heading back to the sea grass. 

Afterwards you can shower in the dive shop's shower in town. If not hang out til lunch. 

12:30pm - Lunch at Turtle Bay Cafe
This is my favorite restaurant in Akumal. The cutest part of this cafe are the colorful tables,
and the local stray cats that run around looking for food. I sort of wish I owned the place!

Each time my dad and I visited we both ordered a smoothie (they are about 24 ounces) and split a plate of guacamole. ​As you can tell, there is no shortage of American portions in Mexico. You will not leave hungry. I recommend the strawberry banana smoothie. The sun is interesting as it kills my appetite, but sometimes after being in the sun and swimming I'm starving once i get into the shade. I can't consume fried food in the heat so I recommend what we ordered below. It serves 2-3 people. 

1:45pm - Walk the Beach
After lunch, take a walk along Akumal's shoreline. It's the best digestion aide to get your metabolism going. Enjoy the gentle crashing of the waves as you pass various resort beach clubs. Toward the end of the hotel strip, the sand turns into rocks. I recommend bringing sandals or walking slowly to avoid sticks and stones nearly breaking your feet bones. Eventually, you'll notice a half "U" shape tree. This is the perfect tree for a selfie. 

2:45pm - Swim and Sunbathe
After a nice, long hot walk, take a dip during the peak of the heat. The pre-swim walk allows for your food to digest and now it's time to relax and enjoy the ocean. 

4:45pm - Ice Cream Snack at Lucy's Kitchen
Around 5pm, the beach loses sun since it moves behind the trees. This is a great time to pack up your stuff and head into the small beach town. Grab a homemade ice cream cone at Lucy's Kitchen. Located in Plaza Ukana, Lucy's Kitchen is a small street-side shop, similar to a grab-n-go establishment. There are a couple tables outside, but don't be shy, grab a scoop, or two, and start your shopping adventure. You can't go wrong the traditional chocolate or vanilla. 

5:15pm - Go Shopping
Since it's still too warm to eat, head to the beach market shops that are near Lucy's Kitchen, The Turtle Bay Cafe and nearby the beach entryway. You'll find everything from Mexican silver to sea-troves of cheap and really expensive gifts.

Sadly, the silver is American priced. I looked at a quarter-sized Mayan pendant that was quoted around $70-80 USD. The market stalls nearby the Turtle Bay Cafe sells handmade and traditional gifts that are cheaper in price.

If you love vanilla, stock up on some Mexican vanilla. Vanilla is sold at any mainstream gift shop or food market. Try El Pueblito Minisuper.   

You must go to MexicArte. The boutique-style shop features more modernized gifts, but not all gifts are indigenous to Mexico. You may find the occasional scarf made in India or China. 

For Mexican folk art, check out Galeria Lamanai. 

7:00pm - Dinner at El Ultimo Maya
If you want an affordable, local establishment head to El Ultimo Maya. Guests choose from a variety of fajita, quesadilla and taco options. Veggie options available. Here, you'll find nothing but authenticity. They offer heartier meals like lemon and Parmesan pasta (choose either veggies, meat or seafood) or plenty of sea-fare for the sailor to get his chops wet with king prawns, fish or ceviche.  

8:45pm - Drinks
Slog down an ice cold brew or fruity mai-tai at Tequillaville or La Buena Vida. These establishments are open later either til 10pm or 11pm respectively. 

Akumal is a quiet town unlike Playa del Carmen where people party until sunrise. 

10:30pm - Lights Out
Head back to your hotel, apartment or home and say goodnight to a very long and stressful day at the beach. 

What you do recommend to do in just one day in Akumal?

This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to How to Spend 24 Hours in Akumal.  

Let's Connect!

A day is a day unlike any other. Until the day you wake up and there's a forest in your front yard. 

After long and tiring days of hard work, the Weihnachtsmarkt is about to open. 

The hardest part is knowing where to go, 

But, whatever you choose, don't be late for the show...

Admire the beatiful lights and land, 

But, it's a safe bet to the find the nearest gluwein stand. 

Light it up. Sip it down. Gluhwein is the best stuff in town. 

If the traditional stuff doesn't cater to what you fancy, try the mideveil fruit wine to inspire your feet to dance-y to the sound of neighboring bag pipes and drums. 

Or just hang out in an ancient ship, those who do are real hip :)

After a few wines, everything gets a bit blurry. 

But, don't be in a hurry.

​If the pagan Gods are with you, your spirit may just get lucky underneath the mistletoe.  

Hast du hunger? Well, you're in luck as there are countless options to choose from. 

Everyone loves the pizza known as bauernbrot.  It surely soaks up the wine, and is a fine place to dine!

try something savory...

or something sweet, there's nothing here you can't beat!

But don't forgot to explore the mideveil market. 

You can play personal games like trying to guess the meaning of every symbol. 

But for the wise and the nimble, find your Germanic hunting strength by spearing a wooden bear. 

Or your hand-eye correction with a game of archery. 

Shopping for something special is one thing that everyone must do. 

Try the gift of mideveil wine, and it'll melt your partner's heart like glue. 

Or maybe you'd enjoy some handmade arts and crafts?

Whatever you choose, the crafts are made with tender love and care, all dipped to bring lots of light and cheer. 

Along with something bright, why not make your home smell nice?

and look nice too. 

Maybe you want something nice for your tree?

Or why not something to catch those beautiful dreams? 

Night and day, the Hannover Christmas markets are a dream come true...

Enjoy every moment 'cause

one day it'll be gone, and make you feel blue...Like grains of sand on a beach, the sawdust marks the memories of another successful Christmas, leaving nothing but hopes, wishes and joy for next year. 

What's your favorite part of the Hannover Christmas markets? 

Let's Connect!

I have to admit something. I am a European at heart. I grew up with Ukrainian and Polish immigrant elders, persecuted from World War Two, and once I lived in Germany, I became attached to my European roots.
 
On many levels, I knew my soul spent lifetimes in Europe. Sometimes I joke it’s why I ‘ve felt so out of place in America. Europe changed me in ways that I cannot describe. I became more logical and spiritual at the same time.
 
How does that work? To see the persecution and destruction of people and places makes one realistic about human nature and mankind. We’ve evolved as a specie, but have a long way to go.

Upon returning to Seattle, I spent the weekend rediscovering Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square district. To me, Pioneer Square is a European-oasis dotted between the Amazonian jungle of mile-high skyscrapers and the cannabis-infused district of SODO.
 
Intuition guided me to the popular Arcade. Ironically, I never explored the basement and the nagging voice in my head said, “Go downstairs!”
 
I stumbled upon The Hidden Alchemist, a quaint window-front style shop “hiding” in a narrow strip of space between a brick wall and a faux storefront. Dried herbs and roses dangled from the windowsill as the homemade incense basked in bath of aromatic oils. Copper pots hung out on the exposed brick wall as change jingled inside a prayer giving shell.

My soul reminisced with memories of Latvia, Estonia and Poland where many people still believe in ancient herbal remedies.
 
Shop owner, Sunny, is like a reflection of myself. Spiritual yet logical, I knew there was a reason why I was so attracted to this place. After much conversation, she admits that she has a very balanced approach to life that integrates logic.
 
Sunny is a Master Clinical Herbalist, which means she has trained to create compounds from scratch. As a compound herbalist, she creates mixtures that use specific herbal combinations to aide certain functions.

Sunny’s in-depth knowledge and wisdom proves (to me) that she is meant to heal the world through herbs. She’s created tinctures for over 20 years and operated a business for seven years.
 
Curious, I wondered if her interest in herbs was random or came from what I term a soul’s calling. Sunny expressed that always had interest with herbs.  She started her first garden at the age of six and grew chamomile along with other herbs. As she aged, she gifted herbal presents for holidays and special occasions.

Her passion and knowledge comes alive in the shop where visitors can watch live tinctures drip into a basin or consult Sunny in the ever-so-therapeutic meeting room.
 
Sunny hand makes every product in her shop. Teas, muscle rubs, tinctures, lotions, beverages, energy shots – you name she’s got it! She makes her products in small batches, ensuring every product is fresh with an appropriate shelf life. She uses organic, chemical-free and handcrafted herbal tinctures and natural skin care products.

Everything she touches is with care, including her handmade business cards. The alchemist, the ultimate creator, is the being of light that can heal the world and the people.
 
Sunny is also author of a lavender cookbook, “The Culinary Lavender Cookbook of Delicious Desserts and Luscious Drinks," which autographed copies are sold in store.
 
Besides the shelf setup and the antique-looking birdcage perched outside of the door, the most attractive part of the shop are her affordable prices. Fifty cents for a tea bag? Three dollars for a wellness shot? A couple bucks for a package of homemade incense? Where am I? I felt as if I transported to Romania, a place where unadulterated mainstream consumerism exists.
 
As a homeopathy consumer, I find more value and authenticity in her products compared to similar items sold on the mainstream market.

Sunny also trains apprentices on how to become compound herbalists. It’s a long and arduous process, but like traditional yoga, it’s the old-school method where the guru teaches the pupil. Isn’t that so refreshing (and so European) that something like this still exists in a world dominated that is pumping out health coaches every three days with online certificates?
 
Sadly, Pioneer Square, like the rest of Seattle, is changing. The Hidden Alchemist lost their lease and Sunny will relocate to Fremont in August. Right now, she has an indiegogo campaign to save her small business.
 
All guests are welcomed into the shop and handed a small sample of freshly made tea. My favorite tea is the Just Breathe and Peach tea.
 
I pretty much recommend everything but I love love love the incense (green tea, wisteria, honeysuckle, lilac and lavender are my favorite). 
 
Rummaging through her shelves is similar to a scratch and sniff booklet. Every smells so fresh that your mouth waters, disguised as your brain thinks its edible food. I recommend sniffing (and trying) the lilac bath salt and goat milk soap.
 
The lotion works wonders on dry skin. Each lotion is made with coconut oil as a natural moisturizer and my favorite is the Honeysuckle. 

Discover more about Sunny & The Hidden Alchemist at http://www.thehiddenalchemist.com.
**The Hidden Alchemist moved to the Fremont Neighborhood in August 2016 but changed their storefront distribution.**

Please note that as of 2018 online orders are possible and you can pick them up at Arundel Books in Pioneer Square. Please see their website for up-to-date details.

Do you enjoy goods from an apothecary? If so, what is your favorite item? 

This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to The Hidden Alchemist: A European-style Apothecary Nestled in Seattle’s Historic District
​
Love it? Let's Connect!

Art lovers, antique collectors and vintage enthusiasts - watch out - Hannover's Saturday flohmarkt maybe the best deal in Europe. 
​
When I first moved to Hannover, I discovered Hannover's Altstadt (Old Town) flea market since I lived in the historic Leibnizhaus. Each Saturday a flood of antique seekers searched the booths quaintly dispersed throughout Hannover's Old Town. Slowly making way to each booth, many took a "kaffe pause" at one of the many Old Town cafes and Flohmarkt crepe and wurst stand. It is by far a unique and relaxing atmosphere. 

At first, I thought it was cool, but didn't really pay much attention. Rusted keys, old cups and vintage signs - how neat, but not something I could spend my money on while living in Germany for 15 months.

Then, it happened. I nearly needed to admit myself into an AA meeting - Antiques Anonymous. About halfway through my journey in Hannover and Europe I began to  appreciate it's finer history, which oddly enough was available for purchase in my backyard every Saturday morning. 

During this time, I met a fellow German girl who was also a photography enthusiast. She told me that I should use vintage dish ware to photograph my cookbook. I began searching the flea market and my god, the market had some of the most amazing and historic treasures for CHEAP! 

And when I say cheap, I mean as far as American standards go. In general, Germans are frugal people. I bought an 80-year old hand painted bowl that cost 10 euros. I found tea cups that dated back to the 1930's-1940's all of which cost between two to four euros. Some finer antique pieces certainly range between 25-100 euros, but for the most part, everything is affordable. 

Enchanted, Hannover's flea market is a place to get lost throughout Europe's historic past.  

It's a place where the old meets the new and the east meets the west. You can find anything and everything that Oma and Opa once stashed away in their basement. Now their trash is someone else's treasure. 

Once I became addicted to Hannover's flea market, many of the vendors recognized my face first perusing each and every table at 9:00 a.m. Although some people overcharged, there certainly was no shortage of finding something similar at another table. My favorite vendor I called the "jedes teller" men. Two older burly German men had boxes of amazing stuff all for one euro. Across the medieval wall you can hear them scream, "Jedes teller ein euro!" I rummaged through their boxes and found a collection of antique tapestries and table clothes that set many scenes for my food photography. The kind men would often squeeze their price letting me keep 15 pieces for 12-euros. 

Once I became an antique addict, I began searching shops and markets around Europe. Porto, Paris, Nice, Krakow, Lithuania, Bucharest - nothing (maybe besides Poland and some parts of Lithuania) compared to the reasonable prices of Hannover. 

In Bucharest, I found a unique pair of antique spectacles, the old circular kind that men with top hats once wore. The lady would not budge lower than 50-euros. It's funny because some local friends believe the Hannover flohmarkt is pricier especially compared to Linden's Sunday Faust-Mephisto flea market. 

Why is Hannover so affordable?  I can only guess because it is this big-small city where locals shop. Even in antique shops in Krakow (when converting to the Polish zloty) somethings were quoted five times the price of what I would've spent in Hannover. I can only guess is that there is some sort of tourist-trap at other places. So my point is that Hannover is worth it. 

One of the best parts is the availability of rare goods. My friend Sonam, who owns "Sonams Little World" in Hannover's Altstadt found an old wooden baker's kneader bin that dates back to 1890. She uses this bin to sell scarves out of, but the coolest part is that history came alive again.  Since I became a dish ware collector, I noticed on the bottom of many German cups some would say "US Sector" - seriously? Yes!

So, after sometime spent at the markets,I realized it's more than just collecting some cool old stuff. 

The flohmarkt is a sign of Germany and Europe's past - something so significant and cultural that their goods will be recycled into something new. Most people fail to realize that immigrant countries like America don't really have a strong cultural bond compared to deep-rooted European countries where life has existed for thousands of years.

Since we are a melting pot, we have many cultures but not really one identity per say.  The modernization of American consumerism has overran most of the last remaining roots connected to European (or other) cultures.   

So, I do believe Hannover is the best flea market in Europe. It's got everything from hand-painted 1920 necklace pendants to candlestick holders that were once used during the war. If you love old black and white photos, you'll find it here. If you're into antique Christmas knick-knacks, you'll certainly find boxes of that stuff here.

It's a magical playground filled with culture, history and some really old stuff. 

The Hannover Flohmarkt runs every Saturday weather depending. Some vendors may not come if the weather is poor or during the Christmas market season. Vendors setup between 8-9am and leave something between 1-3pm. Get there early and bring plenty of cash! 

Do you love the Hannover flohmarkt as much as I do?

​Let's Connect!

Watch your pocketbook ladies, ‘cause you’re gonna spend a lot of money in Ibiza. Anyone who fits the Bohemian-Island Goddess stereotype will want to spend her life savings in Ibiza. Ibiza is a shopaholic's paradise. The shopping in Ibiza ranges from the downright trashy to the upright classy. It’s an eclectic array of choices to cater to the eccentric mix of people who visit the island. From backpackers to back-pocket ballers, Ibiza has everything and anything. There are a few suggestions I highly recommend, but here is an overview of what to expect in Ibiza.

Cheap Souvenir Store Club Wear
This is the neon-colored, Miami stripper meets the Jersey-Shore-inspired club wear that makes you look as trashy as Snookie. It’s the type of fashion and style I despise as it’s underlying message is “haha we got you.” What do I mean? It’s the brainwash bullshit messaging sent to young twenty-year olds (who can afford the clothing) to make them feel good about themselves because they “fit into society” and “did something epic.” Some of it I think is worn as a funny joke, which I agree is hilarious, but some girls had handfuls of this trashy treasure-shit to take back to England. It’s the type of clothing that rips knock off lines from Vegas such as, “What happens in Ibiza, Stays in Ibiza,” and shirts, thongs, boxers and shorts that proudly state the word, “fuck” on everything. I see this type of clothing on the same level of lowness as the dipshit who created the bloodstained Urban Outfitter Kent State University shooting sweatshirt. What about any of this is funny or remotely cool? But, what the hell do I know? I’m an independent hippie at heart who gets angry when people try to insult my intelligence. And this type of clothing I find is an insult to the beauty of one’s mind, body and soul.

Actual Souvenir Store Club Wear
The main clubs in Ibiza are not just eat, drink and dance venues. They are a brand and brands sell clothing. Inside some of the clubs (such as Space) you’ll find a souvenir store open during the parties. However, some clubs have street side stores such as Ushuaia and Pacha. Here you’ll find every piece of clothing slapped with a brand or party-theme insignia. For example, one of Ushuaia’s parties in ANTS. You can bring home your party memory with Ant-themed t-shirts and thongs. Café del Mar sells everything from bathing suits, CD’s and logoed shorts. Don’t worry if you’re too hung over to shop during the day. The airport has several club stores such as Pacha and Ushuaia.

Hippie Market meets Modern Trend Wear
The hippie markets sell everything from Buddha bags to bracelets. The modern Bohemian theme is popular now on the island. What does this mean? Fashion uses modern cuts, styles and trends while using “hippie-inspired” fabric with bold colors and vibrant designs. You can find everything from bathing suit cover ups to fashion scarves. A common trend is to take something traditional from Ibiza such as a semi-precious (or faux) stone and create a bracelet dangled with a feather. Hippies find traditional “energy” goods such as crystals, stones and angel-shaped statues.

Upscale Beach-Inspired Wear
Similar to what I mentioned above, select stores throughout the island cater to those who can afford a 200-Euro chiffon beach sarong. The jewelry uses real stones and gold and there is nothing faux about it. Designer swimwear can cost up to several hundred euros for both men and women and all goods cater to the classy.

Music
If you come to Ibiza for the music, you’ll most likely go home with some CD’s. I found the average price of the CD’s cost 30-euro for a two-disc pack. You’ll find everything from Hed Kandi, deep house to Café del Mar-ambient beats. If you love Ibiza music, you’ll find every type of house, EDM, techno and Balearic beat throughout the island.