10 Tips on how to Plan a Surprise Romantic Getaway

Image
Getting to the Earthbox Inn & Spa on San Juan Island

It's February and we are all thinking about it: Valentine's Day. Should we do something? It's just a Hallmark Holiday. That said, it really is so sweet and validating to plan something special. And while I'm over chocolates and flowers, we could still use a little break. We can celebrate our love any day of the year and if it takes Valentine's Day to motivate us to plan a romantic getaway then let's not overthink it.  

5 Best Places to Eat with Kids in Friday Harbor, San Juan Island

Image
Ice cream in Friday Harbor

Eating out with kids in an unfamiliar place can be challenging, but also fun if you keep an open mind, especially in kid-friendly Friday Harbor, where kids are welcome anywhere and you can show up in jeans and a T-shirt, stroller in tow, even at the fanciest of places. Here are 5 places which are pleasurable for adults and serve yummy, kid-friendly food, which won’t burst your budget, allowing you to enjoy the rest of your trip.

The Best Time to visit San Juan Island

Image
Ferry to San Juan Island

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!

10 Ways to fight the Winter Blues – San Juan Island Style

Image
Lime Kiln Lighthouse on San Juan Island

It’s that time of the year. The holidays are over, the sun hasn’t been seen for weeks, it’s cold and dark and drizzly outside and you know it’s going to stay like this for, well, let’s just say “a while”. Do not despair. There are plenty of things you can do to brighten your days and mood:

Come up to the island for a few days and fight the Winter Blues San Juan Island style.

Christmas Eve in Friday Harbor - Guest Blog

Image
Friday Harbor from the Ferry at Christmas

Last year, when Thanksgiving decorations gave way to elaborate Christmas displays in our residential neighborhood in Seattle, when there were inquiries for our current address from family overseas and the first greeting cards arrived, my husband and I admitted to each other, that neither of us felt like having a traditional holiday this year. Instead of a tree or presents we neither need nor want or too much sugar and stress, we decided to run away--just the two of us--to San Juan Island.    And what a great decision it turned out to be!

How to have the best girlfriends weekend ever in Friday Harbor

Image
Friday Harbor in the Fall

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.

10 Reasons to Visit San Juan Island in September

Image
San Juan Island, Washington

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.

How to Plan the Perfect Family Reunion on San Juan Island

Image
Friday Harbor Ferry

You love them, your family. You long to get them all together, hold the new baby, see all the kids grow up, lovingly tease your siblings, hug your grandpa. But your house is too small and your husband is allergic to the albeit cute dog that your brother insists on bringing everywhere. Then there is the food issue: grandma is diabetic, your aunt can’t do gluten and your nephew has just become a vegan. Where will they all sleep? How will you keep them entertained?