Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
from Seattle. It's also one of the loveliest. The ferry ride alone provides enough stun-
ning views of Seattle and the Sound to make the trip worthwhile.
Once you get to the island, prepare to stroll around lazily, tour waterfront cafes, taste
unique wines, maybe cycle around the invitingly flat countryside, and generally relax.
VASHON ISLAND
ISLAND
(
www.vashonchamber.com
)
Vashon Island has resisted suburbanization - a rare accom-
plishment in Puget Sound. Much of the island is covered with farms and gardens, and
its little towns double as commercial hubs and artists enclaves. There are also unen-
cumbered vistas from Mt Rainier in the south to Mt Baker in the north.
It's a good island to explore by bicycle or car and pick fruit at 'u-pick' gardens or
orchards along the way. Plan a hike in one of the county parks.
BLAKE ISLAND
ISLAND
(
www.parks.wa.gov
)
This state park can be approached only by boat. Most people go to
the island to visit Tillicum Village, which features the Northwest Coast Indian Cultural
Center & Restaurant. A popular tour package includes a traditional salmon bake, dan-
cing and a film about Northwest Native Americans. After the meal, there's time for a
hike or shopping.
You can also get here by private boat without the formal tour, or watch the perform-
ances and skip dinner (or vice versa).
WHIDBEY ISLAND
ISLAND
(
www.whidbeycamanoislands.com
)
Connected to the mainland by bridge to the north and
ferry from the south, this elongated, bucolic isle hosts six state parks, two historic fish-
ing villages, famously good mussels and a thriving artists community. Most visitors try
to ignore the US Naval Base that dominates the largest town, Oak Harbor. Hike forests
to farm lands, enjoy seafood at an ocean-side historic cafe or kayak off Deception State
Park.
Alternatively, check out WWII sites, bird-watch and stroll the beach at Ebey's Land-
ing Historic Preserve.
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND WINERY
WINE TASTING
( 206-842-9463; tastings 11am-5pm Fri-Sun)
This family-owned winery near
Winslow is a good destination for cyclists, or for wine-lovers who don't mind a walk -
the winery has moved to a place at the edge of its vineyards, about 4 miles north of
