Sculpture Exhibition Walking Tour, the second major project of the La Conner Arts Commission. Annually, the arts commission calls for proposals, selects a batch and exhibits them on the streets of La Conner. The sculptures are on loan from sculptors around the Northwest and are for sale. Proceeds from sales are used to purchase public art for the town of La Conner.

Some of the art that has been acquired through the years: “Crossing Point,” at the Skagit County Historical Museum; “Apple Tree” and “Spirit Wheel,” near Maple Hall; and “Fish Bridge,” which serves as a gangway to a public dock on First Street. The arts commission manages La Conner’s permanent collection of art and sculptures.

While walking along in front of Maple Hall, spin the handcarved, cedar Spirit Wheel, carved by local resident Swinomish artist Kevin Paul.

Explore La Conner’s history, watching for plaques on buildings, parks and statues for clues to the past.

Other hikes away from the hubub of town include Craft Island and Pearle Jensen Beach Trail.

If you still have time to kill, drive north to Padilla Bay for another scenic walk along the shallow bay between the mainland and Fidalgo Island, home of Anacortes.

When you’ve really had enough, sip a locally made brew with a handmade pizza at the La Conner Brewery, next door to the Museum of Northwest Art. (For more information, see www.laconnerchamber.comor call (360) 466-4778, or stop by the visitor center to pick up a few maps.)

Try this technique in most any small town. Granted, some are better than others. In Marysville, for example, you need to target your route, preferably through Jennings Park.

But Snohomish and Monroe are also very charming, with fun, beautiful, old mansions in the historic residential areas, waterfront views and recreational trails.

Have a fun walk!