 |
|
|
 |
Not too hot, not too cold, but just right. That's one way to describe Whidbey Island. The climate is moderate, with half the rainfall of Seattle. It's isolated from the stresses of city life, but accessible to the benefits of nearby Seattle, Vancouver, B.C., and the Olympic Peninsula via ferry service to both sides of Puget Sound and a bridge to the mainland. |
| Nature and history are key attractions, with Ebey's Landing National Historic Reserve as well as 41 state county, and municipal parks. The rural atmposhere is leavened with plenty of basic services (mainly in Oak Harbor) and amenities such as historic B&Bs. Ready access to prime boating waters attracts the "water born." |
 |
 |
Whidbey settlements are all within a stone's throw of the water. Clinton, the southern gateway to the island, hosts ferry service to the Seattle area. It offers dining and services along the highway that snakes 50 miles up the island, with homes and B&Bs perched above the beach and hidden in the forest. |
| Just up the road, the village of Langley is known for its compact shopping district, outstanding art galleries, the Island County Fairgrounds, and Whidbey Island Center for the Arts. The town overlooks Saratoga Passage to the east of Whidbey and offers a rich selection of B&Bs and vacation lodging. |
 |
 |
Freeland marks the northern limit of "South Whidbey." The unincorporated town provides a full range of services to support nearby residents. Interesting lodging and dining opportunities add to the town's appeal. Its location on Holmes Harbor make it the ideal host to the island's shipbuilding enterprise. |
| Greenbank is the gateway to "Central Whidbey." The turn-of-the-century, publicly owned Whidbey Island Greenbank Farm, South Whidbey State Park, and Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens are the main attractions. Stop to take in the 300 degree view from the Olympic range to the Cascades from a hill on the farm. |
 |
 |
Coupeville, hub of Ebey's Landing National Historical reserve, boasts nearly 100 historic structures. Front Street, on Penn Cove, is lined with art galleries, antique shops, and dining opportunities. This is the county seat and hosts the Island County Historical Museum. The Port Townsend-Keystone ferry serves the area. |
| Oak Harbor supports Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, and is the commercial hub of the island. If offers a major marina, fast food to full-service dining, a Senior Center, big-box shopping opportunities, and many other amenities . North of the city is Deception Pass Bridge, the land link to the island. |
 |
 |
Good sources of island information include: Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce, Freeland Chamber of Commerce, Langley Chamber of Commerce. |
| Visit the websites of these organizations to enhance your appreciation of the Whidbey Island community:
Island County, Coupeville Festival Association,
Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, Whidbey General Hospital, WSU/Island County Beachwatchers,
Coupeville Arts Center. |
 |
