Weekender! Whidbey Island, Wash.

Langley oozes with outdoor recreation

By Hilary Meyerson

Photo at right: The historic Bayview Cash Store was purchased and renovated by local non-profit organization Goosefoot. Photo courtesy of Island County Tourism

Whidbey Island is just about as Northwest as it gets.

Nowhere else has such a variety of landscapes—from sandy beaches and rocky bluffs to rolling pasturelands and shaded forests. It’s the perfect place to take an out-of-town guest.

Or, better yet, to take yourself for a quick weekend to remind you why you live in the Northwest.

Ferries: Love-it or hate-it symbol

The ferry is the love-it-or-hate-it symbol of Whidbey. Stepping foot on the ferry at Mukilteo, about a 30-minute drive north of Seattle, is the instant transport to “Island Time”—a more laid-back timetable for living. And this quality is necessary when you’re held to ferry schedules. Anyone who has ever sat in a ferry line to get to Whidbey on a busy holiday weekend knows that patience is a virtue. Plan ahead—that’s all I’m saying.

Langley is my town of choice for a weekend stay. I like to use it as a hub for exploring the rest of the island. The town is a vacationer’s dream—lots of fun, quaint shops, a variety of restaurants, and views right from downtown.

I’ll also note that Langley might have the friendliest shopkeepers in the state. I’ve never visited a store or restaurant without the owners or employees striking up a conversation in a genuine way that never creeps into saccharine sales talk. I especially love the bookstore, Moonraker Books. It’s everything a bookstore should be.

Outdoor fun

Clam digging at low tide is a Whidbey favorite. Photo courtesy of Island County Tourism

The largest of nine islands in Island County, and located between I-5 and the Olympic Peninsula, there is a wide range of outdoor activities to do on Whidbey Island.

Rent a kayak or explore the beaches. Do a hike at Fort Casey or Ebey’s Landing. My favorite activity is exploring Whidbey by bike. There is no better way to see the breadth of Whidbey’s charm than by bike. For that perfect end to summer, there’s nothing better than the Tour de Whidbey, which offers various routes from 10 to 100 miles. Start with a pancake breakfast at the start line in Greenbank and then catch all the scenic views along your ride.

The Half Link Bike Shop at Bayview Corner has cycling maps of the island (they rent bikes, too!). Pick a route and enjoy the idyllic countryside. On Saturdays, that same Bayview Corner complex is host to a Farmers Market that showcases the bounty of Whidbey’s farms, artists and artisans. Bring cash and expect to go home with treasures.

Lodging

Beachside at the Inn at Langley. Photo by Hilary Meyerson

I’ve stayed at a variety of places for my Langley sojourns. For a splurge, you can’t beat the Inn at Langley for luxe accommodations and to-die-for food. The Boatyard Inn has the coolest waterfront rooms, with private decks right on the water. I’ve also enjoyed one of the six lovely private cottages at A Country Cottage. And the Saratoga Inn has the most amazing fresh-baked goods. They offer wine, tea and appetizers each afternoon that has left me feeling cozy and welcomed. All are within strolling distance of town.

Wrapping up

It’s always a shame to catch that late boat home to the mainland on Sunday evening. In a short time, I’m back in the city, home and ready for the work week. But that week is a little easier knowing Whidbey is just a short ride away.