KING 5 Evening Magazine recently unveiled its 2013 list of “The Best Northwest Escapes,” and not surprisingly, Anacortes and environs ranked high in many categories. Pictured here is one of the whale watching vessels operated out of Anacortes by Island Adventures, which finished No. 1 in the Best Whale Watching category. Another first place finish went to Anacortes Kayak Tours in the Best Eco Adventure category. Other local “stars” in this competition included the Majestic Inn & Spa (5th, Romantic Hotel); Mt. Erie (4th, Place to Watch a Sunset); Anacortes Farmer’s Market (4th, Farmer’s Market); Washington Park (3rd, Neighborhood Park); Anacortes Waterfront Festival (5th, Street Fair); Deception Pass Tours (4th, Best Boating); Swinomish Casino & Lodge RV Park (5th, RV Park). Meanwhile, Deception Pass State Park finished high in several categories including: Storm Watching (4th); Picnic Spot (1st); Campground (2nd); State Park (1st); Roadside Attraction (2nd). Another great year for our community … “the best” indeed!