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The Whidbey Island Destination is located in northwestern Washington in the United States. The destination's name comes from Whidbey Island, which is surrounded by the many bays and other bodies of water that flow down from the Salish Sea. Whidbey is the largest island in Island County, Washington, followed behind by Camano Island (which is also located within the borders of the region).[1] The largest city in the Whidbey Island Destination is Seattle, famous for its Space Needle, Woodland Park Zoo, and the Seattle Japanese Garden. Other notable towns nearby include Redmond, Tacoma, Everett, and Mt. Vernon. The temperatures on Whidbey Island range from slightly sub-freezing temperatures in the winter to highs in the low 80s (Fahrenheit).[4]
The aspect of the Whidbey Island Destination for which it gains the most fame is the large metropolitan city of Seattle, 30 miles south of the island. Seattle is known for its musical history, as well as a comprehensive arrangement of attractions. The Space Needle, for example, is one of the most recognizable features of the city's skyline. Visitors to the building are able to see Seattle from virtually every angle, including downward views by means of glass flooring in some parts.[5] As far as outdoor activities go, tourists frequently make their way to the Woodland Park Zoo in the northern part of town. Though there are many parks in the Whidbey Island Destination, Woodland Park is the only one with a fully-developed zoo. Park guests can look at the many species of animals within the zoo, or they can wander around Green Lake.[5]
Seattle's economy has been heavily driven by technology since the 1980s, mostly due to companies like Microsoft and Amazon making their debuts in the area. The influx of job opportunities caused the population of the city to grow immensely in the late 1900s.[2] The namesake of the destination, however, is Whidbey Island, a few miles north of Seattle. The island has one main road that spans roughly 55 miles from the top to the bottom of the landmass. The selection of activities ranges from ziplining to kayaking to browsing the many restaurants and shops on the island. Fishing, in particular, is quite popular on the island, and it branches out to similar ventures such as clamming and crabbing. Most of the attractions on Whidbey Island are based around the unique natural landscape offered by the area, though there are dozens of local restaurants and souvenir shops as well. Most of the visitors to Whidbey Island are Washington residents, though occasionally there are tourists from further abroad.[6]
Whidbey Island is the largest island in the state of Washington and the fourth largest in the contiguous United States.[1] The best times to visit the region vary depending on the kinds of activities that the tourists wish to participate in. If the visitors are seeking outdoor recreation, it is recommended that they come to the Whidbey Island Destination sometime between July and September. During that time of year, the weather is relatively dry and sunny, allowing for hiking and boating. For those seeking winery or restaurant experiences, it might be overly crowded during these peak months. Those kinds of tourists will find that April or October are less busy, allowing for more accessible wine tasting or fine dining.[3]
The general climate of the Whidbey Island Destination is humid, wet, and of moderate temperature. The highs and lows of the area do not dip much lower than the freezing point during the coldest part of the year (December and January). This means that snowfall in the area is somewhat lacking, averaging out at only a few inches annually. Rainfall, on the other hand, averages out at 33 inches per year. Most of this rainfall occurs between the months of October and April. In the summer, the high and low temperatures round out to be 75 degrees Fahrenheit and 57 degrees, respectively. Similar to other areas in the northern hemisphere, Whidbey Island is hottest in the summer, and temperatures drop during autumn.[4]
The geographic features of the destination vary extensively, ranging from lakes and ocean bays to gardens and forests. Seattle is often referred to as "The Emerald City" due to the prevalent amount of greenery in and around it.[5] Though there are no notable mountains within the Whidbey Island Destination, many extensive mountain ranges are visible from the eastern border of the region. Additionally, within the destination, there are many hills and cliff faces over the water's edge. Specific notable geographic features in the area include Elliott Bay (a prominent part of Seattle), Camano Island, Lake Stevens, and part of the Tiger Mountain State Forest.
The flora of Whidbey Island varies depending on what side of the island one is referring to. The southern section is similar to Washington's mainland, including species such as Douglas firs, western red cedars, and bigleaf maples. The north, on the other hand, contains tree species like grand firs and Garry oaks. Local animals are primarily aquatic, including clams and oysters. The Whidbey Island Destination is also famous for its whale watching. Gray whales migrate directly between the Whidbey and Camano Islands in March and April, allowing for an easy sighting from boats or even from the shoreline.[1]
Similar to other areas of the United States, Whidbey Island was initially inhabited by a handful of Native American tribes, including the Swinomish, Suquamish, and Lower Skagit. Their name for the island was Tscha-kole-chy, and they lived there peaceably for many years. The first European settler to investigate the area was Captain George Vancouver, who landed on the island in 1792. One of his officers (Joseph Whidbey) began to map and explore the island extensively, which lead the island to be named in his honor. Despite this, the men did not sleep on the island, leaving it behind to continue their explorations.[1] The Native Americans continued to live there in peace, and in 1840 Chief Tslalakum invited a Catholic missionary to the island. The missionary's name was Father Francis N. Blanchet. He began to preach to Chief Tslalakum's tribe, and soon other tribes on the island came to listen as well.
A massive wooden cross was erected in commemoration of the event, and Father Francis remained on the island for a year to continue his preaching and baptizing efforts.[7] The first permanent white settler on the island was Colonel Isaac N. Ebey. Over time, he invited family and friends to join him on the island, building up a small colony.[1] Today, Whidbey Island is home to roughly 70,000 residents. The entirety of the Whidbey Island Destination is home to millions of citizens. Specifically, the combined statistical area surrounding Seattle has nearly 5 million people.[2]
The Commander's Beach House is situated in Port Townsend, Washington, listed as being "steps away" from nearby beaches as well as five minutes away from downtown Port Townsend. Port Townsend is known for its Victorian-style homes, with many dating back to the 19th-century. There are a total of four rooms available to the public and each room is decorated and set up differently than the others. Due to the town being a port city, there are a number of activities to do that encourage beach related activities, though one of the most popular ones offered to visitors is whale watching.
...Read MoreShafer Baillie Mansion
The Shafer Baillie Mansion Bed and Breakfast is located on Capitol Hill in Seattle, Washington. It is one block south of Volunteer Park. The mansion has four stories inside and eight rooms for guests to stay in. The inn is available for visitors to reserve the entire mansion for events such as weddings. For breakfast, the owners serve an extended continental breakfast with various options. The current owners aim to provide a welcoming and comfortable environment for the patrons. They are the second owners of the estate since it became a public bed and breakfast and the sixth owners since the building was built in 1914. They have remodeled the mansion (which adopts a Tudor Revival style) since buying it to try to bring a modern, comfortable feel to the property while still maintaining the history of the building.
...Read MoreLocated on Whidbey Island in Washington state, the Boatyard Inn attempts to provide guests with a safe, comfortable, and relaxing getaway. With a private beach right on the waterfront of the Pacific Ocean and Puget Sound, the inn offers views of the water, Cascade Mountains, and nature around the area. With 13 units, guests have multiple options regarding the type of room they want to stay in. Each unit has a kitchen, dining area, living area, and private deck. The inn tries to give the guests privacy with the areas to spend time inside their unit. There are kayak rentals nearby the inn giving the visitors a chance to go kayaking out into the water as well.
...Read MoreThe Bluff on Whidbey Bed & Breakfast
The Bluff on Whidbey Bed & Breakfast resides on three acres of land in the northwestern area of the state of Washington. Two rooms are available to guests, each including a kitchenette, private deck, and a view of the mountains and ocean. Breakfast is additionally available to guests for purchase and is served between 8:30 to 10:00 AM. Many visitors come for the generally rural atmosphere of the property. From June to September, The Bluff typically receives the most amount of guests, due to the festivals and outdoor activities in close proximity to the property. Jim and Robin, the current owners of The Bluff, have owned the B&B since 2016. They previously owned a winery but they both decided to move to Washington from Santa Cruz, California to run the B&B.
...Read MoreCottage Lake Bed and Breakfast
The Cottage Lake Bed and Breakfast is located on Cottage Lake, just outside of Woodinville, Washington. One suite is available for guests called the Lakeside Bedroom Suite, which includes a bedroom, bathroom, living room, office, and snack room. Outside, patrons have access to the upper deck and its hot tub, the lower deck with a gazebo and a propane firepit, and the dock on the water with two kayaks, a single and a double. There is also a larger open-air fire pit, with firewood provided. Breakfast is served every morning at a time the guest chooses between 7:00 and 10:00 AM, indoors or out, featuring items such as fruit, croissants, yogurt, granola, hard-boiled eggs, and orange and V-8 juice. A spiritual retreat program is also offered at an additional cost, entailing three styles of meditation, an optional Day of Silence, all B&B amenities, and additional services like yoga, massage, or life coaching. One of the most notable attractions nearby that John, the owner, recommends guests visit should they get the chance is Snoqualmie Falls.
...Read MoreHotel Planter is located in La Conner, Washington, a town found in Skagit County. The hotel has twelve rooms located in the building's second floor. Built in 1907 the property is filled with décor from the early 1900's. A private courtyard and gazebo is available to all guests explore. The first floor of the hotel has three retail shops with an open art gallery as well. There is no breakfast served at the Hotel Planter, but there are many bakeries and restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. The Hotel Planter is open year round, and the property has been owned by Donald and Cynthia Hoskins for over thirty years.
...Read MoreThe College Inn has been under the ownership of Rob Ahrens since 2019, though the building itself was first constructed in 1909. Situated in the University District of Seattle, many of those who stay at the inn are visiting the University of Washington, whether as a professor or a potential student. Currently, a total of 27 guestrooms are available for reservation at The College Inn. With regard to the nature of the establishment, Rob describes the inn to have a "historic university" feel and a Tudor style. The interior of the inn is decorated with many books and photographs about different historical events or historic sites such as the Alaskan Yukon Pacific Expedition and the University of Washington.
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