Northwestern Washington & the San Juan Islands - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 206

(117 S 1st St; pizzas $8-11, sandwiches $7-9; 11:30am-10pm, until 11pm Fri & Sat) A polished
pine pub that manages to combine the relaxed atmosphere of a cafe with the quality beers
(including IPA and stout) of an English drinking house. Bonuses include wood-fired piz-
zas, fresh salads and eight homebrews on tap.
Information
La Conner Chamber of Commerce ( www.laconnerchamber.com ; Morris St) Pick up helpful
maps to orientate yourself.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Whidbey Island
Whidbey Island is an idyllic emerald escape beloved of stressed-out Seattleites. While
not as detached or nonconformist as the San Juans (there's a bridge connecting it to adja-
cent Fidalgo Island at its northernmost point), life is certainly slower, quieter and more
pastoral here. Having six state parks is a bonus, along with a plethora of B&Bs, two his-
toric fishing villages (Langley and Coupeville), famously good mussels and a thriving
artists' community. Of less interest to travelers is the US Naval Air Station that domin-
ates Oak Harbor. At 41 miles long, Whidbey is the longest island on the US West Coast.
A free weekday bus service provides a useful way of getting around (see the box below).
Getting There & Around
BOAT
Services from Washington State Ferries run between Clinton and Mukilteo (car and
driver/ passenger $8.60/3.95, 20 minutes) and between Keystone and Port Townsend
($11.15/2.60, 30 minutes).
BUS
Seatac Shuttles ( 877-679-4003; www.seatacshuttle.com ) offers frequent bus service to
nine locations on Whidbey Island from Sea-Tac (one way/round-trip $37/66). Prepaid re-
servations are required to ensure a seat.