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Wondrous Wild Whale Weekend on San Juan Island

It’s no secret, the waters around San Juan Island are one of the best to see Orca Whales in the wild. Our community deeply cares about their well-being, habitat and environmental challenges. The native Lummi tribe even considers them their relatives. No wonder San Juan Island has so much more to offer than just whale watching. There are abundant resources to learn about the black fish and to get involved. To experience everything Whale on San Juan Island, please enjoy this lovely article on how to have a Whale of a Weekend on San Juan Island.

Best Places to eat with Kids in Friday Harbor

After a day of beach combing, kayaking, whale watching, climbing mountains, seeing a seal and an eagle up close and visiting the Sculpture Park, the troops are hungry! With over 40 restaurants within walking distance to the ferry to choose from, finding the place which serves something everybody will eat and fast, can be an (admittedly very delicious) challenge. Luckily our friends at the Earthbox Inn & Spa have shared their kid-tested and approved 5 Best Places to Eat with Kids in Friday Harbor. And pssst, there is an ice cream shop on the waterfront offering 75 flavors, for a nice after dinner stroll on the docks.

“I don’t need a massage” - said no one ever!

A massage treatment reduces stress, improves circulation, loosens tight muscles and tendons, reduces pain, eliminate toxins, improves flexibility and sleep, enhance Immunity and reduces fatigue. But most of all, massages feel so good!

The cute Spa at Earthbox in Friday Harbor offers not only an array of massage treatments, but also rejuvenating body treatments, soothing facials as well as nail care, eyelash extensions and sugaring. Sugaring? It’s a form of hair removal similar to waxing, but more hygienic, less painful and longer lasting than waxing. This spa uses stones from San Juan Island’s beaches for their Hot Stone Massages. How cool is that?

How to Plan a Solo Trip to San Juan Island

Nothing gets you out of a rut and in touch with what you really want and need like a solo trip. Such trips are so healing and rejuvenating, especially for most of us women, who habitually put the needs of others before our own. San Juan Island is close by, safe, has tons of fun stuff to do, super friendly people and plenty of room to find solitude and calm. Check out these solid Solo Trip Tips and your Solo San Juan Island Itinerary here.

How to be One with Nature on San Juan Island

San Juan Island is abuzz with activities in the summer. There are whale watch tours, kayak trips, beautiful beaches to hike and tall hills to explore. There are summer art fairs, cute boutiques and galleries, free live music and unique farms waiting to be checked out.

And yet if it’s just the fresh air that you crave, you can find yourself completely alone in nature, really feel the magic of the island and hear nothing but the waves and birds. Find 7 Ways to be One with Nature on San Juan Island here.

10 Best Places to Shop in Friday Harbor

The San Juan Islands offer incredible scenic beauty and so many wonderful opportunities to escape “regular life”.  But THE San Juan Island is the only isle in the archipelago where the ferry docks right in the cute coastal town of Friday Harbor. The streets are lined with restaurants, galleries, museums, shops and boutiques. And the best part: the whole town is completely walkable. Shopping here is a breeze and so much fun. Here are 10 not-to-be-missed places to check out:

1)         The Mystical Mermaid

This magical, new agey crystal, rock and mineral store, on Spring Street, features whimsical art from over 50 artists, air plants, candles, tarot cards, CDs, books, jewelry and home décor. Don’t miss the adorable indoor garden tucked away in the back, replete with live birds.

 2)         Island Studios

Right next door find Island Studios, representing over 200 San Juan Islands artist and their versatile arts & crafts. They have the tiniest outdoor sculpture and art garden by a fountain in the back.

 3)         Farmer’s Market

Saturday’s Farmer’s Market in the heart of Friday Harbor is a festive, colorful affair with live music, arts & crafts, chair massages, informational booths, and fresh, local produce, seafood, meats & cheeses. You’ll also find plenty of ready-to-eat food like freshly baked pizza or paella, sweet and savory pastries, soups and quiches.

 4)         Friday Harbor Chocolates

This former barber shop on Spring Street sells handcrafted chocolates and confections made with natural ingredients and no preservatives, along with dessert wines and port. Have Aylene help you pair your truffles with the perfect Port and lovingly gift wrap your souvenirs.

5)         Deer Hazel

Enjoy strolling through this welcoming, unique boutique on Spring Street, selling youthful clothing lines, handmade jewelry and island-inspired accessories.

6)         Toy Box

Come play at the best toy store in town. Find gag gifts, kites, puzzles, stuffed animals, dolls, educational games and the world’s farthest flying frisbees.

7)         Serendipity Bookstore

This used book store with over 17,000 paper and hard backs stacked neatly inside a cute Victorian house is so much fun to explore. Between the extremely knowledgeable owner and the comprehensive computer inventory you are bound to find your perfect Summer read.

8)         Arctic Raven Gallery

Fine art gallery featuring Arctic and Northwest Coast Native work. Explore enchanting masks, wood carvings and prints depicting the rich history of our local tribes like the Coast Salish, Kwaguilth or Makah.

9)         Funk’n’Junk

The licensed auctioneers and certified appraisers at Funk & Junk run one of the loveliest antique stores in the Pacific Northwest. Browse through their store on Nichols Street filled to the brim with American and Victorian furniture, glass and silverware, housewares, decorative and marine themed items, art, pottery, Native American arts & crafts and musical instruments.

10)    Girlfriends

This adorable, high-end consignment store located near the Farmer’s Market makes you feel just like being out with the girls. Debbie and her staff will make honest suggestions and help you select outfits and accessories for any occasion. They have a fine men’s section as well.

Hello from San Juan County Park

On San Juan Island’s scenic Westside, 10 miles from Friday Harbor, find the rocky bluffs, pebble beaches, tide pools and breathtaking vistas of San Juan’s adorable 12-acre County Park.

 Charmingly named Small Pox Bay, where Native Americans waded to cool their fevers, is where kayakers put in to explore the dramatic Haro Strait. The shallow, protected bay gets warm enough for a refreshing dip in Summer. The rocky bluff above, dotted with picnic tables, lends itself to lawn games, picnics with a view and wildlife watching. On Friday evenings throughout the Summer Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center holds wildlife talks here.

10 Reasons why you need a San Juan Island Vacation

How is your Summer going? Have you had the fun, the relaxation, the adventure and all of the leisure time that you deserve? If not, there’s still time to schedule a San Juan Island getaway? Come on up before the kiddos go back to school or plan a romantic Fall weekend just for the two of you! Bucket list adventures, fresh seafood, art and music festivals and the beaches beckon! Find 10 more Reasons why you need a San Juan Island Vacation here.

5 Best Seafood Restaurants in Friday Harbor

Where to go to get the best fresh Wild Salmon, Halibut, Cod, local mussels, oysters, clams and Spotted Prawns in Friday Harbor?

With 44 restaurants within walking distance of the ferry to choose from, finding exactly what you like, can be a delicious challenge. Our friends at the Earthbox Inn & Spa have done all of the heavy (fork) lifting for you and are sharing their 5 Favorite Seafood Restaurants in Friday Harbor here! Bon appetite!

3 Totally Cool, Non-invasive Ways to observe Whales & Wildlife on San Juan Island

Any time of the year is an amazing time to observe the majestic whales and stunning wildlife on San Juan Island. Humpbacks have made a huge comeback in recent years. We also see Greys and Minkes, who look to the untrained eyes like mini Orcas. There are sea lions, seals, otters and over 200 species of migratory seabirds to explore and of course, the famous Orcas themselves. The mammal-eating Biggs Killer Whales are having lots of healthy, fat babies, thanks to a surplus of harbor seals. Our endangered Resident Killer Whales are struggling. Their diet consists mostly of Chinook (King) Salmon and there is not enough of it. Visit the Friday Harbor Whale Museum, three blocks from the ferry landing, to learn about their history, habitat and challenges, then get out there and see for yourself!

 1)        From Land

Lime Kiln State Park, also known as the Whale Watch Park on the westside of San Juan Island, is one of the best spots to observe whales from land on earth. The 42-acre-park features the historic Lime Kiln Lighthouse, which turned 100 years this June and doubles as an interpretive center. There are shaded, ADA-accessible trails to the whale watching platforms, picnic tables with the most amazing views, a food truck with ice cream and sandwiches and a rebuilt lime kiln to explore.

2)        By Kayak

Silently gliding through the crystal clear Salish Sea on a guided kayak tour is a profound experience. Our friends at San Juan Outfitters in Roche Harbor offer 3 & 5 hour tours, tours especially dedicated to searching for Orcas and the very special Bioluminescent tours during the New Moon, when reactive plankton creates the most phosphorescent glow. All ages and experience levels are welcome. Give them a ring and find out which tour is best for you and yours.

3)        By Boat

Your best chance to see whales and other wildlife are from a professional and extremely responsible whale watch tour provider. The fun San Juan Safaris offer multiple tours per day out of Friday Harbor, always have at least one, if not two naturalists on board and all their vessels have “heads” -  that’s “boat” for “bathroom”.  For families with small kids or on a day with cooler weather, chose a trip on the Sea Lion with heated cabin and 360 degree viewing deck and make memories of a lifetime.

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