Best bets for the weekend

Travel writer Carol Pucci tells you rightly, in today's cover story, that for years most of the "visitors" to Anacortes were non-residents who sped through town on the way to ferries to the San Juan Islands. (Well, they sped unless they were pulled over by the local gendarmes. Then, after a scolding and an invoice, they slowly made their exits toward the dock, slightly poorer for having spurned this proud berg.)

Speed no more, you heathen tourists. Stop, says our intrepid reporter. Stop at the newly restored Majestic Inn, soak in its ambience and spa, drink chocolate martinis and sing along with the lounge lizards! Civilization has arrived!!

As always, we get slightly carried away in our enthusiasm.

Flowers everywhere this weekend.

As you remember to visit the Majestic, mentioned above, remember that the tulips in the Skagit Valley near Anacortes and Mount Vernon and Sedro Woolley and other ports of call are out in force and will be for some days. Wear boots.

Of course, this is Easter weekend and as usual there are bunnies and eggs galore.

Our Madeline McKenzie tells you of some of the highlights, including one especially designed for ladies. Yes, ladies!

The array of events is withering, unless you happen to be 5 years old and are plotting to get your parents to as many of these events as humanly possible.

And you, silly older people, thought Halloween came but once a year!

Our Ron Judd has dipped once again into his bag of mail/trail mix and speaks of sea lions and park fees. We believe there's some mystical connection, but we're not sure. Read the column and see what you think.

Writer Connie McDougall took her purse and shopping gear to Lake City recently — another spot, like Anacortes, where visitors tend, well, not to visit. Among other things, she discovered spices, a barber shop, Iranian baked items and a good, ol' general store.

See this latest in our continuing efforts to get you to slow down. Oh, and shop.

If you can get past the egg-related items, Datebook is brimming with possibilities this week.

For example:

The history of crows and ravens and their relationships with people!

The Seattle Flickrites photo stroll!

Adults only in the Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. SAT practice!

Hmmmmm. If you can't find anything in that grouping, there might be something amiss in your go/do spirit.

Maybe you need to get out more often.

Or — maybe you need an extra shot of chocolate bunnies.

Coming attractions

Puyallup Spring Fair, April 20-23; farm animals, entertainment, rides, garden show; Puyallup. 253-841-5045.

Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival, April 21-23; dance and music, colorful costumes, martial arts, tea ceremonies and entertaining educational activities celebrating Japanese culture; Seattle Center. 206-684-7200.

Everett Home and Garden Show, April 21-23; products and ideas for home and garden; Everett Events Center, Everett. 866-332-8499.

RainFest, April 21-23; celebration of arts and nature with artists' demonstrations, theater, classes; Forks. 360-374-2531.

Daffodil Festival Grand Floral Street Parade, April 22; the highlight of Daffodil Festival Week travels through downtown Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner and Orting. 253-863-9524.

Greenwood Garage Sale Day, April 22; yard and garage sales, flea markets and other sales throughout the Greenwood and Phinney neighborhoods, Seattle. 206-783-2244.

Tour de Lopez, April 29; bicycle tour highlights a weekend of activities on Lopez Island. 360-468-4664.

Seattle Maritime Festival, May 6; tugboat race and parade, chowder cook-off, harbor tours, kids' activities, Bell Harbor Marina, Seattle. 206-728-3163.

Opening Day, May 6; Crew races and "Caribbean Carnival" decorated boat parade to open the local boating season, Seattle. 206-325-1000.