Puppy Paradise on San Juan Island

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San Juan Island, Washington

My name is Louis and I own the Earthbox Inn & Spa. I’m in charge of making sure that my fellow dog brothers and sisters have a lovely vacation here at our hotel and on our island. I lay on all dog blankets before we hand them out. I meet and greet our dog guests in the lobby and tell them the best places to sniff, run and get your ears blown in the wind...

Epic Whale Watch Tour with Maya’s Legacy Whale Watching

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San Juan Island, Washington

It was a dark and stormy night….

No, it actually wasn’t. It was an overcast, cool, windy day in the “shoulder season” (before or after the summer season on San Juan Island) and the Orca whales had not been seen or heard anywhere. I tried not to be disappointed. Being out on Maya’s brand new J1, a Zodiac boat with an enclosed cabin and head (that’s “boat” for “toilet”), zipping by lighthouses and seeing some sea lions would be fun too.

4 Best Places to Watch the Stars on San Juan Island

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Full Moon over San Juan Island by Thomas Ashcraft

When life gives you short days and long nights, go stargazing! With over 247 clear days (and nights) per year and low light pollution, San Juan Island is uniquely (and stunningly) suited to observing the beautiful needle pricks in the cloak of night. At times you can see meteor showers, the northern lights, satellites and the most spectacular full moons shining on the glistening Salish Sea. And the best part: it’s the quiet season. We here at the Earthbox are running amazing specials, you may find yourself alone with the Loons on the beach and get into your favorite restaurant without reservations.

5 Fun Ways to Explore History on San Juan Island

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Beautiful South Beach on San Juan Island

There is a lot of history to explore here!  In addition to a deeply-rooted Native American history, the isle has a most fascinating natural history and of course is best known for the Pig War of 1959 and its ensuing 12-year peaceful occupation by British and American forces. And the best part, history on San Juan Island is not explored in dark, dusty museums with long, boring descriptions of what went down. No. History on San Juan Island lives on the prairie and on the beach and is experienced in song and stories, by participating, listening, feeling and touching. Understanding the past has never been so much fun.

The 5 most picturesque Places to propose on San Juan Island

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The 5 most picturesque Places to propose on San Juan Island

If this is the year—the one where you pop the question--do we ever have a treat for you! We have scouted the most picturesque, ridiculously romantic, absolutely gorgeous places on San Juan Island to get engaged. All you need to do is get here, be true and promise to love each other until the stars go out and the tides no longer turn.

Please know, that we here at the Earthbox love people in love. We are here for you to help planning your surprise. It’s one of our favorites!

10 Ways to add Romance to your Winter Getaway on San Juan Island

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San Juan Island, Washington

“Love is not only something you feel, it is something you do.” ~ David Wilkerson

Nothing is easier than planning a romantic weekend getaway to San Juan Island, with its over 247 sunny days per year, breathtaking vistas, amazing wildlife and the cute coastal town of Friday Harbor. Come on up and celebrate your love. We have some tips to add extra romance:

Beer Hopping in Friday Harbor

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Beer hopping on San Juan Island

When we homo sapiens’ settled down and stayed put to grow crops, we first did that to grow cereals and then we did that to brew beer (or something like it)! The Sumerians are credited with brewing beer as far back as 2800 BC. Beer is mentioned in the bible, by the ancient Egyptians, the Greeks and the Romans. In middle-age Germany the alms for the homeless included 2 liters of beer per day, for the kids too. Beer was considered safer than water back then. When the British invaded India, the sailors would not go without ale on the long boat ride. But ale spoiled. And thus India Pale Ale was invented, with lots of hops to preserve the precious libation. In the 1990’s we Pacific Northwesterners were in for a treat when the microbrew revolution came upon us and we didn’t have to be ashamed about American beer anymore.