The Specifics GETTING THERE For peace of mind, make a ferry reservation and note that you will need to make a westbound and eastbound reservation. Make sure to arrive 30 minutes prior to departure or you will lose your reservation. TakeaFerry.com
VISITOR INFORMATION Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce OrcasIslandChamber.com Visit the San Juan Islands - VisitSanJuans.com
WHERE TO STAY Smuggler’s Villa Resort - Smugglers.com
WHERE TO EAT The Brown Bear Baking Company Facebook.com/BrownBearBaking Boat House Ciderworks - BHCider.com
THINGS TO DO Outer Island Excursions - OuterIslandX.com The Rosario Resort - RosarioResort.com Moran State Park - MoranStatePark.com
Quiet season is a special time in the San Juan Islands. If you are lucky enough to visit on a Saturday, you can experience the unique performance by musician Christopher Peacock. He regales the audience with tales of the mansion’s history interspersed with musical interludes on the 1900 Steinway Grand Piano and the 1914 Aeolian organ with 1972 pipes and a slide show of historic photos. The grand finale is the original silent film version of “The Phantom of the Opera” featuring Lon Chaney in the title role. The silent movie is accompanied by Peacock on the organ. It is mesmerizing. The presentation is free and takes place at 4pm on Saturdays. The San Juan Islands Scenic Byway has a portion on Orcas Island. This is a great way to explore and points out all the highlights of the island. The self-guided drive begins at the Orcas Island ferry landing in the cute little Orcas Village. There is an eclectic market with upscale groceries, a few shops and Boathouse Ciderworks. It will take two to three hours to drive around the island. The byway will take you through small hamlets and
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scenic bays. The views really open up this time of year after the fall foliage is gone. Deer Harbor has a nice public sandy beach which is worth a visit. For more information on the byway, check out the Visit San Juan Islands website (See The Specifics). Orcas Island really shines in the quiet season where one can relax and unwind without the crowds of the summer. Winter weather is very mild with average temperatures of 46 to 48 degrees Fahrenheit and a lot less rain than the mainland—in December you are likely to see a sunny day during your visit! After touring the island, enjoy some downtime at the Smuggler’s Villa Resort. Disconnect from technology and reconnect with your family or friends. Stroll the quiet beach or take a private charter with Outer Island Excursions located on site. You can schedule a fishing charter or go see some of the lighthouses from the water. Bundle up, throw some steaks on the grill and enjoy the views from your deck.
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