Bay Puget
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Sensational to the Senses: Whidbey & Camano Islands of Puget Sound
Timelessly drifting at the headwaters of the Puget Sound in the shadow of the snow-capped Olympic Mountains lies two extraordinary islands. Experiencing Whidbey and Camano Islands during the fall and winter is a sensory delight for visitors. The cool Pacific sea air carries a comforting and unforgettable blend of fragrances that include the scents of sweet sap as it dries in the dying leaves, the oils of majestic cedars and the briny smell of coastal salt marshes. The morning mist, common this time of year, accentuates the dawn as it blankets the resting pastoral farmland surrounding the seaside villages of historic Coupeville and Langley. Everywhere you go on these islands is a picture-perfect discovery. Example itineraries include exploring the rugged outreaches of Deception Pass, camping out in the rustic shoreside cabins at Camano Island's Cama Beach State Park, or touring the countless family farms and artists' studios strewn throughout the country side. So few places on earth offer such a multitude of photographic opportunities.
Visitors quickly discover the variety and abundance of fresh artisan cuisine, island roasted coffee, local wines and fabulous rural microbreweries. Cozy B&B's and quaint Victorian era inns can easily be found along the winding country roads. City dwellers revel in the vast uncrowded spaces to explore--the beaches, the lush forests, natural parks and many hiking/biking trails. While social excitement can be found year round at island festivals and community gatherings, visitors may discover that their favorite sensory memories are the experiences they have during the fall and winter seasons.
Whidbey and Camano Islands are located just 25 miles north of Seattle; and only two hours drive south of Vancouver, Canada. The islands are ideally situated between two parallel mountain ranges over which weather fronts pass and converge elsewhere on the Seattle mainland. Both islands offer dramatic views of storms as they approach from the west off the Pacific Ocean to pile up on the Olympic and Cascades Mountains. These storm fronts pass by the islands, leaving just enough mist to create magnificent double rainbows at times. Whidbey and Camano are in a rain shadow created by the local geography--which means they receive an average of 20 inches less rainfall than the surrounding mainland. Along with the crisp colors of the changing seasons, visitors in fall could likely experience dramatic storms and restless skies. However, frequent bouts of glorious sunshine bask the islands when least expected.
Whidbey and Camano Island's 140+ lodges include an amazing variety of storm watching accommodations with water and mountain views delivering magnificent sunrises and sunsets. The Cape Cod architectural styles of the older towns were influenced by the founding sea captains who originally voyaged here from the upper Eastern seaboard. Adding to the flavor of an off-season visit, one can imagine the comfort felt by those who journeyed by sail around the wickedness of Cape Horn and up the traitorous Pacific to the safe and welcoming harbors of these seemingly familiar islands. Lodging opportunities range from historic ocean view log cabins, turn of the century Victorian homes, contemporary B&Bs, charming country inns, and full service hotels.
The opportunity to see wildlife is year-round. Deer, rabbits, sea lions, otters, eagles, and countless varieties of migrating birds are abundant during the off season. In April, the majestic Gray Whales pay their annual visit to gorge on sand shrimp in the shallows between Whidbey and Camano Island--such a spectacle are the visits, that Langley has recently dubbed itself "whale town" to commemorate the annual event.
Holidays celebrations on Whidbey and Camano Islands are a quite different than in the urban metropolises. The intimate rural atmosphere of the islands brings back the fundamental essence and purpose of these social rituals. With the summer crowds gone, off-season visitors have the opportunity to escape into another world where they become one with island life. Oak Harbor, Coupeville, Freeland, Langley, Clinton and the peaceful rural expanse of Camano Island all have special holiday events listed on the official tourism calendar at WhidbeyCamanoIslands.com. In addition to the many Christmas holiday celebrations, traditional annual events include Octoberfest featuring local microbreweries, Stanwood- Camano's Harvest Jubilee, DjangoFest jazz festival, Kite Festival, Open Studio Tour, Tour de Whidbey, and Murder Mystery Weekend in February. The Island's seven wineries team up for a November harvest event and "Red Wine and Chocolate Weekend" each February. Both islands host art studio and farm tours several times a year.
Blessed with temperate winters, the islands enjoy the perfect growing conditions for fall and winter crops. Farmers markets and u-pick farms are frequent sights along the winding country roads. Temperate waters yield a variety of seafood; succulent Penn Cove Mussels, a regional favorite, are flown out to worldwide destinations daily. Clams, crab, oysters, salmon and lingcod await beach combers and sports fishing enthusiasts. Cheeses, ice cream and chocolates are crafted locally, while grass-fed beef, lamb and poultry are raised on idyllic ranches throughout Island County. It is not difficult to find restaurants and eateries that artfully utilize the local cuisine.
For those seeking to learn of the past, fall and winter provide a ethereal backdrop for visiting the uncrowded museums in Oak Harbor, Coupeville and Langley; seaside forts; a lighthouse and Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve reveal the islands' rich maritime, military and agricultural heritage. For aviation history buffs, the PBY Seaplane Memorial Foundation historical display at Whidbey Naval Air Station illustrates Whidbey Island's significant military contribution during WWII.
Whether coming from thousands of miles away or from the cities across the bay, there really is something for everyone to enjoy in these iconic Northwest island destinations. For lodging, dining, shopping, special offers, sweepstakes, activities calendar and free guides, visit www.WhidbeyCamanoIslands.com
About the Author
David Petrich is a contributing travel writer for Puget Sound Magazine - an online publication dedicated to sharing unique travel destinations around the water-centric communities of Puget Sound and British Columbia. Research contributions to this article were made by RoseAnn Alspektor.