Coupeville & Central Whidbey Island Visitor Guide

P A M

Cou peville

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C e n t ra l

Historic Coupeville

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The Arts Scene

6

Romantic Getaway

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Natural Beauty

10

Island Map

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Fun for All Ages

16

Fresh from Central Whidbey

18

Finding Your Way

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A Sense of Place

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Calendar of Events

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W h i d b e y

V i s i t or

G u i d e

Colorful kites of all kinds take to the sky during the Whidbey Island Kite Festival, set for Sept. 20 and 21, 2008.

Photo: Justin Burnett / The Whidbey Examiner

On the Cover: The Coupeville Wharf, in the historic waterfront town of Coupeville.

Photo: Kasia Pierzga / The Whidbey Examiner

The 2008 Coupeville & Central Whidbey Visitor Guide is a special publication of The Whidbey Examiner, Whidbey Island’s only locally owned, independent community newspaper. To subscribe, call 360-678-8060. Visit the Examiner online at www.whidbeyexaminer.com.

Whidbey Examiner staff: Publisher & Editor Kasia Pierzga, Photographer Justin Burnett, Editorial Assistant Joan Soltys and Production Artists Sueann Carter & Dana Hodak. Some story content contributed by local residents Karen Bishop, Cheryl Bradkin, Dan Pedersen and Paul Whelan. © 2008 The Whidbey Examiner, Coupeville, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from The Whidbey Examiner.

2008 Coupeville & Central Whidbey Island Visitor Guide

The Whidbey Examiner 3

hist o ric

cou p e v i l l e

An eclectic array of shops line Front Street in the historic waterfront town of Coupeville. Photo: Kasia Pierzga / The Whidbey Examiner

I

n the heart of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve – the only reserve of its kind in the United States – is the small town of Coupeville, a place steeped in history.

Founded in 1852 and named after Captain Coupe, a New England sea captain, Coupeville is the second oldest town in Washington, having been founded two years before Seattle. Much of the town’s history has been carefully preserved, with more than 100 buildings on the National Historic Register.

Coupeville’s historic glory days began in the mid 1800s, when its bustling little business district caught the attention of sea captains from New England, some 50 of whom eventually sailed into the pristine waters of Penn Cove and settled into their new home.

Coupeville thrived from the middle 1800s to the early 1900s. Businessmen sold goods to prospectors headed to Alaska to seek their fortune, steamboats built in Coupeville plied the waters of Puget Sound, and the town’s residents built

beautiful Victorian homes that boasted of the town’s prosperity.

In the late 1930s, as development shifted to other parts of Puget Sound, Coupeville settled in as a sleepy little agricultural village. Then in the late 1960s, a modest coffee shop opened and became a new focal point for the revitalization of Coupeville’s historic waterfront shopping district. The owners of the Wet Whisker, Jim and Dave Stewart, went on to found Seattle’s Best Coffee – part of the Northwest coffee culture that forever changed

May 24 – Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony, historic downtown Coupeville. A quintessential small-town parade honoring America’s veterans with music, food and celebration. centralwhidbeychamber. com; 360-678-5434.

June 28 – Strawberry Social, Coupeville United Methodist Church. An honest-to-goodness old-time social featuring waffles, shortcake or sundaes made with fresh strawberries from Bell’s Farm near Coupeville; 360-678-4256.

June 28-29 – World’s Biggest Garage Sale, Coupeville Elementary School. Get there early for the adrenaline rush when the starting gun blasts at this annual Lions Club event. coupevillelions.org; 360-678-4541.

Aug. 24 – Tour of historic Sunnyside Cemetery, Coupeville. Local historian Roger Sherman leads an interesting and unusual tour of this historic and scenic pioneer resting place. islandhistory.org; 360-678-3310.

Sept. 5-7 – Whidbey Walking Festival, Coupeville. Five walking routes in and around Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve and Coupeville, the second oldest town in Washington.

See Victorian homes and small-town shops, walk across farm fields and to the beach surrounded by spectacular views of Admiralty Inlet, Penn Cove, the Olympic Mountains and the Cascade Mountains. nwtrekkers.org; 360-679-3638.

October – Scarecrow Corridor, Coupeville. Vote for your favorite scarecrow on display all month in front of homes and businesses throughout historic Coupeville. centralwhidbeychamber.com; 360-678-5434.

Nov. 21-Jan. 5 – Christmas in Our Town: 1895, Island County Historical Museum, Coupeville. The museum brings Central Whidbey’s history alive with a Victorian Christmas parlor exhibit. islandhistory.org; 360-678-3310.

Save the date!

Everyone will find something to enjoy in Coupeville.

Photo: Justin Burnett / The Whidbey Examiner

4 The Whidbey Examiner

2008 Coupeville & Central Whidbey Island Visitor Guide

the way Americans think about their favorite caffeinated drink.

Surrounded by scenic farms, the shimmering waters of Penn Cove and Admiralty Inlet and the majestic mountain beauty of the Olympics and the North Cascades in the distance, Coupeville seems frozen in time. Its beautifully preserved historic buildings, peaceful charm and interesting, unique shops and restaurants attract visitors looking to experience a bit of the past while enjoying a relaxing getaway.

Visitors find a vibrant business district housed in the original buildings of early Coupeville, charming bed and breakfasts, beautiful Victorian homes, breathtaking views, a chance to see gray whales and orcas, and a warm welcome from locals ea-

ger to share the best of their hometown.

Coupeville also is home to the oldest working wharf in Puget Sound. The historic, barn-red granary at the end of the 450-foor pier was built in 1905 for the Mosquito Fleet and ships bringing supplies to Whidbey Island and carrying away the produce from local farms.

Today, the remodeled wharf building houses a restaurant, an espresso bar and shops featuring gifts and souvenirs, Whidbey-made products and marine supplies for those arriving by boat. The building also houses an interpretive display focusing on the marine life in Penn Cove, the preserved skeletons of a gray whale and a Dall’s porpoise and an interactive undersee coupeville, page 12

Ecle

ctic toys, books c ar d s & ca n dy

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The Whidbey Examiner   5

v isu al

A pottery artist demonstrates her technique during the Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival, set for Aug. 9 and 10 this year. Photo: Justin Burnett / The Whidbey Examiner

I

t’s no wonder that Central Whidbey is home to so many artists.

Endless inspirations are found in Central Whidbey’s bucolic landscapes of open prairie, bluffs, trails and beaches. Soaring eagles draw the eye upward to an ever-changing sky. On the clearest days, the light illuminates the nuances of the island scenery. When clouds blow in, they move fast, shape-shifting and sending shadows scudding across the fields of Ebey’s Prairie. On foggy days, the jagged horizon of evergreens fades into a mist, intriguing the imagination. And on those gray days when clouds hang low in the sky, the colors of nature, with all the greens and punctuations of flower brights, glow all the more intensely.

Galleries representing regionally and nationally recognized artists and craftspeople are found in Coupeville, Greenbank and San de Fuca at the head of Penn Cove.

Artist-owned and cooperative galleries are opportunities for visitors to converse with local artists about their work, inspiration and techniques. Four times a year, the galleries and shops hold an open house for browsers and shoppers to enjoy the Art Walk ambiance late into the evening.

Since 1986, the Coupeville Arts Center has offered visual arts learning experiences to students seeking classes taught by internationally renowned instructors.

The Arts Center takes pride in providing a supportive atmosphere for a wide variety 6 The Whidbey Examiner

an d

p e r f or m i ng

a r t s

The Plein Air Painters’ U.S. Open draws artists from all over the country. Photo: Coupeville Arts Center

of creative pursuits.

In addition to classes, the facility sponsors an annual Plein Air Painters U.S. Open, celebrating painting outdoors and capturing, in one session, the fleeting effect of light on the island landscape. The

varied scenes and changing light of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve provide the ideal setting for the five-day event.

Many local artists also offer classes and workshops at their own studios.

Visitors wander through booths during the Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival in downtown Coupeville. Photo: Justin Burnett / The Whidbey Examiner Aug. 2-3 – Lavender & Wind Art Festival with a Taste of Provence. Enjoy art, music, food and wine amidst fields of lavender and sunflowers and a fabulous view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. lavenderwind.com; 360-678-0919.

Aug. 9-10 – Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival. Artists and craftspeople fill the streets of Coupeville for this community celebration, held annually since 1964. coupevilleartsandcraftsfestival.org; 360-678-5116.

Aug. 23 – Summer Art Studio Tour. This free, self-guided tour features Whidbey artists in their studios from Deception Pass to Greenbank; Maps are available at local shops, galleries and at local visitor centers. whidbeyworkingartists.com.

Sept. 3-7 – Plein Air Painters’ U.S. Open. Coupeville and Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve. Artists from around the country converge on Central Whidbey to paint outdoors in the plein air tradition. A gala and silent auction of paintings takes place the evening of Sept. 6. coupevillearts.org; 866-678-3396.

Sept. 27-28 – Whidbey Island Open Studio Tour. Some 100 working artists and craftspeople welcome visitors into their studios. whidbeyopenstudiotour.org; 360 221-4121.

Save the date!

2008 Coupeville & Central Whidbey Island Visitor Guide

The performing arts are well represented on Central Whidbey, with a busy season of concerts in Coupeville Town Park and other venues presented by Concerts on the Cove. The family-friendly concert series features a wide range of musical styles, and each season culminates with a barn dance and concert held in one of the historic barns on Ebey’s Prairie.

Burning Word, the Festival of Poetic Fire, comes alive each year at Central Whidbey’s Greenbank Farm. The festival was created by the Washington Poets Association as a celebration of poetry, music, performance and workshops, with talent ranging from award-winning poets to new discoveries.

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islan d

r om a nce

Mount Baker makes an impressive backdrop for a quiet moment. Photo: Lindy Kortus

T

he serene and relaxing environment of Central Whidbey is a perfect place for romance.

Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, escaping for a honeymoon or looking for just the right place to “pop the question,” we offer a variety of accommodations ranging from private getaway vacation homes and intimate Victorian bed-and-breakfasts to traditional hotel suites and quaint country inns. No matter what your taste – or budget – we’ve got just the perfect place for you to stay as you spend time on the Island.

During your visit, the historic waterfront town of Coupeville is a great place to spend a quiet day connecting with each other. Wander through the one-of-a-kind shops and galleries along Front, Coveland and Main streets, where you can discover local and regional art, interesting and offbeat antiques, home and cabin décor, apparel, jewelry and unique Northwest gifts.

Need help finding your way around? The friendly shopkeepers are glad to help!

At lunchtime, grab a bite at one of several local eateries, with menus ranging from traditional tavern and roadhouse fare and homemade pies to Northwest bistro-style 8 The Whidbey Examiner

dining, Vietnamese cuisine and memorable fine dining featuring mussels grown right here in Penn Cove.

A great way to relax and enjoy the spectacular local scenery is a drive along some of our most scenic routes. From downtown Coupeville, follow Coveland Street west to where it becomes Madrona Way, a winding route lined with majestic red madrona trees that follows the shoreline of Penn Cove, where a floating mussel farm grows Central Whidbey’s signature shellfish.

Following Main Street south across Highway 20, the road becomes Engle Road as it heads out of town across the pastoral farmland of Ebey’s Prairie National Historical Reserve. Follow the road uphill and take a right on Hill Road, which takes you out along the bluff above our island’s rugged western shore. From Ebey’s Landing – the beach at the bottom of the hill – you can see tugboats and container vessels on the waters of Admiralty Inlet, along with cruise ships headed to north to Canada and Alaska. This stretch is Central Whidbey’s premier spot for a romantic

stroll, with miles of unspoiled beach and the perfect place to enjoy a spectacular sunset any time of year.

Another lovely place to discover is the Admiralty Head lighthouse, located high on a bluff overlooking Admiralty Inlet within Fort Casey State Park, just south of Coupeville. From the bluff, you can see the Keystone-Port Townsend ferry traveling back and forth between Whidbey Island and the Olympic Peninsula. A

A rainbow of spinnakers brighten Penn Cove during Whidbey Island Race Week, set for July 20-25 this year. Photo: Kasia Pierzga / The Whidbey Examiner 2008 Coupeville & Central Whidbey Island Visitor Guide

popular spot for weddings, the lighthouse is open for tours.

In Greenbank, explore the shops and restaurant at Greenbank Farm. On the first Friday of each month, the farm’s wine shop offers special wine tastings, and the farm’s restaurant offers a special menu that often features locally grown produce.

The farm also offers walking paths in the rolling fields above the barns, where you can enjoy the pastoral scenery and the waters of Saratoga Passage beyond. Just south of the farm, in the tiny hamlet of Greenbank, a small, scenic winery offers a place to taste local wines – and buy a bottle to take home.

Back from a day of shopping and exploring, you’ll want to find a place to enjoy

Knead & Feed The Restaurant that Bakes

dinner before returning to your accommodations. Coupeville offers a variety of dining establishments ranging from waterfront restaurants and a Northwest bistro to a friendly tavern and several cafĂŠs.

If you’re still not ready to turn in for the day, take your honey for a drive just north of Coupeville to the Blue Fox Drive-In, one of the few remaining old-fashioned outdoor cinemas in Washington.

Coupeville also has a tradition of barn dances, which continue today with the Summer Solstice Barn Dance in June, and in November plan to attend barn dances planned as part of the Whidbey Island Farm Tour and Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve 30th anniversary celebration.

W I N E R Y

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Coupeville, Whidbey Island The Whidbey Examiner   9

n at u r a l

T

he red-tailed hawks have seen it all.

Centuries of Salish canoes.

Tall ships. Trucks and tractors.

Screaming Navy jet planes.

Yet the elegant raptors still hang on thermals and swoop over fields along the graceful shore of Ebey’s Landing near Coupeville. They watch for something to move in the grass below, dismissing the handful of hikers making their way up the bluff-side trail at this exhilarating place where the prairie collides with the sea.

Raptors, coyotes, salmon, shellfish, wildflowers and whales thrive amid the fields, skies, beaches and waters of rural Central Whidbey. Tame deer graze all day on the parade grounds at Camp Casey. It’s a natural paradise that’s equally rewarding to hikers, bicyclists, birders, whale-watchers, artists, photographers – and anyone looking for a serene island escape.

Over the years, farmers have signed over the development rights to thousands of acres, now set aside as open prairie for10 The Whidbey Examiner

b e a u t y

ever in the Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve.

Central Whidbey’s spectacular natural environment beckons visitors to explore.

Here’s a list of suggestions for enjoying the best of what the region has to offer: Birding at Crockett Lake Hands down, the state-designated Important Bird Area at Crockett Lake is Whidbey Island’s top birding spot, among several great ones. Watch bald eagles devour their kill at the water’s edge while gangly great blue herons step deliberately in the marsh, necks coiled to spear dinner with their bills.

This large marsh and adjacent saltwater shore attract dozens of migrating species, plus hawks, owls, swallows, red-winged

Central Whidbey abounds with wildlife, including our national symbol, the bald eagle, plus harbor seals, shorebirds such as this least sandpiper, and soaring red-tailed hawks. Avian photos: Craig Johnson; Seal photo: Justin Burnett / The Whidbey Examiner

blackbirds, waterfowl and shorebirds.

Watch gray whales in Penn Cove and Saratoga Passage The large, leisurely grays often travel solo. Several take up residence in Saratoga Passage in March during their spring migration northward, staying through early June to feed on ghost shrimp in the sandy shallows. Watch for plumes of spray, arching backs and tail flukes from public access points at Monroe Landing, west Penn Cove beach accecss, Coupeville Wharf, Captain Coupe Park or Long Point.

Book a springtime trip on a whale-watching boat from Coupeville Wharf. The grays will be found almost anywhere along the Whidbey and Camano shorelines from Coupeville to Langley.

See orcas in Saratoga Passage and Admiralty Inlet Watch for agile, black-and-white orcas traveling in groups led by a female elder.

Pods of Puget Sound resident orcas often prowl the west shore of Whidbey from October through January and may be seen from any high ground or from the deck of the Keystone ferry. Visiting transients pass through our waters at any time of year on either side of the island.

2008 Coupeville & Central Whidbey Island Visitor Guide

Admire underwater marine life at Keystone Jetty Acres of anemones and coral-encrusted rocks await scuba divers at the underwater marine park next to the Keystone ferry landing. Divers find a wonderland of riotously colorful rockfish, large Pacific octopus and lingcod, schools of forage fish and undulating forests of kelp. A diver who visits on a weekend will often have the company of a lot of other visiting divers.

But those who arrive on a weekday often get the entire dive site to themseves. These waters are cold and the currents dangerous; consult a pro with local experience at a dive shop in Oak Harbor or Anacortes. see natural beauty, page 12

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2008 Coupeville & Central Whidbey Island Visitor Guide

Native American Canoe Races Art and Entertainment Coupeville, Whidbey Island

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The Whidbey Examiner 11

cou peville

&

coupeville, from page 5

water camera you can use to check out the sea life beneath the wharf.

The wharf also offers public restrooms and showers for visiting boaters. An 80-foot long fuel pier provides access to diesel fuel and unleaded gasoline. Floats attached to the wharf provide about 400 feet of mooring space for pleasure craft. No electricity or fresh water is available at these floats. Just west of the wharf are four mooring buoys for boats 32 feet or less.

One of the more unusual destinations for visitors to Central Whidbey is historic Sunnyside Cemetery, just south of Coupeville. Located high on a wooded ridge above Ebey’s Prairie, the peaceful grounds have a broad, sweeping view of Admiralty Inlet and the beautiful farmland below. In the distance, the whitecapped peaks of the Olympic Mountains to the west and the Cascade Range to the east provide a majestic backdrop.

Established in 1865 with the burial of Winfield Ebey, the cemetery is the final resting place of many early pioneers.

Also buried at Sunnyside are Chinese laborers, Native Americans descended from Whidbey island’s early occupants and sea captains from the eastern United States who sailed into Penn Cove in the early 1850s, found their idyllic vision of safe harbor, and stayed.

The cemetery is also home to Davis Blockhouse, a small structure originally built as a log cabin in 1853 and later remodeled into a blockhouse after pioneer Isaac Ebey was beheaded by a raiding party of Haida Indians in 1857. Ebey and his wife had been the island’s first white settlers, arriving in 1852.

12 The Whidbey Examiner

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arts scene, from page 7

The fiber arts communities also gather at Greenbank Farm for special textile events.

Whidbey Island’s Quilters on the Rock transform the big barn for their annual quilt show, and the Whidbey Weavers Guild offers handspun and hand-dyed yarns, weavings and jewelry at their annual show and sale.

In Langley on the south end of Whidbey Island, the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts presents a full schedule of theater, concerts, dance, readings, mov-

ies and special events, such as Youth in Arts.

Whidbey Island is home to two annual self-guided tours of artisans’ studios, offering visitors a view of art and craft at its source. The Art Studio Tour features 25 members of Whidbey Working Artists on Central Whidbey and north, and the Whidbey Open Studio Tour includes over 100 locally and nationally known artists from all parts of the Island.

No matter what the season, visitors stepping into historic Central Whidbey Island will be surrounded by a rich and varied art experience.

Dive in and enjoy!

natural beauty, from page 11

Admire majestic trees along Madrona Way There may be no more delightful canopy of madrone trees anywhere than along the several-mile stretch of Madrona Way, which hugs the southern shore of Penn Cove between Highway 20 and Coupeville. These rare, red-barked, broad-leafed evergreens grow mainly within sight of saltwater and reject human assistance of any kind, including watering!

Mingle with mussels and marine life at Coupeville Wharf Gaze down from Coupeville Wharf at clusters of blue-shelled mussels, the succulent local bivalve that appears on restaurant menus worldwide. The world’s largest commercial mussel farm, Penn Cove Shellfish, grows them from lines suspended from dozens of aquaculture rafts anchored a mile west of this pier.

Visit the marine exhibits at the end of the pier to learn more about the cove and what swims here. And enjoy the wealth of waterfowl that visit the cove from September through May, including grebes, loons, scoters and goldeneyes.

Enjoy trails and birds at Greenbank Farm Explore Whidbey’s narrow neck. The water on both sides of the Island can be seen from this rolling hillside, once a vineyard and now set aside as public land for all to enjoy. Walk the farm and woodland trails, watching for herons, hawks and other birds hunting in the grassy fields. Take your dog – and please bag any pet waste.

Hike through old growth in Classic U Forest Marvel at rare monarchs of the forest – centuries-old cedars – when you walk the Wilbert Trail through the Classic U Forest at South Whidbey State Park.

Visitors looking for a detailed guide to Whidbey Island’s spectacular natural landscape should pick up a copy of “Getting to the Water’s Edge on Whidbey and Camano Islands,” available for $15 at local bookstores and shops. The book, written by local residents with extensive knowledge of the Island, provides maps and descriptions of 57 public places to enjoy the Whidbey shore and includes many trail maps and recreation suggestions. It’s also available by mail by placing an order at www.island.wsu.edu.

2008 Coupeville & Central Whidbey Island Visitor Guide

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The Whidbey Examiner   13

2008 Coupeville & Central Whidbey Island Visitor Guide

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Once you’ve got your reservation for the Keystone ferry, you can head back into Coupeville and spend time visiting the historic waterfront district, where you can grab a bite to eat, visit our eclectic shops and take a walk on the historic Coupeville Wharf.

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There’s plenty to do within a six-mile radius of the Keystone ferry terminal.

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14 The Whidbey Examiner

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2008 Coupeville & Central Whidbey Island Visitor Guide

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2. Libbey Beach

1. Deception Pass

PARKS

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5. South Whidbey

4. Fort Casey

Greenbank Farm

Map not to scale

Meerkerk Gardens

Boat & Fuel

Towns & Cities

Visitor Information

Admiralty Head Lighthouse

GREENBANK

Mutiny Bay

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END OWNS UL A T T R TO PO PIC PENINS & OLYM

you can visit shops, taste local wines and eat at a restaurant that serves the farm’s signature loganberry pie.

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To find out what’s happening in the community and learn about upcoming events, pick up a copy of The Whidbey Examiner, Whidbey Island’s only locally owned, independent newspaper.

Read it online at www.whidbeyexaminer.com.

Contact the Central Whidbey Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, 107 S. Main St., Coupeville www.centralwhidbeychamber.com visitor@centralwhidbeychamber.com • 360-678-5434

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The Whidbey Examiner 15

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Coupeville’s Memorial Day parade draws visitors from all over who come to enjoy its small-town charm. Photo: Justin Burnett / The Whidbey Examiner June 28-29 – Wharf Fest, Coupeville.

This family-oriented maritime celebration features vintage boats, maritime activities, boat rides, kid stuff and best of all, pirates! An exhibit of model ships and maritime artifacts will be on display at the Island County Historical Museum. coupevillehistoricwaterfront.com; 360-678-5434.

Sept. 20-21 – Whidbey Island Kite Festival, Camp Casey Conference Center, Coupeville. Colorful kites fill the sky in the parade grounds at historic Camp Casey, with kite making, ground and air displays, competitions and children’s activities set against the backdrop of the Olympic Mountains and Admiralty Inlet. whidbeykites.org; 360-678-9358.

Oct. 4 – Mammoth Day, Island County Historical Museum, Coupeville. It’s true! Woolly mammoths once roamed Whidbey Island. Bring the kids and learn more about these ancient, furry behemoths. islandhistory.org; 360-678-3310.

Oct. 25 – Coupeville Halloween Torchlight Parade. A fun children’s costume parade by torchlight (flashlight) begins at dusk. Lots of kids’ activities follow the parade. coupevillehistoricwaterfront.com; 360-678-5434.

Nov. 21 – Tree-lighting Celebration, Greenbank Farm. The whole family will enjoy an evening of caroling, hot cider and cookies, an arts and crafts fair and tree-lighting. Santa will be on hand for a visit with the kids. greenbankfarm.com; 360-678-7700.

Save the date!

16 The Whidbey Examiner

C

entral Whidbey offers lots of things for kids to see and do.

In downtown Coupeville, kids can spin the Salmon Wheel at the foot of the Coupeville Wharf. In the historic building at the end of the Wharf, they can visit Rosie and Rudy – a display of the complete skeletons of a gray whale and a Dall’s porpoise that once swam in the waters off Whidbey Island.

An educational display on marine life offers an underwater video camera through which you can see the starfish and other sea life thriving beneath the wharf.

And when the tide is at its lowest, it’s easy to spot tangles of bright-orange starfish and squirting clams from the pier. Fami-

lies with older children may enjoy renting a couple of kayaks from the Harbor Store at the end of the wharf.

At the Island County Historical Museum, you can see the largest collection of woolly mammoth artifacts in the Puget Sound region, most of which were found in glacial deposits on Whidbey Island. Kids are especially impressed by the big tusks and teeth. The museum also is home to Whidbey Island’s first car, a 1902 Holsman with black leather seats, 48-inch wheels and a maximum speed of 25 mph.

Each October, the museum hosts Mammoth Day. By digging for and identifying different characteristics of real mammoth bones, kids are transformed into real, certified amateur paleontologists. Fun, hands-on activities include making and playing “prehistoric” musical instruments in a Caveman Band. A scavenger hunt in the museum and on its grounds is tons of fun, and along the way, kids get to learn a little about mammoth life.

At Greenbank Farm, kids can check out a herd of fuzzy llamas, watch ducks on the pond next to the big red barn or run through the fields where the farm’s signature loganberries once grew. On Sundays from spring through fall, the farm hosts a farmers market with fresh produce and local crafts.

Miles of unspoiled beaches beckon exploration by kids of all ages. Photo: Justin Burnett / The Whidbey Examiner 2008 Coupeville & Central Whidbey Island Visitor Guide

In October, the Coupeville Farmers Market hosts its annual Harvest Fest, featuring a giant pumpkin contest, silly scarecrows and a pumpkin-pitching trebuchet.

Be sure to wander through town to check out the scarecrow competition!

Kids love to explore the beach at Ebey’s Landing, just south of Coupeville. Walk for miles along a pristine shoreline, keeping an eye out for passing container ships, cruise ships, tugboats and even the occasional submarine!

A few miles north of Coupeville, the Blue Fox Drive-In is one of Washington’s few remaining outdoor cinemas. Open since 1959, the theater also offers go-carts, miniature golf and a game arcade.

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We’ll take you where you need to go!

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Catch a ride with the largest ferry system in the nation.

Call 888-808-7977 or visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/ for more information on taking the most extraordinary journey of your life.

The Whidbey Examiner   17

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Workers pull weeds from a strawberry field at Bell’s Farm on West Beach Road as the Olympic Mountains glow in the background. Photo: Sarah Richards

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successful farmer on Whidbey Island has always been one who is optimistic, entrepreneurial and able to adapt to changing market conditions and climate.

In the 160 years since settlers first began farming on the Island, farms have gone from small to large and, it seems, back to small again as farmers continually adapt to market conditions.

Rich pockets of agricultural lands on Whidbey Island carry a deep history of the evolution of farming. Salish tribes regularly burned the broad, open prairies to encourage wild camas and provide forage for game. As the early settlers arrived, they found the deep, loamy prairie topsoil and mild climate with good year ’round rainfall a sought-after gift. Land that settlers claimed on Whidbey eventually produced a wheat crop that broke the record for the highest yield per acre in the entire United States.

Early farms raised cattle, produced milk, grew hay, wheat, rye and oats as well as peas and potatoes. While the first farms were subsistence operations, Central Whidbey farmers went on to provide supplies for passing sailing ships and, later, for those headed north to seek their fortunes in Alaska.

Between the 1880s and 1920s, Chinese tenant farmers were known for their impressive potato crop. Remnants of their

tiny, one-room shacks can still be seen tucked away at the edges of the prairie.

From the turn of the century to the 1960s, Central Whidbey was known for poultry production, and the early 1900s brought the first dairy creamery. Perfect climate conditions and the ability to grow top-quality forage crops kept dairies a mainCamas blooms at Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies. The plant’s bulb provided food for the tribes that once called our prairies home. Photo: Robert Pelant

stay of farming until the late 1990s, but changing market conditions and other factors led to the closure of the last dairy farm in 2007. Today, the Holstein heifers you see at local farms are being raised for farms elsewhere.

The Central Whidbey agricultural scene currently includes cattle, sheep, llamas, goats, vegetable seed crops, hay, squash, lavender, potatoes, organic fruits and vegetables, flowers and even shellfish.

Families can get an up-close look at our working farms during the Whidbey Island Farm Tour, held the first weekend in October. It’s a chance to visit with local farmers, purchase locally grown food, fiber and farm-related products, and soak up the see farms, page 20

Hubbard squash is among the crops grown on Central Whidbey farms. Photo: Mitch Richards 18 The Whidbey Examiner

2008 Coupeville & Central Whidbey Island Visitor Guide

While on the Island, come visit

Admiralty Head Lighthouse at Fort Casey State Park 4 Gift Shop 4 Interpretive

For the best in what’s local, shop the Coupeville Farmers Market Saturdays 10 am-2 pm April thru mid-October • 8th & Alexander coupevillemarket@aol.com

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Hours: March: Weekends 11-5 April & September: Friday-Monday 11-5 May: Thursday-Monday 11-5 June, July, August: Daily 11-5 October: Friday, Saturday & Sunday 11-5 Open the Friday after Thanksgiving & weekends until Christmas 11-4 Between Christmas & New Year’s, open most days 11-4

Group Tours Available 4 Small Weddings

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Whidbey Island.

For information call 360-678-4708 or visit www.whidbeyfarmtour.com

On the Pier in Coupeville Espresso from 8am daily 360-678-3648

2008 Coupeville & Central Whidbey Island Visitor Guide

The Whidbey Examiner 19

Cou peville

&

farms, from page 18

rural character of our beautiful island.

Some of the most scenic farmland is protected as part of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, which encompasses the fertile prairie surrounding Coupeville. Among the most profitable crops grown by Central Whidbey farmers today are vegetable seeds such as beet and cabbage. Seeds produced on Whidbey are distributed by multinational seed companies and may be planted as food crops all over the world.

Central Whidbey also is home to several farms that specialize in organic produce. Some sell their fruits and vegetables through community-supported agriculture, at local farmers markets or direct to local restaurants that try to “buy local.”

During the growing season, local produce is available each Saturday at the Coupeville Farmers Market, located in the field behind the library, within walking distance of downtown Coupeville.

At Lavender Wind Farm on Darst Road west of Coupeville, you’ll find a pretty purple labyrinth in a spectacular scenic setting above the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

A gift shop offers lavender gifts, as well as ice cream and other treats made with lavender essential oil.

Whidbey Island is home to a few more unusual agricultural operations as well, including the largest mussel farm in the nation. Driving along scenic Madrona Way just west of Coupeville, you can see floats bobbing on the waves of Penn Cove, where the workers of Penn Cove Shellfish grow mussels from “seed.”

Penn Cove mussels have emerged as one of Central Whidbey’s best-known farm products, and many local restaurants feature the small, shiny black shellfish on their menus. The mussels are delivered fresh daily to restaurants all over the region, including some of the finest restaurants in Seattle.

The Central Whidbey farm scene also includes a project aimed at increasing the 20 The Whidbey Examiner

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populations of native prairie plants that might otherwise disappear as open land is developed or used for more traditional farm production. At Au Sable Institute just southeast of Coupeville, volunteers save seeds from about 20 endangered

A shopper browses a display of fresh vegetables at the Coupeville Farmers Market, held each Saturday into mid-October. Photo: Kasia Pierzga / The Whidbey Examiner

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prairie plants, and those seeds are used to restore the prairie environment that settlers found when they first arrived in the 1800s. Spring is a great time of year to see these rare wildflowers in bloom, and Au Sable welcomes visitors who would like to roam its trails. To get there, follow Hwy. 20 south from Coupeville, and turn left at Parker Road. The entrance to Au Sable is on the right. Stop in at the office to ask directions to the trails.

While you’re there, you might even see a few pheasants on the Au Sable property; the land once housed a state-owned game farm that raised the birds to be released at hunting locations around Washington.

Today, Au Sable keeps a few of the colorful creatures as a way of preserving a link to the historical use of the land.

At Greenbank Farm, a gorgeous sweep of land that was once the largest loganberry farm in the country, visitors can roam trails up into the rolling fields for a spectacular view of the sparking waters and distant mountains that surround Whidbey Island. The barn and adjacent buildings house art galleries and a restaurant as well as shops featuring fine wines, cheeses and gifts. Outside, ducks and geese float on a pond next to a demonstration garden that beckons visitors to take a stroll.

The farm is home to a Sunday farmers market, and is a great place to enjoy a picnic on a warm, sunny afternoon.

Saturdays through October 11 – Coupeville Farmers Market. Fresh produce, herbs, flowers, crafts, hot food and baked goods. coupevillefarmersmarket.com.

Sundays through Sept. 28 – Sunday Farmers Market, Greenbank Farm.

Organic produce, honey, art and crafts of all kinds. Hot food and coffee. greenbankfarm.com; 360-678-7700.

July 26-27 – Loganberry Festival, Greenbank Farm. Visitor historic Greenbank Farm for this annual wine tasting, food, music and art extravaganza, with activities for kids and a lip-smacking loganberry pie-eating contest. greenbankfarm.com; 360-678-7700.

Oct. 4-5 – Whidbey Island Farm Tour. Free self-guided tour of working farms on beautiful Whidbey Island featuring locally grown food and products, farm animals and a tour of the largest mussel farm in the United States. On Saturday night, head to Greenbank Farm for a dinner featuring locally grown food, followed by a rollicking, family-friendly contra dance in the big red barn. whidbeyfarmtour.com.

Oct. 11 – Harvest Fest, Coupeville Farmers Market. Celebrate the end of the market season with food, art, music, a giant pumpkin contest, a pumpkin-pitching trebuchet and lots more. coupevillefarmersmarket.com.

Save the date!

2008 Coupeville & Central Whidbey Island Visitor Guide

Finding your way to Coupeville and Central Whidbey From Seattle, Portland and points south: From I-5 northbound, take exit 189 just south of Everett. Follow signs for the Mukilteo-Clinton ferry.

Take the ferry to Clinton on Whidbey Island. Follow Hwy. 525 north, which becomes Hwy. 20 just south of Coupeville. A traffic light on Hwy. 20 marks the intersection with Main Street. Turn right (north) and drive a half mile into the Coupeville Historic Waterfront District.

Mukilteo/Clinton ferry: Expect delays during periods of heavy traffic, such as when headed north to the Island on weekday afternoons and evenings, especially on Fridays. When headed south to Mukilteo, expect delays on Sunday afternoons and evenings. No reservations are available for this route.

Whidbey Island also is accessible from the I-5 corridor via Hwy. 20 and Deception Pass Bridge.

Need information? The Central Whidbey Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center at 107 S. Main St. in Coupeville has staff and volunteers ready to help you find your way around. Find the Chamber online at www.centralwhidbeychamber.com. For information, call 360-678-5434, or e-mail visitor@ centralwhidbeychamber.com.

From Mount Vernon, Bellingham, Canada and points north: From I-5 southbound, take Burlington exit 230 and follow signs to Whidbey Island on Hwy. 20. Once on Map: Washington State Ferries Whidbey Island, follow Hwy. 20 south across the scenic Deception Pass Bridge and through Oak Harbor. About 10 miles south of Oak Harbor, a traffic light on Hwy. 20 marks the intersection with Main Street. Turn left (north) and drive a half mile into historic Coupeville.

Taking the ferry?

Ferry schedules are available in Coupeville at many local businesses, including Prairie Center Red Apple Market, and at the Central Whidbey Chamber Visitor Center.

Port Townsend/Keystone ferry: This ferry route is currently using a smaller vessel that carries up to 50 cars. Sold-out sailings and cancellations due to weather and tides can be expected. Advance and same-day reservations are strongly encouraged. There is no reservation fee. Reservations are required for vehicles with trailers or RVs weighing 6,000 lbs. to 80,000 lbs. at least 1 day prior to sailing. You must arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes before departure time or you will forfeit your reservation.

Making reservations: The Central Whidbey Chamber Visitor Center at 107 S. Main St., Coupeville and many local businesses can help you make a reservation for the Keystone ferry. Reservations also may be made by phone at 206-464-6400 or 1-888-808-7977. For information, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries.

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2008 Coupeville & Central Whidbey Island Visitor Guide

E B E Y ’ S L A N D I N G N AT I O N A L H I S T O R I C A L R E S E R V E

The Whidbey Examiner 21

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Central Whidbey’s dramatic western shoreline was carved by the movement of the Vashon Glacier during the Ice Age. Photo: Kasia Pierzga / The Whidbey Examiner

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ore than 30 years ago, local residents and committed citizens came together to protect Ebey’s Prairie from development. Their efforts made history, helping to establish our nation’s first historical reserve. The enduring pioneer spirit and vision continues to be a part of our working rural community today.

Established in 1978, the 17,400-acre Reserve preserves and protects a rural community and an unbroken historical record of Pacific Northwest history, from 19th century exploration and settlement to the 21st Century. The landscape is a bucolic tapestry of fields, farmhouses and wooded hills that reflects the pattern of settlement from the 1800s.

The historical landscape of Ebey’s Landing appears much as it did a century ago. Historic homes, farmsteads and commercial buildings remain in their original settings. Within the fast-growing Puget Sound region, the Reserve is the last place where visitors can see a broad spectrum of Northwest history still intact within a large-scale landscape. Within the Reserve

is one of the largest concentrations of historic architecture in the state, from pioneer blockhouses and Victorian homes to historic Coupeville storefronts.

Ebey’s Landing is one of the places where Washington began. Originally cleared by the Northwest’s native Salish Indians, the fertile land – an ancient lakebed – is still in production today. The Reserve reaches beyond Ebey’s Prairie to include the boundary lines of the original 1850s land donation claims. Many of the roads we use today are the same roads that farmers used more than 100 years ago.

Ebey’s Landing is unique in the nation.

While the Reserve is part of the National Park System and is protected from development, it is by no means a static museum of the past. Within its borders are the thriving small town of Coupeville, neighborhoods tucked away in the trees, and productive farmland still being worked by descendents of some of the families who first established homesteads in the prairie landscape.

In 2008, the Reserve celebrates 30 years of protecting the unique historical

and cultural landscape of Ebey’s Prairie.

As Whidbey Island’s population continues to grow, awareness of the value of protecting this landscape is key to its continued preservation.

Development rights are purchased from willing landowners who want to see their land preserved as part of the prairie’s unbroken historical record, and sustainable building and land-use practices are encouraged as a way to limit our footprint on the land and protect our historic resources for future generations.

Nov. 7-8 – Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve 30th anniversary celebration, Coupeville.

Bring the whole family for a weekend of hands-on farming and historic preservation workshops, walking tours, homegrown and homemade food and goods, music, children’s activities and a traditional barn dance. www.nps.gov/ebla; 360-678-5787.

Save the date!

Smith Farm is one of several historic working farms within the Reserve. Photo: Kasia Pierzga / The Whidbey Examiner 22 The Whidbey Examiner

2008 Coupeville & Central Whidbey Island Visitor Guide

Thursday • Free Rain

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District 10 is represented by Rep. Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor, Rep. Norma Smith, R-Clinton, and Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island The Whidbey Examinerâ&#x20AC;&#x192;â&#x20AC;&#x192; 23

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Make plans for 2008!

Saturdays through October 11 – Coupeville Farmers Market, Fresh produce, herbs, flowers, crafts, hot food and baked goods. coupevillefarmersmarket.com.

Sundays through Sept. 28 – Sunday Farmers Market, Greenbank Farm. Organic produce, honey, arts and crafts of all kinds. Hot food and coffee. greenbankfarm.com; 360-678-7700.

w hid b e y

ca l e nd a r

ing gun blasts at this annual Lions Club event. coupevillelions.org; 360-678-4541.

June 28-29 – Wharf Fest, Coupeville. This family-oriented maritime celebration features vintage boats, maritime activities, boat rides, kid stuff and best of all, pirates!

An exhibit of model ships and maritime artifacts will be on display at the Island County Historical Museum. coupevillehistoricwaterfront.com; 360-678-5434.

May 24 – Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony, historic downtown Coupeville. A quintessential small-town parade honoring America’s veterans with music, food and celebration. centralwhidbeychamber.com; 360-678-5434.

May 24-26 – Spring Wine-tasting and Farmers Market, Greenbank Farm. Painters, photographers, handcrafters, growers and producers bring the creativity of Whidbey and the region to this market. greenbankfarm.com; 360-678-7700.

May 25 – Tour of historic Sunnyside Cemetery, Coupeville. Legends and lore of the island’s pioneer families, Native ancestors, sea captains and others who rest beneath the grassy knoll overlooking Ebey’s Landing. islandhistory.org; 360-678-3310.

July 12 -13 – Spirit of the Northwest Art Show, Coupeville Recreation Hall.

This juried show of fine art from notable Whidbey Island artists is also a fundraiser for Whidbey General Hospital. centralwhidbeychamber.com; 360-678-0382.

July 20-25 - Whidbey Island Race Week. Whether you’re a sailor or you just enjoy watching the action from the Coupeville Wharf, you’ll enjoy these annual sailboat races from Oak Harbor to Coupeville on the scenic waters of Penn Cove. whidbeyislandraceweek.com.

July 26-27 – Loganberry Festival, Greenbank Farm. Visitor historic Greenbank Farm for this annual wine tasting, music and art extravaganza, with activities for kids and a wacky loganberry pie-eating contest. greenbankfarm.com; 360-678-7700.

June 7 - Art and Antiques Walk, historic downtown Coupeville. Art and antique galleries and shops in historic downtown Coupeville stay open late for shopping and mingling. centralwhidbeychamber.com; 360-678-5434.

June 14 - Greenbank Car Show, Greenbank Farm. Historic Greenbank Farm comes alive with antique cars, classics, customs, street rods, race cars and trucks. greenbankfarm.com; 360-678-7700.

June 21 - Summer Solstice Barn Dance.

Join the locals for a good old-fashioned barn dance in historic Crockett Barn near Coupeville. Music provided by the DBE Trio. concertsonthecove.org; 360-678-5581.

June 21-22 - Horse Lover’s Art Show & Benefit, Coupeville Recreation Hall. Free admission. A multi-themed, juried art show featuring a wide variety of subject matter from notable Whidbey Island artists, with proceeds going to Whidbey Island Rescue for Equines and the H.O.P.E. therapeutic riding program. centralwhidbeychamber.com; 360-678-5434.

June 28 - Strawberry Social, Coupeville United Methodist Church. An honest-to-goodness old-time social featuring waffles, shortcake or sundaes made with fresh strawberries from Bell’s Farm near Coupeville; 360-678-4256.

June 28-29 - World’s Biggest Garage Sale, Coupeville Elementary School. Get there early for the adrenaline rush when the start-

Aug. 2-3 – Lavender & Wind Art Festival with a Taste of Provence. Enjoy art, music, food and wine amidst fields of lavender and sunflowers and a fabulous view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. lavenderwind.com; 360-678-0919.

Aug. 8 – Juried Art Gallery and Wine Reception, Coupeville Recreation Hall. Enjoy art created by a wide range of talented artists at this annual reception that serves as the traditional kickoff for the Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival. coupevilleartsandcraftsfestival.org; 360-678-5116.

Aug. 9 – Whidbey Island Highland Games, Greenbank Farm. Bring the kids and check out the Whidbey Island Celtic Society’s annual celebration of all things Scottish. Enjoy pipe bands, pipers, dancers and athletic events along with food and fun to spare. wihg.org; 360-331-5437.

Aug. 9-10 – Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival. Artists and craftspeople fill the streets of Coupeville for this community celebration, held annually since 1964. coupevilleartsandcraftsfestival.org; 360-678-5116.

Aug. 14-17 - Island County Fair, Langley. Bring the whole family to our oldfashioned country fair, where you’ll enjoy music, carnival games and rides, food booths, and lots and lots of animals. islandcountyfair.com; 360-221-4677.

24 The Whidbey Examiner

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Aug. 23 – Quilters on the Rock quilt show, Greenbank Farm. The farm’s vintage barn hosts a show of more than 100 quilts made by Whidbey Island artists. greenbankfarm.com; 360-678-7700.

Aug. 23 – Summer Art Studio Tour. This free, self-guided tour features Whidbey artists in their studios from Deception Pass to Greenbank; Maps available at local shops and galleries. whidbeyworkingartists.com.

Aug. 24 – Tour of historic Sunnyside Cemetery, Coupeville. Local historian Roger Sherman leads an interesting and unusual tour of this historic and scenic pioneer resting place. islandhistory.org; 360-678-3310.

Aug. 30-31 – Antique and Collectible Show and Sale, Greenbank Farm. Eighteen dealers show their furnishings, linens, silver, collectibles, books, trunks and more in the farm’s historic barn. greenbankfarm.com; 360-678-7700.

Sept. 3-7 – Plein Air Painters’ U.S. Open, Coupeville and Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve. Artists from around the country converge on Central Whidbey to paint in the plein air fashion. A gala and silent auction of paintings takes place Sept.

6. coupevillearts.org; 866-678-3396.

Sept. 5-7 – Whidbey Walking Festival, Coupeville. Five walking routes in and around Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve and Coupeville, the second oldest town in Washington. See Victorian homes and small-town shops, walk across farm fields and to the beach surrounded by spectacular views of Admiralty Inlet, Penn Cove, the Olympic Mountains and the Cascade Mountains. nwtrekkers.org; 360-679-3638.

Sept. 6 – Art and Antiques Walk, historic downtown Coupeville. Galleries and shops in historic Coupeville stay open late for shopping and mingling. centralwhidbeychamber.com; 360-678-0382.

Sept. 7 – Wag and Walk, Greenbank Farm. Bring your four-legged, tail-wagging best friend for an afternoon festival celebrating all things canine. Benefits the Whidbey Animals Improvement Foundation; wagnwalk.org; 360-678-1366.

Sept. 13 - Old Timey Bluegrass Pickers Festival, Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens, Greenbank. Listen to the twang of bluegrass in a laid-back festival on the lawn amidst a spectacular garden. meerkerkgardens.org; 360-678-1912.

Sept. 14 - Concerts on the Cove, Coupeville Town Park. The 50 talented gentlemen of the An-O-Chords present their wonderful barbershop harmonies. concertsonthecove.org; 360-678-5581. see calendar, page 26 2008 Coupeville & Central Whidbey Island Visitor Guide

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penncovebeachstudio.com penncovebeachstudio@hotmail.com

360.279.8855

Step back in time as you enter either of our lovingly restored historic Victorian homes offering six luxurious B&B suites. Private baths, beautiful antiques, scrumptious breakfasts, water views, walk to town. bluegoosecoupeville.com info@bluegoosecoupeville.com t

COMPASS ROSE B&B Town / Ebeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prairie

Town

CALISTA COTTAGE This remodeled 1883 cottage next to Anchorage Inn is fully furnished with two bedrooms, parlor with fireplace, dining room and kitchen. Sleeps six. Kids and pets welcome.

Enjoy beachcombing as you step from fully appointed studio with outdoor patio to private beach with sweeping views of Olympics and historic Coupeville.

THE BLUE GOOSE INN B&B

ANCHORAGE INN B&B A new Victorian-style B&B just steps from the historic waterfront, featuring seven well-appointed rooms with private baths. Full gourmet breakfast.

A treasure trove of nautical delights awaits you in this charming one bedroom cottage near Admiralty Inlet. Seasonal swimming pool. Children and pets welcome.

PENN COVE BEACH STUDIO Rural / Waterfront

Town / Water view

thelovejoyinn.com relax@thelovejoyinn.com 360.678.1204

gardenislecottages.com gardenisle@coupeville.net t

stormyschalet.com info@stormyschalet.com 360.929.8448

THE LOVEJOY INN & CARRIAGE HOUSE COTTAGE Enjoy coastal living with relaxed Whidbey style. Private baths and family-friendly. WiFi available.

Steps to waterfront, dining, shopping and parks. Continental breakfasts.

Two lovely, private garden cottages with hot tub, nestled in historic old town Coupeville, adjacent to park, beach, shops and restaurants. Continental breakfast.

STORMYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHALET

Rural

Town / Water view

THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR VACATION HOUSE This classic home in historic Coupeville has three bedrooms, a finished attic, kitchen, TV/DVD/ VCR/stereo, WiFi, a private waterview deck and a large lawn & garden. Sleeps 12. whidbeyislandhouse.com thehousenextdoor@gmail.com 360.678.1204

gardenislecottages.com gardenisle@coupeville.net t GARDEN ISLE GUEST COTTAGES

Town / Water view

Town / Waterfront

COUPE DE VILLA B&B

Wonderful three-bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home in a parklike setting, adjacent to town park, beach, shops & restaurants. Great views, sleeps eight.

1890 Victorian with two lovely guestrooms with private baths.

Full, elegant breakfast amidst antiques and treasures. Tea in the afternoon. Well-behaved children welcome. compassrosebandb.com t

ce n t ral calendar, from page 24 Sept. 20-21 – Whidbey Island Kite Festival, Camp Casey Conference Center, Coupeville.

Colorful kites fill the sky in the parade grounds at historic Camp Casey, with kite making, ground and air displays, competitions and children’s activities set against the backdrop of the Olympic Mountains and Admiralty Inlet. whidbeykites.org; 360-678-9358.

Sept. 27 – Tour de Whidbey, Coupeville. This annual bicycle event to raise money for the Whidbey General Hospital Foundation attracts cyclists from all over for 10, 40, 50 and 100-mile routes. whidbeygen.org; 360-678-7656, ext. 4020.

Sept. 27-28 – Whidbey Island Open Studio Tour. Some 100 working artists and craftspeople welcome visitors into their studios. whidbeyopenstudiotour.org; 360-221-4121.

October – Scarecrow Corridor, Coupeville.

Vote for your favorite scarecrow on display all month in front of homes and businesses throughout historic Coupeville. centralwhidbeychamber.com; 360-678-5434.

Oct. 4 – Mammoth Day, Island County Historical Museum, Coupeville. It’s true! Woolly mammoths once roamed Whidbey Island.

Bring the kids and learn more about these ancient, furry behemoths. islandhistory.org; 360-678-3310.

Oct. 4-5 – Whidbey Island Farm Tour. Free self-guided tour of working farms on beautiful Whidbey Island featuring locally grown food and products, farm animals and a tour of the largest mussel farm in the United States. On Saturday night, head to Greenbank Farm for a dinner featuring locally grown food, followed by a contra dance in the big red barn. whidbeyfarmtour.com.

Oct. 4-5 - Rhododendron Sale, Meerkerk Gardens, Greenbank. Fans of Washington’s state flower enjoy checking out the amazing variety of rhodies available at Meerkerk. meerkerkgardens.org; 360-678-1912.

Oct. 5-26 – Sunday Harvest Market in the Barn, Greenbank Farm. Come inside the historic barn to enjoy the market’s autumn harvest, with pressed cider and apples along with produce and handcrafts. greenbankfarm.com; 360-678-7700.

Oct. 11 – Harvest Fest, Coupeville Farmers Market. Celebrate the end of the market season with food, art, music, a giant pumpkin contest, a pumpkin-pitching trebuchet and lots more. coupevillefarmersmarket.com.

Oct. 11 – Oktoberfest, Greenbank Farm. Get ready for lots of fun with polkas, pretzels, authentic German fare, accordion music and a beer tent. greenbankfarm.com; 360-678-7700.

Oct. 11-12 – Uniquely Whidbey Biz Expo, Coupeville High School campus. Join the lo26 The Whidbey Examiner

w hid b e y

ca l e nd a r

cals at this showcase of products, services and foods from throughout Whidbey Island. islandweb.org/edc; 360-678-6889.

Oct. 25 – Coupeville Halloween Torchlight Parade. A fun children’s costume parade by torchlight (flashlight) begins at dusk. Lots of kids’ activities follow the parade. coupevillehistoricwaterfront.com; 360-678-5434.

Oct 25-26 – Whidbey Follies, Coupeville and Oak Harbor. Concerts on the Cove presents a comical satire. concertsonthecove.org; 360-678-5581.

Oct. 26 – Halloween party and costume parade, Greenbank Farm. What could be more fun than a day on the farm, with pumpkin carving, kettle corn, cider, apples, arts and crafts and more. greenbankfarm.com; 360-678-7700.

Nov. 2 – Coupeville Lodging Open House.

From Victorian bed-and-breakfasts and oldtime farm homes to quaint beach cabins and modern waterfront homes, our local lodging establishments open their doors for visitors. coupevillelodging.com; 360-678-5434.

Nov. 7-8 – Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve 30th anniversary celebration, Coupeville. Bring the whole family for a weekend of hands-on farming and historic preservation workshops, walking tours, homegrown and homemade food and goods, music, children’s activities and a traditional barn dance. www.nps.gov/ebla; 360-678-5787.

Nov. 7-8 – Whidbey Weavers’ Guild Show and Sale, Greenbank Farm. A community of fiber artists offers unique weaving, spinning, dyeing, basketry, felting and jewelry in the farm’s iconic red barn. greenbankfarm.com; 360-678-7700.

Nov. 21 – Tree-lighting Celebration, Greenbank Farm. The whole family will enjoy an evening of caroling, hot cider and cookies, an arts and crafts fair and a tree-lighting ceremony. Santa will be on hand for a visit with the kids. greenbankfarm.com; 360-678-7700.

Nov. 21- Dec. 31 – Holiday Gift Shop, Admiralty Head Lighthouse, Fort Casey State Park. admiraltyhead.wsu.edu; 360-240-5584.

Nov. 21-Jan. 5 – Christmas in Our Town: 1895, Island County Historical Museum, Coupeville. The museum brings Central Whidbey’s history alive with a Victorian Christmas parlor exhibit. islandhistory.org; 360-678-3310.

Nov. 21-Dec. 21 – Holiday Gift Market, weekends at Greenbank Farm. Local artisans create a festive marketplace in the farm’s historic red barn. Be sure to bring the kids for a personal visit with Santa. greenbankfarm.com; 360-678-7700.

Dec. 5 - Concerts on the Cove holiday concert, Coupeville; concertsonthecove.org; 360-678-5581.

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Dec. 6 – Art and Antiques Walk, historic downtown Coupeville. Enjoy refreshments as you wander the galleries and shops late into the evening. centralwhidbeychamber.com; 360-678-5434.

Dec. 6 – The Greening of Coupeville and Annual Christmas Parade. Stake out your spot along Main Street or Front Street to watch an old-fashioned holiday parade led by Santa Claus aboard a decorated fire truck.

Tree-lighting and caroling follow. centralwhidbeychamber.com; 360-678-5434.

Dec. 13 – Holiday Home Tour, Coupeville.

Enjoy a tour of local historic homes all decked out in their holiday finest. islandhistory.org; 360-678-3310.

Plan ahead for 2009!

Feb. 7, 2009 - Sound Waters, Coupeville. A fascinating one-day “university” with classes on marine life, plants and wildlife of Whidbey Island. beachwatchers.wsu.edu/island/soundwaters; 360-679-7327.

March 8, 2009 - Penn Cove MusselFest, Coupeville. Celebrate Coupeville’s signature shellfish offers a weekend of music, dancing, mussel chowder-tasting and a tour of the country’s largest mussel farm. thepenncovemusselfestival.com; 360-678-5434.

March 29, 2009 – Whidbey Island Marathon, Oak Harbor. Runners from all over the region compete in this popular athletic event. whidbeyislandmarathon.com; 425-501-1502.

April 25, 2009 – Burning Word: The Festival of Poetic Fire, Greenbank Farm. Enjoy poetry written by some of Washington’s most talented poets. washingtonpoets.org.

May 16, 2009 - Penn Cove Water Festival, Coupeville. Penn Cove comes alive with canoe races between Native American tribes from all over the region. In town, the streets are filled with arts and crafts, demonstrations, Native American music and dance performances, storytelling and children’s activities. penncovewaterfestival.com.

May 25, 2009 - Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony, historic downtown Coupeville. A quintessential small-town parade honoring America’s veterans with music, food and celebration. centralwhidbeychamber.com; 360-678-5434.

2008 Coupeville & Central Whidbey Island Visitor Guide

101 N. Main Street and Highway 20 Coupeville N. Whidbey (360) 678-5151 S. Whidbey (360) 321-5151 Toll Free 1-888-903-2345 24-Hour Emergency Department and Island-Wide Paramedic Ambulance

HOSPITAL AND COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES Bone Density Test Cancer Care Cardiac Wellness Program Coronary and Intensive Care Unit CT Scan and Lithotripsy Echocardiography Health Education Classes Healthwise Cardiac Risk Factor Screenings Home Health Care and Hospice Laboratory Services Lifeline Emergency Response Digital X-Ray and Digital Mammography Medical Ambulatory-Cancer Care MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Outpatient and Inpatient Surgery Pulmonary Wellness Rehabilitation Services (Physical, Speech and Occupational Therapy) Sleep Disorders Center Tobacco Cessation Ultrasound Whidbey Family Birthplace

If You Love Washington Lighthouses

You Need This Plate Ask for the Washington Lighthouses license plate when purchasing a new car or renewing your tabs at your local vehicle licensing ofďŹ ce.

Proceeds support restoration and education at 12 Washington lighthouses and help protect our waters.

Photographers: Bruce Robie & Judy Feldman

For more information visit www.lighthouseplate.wsu.edu