San Juanderer 2012

San Juanderer Your link to the San Juan Islands ~

A supplement to the Anacortes American

2012

Forty Second Annual

Welcome to the San Juan Islands

T

his scenic string of islands offers exciting kayaking adventures, quiet afternoon bike rides, quaint eateries and enjoyable shopping. The islands’ remarkable natural beauty makes the cares of the world slip away. Everyone can find something that appeals to them with the islands’ wide variety of diversions and educational opportunities.

The ferry ride itself is a getaway. The waters surrounding this spectacular archipelago are home to pods of wild orcas, which can sometimes be seen as you make your way to your island destination.

The San Juanderer is a guide designed to help get you started on your island adventures. In the following pages, you will find advice on how to get to the islands and what you will find on each of the main islands. There’s advice on what to see and a calendar of what you can do.

The attractions of the islands could fill several publications this size, but we tried to include as much information about the islands’ unique businesses, historic sites and scenic attractions as possible.

We also provide Web addresses and phone numbers where you can learn more about island events.

We hope you enjoy the San Juanderer and, more importantly, your visit to the San Juan Islands.

Happy “Juandering!” skagitvisitor.com

Skagit Publishing LLC

SAN JUANDERER | APRIL 2012 |

3

Table of Contents DestINatIONs

maps

features

Anacortes/Fidalgo Island........ 5-6 San Juan Island...................11-13 Roche Harbor..........................12 Pig War Sites...........................12 San Juan Islands Museum & Sculpture Park.........................13 Orcas Island.........................19-20 Moran State Park....................20 Lopez Island..............................23 Shaw Island...............................24 Whidbey Island..........................27 Deception Pass.......................28 La Conner..................................29 Sidney, British Columbia...........30

San Juan Island........................11 Orcas Island ............................19 Lopez Island ............................22 Shaw Island ............................ 24 Welcome to Lopez Island center Area Map..........................

Anacortes Festivals................7-8 Whale Watching.........................9 Whale Watching Charters........10 Vineyards.................................14 Golf Courses............................21 Getting There...........................25 Calendar of Events..................26

LIGHTHOUSE CAMPGROUND PUBLIC FISHING STATE PARK GOLF COURSE

Scan this QR code with your smartphone to connect to skagitvisitor.com

T

ake a scenic bike ride, shop in Lopez Village or rent a kayak to enjoy Lopez Island.

Lopez is said to be the friendliest of the islands with the inhabitants regularly waving at passers-by. Many residents make their living from farming, fishing and raising livestock.

It is the first island you come to when arriving in the San Juans by Washington State Ferries. It is one of the smaller main islands at less than 30 square miles with about 2,200 residents.

Its distinction comes from being one of the flattest islands, making it

Coast in. Hang out.

20

San Juanderer 2009

SKAGIT PUBLISHING www.goskagit.com

Spring Wine Festival (April) Waterfront Festival (May) Art Festival (August) Oyster Run (September) Oktoberfest (October)

1215 Anderson roAd, Mount Vernon, WA 98274 Phone: 360.424.3251 FAx: 360.424.5300 ©2012 skAgit Publishing llc All rights reserVed. editor kiMberly jAcobson design & lAyout kAtie erickson AdVertising director MArk dobie: mdobie@skagitpublishing.com disPlAy AdVertising MAnAger deb bundy: dbundy@skagitpublishing.com

Come find the little kid in you.

AdVertising consultAnts stePhAnie hArPer, Michelle o’donnell, kAthy schultz, kiM streit, kAtie sunderMeyer, PAul tinnon, john WilliAMs AdVertising oPerAtions MAnAger sArAh hickMAn AdVertising oPerAtions jody hendrix, Abby jAckson, christinA PoisAl, kAren shePPArd, PAtriciA stoWell

www.anacortes.org

4

| SAN JUANDERER | APRIL 2012

Skagit Publishing LLC

Writers/PhotogrAPhers jAcob buckeMMeyer, kiMberly jAcobson, joAn Pringle, elAine WAlker skagitvisitor.com

Anacortes/Fidalgo Island

A

nacortes, a community of rich culture, vibrant arts and bustling business, is located at the heart of scenic Fidalgo Island and surrounded by parks, lakes, mountains and more than 20 miles of saltwater coastline along bays and channels. Rosario Beach tide pools and scenic views from atop Mount Erie only begin to showcase the natural beauty available to visitors and residents in Anacortes.

Some of our favorites: a kayak trip at Bowman Bay, a morning walk on the Washington Park Loop Road, a whale-watching trip to the San Juans and a hike through the Anacortes skagitvisitor.com

Community Forest Lands.

For a different experience, browse the art galleries in downtown Anacortes, check out a variety of sculptures on Commercial Avenue, tour the W.T. Preston snagboat and visit the Anacortes Museum.

As you stroll around downtown, keep an eye out for Bill Mitchell’s historic murals.

Round out your visit with a cup of clam chowder, fresh seafood from the docks or fine dining at any number of restaurants. You’ll discover why locals say there’s nowhere better to “Coast in. Hang out.”

You couldn’t get a better Skagit Publishing LLC

introduction to the San Juan Islands than Fidalgo Island. With 2,800 acres of forest lands, tranquil lakes and stunning shorelines, it has all the beauty and recreation opportunities you’ll find on the islands to the west.

All this, and a vibrant and friendly hub — Anacortes — that offers fine eateries, boutiques, art galleries and a rich marine heritage.

A city of approximately 17,000 residents, Anacortes has all the services and amenities you need. The city has more than a dozen parks, including a skate park, off-leash dog area and several with playgrounds and walking trails.

SAN JUANDERER | APRIL 2012 |

5

Anacortes/Fidalgo Island A system of waterfront pathways showcases the natural beauty available just blocks from downtown.

The Anacortes Community Forest Lands has 50 miles of multi-use trails for hikers and bicyclists and even a few for horseback riders and motorcycles.

Mount Erie in the middle of the island provides opportunities for mountain climbing along with spectacular views of Mount Baker, the Cascade and Olympic mountains and surrounding bodies of water.

You’re never far from saltwater on Fidalgo Island. That means plenty of nearby opportunities for fishing, swimming and boating — by kayak, canoe, sailboat or yacht.

Fidalgo Island is home to five freshwater lakes, including Heart Lake, site of a free annual Kids Fishing Derby. abundance of restaurants and cafes for its size serving up seafood, burgers, Speaking of fish, the island has an

home cooking and international flavors, just to name a few dining choices.

Plenty of quaint shops offer anything from picnic supplies and a nice bottle of wine to one-of-a-kind art pieces and jewelry.

Festivals throughout the year bring artists, fishermen, kids, bikers, treasure hunters and just about anyone looking for a good time here.

Two city museums give visitors time indoors to discover the city’s rich history and colorful characters of the past.

Fidalgo Island is the best place to start a journey to the rest of the San Juans with the Washington State Ferries docking in the northwest corner of the city.

For more information about Anacortes and Fidalgo Island, go to the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce Web site at www.anacortes.org.

Port of Anacortes Welcomes You INDEPENDENT & ASSISTED LIVING A Community within a Community • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Studio, one & two bedroom apartments Month to month rental Full service dining room Housekeeping & linen service Beauty & barber shop Utilities & cable tv Emergency response system Social activities program Licensed Massage Practitioner Library & internet parlor Movie theater Fitness center Transportation

360-293-1300 C a l l f o r a To u r

1 3 0 0 “ O ” Av e . A n a c o r t e s w w w. ch a n d l e r s q u a r e. c o m

6

| SAN JUANDERER | APRIL 2012

Skagit Publishing LLC

Cap Sante Boat Haven 950 Slip Public Marina Summer Concert Series Anacortes Airport Hangars Available Marine Terminal Facilities Deep Water Wharfage Rent our historic Transit Shed with 400+ Person Capacity Commercial Property Leasing Call for Availabilty P.O. Box 297, Anacortes, WA 98221 360-293-3134 www.portofanacortes.com skagitvisitor.com

Anacortes Festivals Boating enthusiasts, art lovers and leather-clad bikers can all find at least one major Anacortes event that will tickle their fancy:

• st. merryfest, June 8-10, starts the summer with carnival rides, food, entertainment and fireworks at St. Mary Catholic Church, 4001 St. Mary’s Drive.

• July 4 celebratION, patriotic parade and a picnic — complete with sack races and family games. A large fireworks display over Fidalgo Bay ends the day with a bang.

• trawler fest, May 15-19 at Cap Sante Boat Haven, is a niche boat show that includes displays of long-range cruising powerboats, land-based exhibits, in-depth seminars and social activities for the cruising under power community.

Visit www.trawlerfest.com.

• aNacOrtes waterfrONt festIval, June 2-3 at Cap Sante Boat Haven, includes free boat rides, music, radio-controlled boats, kids activities, a marine swap meet, vendor booths and food. Visit www.anacortes.org.

At the Framemaker

Regional Fine Art And Custom Picture Framing 420 COMMERCIAL • ANACORTES • 360-293-6938 WWW.SCOTTMILO.COM

Your One-Stop Appliance Dealer...

GUARANTEED LOWEST FACTORY DIRECT PRICES • Hometown Service • Local & Island Deliveries

293-5129 • 1820 Commercial Ave. • Anacortes

skagitvisitor.com

Skagit Publishing LLC

SAN JUANDERER | APRIL 2012 |

7

Anacortes Festivals • KIDs-r-best fest, July 7, is a free event with inflatable toys, games, food, face painting, entertainment and more at Storvik Park, between 29th and 32nd streets.

engines, saws and steamboats.

• shIpwrecK Day flea marKet, July 14, fills several blocks downtown with booths filled with plunder.

• aNacOrtes arts festIval, Aug. 3-5, is the city’s biggest annual event. Ten blocks downtown are closed to traffic to make room for art and activities sure to delight all ages. More than 250 street artists, selected by a jury for diversity and quality, set up booths. An entire block is reserved for hands-on children’s activities and performers. Visit www. anacortesartsfestival.com or call (360) 293-6211.

• aNacOrtes wOrKbOat races, Aug. 25, pit a variety of workboats in similar classes against each other in races down Guemes Channel. The event includes sea chanteys, chowder and pirates. Visit www.anacortesworkboatraces.com.

• Oyster ruN, Sunday, Sept. 23.

The largest motorcycle rally in the Pacific Northwest, it draws thousands of tattooed and leather-clad bikers to Anacortes on their gleaming machines. Vendors fill side streets with bike gear, leather goods, jewelry and more, while drill teams perform stunts. Restaurants and food booths always offer plenty of oysters. Cars will probably be stuck until late afternoon — plan for it, then kick back and enjoy the event. Visit www. oysterrun.org.

• OKtOberfest bIer ON the pIer, Oct. 5-6, features samples from • aNtIque eNgINe aND 30 Northwest breweries at Pier 1, machINery shOw, Sept. 8, brings First Street and Commercial Avenue. visitors to check out tractors, trucks, Visit www.anacortes.org.

J

ewelers since 1930

REGISTERED JEWELER

ME MBE R

AMERICAN GEM SOCIETY

n unexpected find.

Rarely will you discover a jewelry store of this caliber anywhere... let alone in such a beautiful community.

We invite you to come in.

JEWELRY REPAIR ON-SITE ~ FERRY BOAT & SEA LIFE JEWELRY Open Monday through Saturday 9:30am to 5:30pm

1-888-293-6469

7th & Commercial - Downtown Anacortes

8

| SAN JUANDERER | APRIL 2012

Skagit Publishing LLC

skagitvisitor.com

Whale Watching

T

he orca whale is a bold and beautiful figure representing the spirit of the Pacific Northwest.

Orcas are especially prominent in the inland waters of Washington state, including the waters surrounding the San Juan Islands.

The Southern Resident orca community is made up of three pods, J, K and L. The 80-plus killer whales, as they’re also known, spend most of their summers in the waters around the San Juan Islands.

Before the mid-1900s, orcas were considered a nuisance to fishermen.

People came to see them as a curiosity in the 1960s and 1970s and captured them for public display in marine parks.

The captures seriously damaged the population.

Thirteen orcas were killed during one roundup. Another 45 were removed from their habitat. The Southern Residents

are now listed for protection under the Endangered Species Act. The Southern Resident whales feed mainly on salmon, herring and rockfish and often can be seen from Lime Kiln Point State Park on the west side of San Juan Island. The 36-acre park, opened in 1984, was originally a limestone quarry.

The 1919 lighthouse is used today for orca whale research, interpretation and tours. The interpretive center is open mid-May through mid-September.

The Whale Museum at 62 First St. N.

in Friday Harbor has exhibits, artwork, models, a Whale Phone Booth, videos and artifacts on whales including whale skeletons and a family tree of the resident orcas.

The information explains the natural history of whales with a special focus on the Southern Resident pods.

The museum, a nonprofit organization, also oversees several programs including orca adoption, soundwatch boater education, seasound remote sensing, marine mammal stranding, bottomfish recovery, conservation research and the Whale Hotline.

The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Cost is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, $3 for youth and college students and free for children 5 and younger. Group rates are also available.

Call (800) 946-7227, ext. 30, or go to www.whalemuseum.org.

• 24 Hour service with warm and friendly staff • Fresh hot baked cookies every night • Expanded Continental Breakfast • Group and Corporate Rates • Free Wireless Internet • Non-Smoking Facility

3300 Commercial Ave Anacortes, Washington 98221 Phone/Fax: 360-293-1100 themarinainn@comcast.net www.marinainnwa.com skagitvisitor.com

Skagit Publishing LLC

SAN JUANDERER | APRIL 2012 |

9

Whale Watching Charters charters The three pods of Southern Resident orcas spend much of their summers around the San Juan Islands.

Several companies provide whalewatching tours by boat or kayak to see the endangered species up close. Reservations are highly recommended.

aNacOrtes/fIDalgO IslaND • Island adventures 1801 Commercial Ave. (800) 465-4604 (360) 293-2428 www.island-adventures.com • MystIc sea charters Cap Sante Boat Haven Dock A, 710 Seafarers Way (800) 308-9387 (360) 588-8000 www.mysticseacharters.com

• san Juan excursIons #2 Spring Street Landing. 1/2 block from Friday Harbor ferry terminal (800) 809-4253 www.watchwhales.com • captaIn carlI’s Whale WatchIng Spring Street Landing Port of Friday Harbor (888) 221-1331 www.carliwhalewatch.com • crystal seas KayaKIng Snug Harbor (877) 732-7877 www.crystalseas.com • Maya’s WestsIde charters Snug Harbor (360) 378-7996 www.mayaswhalewatch.biz

saN JuaN IslaND

• dIscovery sea KayaKs (866) 461-2559 www.discoveryseakayak.com

• sea Quest expedItIons Friday Harbor ferry terminal (888) 589-4253 www.sea-quest-kayak.com

• san Juan cruIses Spring Street Landing (800) 443-4552 www.whales.com

Fidalgo Bay Resort RV by the sea Online Reservations at www.fidalgobay.com 1-800-727-5478 4701 Fidalgo Bay Rd., Anacortes, WA

Park Model Cottages Now Available

• Open Year Round • 148 Full Hook-up Sites • Upgraded WiFi • Store/Gift Shop • Small Boat Launch • Laundry Facilities • Waterfront Clubhouse

Owned & Operated by the Samish Indian Nation 10

| SAN JUANDERER | APRIL 2012

Skagit Publishing LLC

• Western prInce next to the ferry landing (800) 757-6722 orcawhalewatch.com • san Juan safarIs next to Spring Street Landing (800) 450-6858 www.sanjuansafaris.com Orcas IslaND • deer harbor charters Deer Harbor marina and Rosario resort (800) 544-5758 www.deerharborcharters.com • orcas Island eclIpse charters dock next to ferry landing (360) 376-6566 www.orcasislandwhales.com • outer Island expedItIons Eastsound (360) 376-3711 www.outerislandx.com • north shore charters Eastsound (360) 376-4855 www.SanJuanCruises.net Private whale-watching tours skagitvisitor.com

San Juan Islandto San Juan Island Welcome

LIGHTHOUSE CAMPGROUND PUBLIC FISHING STATE PARK GOLF COURSE

W S

an Juan Island is the most Numerous eateries range from a hat more of could you want? populated the islands with casual outdoor oyster grill to fine spectacular mostWith people living in thescenery,waterfront dining. There’s ethnic communities of Friday Harbor and quietcuisine, Northwest fare, seafood and wildlife, outdoor adventures, Roche Harbor. getaways and just enough urbansimple soups and sandwiches.

Spectaculartoscenery, wildlife, up, San The San Juan Historical Museum, diversions liven things outdoor adventures, quiettotal getaways Juan Island offers the vacation405 Price St., has a pioneer home, jail and just enough urban diversions to and frontier cabin. Several galleries package. spice things up make this delightful Picturesque Friday Harbor, theoffer fine art, including Dolphin Arts island ancity ideal getaway. largest invacation the islands, has moreand Napier Gallery and Studio.

Picturesque Friday Harbor, the than enough shops, galleries, the- Learn about whales at the Whale site ofand the Washington State Ferries aters museums to occupy a visi-Museum in Friday Harbor and see landing, has more than enough tor. Numerous eateries range fromthem up close at Lime Kiln Point galleries, theaters ashops, casual outdoor oysterand grill to fineState Park on the west side of the museums to occupy a visitor. waterfront dining. There’s ethnicisland.

Roche Harbor is an historic seaside rocky villageible withbeaches a resort,and marina andcoastline. San Juan Island National Historic Park restaurants.

In the heart of the island, look for encompasses the remnants of two roadside stands offering colorful waterfront military camps where solblooms, a golf course for andwar San150 Juanyears ago. diers prepared Island Vineyards.

Pelindaba Lime Kiln PointLavender State Park, on Farm western is alwaysSan inviting and Krystal Juan Island, boasts great Acrespicnic Alpacaspots Farmand has a animals well-photographed grazing placidlylighthouse. and a shop Overlooking where historic the you can buy soft sweaters, coats and straits, confluence of three major plushittoys from their wool. is made the island’s best land base for For whale more information contact the viewing. The lovely village chamber of commerce at (360) 378of Roche Harbor and the Westcott 5240 Bay or go Reserve to www.sanjuanisland.org. and Sculpture Park

cuisine, Northwest fare, seafood and are north of Lime Kiln and English skagitvisitor.com Publishing LLC | APRIL 2012 | 11 plays and musical events.SAN JUANDERER simple soups and sandwiches. If you frequentSkagit Camp.

The San Juan Historical Musewant a pint with your meal, try the In the heart of the island, look um, 405 Price St., includes a pioneer for roadside stands offering colorful Front Street Ale House brew pub.

San Juan Island rOche harbOr Roche Harbor Resort, on the northwest side of San Juan Island, is a charming retreat with activities and attractive places to stay, including the historic Hotel de Haro, built in 1886 around the original Hudson’s Bay trading post and still furnished with original antiques. You can find deluxe accommodations in the newer (2007) Quarryman Hall Building.

A former company town built up around the Roche Harbor Lime Company in the 1890s, Roche Harbor became a resort for boating families in the late 1950s and grew into a tourist village.

Visitors can enjoy a relaxing massage or body treatment at the Afterglow Spa, do a little shopping at several unique shops in the village or explore the area’s history with a fold-out map available at the Hotel de Haro’s front desk. Dining is available at three restaurants.

Interesting sites include a historic mausoleum, Our Lady of Good Voyage Chapel and the nearby sculpture park.

Visitors can swim, play tennis and hike trails around the old lime quarries.

The resort can also be used as a jumping-off spot for sea kayaking or for renting a moped for a ride around the island.

Throughout the summer watch for street artisans, art festivals and the Roche Harbor Old-Fashioned July Fourth celebration with fun run, logrolling contest, live music and fireworks.

For more information call (800) 4518910 or go to www.rocheharbor.com.

pIg war sItes As the story goes, it all started over the shooting of an English pig by an American settler.

That pig turned out to be the only casualty of the 13-year “Pig War” between the American Army and British Royal Navy, whose countries both laid

12

| SAN JUANDERER | APRIL 2012

claim to San Juan Island.

It began in 1859 when the unfortunate pig wandered into a potato patch. It ended when the islands became United States territory and the permanent boundary between the U.S. and Canada was settled.

The original conflict was between the British Hudson’s Bay Company and American settlers on the island.

The pig belonged to Charles John Griffin, an agent of the fur trading company sent there to manage a sheep ranch and farm. The settler who shot the pig, Lyman Cutlar, eventually offered to pay for the dead animal but the two haggled over its worth.

The disagreement escalated with the Ninth U.S. Infantry under Capt.

George Picket and the 31-gun steam frigate HMS Tribune under British Capt. Geoffrey Phipps Hornby being dispatched to the island. Both sides followed with further reinforcements but the standoff never came to gunfire.

The island remained occupied by both nations’ military until 1872 when a three-man arbitration commission Skagit Publishing LLC

awarded the islands to the United States.

Today the pivotal sites of the war can be found in San Juan Island National Historical Park. They include the American Camp on the island’s southern peninsula and English Camp on the island’s northwest edge next to Westcott Bay. Both camps have officers’ quarters, barracks and parade grounds along with visitors centers housing artifacts, displays, literature and souvenirs.

Re-enactors participate in 19th century camp life with demonstrations of music, blacksmithing, horsemanship, spinning and weaving, sewing and carpentry during Encampment 2012 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 28 and 29 at the English Camp.

The park itself is the largest tract of public land on the island with six miles of public shoreline and a network of hiking trails through woodlands and prairies.

For more information, call (360) 3782240 or go to www.nps.gov/sajh. skagitvisitor.com

San Juan Islands Museum of Art & Sculpture Park

F

eaturing art indoors and out in the fresh air is the San Juan Islands Museum of Art & Sculpture Park or IMA on San Juan Island. The museum is in Friday Harbor near the Washington State Ferries landing. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday.

Open through June 14 is the “Anna, Anna Skibska” exhibit. Skibska heats, stretches and fuses glass to create forms largely comprised of space.

The sculpture park is within walking distance of Roche Harbor next to Westcott Bay on the west end of the island and is open daily dawn to dusk.

New to the park this year are 20 pieces of juried sculpture, including works by Seattle artist Gerry Newcomb, British Columbia artist Carl Sean McMahon and Dixie Jewett of Bend, Ore., with “The Horse in Motion.”

Now with more than 100 pieces, the park has works in bronze, stone, skagitvisitor.com

wood, metal, glass and ceramic by artists from the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

The park includes walking paths, benches and the Park Pond bird sanctuary.

Family Art Days are Saturdays in July and August when a different artist each week leads free drop-in art projects for children.

Other events at the park this year include “Sounds of Sculpture” with art, music and beverages on Sundays, July 8 and Aug. 16; and “Sculpted Alive” second annual sculpture park fair with music, food and festivities on Sept. 3 and 4.

The park is also part of the annual Artstock Fall Tour Oct. 5 and 6.

For more information, call (360) 370-5050 or go to www.sjima.org.

Skagit Publishing LLC

SAN JUANDERER | APRIL 2012 |

13

Vineyards

I

sland-produced wines and ciders made from homegrown grapes and apples are plentiful in the San Juans. San Juan Vineyards and Lopez Island Vineyards along with Westcott Bay Cider offer tastings throughout the summer on their island estates. san Juan vIneyards 3136 Roche Harbor Road Friday Harbor (360) 378-9463 sanjuanvineyards.com This 30-acre winery just three miles north of Friday Harbor is owned by Yvonne Swanberg, Tim Judkins and his daughter, Madison. The grounds include the vineyard, a renovated schoolhouse and open and wooded areas. They grow Madeleine Angevine

and siegerrebe along with pinot noir.

Other wines produced and bottled on the island include chardonnay, riesling and syrah.

The winery holds two barrel tastings a year – including a summer tasting of new releases in June and another during Thanksgiving weekend. San Juan Vineyards has won awards for its “45,” cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc at the Riverside International and Pacific Rim wine competitions and the Seattle Wine Awards.

The vineyard’s Piano and Wine Tasting Room in downtown Friday Harbor is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily during the summer and is available for special events, gatherings and parties.

The tasting room at the vineyard is also open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and

available for weddings, rehearsal dinners and other functions. For more information or to make a reservation, call the winery or fill out the online contact form at its Web site.

Westcott bay cIder 12 Anderson Lane near Roche Harbor (360) 378-3880 Westcott Bay Orchards produces and bottles cider from apples such as Kingston Black, Yarlington and Sweet Coppin grown in their San Juan orchards. The medium sweet, dry and very dry varieties of cider are made from 100 percent apple juice that starts off brown and then clears to an amber gold as it ferments and mellows. Tastings are 2 to 5 p.m. every Saturday between Memorial Day and Labor Day. For other visits, call ahead. lopez Island vIneyards 724 Fisherman Bay Road (360) 468-3644 lopezislandvineyards.com This vineyard and winery is a small, family-run business using grapes grown in its estate vineyards and in Yakima Valley and the Wahluke Slope.

Wines produced include Fireside Port, Blackberry and Wave Crest White.

The winery’s Madeleine Angevine 2011 and malbec 2009 won awards at the Winemaker’s Challenge in 2011.

Tasting room hours are noon to 5 p.m. during the Memorial Day weekend; Wednesdays through Sundays in July, August and September; Fridays and Saturdays, May, June and October; and Saturdays, November through early December and March through April.

Special event tastings are held in the vineyard garden. The vineyard grounds are available for weddings and other special events.

14

| SAN JUANDERER | APRIL 2012

Skagit Publishing LLC

skagitvisitor.com

Touching lives...

Come and experience for yourself the only Zip Line Tour in the San Juan Islands!

...now more than ever!

• Family friendly tour features 8 zip lines • Free transportation from Friday Harbor

SAN JUAN COMMUNITY THEATRE Celebrating 23 Years of Showcasing Local and Touring Artists

• Reservations required Call today or visit us online

COMEDY • BLUES/JAZZ • CLASSICAL MUSIC • DRAMA • DANCE FOLK/ROCK • MUSICALS • BARBERSHOP • FAMILY THEATRE

360.378.3210 www.sjctheatre.org

360.378.5947

100 Second Street Friday Harbor, WA 98250

www.zipsanjuan.com

Cap Sante Court Retirement 360-293-8088

1111 32nd Street, Anacortes, WA 98221 www.CapSanteCourt.com

The Finest in Full Service Retirement Living Studio, One & Two Bedroom Apartments Delicious Meals • Transportation Housekeeping • Activities

AnAcortes Visitors and Newcomers Guide

to a Special City and Island

in NW Washington

Your communitY-based guide to anacortes • Feature stories • New maps • Demographics • Facts about Anacortes • Resources for public services • One-day outings • Fairs • Festivals and much more!

Flip through the guide at goskagit.com 2012

a n a c o r t e s v i s i t o r. c

om

scroll down on the home page, find the special publication section on the right hand side, click on anacortes Newcomers & Visitors guide and eNJoY!

ORCAS ISLAND ECLIPSE CHARTERS Whale Watching, Wildlife, ECO & Lighthouse Tours!

J-41 “Eclipse”

Start Where the Whales are!

www.orcasislandwhales.com

Celebrating 22 Years

Est. ~1990

360-376-6566

BEFORE YOU HIT THE LONG FERRY LINE...

COME BY

GERE-A-DELI

Celebrating 31 years in Business!

•Yummy Desserts

•Hors D’Oeuvres

•Delightful Salads

•Meat & Cheese Plates

•Awesome Deli

•Catering & Take Out

Sandwiches

(360) 293-1915 1305 8th Street Anacortes, WA Exploring the history of Fidalgo and Guemes Islands through: • Educational Programs • Exhibits • Research Library • Special Events

•Award Winning

•Meat By The Pound

Chowder

The Carnegie Gallery 8th Street & M Avenue Gallery Open Year-Round Mon. - Sat., 10-4 Sunday 1-4, Closed Wednesday

293-7383

502 Commercial Ave Anacortes

SPECIAL EXHIBIT "Island Plants & People: A Twisted Path"

Check our Website: museum.cityofanacortes.org

The W.T. Preston & Snagboat Heritage Center 9th Street & R Avenue Open weekends: April - October Open Daily: June, July, August Closed Wednesday SPECIAL EXHIBIT "The Wawona & the End of the Age of Sail"

SKAGITVISITOR

A resource for visitors

A resource for visitors and newcomers.

Events & Activities • Community Profiles & Maps • Recreation

Visit www.skagitvisitor.com Smartphone scan code

Orcas Island

T

he largest island in the San Juans is Orcas Island at almost 60 square miles.

Orcas offers an abundance of shops, potteries, restaurants and museums.

Events on the island include a farmers market, shows at Crow Valley Potter and the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival.

The two main villages are Eastsound and Orcas Landing, which is served

by Washington State Ferries. Smaller communities include Deer Harbor, Olga and Doe Bay. Orcas Landing features gift shops, bakeries, galleries and several restaurant choices.

Eastsound has numerous boutiques, galleries and restaurants with menu items ranging from seafood to skagitvisitor.com

Mexican.

Orcas Island Historical Museum in Eastsound was built using six donated homestead cabins and has approximately 6,000 artifacts, paper documents and photographs. The museum is free for members and children younger than 12, $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3 for students.

The drive to the west side of the island takes visitors past madronalined shorelines, marinas and Crow Valley School Museum, an 1888 schoolhouse with authentic furnishings and memorabilia.

Outdoor activities on the island include hiking, biking, sailing, kayaking, golf, horseback riding, swimming and fishing. The heart of the island is Moran State Park, Skagit Publishing LLC

which features camping, five freshwater lakes, waterfalls and Mount Constitution.

Lodging opportunities on the island include camping at the park, resorts, cabins, inns, cottages and bed and breakfasts.

Rosario Resort & Spa, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1906-1909 for a shipbuilding magnate. The resort’s Moran Mansion today is a museum filled with original fixtures and furnishings. The resort includes the Mansion Restaurant, Moran Lounge and Spa at Rosario.

For more information, contact the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce at (360) 376-2273 or www.orcasislandchamber.com.

SAN JUANDERER | APRIL 2012 |

19

Moran State Park

M

oran State Park on Orcas Island has 5,252 acres with

campgrounds, five freshwater lakes, waterfalls, 30 miles of hiking trails and the 2,409-foot Mount

Orcas Suites

Enjoy our water view accommodations with private balconies, optional kitchens, fireplaces and jetted tubs. Seasonal Pool.

Nearby beach, marina and Moran State Park.

Spa day use discount passes available for our guests.

360.376.6262 www.OrcasSuites.com 20

| SAN JUANDERER | APRIL 2012

Skagit Publishing LLC

Constitution, the highest point in the San Juan Islands.

The mountain is accessible by vehicle plus a short hike to the top where a stone observation tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps provides views of the islands and mountains in the Cascades, Canada and on the Olympic Peninsula. The park is open 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the summer and 8 a.m. to dusk in the winter. Camping check-in is 2:30 p.m. and check-out is 1 p.m.

Camping facilities include 151 tent sites, dump station, restrooms and showers.

A $30 annual or $10 one-day Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to the park except for those camping for the night.

Activities include swimming, boating, fishing, mountain biking, bird watching and wildlife viewing.

The park has two kitchen shelters with electricity and two without plus more than 60 picnic tables.

For more information or to reserve a campsite, go to www.parks.wa.gov or call (888) 226-7688. skagitvisitor.com

Golf Courses fIDalgO IslaND

lOpez IslaND

sIMIlK beach golf course 12518 Christiansen Road (360) 293-3444

lopez Island golf club 589 Airport Road (360) 468-2679 www.lopezislandgolf.com

• Public course: 18 holes with 6,177 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72.

• Rated: 68.4 with a slope of 110.

• Green fees: $14 to $28 weekdays, $16 to $32 weekends in the summer.

• Amenities: Driving range, clubhouse, pro shop, snack bar, instruction and cart rentals.

saN JuaN IslaND san Juan golf and country club 806 Golf Course Road, Friday Harbor, (360) 378-2254 www.sanjuangolfclub.com

• Semi-private course: 9 holes with 2,711 yards from the longest tees for a par of 35.

• Rated: 33 with a slope of 110.

• Green fees: $25 to $35.

• Amenities: Clubhouse, golf wear, snacks, club and cart rentals.

WEST BEACH RESORT • • • • •

Beachfront Cottages RV and Tent Camping Store and Marina Kayak and Boat Rentals Hot Tub and WiFi

Family Fun Since 1938

www.westbeachresort.com

877-937-8224

• Public course: 9 holes with 3,314 yards from the longest tees for a par of 35.

• Rated: 71 with a slope of 115.

• Green fees: $30 to $45 in the summer.

• Amenities: Motorized carts, hand carts and club rentals, PGA instruction, grass tee practice areas, pro shop, clubhouse with full bar and grill, tennis courts.

Orcas IslaND orcas Island golf club 2171 Orcas Road, Eastsound (360) 376-4400 www.orcasgolf.com • Semi-public course: 9 holes with 3,010 yards from the longest tees for a par of 34.

• Rated: 67.8/72.8 with a slope of 115 men/118 women.

• Green fees: $20 to $40 in the summer.

• Amenities: Power and pull cart rentals, driving range, practice area, clubhouse. skagitvisitor.com

Skagit Publishing LLC

SAN JUANDERER | APRIL 2012 |

21

Welcome to Lopez Island Lopez Island

T

| SANbike JUANDERER | APRIL ake a 22 scenic ride, shop in 2012 Lopez Village or rent a kayak joy Lopez Island.

LIGHTHOUSE CAMPGROUND PUBLIC FISHING STATE PARK GOLF COURSE

Skagit Publishing LLC

skagitvisitor.com

Lopez Island

L

opez Island offers a mix of experiences that can fill a day — or more.

Walk out the wind-swept sand spit at Spencer Spit State Park. Browse the bookstore, shops and galleries in Lopez Village. Rent a bicycle and pedal the island’s bike-friendly flat roads. Enjoy a glass of wine at Lopez Island Vineyards.

Be prepared to wave when you visit Lopez Island — it’s said to be the friendliest island with inhabitants regularly waving at passers-by.

Lopez is the first island you come to when arriving in the San Juans

by Washington State Ferries. It is one of the smaller main islands at less than 30 square miles with about 2,200 full-time residents.

Many residents make their living from farming, fishing and raising livestock. Its distinction comes from being one of the flattest islands, making it ideal for bicyclists all year and the Tour de Lopez bike tour held each April.

The island is also great for kayaking, boating, whale-watching, eagle spotting, hiking, fishing and golfing.

Travelers will have no problem finding a place to stay the night with the number of inns, cottages, cabins and tent sites — but book ahead in the summer. And there are plenty of places to dine.

Artist studios and galleries, restaurants and shops make up Lopez Village. The village also includes a post office, bank, medical clinic, library and chamber of commerce office.

Public restrooms, showers and picnic tables are accessible to the public near the 5-acre community center with a pavilion, performance center, children’s center and skate park.

skagitvisitor.com

Additional attractions include Lopez Island Vineyards, state and county parks, summer farmers market, Weeks Wetland Preserve, Historical Society Museum and the

restored Port Stanley Schoolhouse.

For more information call the Lopez Island Chamber of Commerce at (877) 433-2789 or visit www.lopezisland.com.

Featuring... w Fresh Local Produce w Locally Crafted & Fair-Trade Gifts w Organic Food & Beverage Selections

Groceries • Gas • Deli • Beer • Wine Gifts • ViDeos • HarDWare restaurant & Deck

Islandale southender “The South End Store”

Mon.-Sat. 6:30am-7pm • Sun. 9am-5pm 3024 Mud Bay Rd., Lopez Island, WA (360) 468-2315 Skagit Publishing LLC

SAN JUANDERER | APRIL 2012 |

23

Shaw Island to Shaw Island Welcome

LIGHTHOUSE CAMPGROUND PUBLIC FISHING STATE PARK GOLF COURSE

F S

Canoe Island

haw Island is the perfect spot to find true peace in the San Juans. With only a dozen primitive campsites or at true inpark the San thepeace county and one general store, the island is a relaxed, contemplative place to visit.

Juans the perfect spot Bicyclists looking for a tranquil outing will enjoy Shaw Island’s wooded roads, especially the figure iseight-shaped quiet, contemplative Shawmost of the island. Shaw Island County Park has a sandy, inviting beach and a loop that covers Island. day-use area for picnickers on Indian Cove Road off Squaw Bay Road.

Shaw has no inns, resorts The smallest of the islands served by ferry, Shaw has only 240 residents — a fair number of them nuns — who or bed-and-breakfasts.

Its only like the quiet life. are a dozen accommodations primitive campsites at Shaw Island County Park. Its one retailer is a general store.

The smallest of the islands served by ferry, Shaw has only 200 residents — a fair number of them nuns — who like the quiet life.

For more than a quarter century, the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist operated the ferry ramp and store.

They retired and left, but two Nevis Loop Road, then Hoffman Catholic orders remain on the island: the Sisters of Mercy and Cove Road to Squaw Bay Road, and the cloistered Benedictine nuns at back to Blind Bay Road.

Where the loop crosses Broken Our Lady of the Rock priory. The Benedictine nuns run a farm, sing Point Road, you’ll find the Shaw Gregorian chant and celebrate Latin Island Museum, built with timbers Mass eight times a day. The priory, from the island’s original log cabin off Hoffman Cove Road, is open to post office. Nearby is the historic visitors of all faiths who want to find Shaw Island School, an operating two-room schoolhouse that is on the peace and stillness.

24Bicyclists | SAN JUANDERER | APRIL 2012 Publishing LLC Places. skagitvisitor.com National Skagit Register of Historic looking for a tranquil The Shaw Island County Park has outing will enjoy Shaw’s wooded roads, especially the figure eight- a sandy, inviting beach and a day-use shaped loop that covers most of the area for picnickers on Indian Cove

Getting There

W

ashington State Ferries provides the main avenue to the San Juan Islands.

The ferries can also be a fun little trip in themselves with the opportunity to see the scenic waters of the Salish Sea up close, the surrounding mountain ranges and even an orca pod, if you’re lucky. Catch the ferry to the San Juans from the northwest corner of Fidalgo Island at 2100 Ferry Terminal Road in Anacortes — about 10 minutes from downtown.

generally first to load.

Once on board, secure bikes in the place provided. Crews will direct passengers on placement of kayaks and canoes.

Animals, except service animals, are not allowed in terminal buildings or

Kenneth Killpack DDS Russell Borneman DDS 1218 29th St Suite A Anacortes, WA 98221 360.293.8451

above the car decks, unless they are in a pet container. However, they are permitted on the exposed upper decks of vessels on some routes.

Contact terminal staff for loading procedures as vessel and terminal configurations vary.

DON’T GET YOUR MERCURY “SILVER” FILLINGS REMOVED!

servIces: Passenger and vehicle transportation to San Juan, Orcas, Lopez and Shaw islands and to Sidney, British Columbia.

Unless your dentist practices the safe mercury removal protocols recommended by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology. Find a safe mercury free dentist at www.IAOMT.org today!

schedule: First ferry leaves Anacortes at 4:20 a.m. Last ferry arrives back at about 11 p.m.

Headed for the San Juans?

(888) 808-7977 www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries

prIces: Round-trip prices vary with season, island of destination, passenger age and vehicle size.

Spring fares are $37 to $41 for a typical vehicle and driver, plus $12.05 for adult passengers.

Mercury Free Since ‘83

Don’t Miss La Conner Marina’s guest docks!

A full-service marina on the Swinomish Channel Shop and dine in the charming Town of La Conner

aMenItIes: Food service and vending machines. guIdelInes: Riders are advised to arrive 30 minutes to two hours prior to sailing times depending on the season. Please turn off your vehicle in the holding lanes. Vehicle engines must be turned off while the vessel is under way. Do not restart your car until directed by a crew member.

Bicyclists and persons carrying kayaks or canoes should wait near the front of the loading area, as they are skagitvisitor.com

Make your reservation today Call La Conner Marina • 360.466.3118 VHF 66A • www.portofskagit.com

Good Jobs for Our Community

Skagit Publishing LLC

August 11, 2012

SAN JUANDERER | APRIL 2012 |

25

Calendar of Events aNacOrtes/fIDalgO IslaND Contact information: • Anacortes Chamber of Commerce, 819 Commercial Ave., Suite F, www.anacortes.org or (360) 293-7911. ongoIng events: • First Friday Gallery Walk, 6-9 p.m. first Friday of each month at downtown art galleries.

• Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturdays, mid-May through midOctober, 611 R Ave. Visit www.anacortesfarmersmarket.org.

• Productions at Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave. Call (360) 293-6829 or visit www.acttheatre.com.

lOpez IslaND Contact information: • Lopez Island Chamber of Commerce, www.lopezisland.com or (360) 468-4664.

• Lopez Center for Community and the Arts, www.lopezcenter.com.

• San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau, www.visitsanjuans.com. ongoIng events: • Farmers Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturdays, May through September, Lopez Village. Visit www.lopezfarmersmarket.com.

Orcas IslaND Contact information: • Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce, www.orcasislandchamber.com or (360)-376-2273.

• Welcome to Orcas Island, www.orcasisland.org.

• San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau, www.visitsanjuans.com.

• Island Athletic Events, www.islandathleticevents.com.

• Orcas Center, 917 Mount Baker Road, Eastsound, www.orcascenter.org or (360) 376-2281.

26

| SAN JUANDERER | APRIL 2012

• Deer Harbor Business Association, www.deerharbor.org. ongoIng events: • Farmers Market, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturdays, May through September in the Eastsound Village Green. Visit www.orcasislandfarmersmarket.org.

• Shows at Crow Valley Pottery, 2274 Orcas Road, Eastsound. Call (877) 512-8184 or visit www.crowvalley.com.

• Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival.

Visit www.oicmf.org or call (360) 376-6636.

saN JuaN IslaND Contact information: • San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce, 135 Spring St., Friday Harbor, www.sanjuanisland.org or (360) 378-5240.

• San Juan Community Theatre, 100 Second St., Friday Harbor, www.sjctheatre.org or (360) 378-3210.

• Island Stage Left, 1062 Wold Road, Friday Harbor, www.sjctheatre.org or (360) 378-3210.

• Island Stage Left, 1062 Wold Road, Friday Harbor, www.islandstageleft.org or (360) 378-5649.

• San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau, www.visitsanjuans.com.

• Island Athletic Events, www.islandathleticevents.com.

• Visit Historic Friday Harbor, www.historicfridayharbor.org. ongoIng events: • Shows at Waterworks Gallery, 315 Argyle St., Friday Harbor. Call (360) 3783060 or visit www.waterworksgallery.com.

Camp. Visit www.nps.gov/sajh.

• Farmers Market, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturdays, May through mid-October, county courthouse parking lot on Second Street, Friday Harbor. Visit www.sjifarmersmarket.com.

• Tours and events, Whale Museum, 62 First St. N., Friday Harbor. Visit www.whalemuseum.org.

• San Juan Historical Museum, Friday Harbor. Call (360) 378-3949 or visit www.sjmuseum.org.

• Classes and workshops at San Juan Islands Museum of Art and Sculpture Park, • Artists’ Studio Tour, Visit museum at 232 A St. #5, Friday Harbor or www.sanjuanislandartists.com. sculpture park across from Roche Harbor • Lavender Festival, Call (866) 819-1911 Airstrip. Visit www.sjima.org. or visit www.pelindaba.com.

• Demonstrations and presentations at • County Fair, Call (360) 378-4310 or San Juan Island National Historical visit www.sanjuancountyfair.org.

Park, English Camp and American Skagit Publishing LLC

skagitvisitor.com

Whidbey Island

W

hidbey Island, just south of the San Juans and Deception Pass, shares the character and leisurely lifestyle of the rest of the islands whether you’re passing through for the day or staying for a week at one of the special inns.

The island hosts several events through the year from the Penn Cove Mussel Festival to the Memorial Day Parade. Shopping, dining and lodging opportunities abound on the island from Oak Harbor, the largest city to the north, to Coupeville, a quaint waterfront village in the middle, and Langley to the south.

Outdoor activities include hiking in Deception Pass State Park, beachcombing along the miles of shoreline, scuba diving in the surrounding waters or cycling over the entire island.

Highlights of the island include Ebey’s skagitvisitor.com

Landing National Historical Reserve in central Whidbey. The reserve, created in 1978 to protect a rural working landscape and community, has 17,500 acres with 17 farms, more than 400 historical structures, native prairies and a network of trails. Information is on display at the Island County Historical Museum.

The island’s military history can be seen at Fort Casey and Fort Ebey state parks just south of Coupeville. Fort Casey, constructed in 1890, is open to the public. Visitors can climb ladders and walk along the bunkers. The original officers quarters today serve as a Seattle Pacific University conference center. Fort Casey was built in the early 1940s to help protect the Puget Sound from Japan. Today concrete platforms mark former gun locations. The island is also home to Naval Air Station Whidbey Skagit Publishing LLC

Island.

The Washington State Ferries terminal right next to Fort Casey leads visitors to the Olympic Peninsula via Port Townsend.

Farther south on the island is Greenbank Farm, a community-founded nonprofit managing 151 acres of publicly owned space and a historic farm. The premises includes galleries, a Sunday market, wine shop, cheese shop, cafe, trails and picnic areas.

Bayview Corner on Whidbey Island’s Scenic Isle Way features shops, wine tasting room, galleries, restaurants, a nursery and more.

Clinton to the far south has state ferry runs to the mainland via Mukilteo.

SAN JUANDERER | APRIL 2012 |

27

Deception Pass

T

he expanse of Deception Pass Corps connecting the two.

State Park reaches from the The 4,134-acre marine and camping south end of Fidalgo Island to park has breathtaking views, oldnorth Whidbey Island with a historic growth forests and abundant wildlife. bridge built by the Civilian Conservation Park hours in the summer are 6:30

The Most Complete Music Store in the Pacific Northwest

S E RV I N G S K AG I T COUNTY SINCE

1937

C E L E B R AT I N G O U R 7 5 T H A N N I V E R S A RY

M - T H 9 : 3 0 - 6 • F 9 : 3 0 - 9 • S AT 1 0 - 6 • S U N 1 2 - 5 3 6 0 . 7 5 7 . 0 2 7 0 • 8 0 0 . 7 1 4 . 7 7 8 0 1 0 2 5 G O L D E N RO D R D . B U R L I N G TO N WWW.HUGOHELMERMUSIC.COM

28

| SAN JUANDERER | APRIL 2012

Skagit Publishing LLC

a.m. to dusk and in the winter 8 a.m. to dusk. Check-in for camping is 2:30 p.m. and check-out is 1 p.m.

A $30 annual or $10 one-day Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to the park except when camping overnight.

Available inside the park are boat rentals, a park store and places to purchase firewood.

Activities at the park vary from hiking and biking to clamming and kayaking.

The more than 300 camp sites range from primitive to full utility. Seasonal boat rentals are available at Cranberry Lake during the summer and kayak rentals are available seasonally at Bowman Bay by a concession.

Wildlife at the park include otters, skunks and deer. A few of the 174 bird varieties are heron, osprey and eagles.

The Salish Sea Native American Culture Day this year is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 9. The event includes music, storytelling, craft demonstrations and free canoe rides by the Samish Indian Nation and Swinomish Indian Tribal Community.

A grilled salmon lunch is available for purchase. June 9 is a state parks free day — no Discover Pass required.

For more information or to reserve a campsite, go to www.parks.wa.gov or call (888) 226-7688. skagitvisitor.com

La Conner

T

he vibrant, historic waterfront town of La Conner is home to a working waterfront and the works of famous Northwest artists.

This is a town to stroll.

Pick up a guide at the Chamber of Commerce and explore the outdoor sculpture exhibition. Order coffee and watch the boats cruise by on the Swinomish Channel. Or enjoy wandering through the downtown shops.

Museums are must-sees — the Museum of Northwest Art is right in the middle of things on First Street, and the Skagit County Historical Museum and the La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum in the historic Gaches Mansion are on the hill above town.

Spend a few hours, or a few days, visiting La Conner on the way to or from the San Juan Islands.

Founded in the 1880s, La Conner is nestled in cedar and fir forests.

Just across Swinomish Channel from Fidalgo Island and the Swinomish Indian Reservation, it is about a 25-minute drive from downtown Anacortes.

The iconic Rainbow Bridge that connects the town with the reservation was built in 1957. It was painted with orange rust coating, but the residents liked the color so much that it was never given the formal gray coat.

The channel is the result of a dredging skagitvisitor.com

and diking project that made a navigable waterway through what was once called Swinomish Slough, a shallow collection of tidal sloughs, salt marshes and mudflats.

The 11-mile channel, completed in 1937, created La Conner’s working waterfront.

Since the 1930s and 1940s, Northwest artists have drawn inspiration from La Conner and its spectacular surroundings — the lovely tulip fields and rural scenery of Skagit Valley, and nearby forests and communities. The most famous of these artists, Guy Anderson, Kenneth Callahan, Morris Graves and Mark Tobey, created a fresh style and a regional identity known as the Northwest School.

When the Museum of Northwest Art was established in 1981, La Conner was deemed a natural site because of its

association with these master painters.

The museum has a fine representative collection of their works and works by other regional artists in a variety of media, including a display of fine glass. It exhibits established Northwest artists and promising new talent, and offers workshops, tours, lectures and educational activities.

Outside the museum, carvings and metal art pop up unexpectedly, part of a rotating outdoor sculpture exhibition in the city’s public spaces. The town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

For more information call the La Conner Chamber of Commerce at (360) 4664778 or (888) 642-9284 or visit www. laconnerchamber.com.

Whidbey Island Lavender - A Unique Experience at the FARM: Beautiful Lavender Fields Lavender Labyrinth Gift Shop in the Summer

at the NEW Coupeville Shop: Classes Gift Shop All Year Lavender Food Farm: 2530 Darst Rd. Coupeville, WA 98239 ~ 360.678.0919 ~ www.lavenderwind.com Shop in town: 15 Coveland St., Coupeville, WA 98239~877.242.7716 Skagit Publishing LLC

SAN JUANDERER | APRIL 2012 |

29

Sidney, British Columbia

S

Tourism BC/JF Bergeron

idney, British Columbia, is a picturesque town situated in the Gulf Islands with Mount Baker in the distance. This waterfront town of 12,000 is just a ferry ride away.

Nestled along the east coast of the Saanich Peninsula on Vancouver Island, the town is surrounded by a diverse agricultural community.

The bustling commercial hub has majestic views of the water and the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges.

Check the Washington State Ferries Web site at www.wsdot. wa.gov/ferries for travel options from Anacortes and Customs information.

You can take the car or just walk on.

The ferry terminal is just blocks away from Sidney’s pedestrian-friendly downtown, which offers an excellent

An elegant affordable European-style Inn with large comfortable rooms.

Conference Room • Business Center • WiFi • Kitchens Continental Breakfast • Non Smoking Inn • Fireplaces Security • King/Queen Beds • Laundry • Hot Tub RESERVATIONS: 877-299-3320 • www.anacobayinn.com 916 33rd Street, Anacortes WA 98221 • 360-299-3320 30

| SAN JUANDERER | APRIL 2012

Skagit Publishing LLC

variety of stores and specialty shops.

Sidney is known as Booktown.

You can spend many enjoyable hours browsing through new and used books in a large number of bookstores.

Every Thursday evening during the summer months Beacon Avenue comes alive with the Sidney Summer Market. The street is closed to traffic and hundreds of vendors come out to sell an imaginative array of items.

The waterfront location makes Sidney a prime spot for boating, sailing, kayaking, diving and fishing.

Catch a ferry to Sidney Spit, take a boat tour at Beacon Wharf or hop on a whale-watching excursion. Other attractions include Mineral World and Scratch Patch, Port Sidney Marina and Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre.

History buffs will want to visit Sidney Museum & Archives in the old post office at Beacon Avenue and Fourth Street.

At the top of the street the Mary Winspear Centre awaits, with the Myfanwy Pavelic Art Gallery and the Charlie White Theatre. Events and productions are staged yearround. You can also visit the Saanich Historical Artifacts Society’s Heritage Acres and the British Columbia Aviation Museum.

Call the Sannich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce at (250) 665-7362 for tourist information or visit www. peninsulachamber.ca.

If you’re looking for a site to please the eye and delight the senses, visit nearby Butchart Gardens. The 55acre landscape lets visitors explore flowers, shrubs, trees, expansive lawns and other horticultural delights.

Butchart Gardens is 14 miles north of Victoria on Vancouver Island in Brentwood Bay. For more information, call (866) 652-4422 or visit www.butchartgardens.com. skagitvisitor.com

Center for health & wellness for West Skagit & the San Juan Islands!

Island Hospital is one of the most innovative and recognized small hospitals in the U.S. Island offers a Level III Emergency Department, state-of-the-art Diagnostic Imaging and a full range of high-quality services from the Birth Center to Home Healthcare.

• Aesthetic, Reconstructive & Hand Surgery • Merle Cancer Care Center

• Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy

• Cardiopulmonary Rehab

• Plastic Surgery Center

588-2081 299-4242

• Diagnostic Services, including Mammography, DEXA

299-1315

• Family Birth Center

299-1331

• Home Health Services

299-1302

• Island Surgeons

293-5142

• Lopez Island Medical Clinic

468-2245

299-4200

• Orcas Medical Center

376-2561

SHORT WALK TO ISLAND HOSPITAL! Free round-trip transport is available from the Anacortes Ferry Terminal for San Juan County residents who are receiving services from Island Hospital or IH clinics.

Call (360) 708-6358 or visit islandhospital.org for info

299-1328 588-2081

• Psychiatry & Behavioral Health

299-4297

• Sleep Wellness Center

299-8676

• Surgery Center - Outpatient & Inpatient

299-1300

• Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine

(360) 899-4600

Main Switchboard (360) 468-3185 Call main toll-free and ask for connection to any department

1211 24th Street / Anacortes • islandhospital.org

Our Promise

Your best healthcare experience begins at Island Hospital.

We always place your emotional and medical needs first and foremost.