San Juanderer 2013
forty third annual
your link to the
San Juan Islands
A supplement to the Anacortes American
Welcome to the San Juans
T
his scenic string of islands offers exciting kayaking adventures, quiet afternoon bike rides, quaint eateries and enjoyable shopping. The islands’ remarkable natural beauty makes the cares of the world slip away. Everyone can find something that appeals to them with the islands’ wide variety of diversions and educational opportunities. The ferry ride itself is a getaway. The waters surrounding this spectacular archipelago are home to pods of wild orcas, which can sometimes be seen as you make your way to your island destination. The San Juanderer is a guide designed to help get you started on your island adventures. In the following pages, you will find advice on how to get to the islands and what you will find on each of the main islands. There’s advice on what to see and plenty of tips on what you can do. The attractions of the islands could fill several publications this size, but we tried to include as much information about the islands‚ unique businesses, historic sites and scenic attractions as possible. We also provide websites and phone numbers where you can learn more about island events. We hope you enjoy the San Juanderer and, more importantly, your visit to the San Juan Islands.
Happy Juandering! skagitvisitor.com
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Table of Contents Destinations Anacortes & Fidalgo Island................ 5-7 Anacortes Festivals........................... 8-9 Whale Watching.................................10 Vineyards..........................................12 Getting There ....................................13 San Juan Island............................ 16-18 Pig War............................................17 Roche Harbor...................................18 Museum of Art & Sculpture Park.......18 Orcas Island................................. 19-20 Moran State Park.............................20 Lopez Island................................. 21-22
Shaw Island.......................................23 Nearby Destinations...................... 24-26 La Conner........................................25 Deception Pass................................25 Whidbey Island.................................26 Sidney, British Columbia...................26 Area Map..................................... Center
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Coast in. Hang out.
Coast in. Hang out.
Spring Wine Festival (April)
Waterfront Festival (May) Spring Wine Festival / April
Spring Wine Festival (April) Waterfront Festival / June Art Festival (August) Shipwreck Day / July(May) Waterfront Festival Oyster Run (September) Art Festival / August Art Festival (August)
Workboat Races / August Oktoberfest (October) Oyster September OysterRun Run/ (September) Oktoberfest / October
Oktoberfest Come(October) find the
Spring and Fall Boat Shows
little kid in you.
Spring and Fall Antique Shows
Come find the little kid in you.
www.anacortes.org
www.anacortes.org
SKAGIT PUBLISHING 1215 Anderson Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98274 Phone: 360.424.3251 Fax: 360.424.5300 Š2013 Skagit Publishing llc All rights reserved. editor kimberly jacobson design & layout Katie Erickson Advertising director Mark Dobie Display Advertising Manager Deb Bundy: dbundy@skagitpublishing.com Advertising consultants Stephanie Harper, abby jackson, Staci may, Michelle O’Donnell, Kathy Schultz, Katie Sundermeyer, Paul Tinnon, john williams advertising operations Fawn floyd, katie erickson, Jody Hendrix, dana perry, Karen Sheppard, Patricia Stowell Writers/photographers Jacob BUCKENMEYER, Kimberly Jacobson, Joan Pringle
Anacortes.org Things to Do
http://www.anacortes.org/thingstodo.cfm
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Anacortes & Fidalgo Island
Y
ou couldn’t get a better introduction to the San Juan Islands than Fidalgo Island. With 2,800 acres of forest lands, tranquil lakes and stunning shorelines, it has all the beauty and recreation opportunities you’ll find on the islands to the west. All this, and a vibrant and friendly hub, Anacortes, that offers fine eateries, boutiques, art galleries and a rich marine heritage.
For more information about Anacortes and Fidalgo Island, go to the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce website at www.anacortes.org. skagitvisitor.com
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Anacortes & Fidalgo Island A city of approximately 17,000 residents, Anacortes has all the services and amenities you need. The city has more than a dozen parks, including a skate park, offleash dog area and several with playgrounds and walking trails. Anacortes, a community of rich culture, vibrant arts and bustling business, is located at the heart of scenic Fidalgo Island and surrounded by forest lands, lakes, mountains and more than 20 miles of saltwater coastline along bays and channels. Rosario Beach tide pools and scenic views from atop Mount Erie only begin to showcase the natural beauty available nearby. Some of our favorites: a kayak trip
at Bowman Bay, a morning walk on the Washington Park Loop Road or across the Tommy Thompson trestle bridge, a whale-watching trip to the San Juans and a hike through the Anacortes Community Forest Lands. A system of waterfront pathways showcases the natural beauty available just blocks from downtown. The Anacortes Community Forest Lands has 50 miles of multi-use trails for hikers and bicyclists and even a few for horseback riders and motorcycles. Mount Erie in the middle of the island provides opportunities for mountain climbing along with spectacular views of Mount Baker, the Cascade and Olympic mountains and surrounding bodies of water.
J
Welcome to the Port of Anacortes
ewelers since 1930
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You’re never far from saltwater on Fidalgo Island. That means plenty of nearby opportunities for fishing, swimming and boating, by kayak, canoe, sailboat or yacht. Fidalgo Island is home to five freshwater lakes, including Heart Lake, site of a free annual Kids Fishing Derby. Speaking of fish, the island has an abundance of restaurants and cafés for its size serving up seafood, burgers, home cooking and international flavors, just to name a few dining choices. Plenty of quaint shops offer anything from picnic supplies and a nice bottle of wine to one-of-a-kind art pieces and jewelry. For a more cultured experience, browse the art galleries in
ME MBE R
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Marine Terminal
Commercial dock and wharf Log, heavy lifts and dry bulk cargo loading
Anacortes Airport
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n unexpected find. Rarely will you discover a jewelry store of this caliber anywhere... let alone in such a beautiful community. We invite you to come in.
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7th & Commercial - Downtown Anacortes
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Customs port-of-entry 933 slips, accommodates vessels up to 133’ Marine services: fuel, launching facilities, showers, laundry and pump out facilities, Free Wi-Fi, complimentary bicycles, slip reservation, summer concerts and events Marine supply, groceries, restaurants nearby
Event Venues
Venues available to rent! Perfect for weddings, memorial services, company parties, trainings and much more!
100 Commercial Ave Anacortes, WA 98221 (360)293-3134 www.portofanacortes.com skagitvisitor.com
Anacortes & Fidalgo Island downtown Anacortes, check out a variety of sculptures on Commercial Avenue, tour the W.T. Preston snagboat and visit the Anacortes Museum. As you stroll around downtown, keep an eye out for Bill Mitchell’s historic murals, which line the exterior of many buildings and represent characters from the island’s past. Festivals throughout the year bring artists, fishermen, kids, bikers, treasure hunters and just about anyone looking for a good time here. Two city museums give visitors time indoors to discover the city’s rich history and colorful characters of the past. You’ll discover why locals say there’s nowhere better to “Coast in. Hang out.”
Fidalgo Island is a great place to start a journey to the rest of the San Juans. The Washington State Ferries dock is about 10 minutes west of downtown.
Ongoing Events
Similk Beach Golf Course
• Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, mid-May through mid-October, and 4-7 p.m. Wednesdays, late June through August, 611 R Ave. Visit www.anacortesfarmersmarket.org.
12518 Christiansen Road (360) 293-3444 Public course: 18 holes with 6,177 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. Rated: 68.4 with a slope of 110. Green fees: $14 to $28 weekdays, $16 to $32 weekends in the summer. Amenities: Driving range, clubhouse, pro shop, snack bar, instruction and cart rentals.
• First Friday Gallery Walk, 6-9 p.m. first Friday of each month at downtown art galleries.
• Productions at Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave. Call (360) 293-6829 or visit www.acttheatre.com.
• 24 Hour service with warm and friendly staff • Fresh hot baked cookies every night • Expanded Continental Breakfast • Group and Corporate Rates • Free Wireless Internet • Non-Smoking Facility
3300 Commercial Ave Anacortes, Washington 98221 Phone/Fax: 360-293-1100 themarinainn@comcast.net www.marinainnwa.com skagitvisitor.com
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Anacortes Festivals Boating enthusiasts, art lovers and leather-clad bikers can all find at least one major Anacortes event that will tickle their fancy.
Trawler Fest May 14-19 at Cap Sante Marina, is a niche boat show that includes displays of long-range cruising powerboats, land-based exhibits, in-depth seminars and social activities for the cruising under power community. Visit www.trawlerfest.com.
Anacortes Waterfront Festival June 1-2 at Cap Sante Marina, includes free boat rides, music, radiocontrolled boats, kids activities, a marine swap meet, vendor booths and food. Visit www.anacortes.org.
St. MerryFest June 7-9 starts the summer with carnival rides, food and entertainment at St. Mary Catholic Church, 4001 St. Mary’s Drive.
July 4 Celebration Patriotic parade and a picnic, complete with family games. A large fireworks display over Fidalgo Bay ends the day with a bang.
Kenneth Killpack DDS Russell Borneman DDS 1218 29th St Suite A Anacortes, WA 98221 360.293.8451 Mercury Free Since ‘83
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Kids-R-Best Fest July 13 is a free event with inflatable toys, games, food, face painting, entertainment and more at Storvik Park, between 29th and 32nd streets.
Anacortes Shipwreck Festival July 20, fills several blocks downtown with booths filled with plunder. Visit www.shipwreckfest.org. Skagit Publishing LLC
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Anacortes Festivals tattooed and leather-clad bikers to Anacortes on their gleaming machines. Vendors fill side streets with bike gear, leather goods, jewelry and more, while drill teams perform stunts. Restaurants and food booths always offer plenty of oysters. Cars will probably be stuck until late afternoon, plan for it, then kick back and enjoy the event. Visit www. oysterrun.org
Anacortes Arts Festival Aug. 2-4 is the city’s biggest annual event. Ten blocks downtown are closed to traffic to make room for art and activities sure to delight all ages. More than 250 street artists, selected by a jury for diversity and quality, set up booths. Lots of hands-on children’s activities. Visit www. anacortesartsfestival.com or call (360) 293-6211.
Oktoberfest Bier on The Pier
Anacortes Workboat Races and Pirate Faire
Oct. 4-5, features samples from 30 Northwest breweries and German fare at Pier 1, First Street and Commercial Avenue. Visit www.anacortes.org
Aug. 24 pit a variety of workboats in similar classes against each other in races down Guemes Channel. The event includes sea chanteys, chowder and pirates. Visit www. anacortesworkboatraces.com.
Antique Engine and Machinery Show Sept. 14 brings visitors who check out tractors, trucks, engines, saws and steamboats.
August 2 - 4
Oyster Run Sunday, Sept. 22 is the largest motorcycle rally in the Pacific Northwest. It draws thousands of
AnacortesArtsFestival.com
At the Framemaker
Regional Fine Art And Custom Picture Framing 420 COMMERCIAL • ANACORTES • 360-293-6938 WWW.SCOTTMILO.COM
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Whale Watching The orca whale is a bold and beautiful figure representing the spirit of the Pacific Northwest. Orcas are especially prominent in the inland waters of Washington state, including the waters surrounding the San Juan Islands. Visitors can see them on whale watching trips or sometimes from shore on the west side of San Juan Island. The three pods of Southern Resident orcas spend much of their summers around the San Juan Islands. More than a dozen companies based in Anacortes and the islands provide guided whale-watching tours by boat or kayak to see the endangered species up close.
Many of the services guarantee whale sightings, or you can go again for free. The busy season lasts from spring through summer. Reservations are highly recommended. Before the mid-1900s, orcas were considered a nuisance to fishermen. People came to see them as a curiosity in the 1960s and 1970s and captured them for public display in marine parks. The
LA CONNER MARINA Your Premier Destination on the Swinomish Channel
Our full-service marina is walking distance from great dining and shopping in historic downtown La Conner, WA. Gift bags and courtesy shuttle for guests! The newly dredged channel is your safe and comfortable route to the San Juan Islands. 360-466-3118 • VHF 66A www.portofskagit.com/la-conner-marina August 10, 2013 10
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captures seriously damaged the population. Thirteen orcas were killed during one roundup. Another 45 were removed from their habitat. The Southern Residents are now listed for protection under the Endangered Species Act. The Southern Resident whales feed mainly on salmon, herring and rockfish and often can be seen from Lime Kiln Point State Park on the west side of San Juan Island. The 36-acre park, opened in 1984, was originally a limestone quarry. The 1919 lighthouse is used today for orca whale research, interpretation and tours. The interpretive center is open mid-May through midSeptember. The Whale Museum at 62 First St. N. in Friday Harbor has exhibits, artwork, models, a Whale Phone Booth, videos and artifacts on whales including whale skeletons and a family tree of the resident orcas. The information explains the natural history of whales with a special focus on the Southern Resident pods. The museum, a nonprofit organization, also oversees several programs including orca adoption, soundwatch boater education, marine naturalist training, marine mammal stranding network, conservation research and the Whale Hotline. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Cost is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, $3 for youth and college students and free for children 5 and younger. Group rates are also available. Call (800) 946-7227, ext. 30, or go to www.whalemuseum.org.
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The
Difference
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Over
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Home
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CAP SANTE COURT Retirement Community 1111 32nd St., Anacortes 360-293-8088 www.capsantecourt .com
Come Home to Cap Sante Court!
Vineyards Vineyards Island-produced wines and ciders made from homegrown grapes and apples are plentiful in the San Juans. San Juan Vineyards and Lopez Island Vineyards along with Westcott Bay Cider offer tastings throughout the summer on their island estates. San Juan Vineyards 3136 Roche Harbor Road Friday Harbor (360) 378-9463 (WINE) sanjuanvineyards.com Try a taste or two of award-winning wines from San Juan Vineyards at its tasting rooms in Friday Harbor, 55 Spring St., or at the vineyard three miles north of the city at 3136 Roche Harbor Road. Wines are available for tasting and by the glass at both locations. The Friday Harbor tasting room has wine barrel ambiance and a baby grand piano fitting its theme of piano and wine‚ designated by owner Yvonne Swanberg. The facility can be reserved for special events, gatherings and parties. The 30-acre vineyard grounds include a renovated school house and open and wooded areas. Current wines include a 2011 pinot gris, 2009 sangiovese and a 2011 Mona vino blanc. San Juan Vineyards ships its wines to more than 30 states. Lopez Island Vineyards 724 Fisherman Bay Road (360) 468-3644 lopezislandvineyards.com This winery is a small, family-run business using grapes from its sixacre estate vineyard, Skagit Valley, Yakima Valley and the Wahluke
Slope. New releases include a Fireside 2012, Malbec 2011, Sangiovese 2011 and Pinot Noir 2010. Other wines include a Madeleine Angevine, cabernet sauvignon-merlot blend and apple-pear. The winery’s 2011 siegerrebe won the platinum award from the Wine Press Northwest in winter 2013. The tasting room in Lopez Village is open noon to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday Memorial Day weekend; Wednesday through Sunday in July, August and September; Friday and Saturday in May, June and October; and Friday and Saturday from November to Dec. 19 and March through April. The tasting room is open for special days only January through March. The winery garden is available for rent for special occasions including weddings, receptions and fundraisers. Westcott Bay Cider 12 Anderson Lane near Roche Harbor (360) 378-3880 http://westcottbaycider.com Westcott Bay Orchards produces and bottles cider from apples such as Kingston Black, Yarlington Mill, Dabinett and Sweet Coppin grown in their San Juan orchards. The medium-sweet, dry and very dry varieties of cider are made from 100 percent apple juice that starts off brown with tannin and then clears to an amber gold as it ferments and mellows. Tastings are 2 to 5 p.m. every Saturday between Memorial Day and Labor Day. For other visits, call ahead.
Getting There Ferries Washington State Ferries provides the main avenue to the San Juan Islands. The ferries can also be a fun little trip in themselves as they snake their way through the islands providing the opportunity to see the scenic waters of the Salish Sea up close, the surrounding mountain ranges and even an orca pod, if you’re lucky. The ferry terminal is in Anacortes’ West End, about 10 minutes from downtown. To get there, follow Highway 20 into Anacortes to the roundabout, then turn right and drive north toward town on Commercial Avenue. Go all the way to the light at 12th Street, then turn left and go several miles west to the terminal. It’s well-marked. Schedule is available at (888) 808-7977 or visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries.
Services Passenger and vehicle transportation to San Juan, Orcas, Lopez and Shaw islands and to Sidney, B.C.
Amenities Food service and vending machines. Guidelines Riders are advised to arrive 30 to 60 minutes prior to sailing times. Please turn off your vehicle in the holding lanes. Vehicle engines must be turned off while the vessel is under way. Do not restart your car until directed by a crew member. Bicyclists and persons carrying kayaks or canoes should wait near the front of the loading area, as they are generally first to load. Once on board, secure bikes in the place provided. Crews will direct passengers on placement of kayaks and canoes. Animals, except service animals, are not allowed in terminal buildings
or above the car decks, unless they are in a pet container. However, they are permitted on the exposed upper decks of vessels on some routes. Contact terminal staff for loading procedures as vessel and terminal configurations vary.
Flights San Juan Airlines offers both scheduled and chartered flights from Anacortes to the San Juans. Visit www.sanjuanairlines.com. Other companies serve the islands from Bellingham and the Seattle area as well.
Save 20% to 70% Everyday! Shop at stores like . . .
Schedule First ferry leaves Anacortes at about 4:30 a.m. Last ferry arrives back at about 12:20 a.m. Prices Round-trip prices vary with season, island of destination, passenger age and vehicle size. Spring fares are about $40-$57 for a typical vehicle and driver, plus $12.45 for adult passengers.
www.TheOutletShoppesatBurlington.com
I-5, Exit 229 448 Fashion Way, Burlington, WA 98233 Call 360-757-3548 Shop Sunday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Monday - Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
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ANACORT ES Visitors and Newcomers
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and Island in NW Washing
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ton
• Feature stories • New maps • Demographics • Facts about Anacortes • Resources for public services • One-day outings • Fairs • Festivals and much more!
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SKAGIT COUNTY • DECEPTION PASS NORTH CASCADES Y • BOW–EDISON • CONCRETE • CONWA
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San Juan Island
S
an Juan Island is the most populated of the islands with most people living in the communities of Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor. Spectacular scenery, wildlife, outdoor adventures, quiet getaways and just enough urban diversions to spice things up make this delightful island an ideal vacation getaway. It all starts in picturesque Friday Harbor, the site of the Washington State Ferries landing.
For more information contact the chamber of commerce at (360) 378-5240 or go to www.sanjuanisland.org.
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San Juan Island Allow plenty of time to visit Friday Harbor’s shops, galleries and museums. Numerous eateries range from a casual outdoor oyster grill to fine waterfront dining. There’s ethnic cuisine, Northwest fare, seafood and simple soups and sandwiches. The San Juan Historical Museum, 405 Price St., has a pioneer home, jail and frontier cabin. Several galleries offer fine art, including Dolphin Arts and Napier Gallery and Studio. Learn about whales at the Whale Museum in Friday Harbor and see them up close if you’re lucky at Lime Kiln Point State Park on the west side of the island. Roche Harbor is an historic seaside village with a resort, marina and restaurants. In the heart of the island, look for roadside stands offering colorful blooms, a golf course and San Juan Island Vineyards. Pelindaba Lavender Farm is always inviting and Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm has animals grazing placidly and a shop where you can buy soft sweaters, coats and plush toys made from their wool.
Ongoing Events • Shows at Waterworks Gallery, 315 Argyle St., Friday Harbor. Call (360) 378-3060 or visit www.waterworksgallery.com. • Classes and workshops at San Juan Islands Museum of Art and San Juan Island Sculpture Park, museum at 232 A St., Friday Harbor or sculpture park across from Roche Harbor Airstrip. Visit www.sjima.org. • Demonstrations and presentations at San Juan Island National
Historical Park, English Camp and American Camp. Visit www.nps.gov/sajh. • Farmers Market, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, mid-April through midOctober, county courthouse parking lot on Second Street, Friday Harbor. Visit www.sjifarmersmarket.com. • Tours and events, Whale Museum, 62 First St. N., Friday Harbor. Visit www.whalemuseum.org. • San Juan Historical Museum, Friday Harbor. Call (360) 378-3949 or visit www.sjmuseum.org. • Artists’ Studio Tour. Visit www.sanjuanislandartists.com. • Lavender Festival. Call (866) 8191911 or visit www.pelindaba.com. • County Fair. Call (360) 378-4310 or visit www.sanjuancountyfair.org.
San Juan Golf and Country Club 806 Golf Course Road, Friday Harbor (360) 378-2254 www.sanjuangolfandcountryclub.com Semi-private, open to public: 9 holes with 3,314 yards from the longest tees for a par of 36. Rated: 71 with a slope of 115. Green fees: $33 to $48 in the summer with a twilight discount after 3 p.m. Amenities: Motorized carts, hand cart and club rentals, PGA instruction, grass tee practice areas, pro shop, clubhouse with full bar and grill, tennis courts.
Pig War As the story goes, it all started over the shooting of an English pig by an American settler.
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That pig turned out to be the only casualty of the 13-year Pig War between the American Army and British Royal Navy, whose countries both laid claim to San Juan Island. It began in 1859 when the unfortunate pig wandered into a potato patch. It ended when the islands became United States territory and the permanent boundary between the U.S. and Canada was settled. The conflict was between the British Hudson’s Bay Company and American settlers on the island. The pig belonged to Charles John Griffin, an agent of the fur trading company sent there to manage a sheep ranch and farm. The settler who shot the pig, Lyman Cutlar, eventually offered to pay for the dead animal, but the two haggled over its worth. The disagreement escalated with the Ninth U.S. Infantry under Capt. George Picket and the 31-gun steam frigate HMS Tribune under British Capt. Geoffrey Phipps Hornby being dispatched to the island. Both sides followed with further reinforcements but the standoff never came to gunfire. The island remained occupied by both nations’ military until 1872 when a three-man arbitration commission awarded the islands to the United States. Today the pivotal sites of the war can be found in San Juan Island National Historical Park. They include the American Camp on the island’s southern peninsula and English Camp on the island’s northwest edge next to Westcott Bay. Both camps have officers’ quarters, barracks and parade grounds along with visitors centers housing artifacts, displays, literature and souvenirs. Re-enactors participate in 19th century camp life with demonstrations SAN JUANDERER | APRIL 2013 |
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San Juan Island of music, blacksmithing, horsemanship, spinning and weaving, sewing and carpentry. Encampment 2013 is July 27 and 28 at the English Camp. The park itself is the largest tract of public land on the island with six miles of public shoreline and a network of hiking trails. For more information, call (360) 3782240 or go to www.nps.gov/sajh.
Roche Harbor Roche Harbor Resort, on the northwest side of San Juan Island, is a charming retreat with activities and attractive places to stay, including the historic Hotel de Haro, built in 1886 around the original Hudson’s Bay
trading post and still furnished with original antiques. You can find deluxe accommodations in the Quarryman Hall Building. A former company town built up around the Roche Harbor Lime Company in the 1890s, Roche Harbor became a resort for boating families in the late 1950s and grew into a tourist village. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing massage or body treatment at the Afterglow Spa, do a little shopping at several unique shops in the village or explore the area’s history with a fold-out map available at the Hotel de Haro’s front desk. Dining is available at three restaurants. Interesting sites include a historic mausoleum, Our Lady of Good Voyage
Reach for the stars!
SAN JUAN COMMUNITY THEATRE Celebrating 24 Years of Showcasing Local and Touring Artists COMEDY • BLUES/JAZZ • CLASSICAL MUSIC • DRAMA • DANCE FOLK/ROCK • MUSICALS • BARBERSHOP • FAMILY THEATRE 360.378.3210 www.sjctheatre.org 18
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100 Second Street Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Chapel and the nearby sculpture park. The resort can also be used as a jumping-off spot for sea kayaking or for renting a moped for a ride around the island. Throughout the summer watch for street artisans, art festivals and the Roche Harbor Old-Fashioned July Fourth celebration. For more information call (800) 4518910 or visit www.rocheharbor.com.
San Juan Islands Museum of Art and San Juan Islands Sculpture Park Visitors to San Juan Island can take in local art through the San Juan Islands Museum of Art in Friday Harbor and the San Juan Islands Sculpture Park near Roche Harbor. In 2012, the museum and sculpture park, once overseen by the same nonprofit organization, separated to become their own entities. The museum is just up the street from the ferry landing at 232 A St. It is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. The Sculpture Park at Roche Harbor is now self-managed and has a full-time sales representative to conduct and negotiate sales of 100plus sculptures seen on its 20-acre grounds year-round. The pieces are in bronze, stone, wood, metal, glass and ceramic, many by well-known artists. New pieces are installed each spring. The park is open from dawn to dusk. A $5 donation is requested for adults. For more information about the museum, call (360) 370-5050 or go to http://www. sjima.org. For more information about the Sculpture Park, call (360) 370-0035 or go to http:// www.sjisculpturepark.com.
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Orcas Island
T
he largest island in the San Juans is Orcas Island at almost 60 square miles, plenty of room for the island’s special mix of arts and culture, lush forests, placid lakes and outdoor possibilities. Orcas offers an abundance of shops, potteries, restaurants and museums. Events on the island include a farmers market, shows at Crow Valley Pottery and the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival.
For more information, contact the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce at (360) 376-2273 or www.orcasislandchamber.com. skagitvisitor.com
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Orcas Island The two main villages are Eastsound and Orcas Landing, which is served by Washington State Ferries. Smaller communities include Deer Harbor, Olga and Doe Bay. Orcas Landing features shops, bakeries, galleries and restaurant choices. Eastsound has numerous boutiques, galleries and restaurants. Orcas Island Historical Museum in Eastsound was built using six donated homestead cabins and has approximately 6,000 artifacts, paper documents and photographs. The drive to the west side of the island takes visitors past madronalined shorelines, marinas and Crow Valley School Museum, an 1888 schoolhouse with authentic furnishings and memorabilia. A pleasant side trip takes you to the villages of Westsound and Deer Harbor. Outdoor activities on the island include hiking, biking, sailing, kayaking, golf, horseback riding, swimming and fishing. Lodging opportunities on the island include camping at the park, resorts, cabins, inns, cottages and bed and breakfasts. Rosario Resort & Spa, listed on
the National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1906-1909 for a shipbuilding magnate. The resort’s Moran Mansion today is a museum filled with original fixtures and furnishings. The resort includes the Mansion Restaurant, Moran Lounge and Spa at Rosario.
Moran State Park Moran State Park is a favorite destination for anyone heading to Orcas Island. Just a 25-minute drive from the Washington State Ferries landing takes visitors to the 5,252-acre park with five freshwater lakes, waterfalls and more than 30 miles of hiking trails. Mount Constitution in the middle of the park is the highest point in the San Juan Islands. Enjoy expansive views of the islands and the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges in Washington and the Coast Mountains in British Columbia. The park is open 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the summer and 8 a.m. to dusk in the winter. Camping facilities include 151 tent sites (one ADA-compliant) in five camping areas, a dump station, restrooms and showers. No electric
WEST BEACH RESORT • • • • •
Beachfront Cottages Tent Cabins, RV & Camping Store and Marina Kayak and Boat Rentals Hot Tub and WiFi
Family Fun Since 1938
www.westbeachresort.com 20
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hookup sites are available. The park has two kitchen shelters with electricity and two without plus more than 60 picnic tables. Other park amenities include a swim beach area, boat ramps and boat rentals. A Washington State Discover Pass is required for motor-vehicle access to the park. A one-day pass is $10. An annual pass is $30 and can be used on either of two vehicles. For more information or to reserve a campsite, go to www.parks.wa.gov or call (888) 226-7688.
Orcas Island Golf Club 2171 Orcas Road, Eastsound (360)376-4400 www.orcasgolf.com Public course: 9 holes with 3,010 yards from the longest tees for a par of 35. Rated: 67.8/72.8 with a slope of 115 men and 118 women. Green fees: $20 to $45 in the summer, with a twilight discount after 4:30 p.m. Amenities: Power and pull cart rentals, driving range, practice area, clubhouse.
Ongoing Events • Farmers Market, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, May through September in the Eastsound Village Green. Visit www.orcasislandfarmers market.org. • Shows at Crow Valley Pottery, 2274 Orcas Road, Eastsound. Call (877) 512-8184 or visit www.crowvalley.com.
877-937-8224
• Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival. Visit www.oicmf.org or call (360) 376-6636.
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Lopez Island
B
e prepared to wave when you visit Lopez Island. It’s said to be the friendliest island with inhabitants regularly waving at passers-by. Lopez is the first island you come to when arriving in the San Juans by Washington State Ferries. It is one of the smaller main islands at less than 30 square miles with about 2,200 full-time residents. Many residents make their living from farming, fishing and raising livestock.
For more information call the Lopez Island Chamber of Commerce at (877) 433-2789 or visit www.lopezisland.com.
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Lopez Island Lopez Island offers a mix of experiences that can fill a day, or more. Walk out the wind-swept sand spit at Spencer Spit State Park. Browse the bookstore, shops and galleries in Lopez Village. Rent a bicycle and pedal the island’s bike-friendly flat roads. Enjoy a glass of wine at Lopez Island Vineyards. Its distinction comes from being one of the flattest islands, making it ideal for bicyclists all year and the Tour de Lopez bike tour held each April. The island is also great for kayaking, boating, whale watching, eagle spotting, hiking, fishing and golfing. Travelers will have no problem finding a place to stay the night with the number of inns, cottages, cabins and tent sites, but book ahead in the summer. And there are plenty of places to dine. Artist studios and galleries, restaurants and shops make up Lopez Village. The village also includes a post office, bank, medical clinic, library and chamber of commerce office. Public restrooms, showers and picnic tables are accessible to the public near the 5-acre community center with a pavilion, performance center, children’s center and skate park. Additional attractions include state and county parks, summer farmers market, Weeks Wetland Preserve, Historical Society Museum and the restored Port Stanley Schoolhouse.
Lopez Island Golf Club
589 Airport Road (360) 468-2679 www.lopezislandgolf.com Semi-private course: 9 holes with 2,711 yards from the longest tees for a par of 35. Rated: 33 with a slope of 110. • Farmers Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Green fees: $25 to $35. Saturdays, May through Amenities: Clubhouse, golf wear, September, Lopez Village. Visit snacks, club and cart rentals. www.lopezfarmersmarket.com.
Ongoing Events
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Shaw Island
S
haw Island is a peaceful refuge in the San Juans, on a small scale. With only a dozen primitive campsites at the county park and one general store, the island is a relaxed place to visit and unwind. Bicyclists looking for a tranquil outing will enjoy Shaw Island’s tree-lined roads. Sights include Shaw Island Museum, built with timbers from the island’s original log cabin post office. Nearby is the historic Shaw Island School, an operating two-room schoolhouse that is on the National Register of Historic Places. If you are staying on one of the larger islands, you can visit Shaw during the day on the inter-island ferry for free on foot or with a bike.
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Nearby Destinations
Y
ou can add to the island experience by spending an enjoyable few hours, or a few days, in La Conner, Whidbey Island or Sidney, British Columbia. They are lovely stops on your way to or from the San Juan Islands. La Conner is a vibrant, historic, waterfront town that’s home to a working waterfront and the works of famous Northwest artists. Whidbey Island shares the character and leisurely lifestyle of the San Juans and offers plenty of outdoor experiences, while Sidney’s waterfront location makes it a prime spot for boating, sailing, kayaking, diving and fishing.
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Nearby Destinations La Conner La Conner is a town to stroll. Pick up a guide at the Chamber of Commerce and explore the outdoor sculpture exhibition. Order coffee and watch the boats cruise by on the Swinomish Channel. Or enjoy wandering through the downtown shops. Museums are must-sees – the Museum of Northwest Art is right in the middle of things on First Street, and the Skagit County Historical Museum and the La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum in the historic Gaches Mansion are on the hill above town. Founded in the 1880s, La Conner is nestled in cedar and fir forests. Just across Swinomish Channel from Fidalgo Island and the Swinomish Indian Reservation, it is about a 25-minute drive from Anacortes. The iconic Rainbow Bridge that connects the town with the reservation was built in 1957. It was painted with orange rust coating, but the residents liked the color so much that it was never given the formal gray coat. Since the 1930s and 1940s, Northwest artists have drawn inspiration from La Conner and its spectacular surroundings – the lovely tulip fields and rural scenery of Skagit Valley, and nearby forests and communities. The most famous of these artists, Guy Anderson, Kenneth Callahan, Morris Graves and Mark Tobey, created a fresh style and a regional identity known as the Northwest School. When the Museum of Northwest Art was established in 1981, La Conner was deemed a natural site because of its association with
these master painters. The museum has a fine representative collection of their works and works by other regional artists in a variety of media, including a display of fine glass. Outside the museum, carvings and metal art pop up unexpectedly, part of a rotating outdoor sculpture exhibition in the city’s public spaces. For more information call the La Conner Chamber of Commerce at (360) 4664778 or (888) 642-9284 or visit www. lovelaconner.com.
Deception Pass State Park The center of Deception Pass State Park is the bridge connecting Fidalgo and Whidbey islands and the two portions of the park that stretches over both islands. The bridge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s offers breathtaking views of the pass and surrounding land features. The marine and camping park has 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline, more than 4,000 acres of old-growth forest, three lakes and abundant wildlife, including 174 varieties of birds. Open year-round for camping and day-use, park hours are 6:30 a.m.
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to dusk in the summer and 8 a.m. to dusk in the winter. There are 167 tent sites, 143 utility spaces, five hiker/biker sites, two dump stations, 20 restrooms and 10 showers (some ADA) at three sites within the park, Bowman Bay, Quarry Pond and Cranberry Lake. The park also has accommodations for groups of up to 50 people. To make a reservation, call (888) 226-7688 or go to https://secure. camis.com/WA/. Amenities at the park include boat rentals, a park store and firewood sales. Activities available are hiking, boating, fishing, swimming, clamming, crabbing and wildlife viewing. Events include tours of Kukutali Preserve, Rosario Beach Naturalist Programs, Deception Pass Challenge triathlon in June and The Deception Pass 50K/25K in December. The state Discover Pass is required for motor-vehicle access to the park. A one-day pass is $10 and an annual pass is $30. The pass can be used on either of two vehicles. The pass is not required for those camping or renting overnight accommodations.
Whidbey Island Lavender - A Unique Experience At the Farm: Beautiful Lavender Fields Lavender Labyrinth Open Only in the Summer
At the Coupeville Shop: Classes Gift Shop All Year Lavender Food FARM: 2530 Darst Rd. Coupeville, WA 98239 ~ www.lavenderwind.com SHOP IN TOWN: 15 Coveland St., Coupeville, WA 98239 ~ 877.242.7716 Skagit Publishing LLC
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Nearby Destinations Whidbey Island Whidbey Island is just south of the San Juans and Deception Pass. Shopping, dining and lodging opportunities abound on the island from Oak Harbor, the largest city to the north, to Coupeville, a quaint waterfront village in the middle, and Langley to the south. Highlights of the island include Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve in central Whidbey. The reserve, created in 1978 to protect a rural working landscape and community, has 17,500 acres with 17 farms, more than 400 historical structures, native prairies and a network of trails. Information is on display at the Island County
Historical Museum. The island’s military history can be seen at Fort Casey and Fort Ebey state parks just south of Coupeville. The island is also home to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. The Washington State Ferries terminal right next to Fort Casey leads visitors to the Olympic Peninsula via Port Townsend. Farther south on the island is Greenbank Farm, a communityfounded nonprofit managing 151 acres of publicly owned space and a historic farm. The premises includes galleries, a Sunday market, wine shop, cheese shop, caf√©, trails and picnic areas. Bayview Corner on Whidbey Island’s Scenic Isle Way features
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shops, wine tasting room, galleries, restaurants, a nursery and more. Clinton to the far south has state ferry runs to the mainland via Mukilteo.
Sidney, British Columbia Sidney, British Columbia, is a picturesque town situated in the Gulf Islands with Mount Baker in the distance. This waterfront town of about 11,000 is just a ferry ride away. Check the Washington State Ferries Web site at www.wsdot. wa.gov/ferries for travel options from Anacortes and Customs information. You can take the car or just walk on. The ferry terminal is just blocks away from Sidney’s pedestrian-friendly downtown, which offers an excellent variety of stores and specialty shops. Sidney is known as Booktown. You can spend many enjoyable hours browsing through new and used books in a large number of bookstores. Every Thursday evening during the summer Beacon Avenue comes alive with the Sidney Summer Market. Other attractions include Mineral World and Scratch Patch, Port Sidney Marina and Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre. If you’re looking for a site to please the eye and delight the senses, visit nearby Butchart Gardens. The 55acre landscape lets visitors explore flowers, shrubs, trees, expansive lawns and other horticultural delights. Butchart Gardens is 14 miles north of Victoria on Vancouver Island in Brentwood Bay. Call the Sannich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce at (250) 665-7362 for tourist information or visit www. peninsulachamber.ca.
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BEFORE YOU HIT THE LONG FERRY LINE... COME BY
GERE-A-DELI
Celebrating 32 years in Business! •Yummy Desserts
•Hors D’Oeuvres
•Delightful Salads
•Meat & Cheese Plates
•Awesome Deli
•Catering & Take Out
Sandwiches •Meat By The Pound
360.293.1915 1305 8th Street Anacortes, WA Exploring the history of Fidalgo and Guemes Islands through: • Educational Programs • Exhibits • Research Library • Special Events
•Award Winning Chowder
The Carnegie Gallery W.T. Preston & Snagboat Heritage Center 8th Street & M Avenue
293-7383
502 Commercial Ave Anacortes
Open Year-Round Tue. - Sat. 10-4 Sunday 1-4 Closed Mondays
Check our Website: museum.cityofanacortes.org
9th Street & R Avenue Open Weekends: April - October Open Daily: June, July & August Tue. - Sat. 10-4 Sunday 11-4 Closed Mondays
Center for health & wellness for West Skagit & the San Juan Islands! Island Hospital is one of the most innovative and recognized small hospitals in the U.S. Island offers a Level III Emergency Department, state-of-the-art Diagnostic Imaging and a full range of high-quality services from the Birth Center to Home Healthcare.
• Aesthetic, Reconstructive & Hand Surgery
FREE CAB RIDES FOR ISLAND PATIENTS!
(360) 588-2081
• Birth Center
(360) 299-1331
• Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy
(360) 299-1328
• Psychiatry & Behavioral Health
Free round-trip transport is available from the Anacortes Ferry Terminal for San Juan County residents who are using Island Hospital or IH clinics. For info visit islandhospital.org; for reservations call:
• Cancer Care Center
(360) 299-4200
• Diagnostic Services, including Mammography, DEXA
(360) 708-6358
(360) 299-1315
(360) 299-4297
• Sleep Wellness Center
(360) 299-8676
• Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine
(360) 899-4600
Main Switchboard (360) 468-3185
• Home Health Services
(360) 299-1302
Call main toll-free and ask for connection to any department
• Island Surgeons
(360) 293-5142
• Outpatient & Inpatient Surgery Center
(360) 299-1300
OUR PROMISE
Your best healthcare experience begins at Island Hospital. We always place your emotional and medical needs first and foremost.
1211 24th Street / Anacortes • islandhospital.org
Lopez Island Medical Clinic
High-Quality, Comprehensive Healthcare
(360) 468-2245
Located in Lopez Island Village Mon – Fri • 9am – 5pm
Family Care Clinic of Island Hospital Supported by Catherine Washburn Medical Assn
Working Together with Island Hospital for Quality Medical Care on Orcas Island
(360) 376-2561
7 Deye Lane, Eastsound Mon - Fri • 8:30am – 5pm
Doctor on call 24/7 • www.orcasmedicalcenter.com