PRESS RELEASES

Island County, Wash. – January 5, 2021 - As we enter a new year with hopes for road trips and regional travel on the horizon, Whidbey and Camano Islands will be ready when the time is right with distanced experiences, open air adventures and gourmet to go in many ways. Included below is a round up of experiences and offerings fit for consideration in the new year.

Take it Outside: Wineries with Views, Fireplaces and Pets. Tasting rooms aplenty on the islands provide a taste of Washington's finest vineyards and estate grown fruit on spacious acreage affording scenic vistas, many offer pet-friendly patios with room to romp. Come spring and warmer weather, at Comforts of Whidbey, enjoy a glass of estate-grown bubbles on the patio with peekaboo views of the sound – and resident alpacas. Holmes Harbor Cellars currently offers heated tents for distanced tasting outdoors. Set on 25 acres of Pinot Noir vines, heritage fruit trees and open spaces, some of Spoiled Dog Winery offers a wonderful dry Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir, it's own Driftwood Cider or the Pomo di Moro, an apple-and-pear wine fermented from the on-site fruit. Edward Lynn Cellars on Camano Island provides a warming outdoor fireplace for cool spring evenings, along with outdoor areas with water views.

Spring into New Experiences. As we head into spring and visitors seek distanced and open-air activities outdoors, a variety of operators offer safe ways to try -something new:

• Canopy Tours Northwest on Camano Island has plans to re-open its zip-line adventure in April 2021.
• Scaling a tree with AdventureTerra is a great way to get away from, well everything. With the help of ropes and a guide, climbers ascend Coastal Douglas Firs to reach the top of the forest canopy and a bird's eye view of the Deception Pass Bridge and the neighboring San Juan Islands. Recently added technology can even assist those who need an extra lift.
• Try a hand at axe-throwing or make a live-edge charcuterie board by sanding, oiling and branding a custom creation at Arrowhead Ranch.
• Explore the terrain by horse (or pony for the smaller set) with private or small group rides at the Pacific Northwest Riding Academy at the 80-acre Wildwood Farm.
• Learn to make a custom silk scarf in a meditative manner at Marbley. Float drops of color on water and reshape them using a comb or stylus before saving it on silk, paper, or wood.

Escape the City: Remote Lodging with Comforts of Home. Whether its work from home, school from home or just an escape from it all, Whidbey and Camano Islands provide a variety of lodging options fit for four-legged friends, remote learners or new home office opportunities. Here are five vacation rentals that are no place like home:

1. The waterfront cabins at Cama Beach State Park are among the state's best deal, and best views. Book early online.
2. Get pampered at The Inn at Langley. Each room at the Inn features an oversized jetted tub, a wood-burning fireplace and a private balcony with 180-degree waterfront views. Guests enjoy a complimentary beyond-continental breakfast each morning, delivered in-room.
3. The ultimate in isolation? Rent your own island in Deception Pass State Park. Ben Ure Cabin is located on the remote Ben Ure Island near Cornet Bay. Accessible only by a kayak or rowboat, the 12-by-24-foot cabin for two takes “social distance” to a whole new level. (note, this is currently closed for the season with a spring reopening anticipated).
4. Those looking to spread out, try something new or accommodate a group can live the farm life, complete with resident alpacas. This Camano Island farm stay offers 100 acres with views of Mt. Rainier and Port Susan, private forested walking trails and much more.
5. The professionally designed cabins at Captain Whidbey Inn offer the best of both worlds: access to seaside views of Penn Cove, the privacy of a cabin outfitted by design experts like Filson, Edit Whidbey and Glasswing – and the creature comforts of a resort. Make do with a mini fridge and microwave or head over to the restaurant for chef-prepared selections from the local sea, land and farms. The cozy Lagoon rooms offer Fido-friendly amenities.

Gourmet to Go: Five Spots for Local Sips, Eats and More. While crafting a COVID-19 style weekend getaway, stocking the fridge, tracking heated outdoor patios and filling the sanitizer bottle are top priorities for many. Local grocers and restaurants-turned-retailers provide a colorful option for local fare to go. Now more than ever, farms, producers and purveyors on the islands offer new ways to sample all things local from the comfort of your hotel room or vacation home. Here are five options:   

1. 3 Sisters Market is a one stop shop for island chef prepared meals like a pot pie from beloved local restaurant The Oystercatcher, fresh meats, seafood, produce, wine and more.
2. At the entrance to Camano Island, don't miss Camano Commons, for fresh baked goods, gourmet treats, fresh coffee roasted daily and a curated collection of island-made goods.
3. A visit to the charming farm stand at Kristoferson Farm on Camano Island is a celebration of a 108-year old history, and the local products it features. The open-air farm store sits amidst the farms hay fields and features fresh breads, local cheeses, fine foods and wines, produce, crafts, and a variety of farm produced jams, cakes and teas inspired by the farm's extensive lavender fields.
4. Salt & Sea Provisions is a new weekend pop-up from the experts at Saltwater Langley providing freshly baked foods, ready to eat food and picnic items, pantry staples, bottled beer, wine and cocktail kits.
5. Ciao Food and Wine in Coupeville recently unveiled a new dynamic market offering authentic Italian food and wine easy to enjoy at home, offered in addition to robust dine-in, outdoor or takeout services.

Find Art in the Outdoors. Scenic beach and forested trails abound on Whidbey and Camano Islands, yet a variety of destinations pair art with the outdoors for a true taste of local culture.  Here are five ways to enjoy the arts in the outdoors:

1. A new 16-acre outdoor museum, Price Sculpture Forest opened Fall 2020. Discover the century-old forest and native plants, along with art hanging from trees or hidden behind foliage. Children are encouraged to wander, investigate and be immersed in nature.
2. The Allgire Project is an outdoor mural gallery on Washington's Whidbey Island, offering a bright, walkable experience that connects visitors with the history and culture of the community in a colorful, meaningful way. The mural project spans 13 walls showcasing work of nine different artists at 740 Pioneer Way in the heart of downtown Oak Harbor. Linger and enjoy or take advantage of a 30-minute “selfie parking zone” for a quick visit. Learn more, donate to the movement or just enjoy @Allgireproject. 
3. Earth Sanctuary is a privately owned, public nature retreat and sculpture park created on 72 acres of old growth forest. The latest installation, the Ley Line Sculpture, features burnt driftwood placed along power centers identified as “Ley Lines,” which provide special earth energies that have the power to alter and uplift human consciousness. Peruse the trails to find an authentic Native American Medicine Wheel, a Labyrinth, stone circles and more. With about two miles of meandering trails and spaces for quiet exploration or meditation, guests enjoy restored old-growth forest and sacred spaces.
4. Cloudstone Sculpture Park offers twenty acres of pristine and natural Whidbey Island landscape filled with an extensive variety of amazing carved stone, cast bronze, monumental steel, and earthworks. The sculpture park is normally open to the public twice a year, but at this time the park is open to small groups by appointment.  
5. On Camano Island, Matzke Fine Art features “gallery in the woods” that's home to 150 works throughout the ten-acre park-like setting. A variety of meandering trails feature creations from emerging and well-known artists, utilizing a range of mediums including bronze, stainless steel, stone, wood and glass.

 For current information around Island County's "Safe Start" Reopening Plan, visit www.islandcountywa.gov.

 About Whidbey and Camano Islands 

Drive off the mainland to find two of the most accessible and scenic island destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Camano and Whidbey sit just north of Seattle, a short trip via bridge or ferry. Offering a different experience with each season, the islands provide locally inspired shops and restaurants, dynamic experiences for a variety of interests, recreation and beach combing. Rich history and a healthy dose of local color in all mediums is provided by the region's many artists. Lodging options range from nationally renowned hotels with farm to table dining to secret spots ideal for a quiet retreat. For more information on amenities, lodging and a calendar of events visit www.whidbeycamanoislands.com. Connect on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook via @GoWhidbeyCamano.  

Media Contact: Erin Osborne, ON Public Relations, 206-948-6059, [email protected]