Purify in the Pacific Northwest
I just got back from a weekend anniversary trip to Whidbey Island, WA. I can’t believe I’ve never been to that part of the world! Lucy has raved about it as she went on a trip in high school where you kayak around the San Juan Islands (which are close by), but it had never really occurred to me to go. Better late than never. It is stunning—cliffs with pine trees hanging above pebbly beaches strewn with driftwood that looks like art on the Puget Sound which is home to cavorting seals, whales and birds. Whidbey Island is a good choice for a weekend trip as it is easy to get to—fly into Seattle and drive for about an hour to the Mukilteo Ferry, which is only a twenty minute ride.
Whidbey is actually quite large, but the town to stay in, Langley, is tiny, incredibly charming and the perfect picture of small town life. The Inn at Langley
is one of the most perfect hotels we’ve stayed at. The rooms are thoughtfully laid out and well appointed and all of them have huge French doors that open to porches hovering above the Sound. Each room also has a fireplace and Jacuzzi tub - which is not cheesy as they are situated before large windows looking out over the water and to the mountains beyond. As a sidebar, one of my favorite things that hotels do is to provide complimentary water, juice, snacks, etc. that are complimentary in the room—all are included here. We stayed in the least expensive room and it was ideal, so if you stepped it up a notch or two, I imagine it would be absurd. We also loved the gourmet breakfast that was included—egg quiches, homemade granola and yogurt, and freshly made baked goods. Splurging on the six course dinner in the modern yet cozy dining room with celebrated Seattle chef Matt Costello, is insanely delicious and worth it. Chef Matt comes out before dinner to explain the entirely local and organic menu—knowing that the chanterelle mushrooms served with the locally raised lamb were picked from the neighbor’s field made them taste that much better. One note for dinner, if you are after a romantic dinner for two (which we were) request to be seated alone and not at the community table.
About a twenty minute drive from Langley, Ebey’s Landing is one of the most beautiful hikes I have ever been on. Allow two hours for the loop which takes you gradually up on the cliffs overlooking the Sound, and then down and back on the beach. After our hike, we checked out the other historic town on the island, Coupeville. Although not as quaint as Langley and much busier, Front St. along the water is right out of a movie. Lunch at the Knead and Feed was hearty and local in a casual dining room with views of the Coupeville Pier. The “famous” tuna salad was light and more interesting seasoned with dill, and the marionberry (like a sweet blackberry) pie and cinnamon roll bread pudding were decadent and worth the stomach ache.
Another spot for dinner in Langley is the Prima Bistro. Cozy and inexpensive for the quality of food they serve up—the grilled shrimp with truffle oil, honey glaze and toasted almonds was one of the best things I’ve ever eaten.
I really can’t wait to return to this area again to keep exploring. Am thinking the Olympic Peninsula (where “Twilight” was filmed) might be next….
xo,
Mary
Whidbey Island Tourism
http://www.whidbeycamanoislands.com/
Inn at Langley
400 1st St
Langley, WA 98260
(360) 221-3033
www.innatlangley.com
Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve
http://www.nps.gov/ebla/index.htm
Knead and Feed
4 NW Front Street
Coupeville, WA 98239
360-678-5431
www.kneadandfeed.com
Prima Bistro
201 ½ 1st Street
Langley, WA 98260
360-221-4060
www.primabistro.biz