The Art of the Re-charge - Whidbey Island, WA
If you’ve been following HC for some time now, you know our family enjoys weekend getaways that are tucked far away from the city, filled with greenery, and allow us to bring our fur son, Brutus. Our weekdays are typically stacked from start to end and weekends usually aren’t a whole lot different. These getaways are CRUCIAL for recharging our batteries.
Positioned upward from the water line of Penn Cove, which nestles in the neck of Whidbey Island, rests The Captain Whidbey Inn with its century old rustic log structure and overgrown Madrona trees hovering overhead. Deep, thick forest engulfs the estate that still thrives with visitors and peeking sunlight. What feels like worlds away from buzzling city life, Captain Whidbey is just about 2 hours north of Seattle, accessible by ferry or Deception Pass bridge.
My husband Scott and I both grew up on Whidbey Island in the largest city on the Island called Oak Harbor. Known for its naval base and historic Dutch community. Though we spent 20 years on the Island, we both did not spend a large amount of time on the south end, much further than Coupeville. Which is best known for its quant, charming town being painted pure white for the filming of Practical Magic.
Venturing our home Island is something we pridefully share with our 2 daughters. We believe Whidbey to be a treasure with its rich history of settlers, agriculture, and festivals.
Captain Whidbey Inn served as a primary accommodation on the island for many in the early 1900’s. Daily steamers traveled from Everett and Seattle carting guests, mail, and supplies to the dock on the back side of the Inn where spectacular views cascade across the quiet sound. This picturesque scenery is still an image daily from the restaurant and guest rooms. Mornings mostly rise with a tired fog that carries on its way by the lunch hour.
In just about 36 hours, we covered a lot of ground. First priority was a stop to see my parents who still reside in Oak Harbor. Dad is still under going chemo treatment, leaving him extremely weak and fatigued. Was nice to enjoy time with them without the stress of a hospital visit. Dad charged up his Canon for our trip so we could capture our weekend through something other than our iPhones. A majority of the photos in this post were taken by Holland, our 14 year old, who’s now inspired to learn more about photography and has asked for a camera for Christmas. Apple does not fall far, my friends.
Pulling up to The Captain Whidbey Inn, the trees part to reveal the aged woodland architecture. I didn’t turn to see my kids’ faces, but the uncertainty that slipped from their voices when they said “we’re here?” told me they were deeply questioning my choice for this weekend’s family getaway.
The entry door is low, just above my head and the windows, framed in wood molding, still resemble the original thick distorted glass panes from 1907. The girls joined me inside the main house to check-in and quickly their doubt turned to curiosity and fascination which beamed in their eyes. The main house includes reception, restaurant, bar, and several guest rooms. The original hard wood floors can be seen through the main reception and entertainment room and the bar. A shallow ceiling over head, stacked log walls, and dim lighting is reminiscent of a weathered tree house. Hand crafted ornate furniture lines the curious space and the double sided stone fireplace proudly remains an iconic ingredient that molds the atmosphere together like a page out of a classic novel.
My soul felt rested already.
Within this post, I’m going to share with you our Whidbey Island weekend with the hopes that it inspires you to book your family a time away from the busyness of the work week and city life. Perfect for the off-season season when you still want to explore and enjoy the outdoors.
OUR STAY
The Captain Whidbey Inn rooms, cabins and suites were recently re-designed to showcase the rich history of the small piece of the Island. Collaborations with iconic brands and curators such as Filson, Glasswing, We the Nomads, and Edit Whidbey bring a modern, yet authentic spin to the stunning accommodations. In addition, a grouping of suites hug a calm lagoon where you can spot a hammock, swing, fire pits, and lawn games. The suites are thoughtfully fashioned with the brilliance of designers John Gnorski, Aino Aalto, and Mira Nakashima.
DINING
We dined at the Inn’s restaurant which has a PNW inspired menu prepared by an on-site chef. Warm, fresh baked bread and a handmade cocktail to start off our weekend in the woods was just what my tired soul needed. Highly recommend the “Going Home” cocktail which was very fitting for our trip back “home”. Scott dined on the BBQ Pork Shoulder, Holland I split the Captain’s Burger & fries, and Savvy had a flat bread cheese pizza with seasonal berries.
TAKE IT EASY
I love me a solid, organized agenda. But, over the years I’ve also realized how much MORE I love sitting and taking in the moments when we’re on vacation or on weekend getaways from home. I’m learning to love the still. It’s in those small moments that I truly begin to feel recharged and able to return to work and everyday life feeling clearer…. like I actually gave my mental state a break.
A DAY IN COUPEVILLE
A few minute trek from the Captain Whidbey Inn is the sweet, charming down of Coupeville which rests on top the water’s edge. The aged wharf spits out in to the Strait of Juan de Fuca and houses a visitor center, coffee and gift shop, kayak rentals and marina services. A perfect place to catch some spectacular views and watch for whales and seal pups, which we were fortunate enough to see swimming about! Front Street is a short, brief street but isn’t short of character and local love.
COFFEE ON THE COVE (formerly The Salty Mug) - located on the wharf’s end, Coffee on the Cove serves up coffee, pastries, gifts and more
HONEY BEAR - Candy, books, gifts, games, and cards galore! The kids will lose their minds!
FRONT STREET GRILL - water front casual dining and bar with PNW classics like clam chowder and delicious shellfish plates. Scott highly recommends the Wagyu Kobe Burger with house-made bacon jam and saffron aioli. I recommend the Cucumber Rejuvenation cocktail - muddled lemon, cucumber vodka, grapefruit juice and prosecco.
ISLAND COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM - walk through the fascinating history of Whidbey Island! Supported by the Island County Historical Society and its volunteers. Your support in visiting and enjoying the Island’s well curated museums is greatly appreciated by the community.
BAYLEAF - for food and wine lovers!
A TOUCH OF DUTCH - all things Dutch! If ya ain’t Dutch, ya ain’t much!
3 SISTERS MARKET - Family farm owned and operated you will find local meat, PNW cheeses, produce, local beer and wine and handmade gifts. You won’t walk out empty handed for sure.
OTHER WHIDBEY EVENTS & ADVENTURES GREAT FOR FALL/WINTER MONTHS
For the wine lovers - Autumn on Whidbey Art, Wine & Spirits Tour - November 9-10, Red Wine & Chocolate Tour - February 8-9, 15-16, Savor Spring Food, Wine & Spirits Tour - May 16-17
PBY Museum - Take flight through the history of Whidbey Island’s military history
Marbley - Learned the art of water marble coloring on silk or wood canvas
Winter storm watching from Whidbey Island’s most popular beaches. Deception Pass State Park, Joseph Whidbey State Park, Ebey’s Landing or Double Bluff Beach are all great locations to settle in with a cozy blanket and watch the wind whip the waves and hear the roaring cut through the winter air.
Thank you to The Captain Whidbey Inn and Whidbey + Camano Islands Tourism for generously hosting our family. The opinions and experiences expressed here are my own. For additional suggestions and recommendations, please email LetsChatHonestly@gmail.com or reach out to Whidbey + Camano Islands Tourism group for all things Island life!