It all started about 9 years ago when I went through a significant life change. I suddenly had time on my hands and nobody to travel with. I was skittish about traveling solo. 

“Is not the kiss the very autograph of love?” – Henry Finck What can be more romantic than visiting a small island with breathtaking scenery and staying in a cute small town, where you can walk to everything? Kissing in such a place is more romantic. I have to admit I’m biased. Friday Harbor and San Juan Island are about the most romantic places in my world. My husband proposed here. We got married here. We visit often and retrace our steps…and kiss, with eyes and hearts wide open.

Updated June 2017 One of the rewarding things about working in a hotel on a small island in paradise, is to meet people from all over the world, from all walks of life, with different expectations about what is normal and what is exotic. All those people come to us with questions. Some of which we hear every year, others surprise us and we need to find the answers ourselves (we love that, so don’t stop asking!) We compiled the most frequently asked questions for your information and amusement, because as we all know, there is no such thing as a stupid question.

Among the many things we love about San Juan island are the dramatically changing seasons. It is a completely different experience to visit in the height of Summer when the entire island is pulsing with life and people, as opposed to the middle of Winter when you can drive around an entire day without seeing another car. And the best part: all seasons are absolutely stunning. So really, all you have to figure out is which season is your San Juan Island season.  Or perhaps they all are!

Are you looking for a little more joy in your holiday season?  Visit us on San Juan Island, where the slower pace of island life will greet you the moment you step off the ferry, where the quaint small town Holiday happenings will fill your heart with joy and put a smile on your face. Create meaningful memories with your family without breaking the bank or your patience. For many of us we’ve forgotten how to really enjoy the Holiday Season. We encourage you to take break and to take back your holidays.

San Juan Island offers not only astonishing beauty and wildlife, world-class whale watching, rich history, amazing art, and really good food, it also has spectacularly beautiful beaches. Whether you are a beachcomber or birder, want to go for a refreshing dip or are looking for tide pools filled with bright sea stars and anemones, our island has the perfect beach for that.

Do you regularly bring home tons of clean, untouched clothes from your trips? Are you at a total loss when it comes to decide how many outfits to bring for the kids on an island trip? Do you have trouble deciding what to bring when both sea kayaking and going to a fancy restaurant are on the menu for your weekend getaway? If you are visiting San Juan Island for a night from Seattle or for a week from Spain, we have some Earthbox guest-tested, Island specific packing tips for you.

I’m not exactly what you call a “water person” and to tell you the truth, the thought of sea kayaking in the Pacific Ocean, even with my experienced friend in the same kayak and an even more experienced guide in the next, frightened me some. But this is what life and adventure are all about: find your boundaries and gently push, or paddle as the case may be.