Friday Harbor Splurge!
Friday Harbor on Washington's San Juan Island is one place I return again and again. What's the draw? The relaxed island vibes, great shopping for one-of-a-kind finds, some of the most beautiful scenery on the continent, and amenities that let me stay in comfort and even luxury when I choose. Stylish inns, great chefs and galleries that showcase world-class talent are a few of the ingredients that go into a Friday Harbor splurge.
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Modern luxury is what Friday Harbor House is all about. The simple elegance and clean lines of the architecture and decor evoke a sense of tranquility. The sweeping harbor views from your suite entice you to linger and enjoy. When you choose to go out, you can walk to the ferry, to restaurants and galleries, and to shopping. Friday harbor House is the best the in-village boutique accomodations the island offers.
This restored historic home evokes the island's early years. Cozy comfort and warm, inviting hospitality characterize Harrison House Suites and other properties the innkeeper runs on the island. Gourmet four course breakfasts are always sumptuous, as well they should be - the proprietor is the owner of the island's renowned Coho Restau... More >
This restored historic home evokes the island's early years. Cozy comfort and warm, inviting hospitality characterize Harrison House Suites and other properties the innkeeper runs on the island. Gourmet four course breakfasts are always sumptuous, as well they should be - the proprietor is the owner of the island's renowned Coho Restaurant, a short walk away. Freshly baked cookies magically appear every afternoon. And bathrooms feature whirlpool tubs and a line of hand-crafted, organic bath products. Free bikes and kayaks top the list of amenities.
Waterworks features shows that change every few months, reason to return (or at least check the gallery's website) again and again for just the right piece you're searching for.
Cookbook author and local food maven Anna Maria de Freitas and restaurant co-owner David Pass run this fine dining establishment in a cozy craftsman-style house on a Friday Harbor side street. Seek it out, make reservations and indulge. This is among the finest restaurants I've experiences anywhere in the world, not only for the cuisin... More >
Cookbook author and local food maven Anna Maria de Freitas and restaurant co-owner David Pass run this fine dining establishment in a cozy craftsman-style house on a Friday Harbor side street. Seek it out, make reservations and indulge. This is among the finest restaurants I've experiences anywhere in the world, not only for the cuisine, but for the service and attention they give to local, sustainable food producers. Coho owners are experts at pairing their culinary creations with their carefully selected wine list, so this is the place to splurge and try a different wine paired with every course. Servings are generous, a surprising feature for a restaurant of this quality. Surroundings are intimate, making it a perfect spot for conversation or a romantic evening out.
Whenever I eat at Duck Soup Inn, I feel as though I'm dining somewhere in the French countryside. Maybe the warm decor, the stone fireplace or the bucolic surroundings have something to do with it, but I suspect it's mostly the food. The cuisine has been written up in every major food publication around - and favorably so. The seasona... More >
Whenever I eat at Duck Soup Inn, I feel as though I'm dining somewhere in the French countryside. Maybe the warm decor, the stone fireplace or the bucolic surroundings have something to do with it, but I suspect it's mostly the food. The cuisine has been written up in every major food publication around - and favorably so. The seasonal menu has a decidedly local, Northwest flavor, a great excuse to keep coming back for something new at least four times a year.
The San Juan Islands is a magnet for artists, and the gallerist at Friday Harbor's Waterworks Gallery has a special knack for filling her gallery space with some of the island's and the Northwest's finest talent. Waterworks features shows that change every few months, reason to return (or at least check the gallery's website) again and... More >
The San Juan Islands is a magnet for artists, and the gallerist at Friday Harbor's Waterworks Gallery has a special knack for filling her gallery space with some of the island's and the Northwest's finest talent. Waterworks features shows that change every few months, reason to return (or at least check the gallery's website) again and again for just the right piece you're searching for.
| That's because those grapes are well-suited for the cool, relatively moist climate of the island. |
If you're an admirer and a collector of Native American art from the Northwest, this gallery is a must. Artists from Alaska, the Arctic and the Northwest Coast are well represented here. Carvings, sculptures, masks and more adorn this gallery - one of the finest of its kind anywhere.
Siegerrebe, Madeleine Angevine and Pinot Noir are the three varietals that the vintner is growing at San Juan Vineyards. That's because those grapes are well-suited for the cool, relatively moist climate of the island. All other grapes are imported to the winery - everything from Chardonnay to Syrah - and the winemaker produces several... More >
Siegerrebe, Madeleine Angevine and Pinot Noir are the three varietals that the vintner is growing at San Juan Vineyards. That's because those grapes are well-suited for the cool, relatively moist climate of the island. All other grapes are imported to the winery - everything from Chardonnay to Syrah - and the winemaker produces several excellent wine varieties. Stop by this picturesque estate's tasting room and sample what they're pouring. While you're there why not pick up a bottle, or a case, to go. You can even bring a picnic and linger on the grounds with a freshly uncorked bottle.
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A short drive outside of Friday Harbor takes you to ground zero for Pelindaba's well-established line of fine lavendar products for the bath, kitchen, body, house and even your dog. In the summer, the farm is ablaze with this versatile plant's intoxicating blooms. And any time of year the boutique presents Pelindaba's vast product line. What's even better? Pelindaba practices sustainable agriculture AND their products are ... More
A short drive outside of Friday Harbor takes you to ground zero for Pelindaba's well-established line of fine lavendar products for the bath, kitchen, body, house and even your dog. In the summer, the farm is ablaze with this versatile plant's intoxicating blooms. And any time of year the boutique presents Pelindaba's vast product line. What's even better? Pelindaba practices sustainable agriculture AND their products are certified organic.
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