Saturday, August 10, 2013

WAWeekend: A Northwest Island Getaway

Ever dream about getting away to an island – just you, the sand and sea – perhaps a book, a glass of wine or both? It is one of our favorite travel daydreams. . .

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The island would be the kind of place that was accessible only by boat, perhaps a small ferry, on a crossing that takes but a few minutes. . .

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We found such a place earlier this year just a stone’s throw from Anacortes.  In fact we could see the island from our small balcony in this once-bustling fishing town to the north of Seattle.

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JebirthdaySquirrely 041Guemes, (guh-weems) is accessed by private boat or the Guemes Island Ferry (pictured above).

It is a small place with a very rural atmosphere, where ferry schedule changes and community events are posted on a chalk board near the ferry dock.

A place served by two small grocery stores. One in particular, Anderson’s General Store serves such good food in its tiny café that it is worth a trip to the island just to eat there:




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There’s a single resort on the island, the Guemes Island Resort, –operating since 1947  -- that offers a selection of water-front cabins (still heated by fireplace) and other more modern accommodations.

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Guemes Island Island Resort
Private homes line the island’s perimeter, but there are a couple of good sized parks and plenty of public beaches for strolling as well. 

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JebirthdaySquirrely 037If you are wondering about the island’s somewhat tongue-twister name. . .it was named after the Viceroy of New Spain, Juan Vicente de Guemes, who commissioned the expedition that discovered the island to Spain in 1791. . . or at least that is how Wikipedia says it got its name.



If You Go:

Anacortes and nearby Guemes Island are less than two hours drive north of Seattle.  Anacortes has many hotel/motels and retail stores.

Guemes Island Resort: www.guemesislandresort.com
Thanks so much for stopping by today. Happy Travels!  Stop in again next week - we'll leave the welcome mat out!

10 comments:

  1. I want to visit there - right this minute!! Thanks for sharing.

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    1. it is a great place to visit - not sure I'd want to live there, but a wonderful spot to spend a day or two.

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  2. What a gorgeous little spot! I loved exploring the islands when I lived in Washington, but I never made it to this one. Beautiful. :-)

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    1. It is a special little place and so close that it is easily overlooked. I'd love to return to it again one day.

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  3. That place looks gorgeous. It looks like an amazing place to spend the day walking along the beach looking for little washed up treasures.

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    1. I did just that - found bits of shells and sea glass and daydreamed a bit. . .doesn't get any better!

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  4. This looks awesome, Jackie! I absolutely love the Northwest. The San Juan Islands are so beautiful :)

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    1. You are absolutely correct, Mike, the San Juans are stunning -- any time of the year. Thanks for visiting today!

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  5. I've heard of Guemes Island but that's about it. It looks ideal for a weekend getaway and what a bonus that there is a cafe worth eating in - and some sunshine though I hear it's been a great summer on the west coast.

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    1. It has been a stunning summer around here. . .the sunshine just keeps coming and we are loving it! Amazing as it seems, these photos were taken in February - a foreshadowing of what was to come!

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