Fall is that sweet time of the year, when you can squeeze in some down-time, a little self-care, relaxation and fun, after the hustle and bustle of Summer is over and before the holiday season starts in earnest. Who would you take on such a trip? With whom do you feel truly yourself? Who makes you giggle so hard that tears run down your face? Your best girlfriends! A good friend knows all your best stories, a best friend goes to an island with you. Read on to find out How to have the best girlfriend’s weekend ever in Friday Harbor.

Beautiful San Juan Island is nestled between the Olympic Mountains and Vancouver Island, just 65 miles north of Seattle. Precisely because of those mountains the isle enjoys a rain shadow and approximately 247 sunny days per year, making autumn the most astonishing time to visit. The hotels offer lodging specials, the restaurants proudly serve freshly harvested island fare. There are lovely shops, galleries and museums and you have the beaches all to yourself. But that’s not all. There is so much fun to be had on San Juan Island. Here are 10 ideas of things to do on San Juan Island in the Fall.

Visiting San Juan Island’s Pelindaba Lavender Farm is always a treat. The serenity and beauty of this place with its rolling lavender fields, speckled with gorgeous sculptures, adorable, historic farm store and snow covered Olympics as the backdrop, makes for the perfect spot to indulge all your senses. The only thing better is coming for the annual Lavender Festival on July 15 & 16 during the “height of purpleness”.

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.

The Friday Harbor Documentary Film Festival, established in 2013, prides itself on presenting stories from the Pacific Rim and beyond to entertain, inspire, educate and enlighten. Located in quaint Friday Harbor, on gorgeous San Juan Island, you get it all:

San Juan Island, with its fertile valleys kept sunny and warm by the Olympic Rain Shadow and its fresh air and clean water, is a culinary paradise. Our busy island farmers, fishermen and foragers tirelessly produce and catch ingredients that our talented island chefs whisk into a Locavore’s dream!

Autumn is my favorite time of the year to visit San Juan Island. The long sunny days are made for endless walks on the beach and I absolutely love the color of the light.  I dream about the fall harvests as I stroll through the Farmers Market with its colorful abundance. I feel grateful and calm. These are my favorite spots to visit in the fall. I’m certain you will fall in love with them as well.

San Juan Island is nicknamed the “banana belt” of Washington State, because it is in a rain shadow, protected by the Olympic Mountains on one side and Vancouver Island on the other. The beautiful valleys in the center of the island are lush, rolling pastures for cattle, sheep and goats. Countless farms, producing lavender, sea salt, apple cider, wine, flowers, wool, produce, cheese and meat, are calling San Juan Island their home.

There is nothing more rejuvenating and exhilarating than a last minute getaway. It makes me feel like I got away with something. It makes me feel wild and free, young and spontaneous. It teaches me to be present and to not “future trip”.  I highly recommend it. Let me share my 5 tips for a no stress, super fun, last minute San Juan Island ...