One Washington state’s early cheese makers is Samish Bay Cheese, located in Bow. Samish Bay Cheese started by making gouda cheeses. Goudas, which come from the Netherlands, found a natural home in Skagit and Whatcom Counties, where large Dutch populations settled and now produce the second largest number of tulip bulbs on earth, behind the Netherlands itself.

But Samish Bay changed course several years back, and the result is a collection of award-winning fresh cheeses, like their Ladysmith. This is a lovely, delicate cheese that will thrill your palate. Samish Bay’s queso fresco is now featured in many Farmers Markets across Washington State.

Make sure to stop by the store and try some of their flavored and aged cheeses. Part of the beauty of cheese is that, as it ages, the very same cheese develops an entirely new flavor and texture.

The Store in Anacortes
919 37th Street
Anacortes, WA 98221