With Thanksgiving just around the corner gratitude is on our minds. Research has shown, that simply thinking about gratitude reduces stress levels and depression and releases the “feel good” hormone DHEA. In addition, practicing positive thinking and gratefulness trains your brain’s neurological pathways to think happy by default as opposed to ruminating on the things which didn’t go your way or are out of your control.
If you have ever lived in a place with seasonal tourism you’ll know: the exhale after the high season is over, the giddiness of the first rain after the Summer, the gratefulness resulting from the earth's changing position in regard to the sun. We San Juan Islanders created a month-long celebration around this feeling and call it Savor the San Juans.
Visiting San Juan Island without a car has many advantages, especially in Summer, when the ferries are full and car reservations are sometimes unavailable when you want to travel. No problem--just leave your car in Anacortes and walk on the ferry. It’s so much cheaper and they will always make room for you. Once in Friday Harbor, you don’t have to worry about metered parking and you can deeply relax while other people do the driving for you. This is your opportunity to enjoy the scenery and have two Martinis with each of your San Juan Island dinners.
It’s Summer on San Juan Island. Orca whales and outdoor weddings. Art fairs and music festivals. Hiking, biking and kayaking. Where will you start? We’ve made a list of the fun activities and cool events you can experience in August, so you don’t miss out!
On June 30, 2019, San Juan Island’s most recognizable icon, the Lime Kiln Lighthouse, turns 100 years old. It was one of the last lighthouses being built in Washington State, the last to be connected to electricity in 1951 and it’s still in operation today, sending its light beam 17 miles over the Salish Sea every 10 seconds.
It’s February in Washington, when we get blessed with a little teaser of Spring, the first flowers of the season, days where the sun is actually warm, baby animals and, of course, Valentine’s Day. Whether you’ve just met or have been married for decades, going on a date, spending quality time together laughing and exploring, creates the foundation of knowing and understanding each other. Take a weekend trip to romantic San Juan Island and plan a fun date with your Sweetie.
The most fantastic and comprehensive way to experience San Juan Island for the first (or fiftieth) time is driving or biking the Washington’s Scenic Byway route. Explore breathtaking beaches, National Historical Parks, unique farms and world class art and find your favorite spot on our little slice of paradise. Here’s a guided tour to keep you going for a full weekend.
What do freshly shucked oysters, Madrona-infused Brandy and lavender massage oil have in common? They are all sustainably grown and lovingly made on San Juan Island. Clean water, clean air and fertile soil make the isle not only the perfect place for wild things, like the Orca Whales and Bald Eagles, but also for small, family-owned farms to grow and manufacture healthy, fun, unique crops. The best part: you can tour these unusual farms for free and eat, drink and smell your way through their exquisite harvests.
There is something special about seeing Orcas from land. You can hear them breach, breath and sing and if you aren’t already, this will be the moment you fall in love with them forever. San Juan Island offers some of the best whale watching in the world.
