If ever you are in Washington, go forth knowing it is a beautiful, vibrant state, with a range of natural and human-made diversions to woo and wow you. Pick almost any corner of the state, and you will find a site or experience to take in with glee.

Skagit Valley -- just more than an hour north of Seattle -- is no exception. And it is a place that deserves more "pub", so I will endeavor to provide it with this list of cool things to do in Skagit Valley.

1. Take in the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.

Skagit Valley is the top tulip producing region in North America. Each April, the tulip farmers of the valley celebrate this fact with a very cool, and very breathtaking festival. The festival celebrates the tulips (and daffodils) grown on the local farms, which welcome you to peruse their horticultural wonders. Get yourself to this lovely, low-key spring event, and you will surely see a tulip variety or two that is new to you.

2. Walk through the Town of La Conner One Morning.

A number of towns rest in Skagit Valley, so named for the Skagit River that runs through it. The towns of Skagit Valley include such locales as Sedro-Woolley, Conway, and La Conner. The best of these to visit in my opinion, is La Conner. You will find La Conner to be an artists' town with an array of shops to peruse and purchase creative wares. Stroll the shops on 1st Street, and be sure to take in a view of the Swinomish Channel, which flows to the west, just behind 1st Street. If you find it on a foggy morn', you will surely find it beautiful, special -- rustic.

3. Enjoy a Craft Beer at La Conner Brewing Company.

I am a craft beer fan -- let's just be sure to say that. Craft beer is high art! On separate occasions, I experienced two beer "firsts" at the award winning La Conner Brewing Company. This cozy, stained wood appointed establishment is where I lost my cask conditioned ale virginity, and the same goes for my framboise virtue. In short, La Conner Brewing makes something for every beer drinker, including those in the mood to try something new. They also make excellent wood-fired pizza to accompany your brew. Very cool!

4. Take a Hike!

From riverside low areas to the steep Cascades, there is no shortage of variety in hiking trails here. What could be cooler than hiking to the top of a rise and seeing a captivating view of Mount Baker? No matter your interest or ability, you will find the right hike for you in the Skagit Valley.

5. Double Down!

Skagit Valley boasts several casinos (if you include the small ones). Sure, you won't find anything near the size of Las Vegas resorts, but here you can breath in the cool western Washington air before you enter the establishment of your choice to place your wager. As for which to choose, the two biggest (and coolest) casinos in the valley are Swinomish Casino, near Anacortes, and Skagit Valley Casino Resort -- a.k.a. "The Skagit" -- in Bow. Both are great places to get your chips "all in" (responsibly, of course).

As you can see, there is plenty to enjoy in Skagit Valley. This great region is worth a visit in your lifetime -- a very cool visit.