We Americans have less vacation time than any other developed country and even when we are taking time off, we are still checking in with work, responding to emails, taking phone calls, texting, checking social media, well, you know…

It is questionable whether you checking in with work is actually lightening your work load once you come back. It is equally questionable whether you are actually relaxing and recharging on a beach in paradise, while your mind is at work.

There is nothing like Summer on San Juan Island. The killer whales are here, sailboats are bobbing in the port of Friday Harbor, there are colorful arts festivals, delightful wine and spirit tastings, historical re-enactments, flowers stands and flourishing farms everywhere and the beaches, mountains and parks are just waiting to be explored. Here are five San Juan Island Summer activities not to be missed:

A Summer vacation or weekend getaway to San Juan Island is such a treat. There are so many fun adventures to be had: whale watching, kayaking, zip lining, hiking, biking, to name a few. Yet even in the height of Summer, there is a different pace on the island. We call it “island time”. You’ll feel it as soon as you set foot on the isle: no fast foods chains, no billboards, no traffic lights, people are so friendly

It’s Summer on San Juan Island! The Orcas are here, the sun is out, the isle is bustling with amazing activities, festivals and events. Come on up and revel in the breathtaking nature, amazing wildlife, rich history and small-town charm with big city culture that San Juan Island offers. Here are 10 San Juan Island Summer must-dos not to be missed!

Do you have a bucket list? Is San Juan Island on there?  There is so much fun to be had on San Juan Island, including many once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Challenge yourself to participate in some brand new escapades and to fully experience the wilder side of our gem in the Salish Sea.

The Washington State Ferry and Kenmore Air’s Seaplanes land right on the shores of beautiful Friday Harbor. Everything in town from restaurants and museums to boutiques and galleries, are in walking distance. It is the loveliest past-time to stroll the docks of this former fishing village turned cute coastal town, go souvenir shopping, browse the many shops and ...

With kids in school and 9 to 5 jobs you are most likely going on vacation when everybody else is; in the Summer, on weekends and holidays.  Everything is crowded, takes a little longer and is more expensive. Not so on beautiful San Juan Island.

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”.

Pristine nature, amazing wildlife, rich culture and outdoor adventure are not the only reasons to visit San Juan Island. The isle is also home to countless farms, producing anything from fruits and veggies, meats and cheeses, eggs, wine, lavender, salt, honey, wool, cider and more.

My Bavarian cousin Tanja was visiting me in America for the first time. Going on a whale watch tour, as well as having her first oyster was on her bucket list. To achieve these noble goals, she came to visit San Juan Island. When the ferry lands in Friday Harbor the first building you’ll see is the bright red office of the Western Prince right on the water.