Thankful on San Juan Island

With Thanksgiving just around the corner gratitude is on our minds. Research has shown, that simply thinking about gratitude reduces stress levels and depression and releases the “feel good” hormone DHEA. In addition, practicing positive thinking and gratefulness trains your brain’s neurological pathways to think happy by default as opposed to ruminating on the things which didn’t go your way or are out of your control.

The Ghosts of Friday Harbor

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Ghost o RH

It’s that time of the year, when the veil between the living and the spirits is said to be the thinnest, when we light fires and lanterns, wear masks and costumes to ward of the ghosts, when we remember our dead and our saints and plead with them to let us make it safely through another Winter.

How to Best Savor the San Juans

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BR Blog - How to Savor SJ (night ferry)1.jpeg

If you have ever lived in a place with seasonal tourism you’ll know: the exhale after the high season is over, the giddiness of the first rain after the Summer, the gratefulness resulting from the earth's changing position in regard to the sun. We San Juan Islanders created a month-long celebration around this feeling and call it Savor the San Juans.

9 Ways to Enjoy the Arts on San Juan Island

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Evening Ferry Arriving in Friday Harbor

The breathtaking natural beauty and serene pace on San Juan Island are deeply inspiring. No wonder the island has more working artists than any other county in Washington State. You’ll experience the creative spirit as soon as you set foot in the quaint coastal town of Friday Harbor and are greeted by the beautifully-carved Coast Salish house posts entitled “Interaction” created by Native artist Susan Point. There are seven galleries and four museums within easy walking distance to the ferry landing. We collected our 10 favorite ways to enjoy the arts on the isle and it’s still only a fraction of what all there is to explore. Have so much fun!

7 Tips on How to Plan an Unforgettable Baby Moon to San Juan Island

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How to Plan an Unforgettable Baby Moon to San Juan Island

You’ve made it through the first three months and are starting to feeling good again. You’ve decorated the nursery and the baby shower is on the books. Now what? It’s time to plan your Baby Moon. Doctors and experts (as in: millions of women who have done this before you) agree: the best time to enjoy a Baby Moon is in the second trimester, after you conquered the morning sickness and before you are too round to move comfortably. They also agree on road trips being preferable to flying. How about a trip to gorgeous San Juan Island, only 65 miles and a beautiful ferry ride from Seattle? How about staying in the adorable coastal village of Friday Harbor, where you can do everything on foot? Let’s get planning:

10 Insider Tips for the Perfect Outdoor Wedding Reception on San Juan Island

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Wedding in a Lavender Field

San Juan Island, with its breathtaking beaches, parks & activity farms is the perfect place for an outdoor wedding. Imagine yourself tying the knot on the rugged cliffs next to the historic Lime Kiln Lighthouse high above the glistening Salish Sea, in the purple fields of the Pelindaba Lavender Farm or on the shell speckled beach of the serene Westcott Bay Seafood Farm. We took the liberty to compile a list of island specific insider tips, to ensure your outdoor wedding on San Juan Island will be a huge success.

The Best Time to Visit San Juan Island

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Ferry to San Juan Island

I cherish the fact we have seasons in our gorgeous Washington State. I love the deep blues of the sky and the Salish Sea when the sun shines. I love the rain, washing everything clean and keeping our place green and lush, even in the height and heat of Summer. I love the cold snaps, giving the apple blossoms their signal to emerge and making the wine grapes sweet. And I love the Fall, the abundance of harvest, the clean, crisp air, the colors.

Bird Rock Hotel Washington