Eloping used to strictly mean running away to get married in secret, especially without parental consent, evoking images of fair maidens being swept onto galloping stallions in the middle of a foggy night. As times have changed elopers have evolved from budding Romeos and Juliets to romantic realists, who don’t care what other people think about who they love and how they marry.
San Juan Island is considered one of the best places to watch birds in the state. The isle has such variety in habitat, ranging from rocky shores and saltwater lagoons to farmland and prairies, that over 200 bird species call it their home. In addition, San Juan sits in the Pacific Flyway migration route ranging all the way from Alaska to South America, making Winter birding a special treat.
How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. We’ve all heard the statistics. Not the ones about elephant consumption, but the ones stating that only about 8% of New Year’s resolutions are accomplished. The reason they fail so predictably is simple: resolutions are vague and broad, open-ended and overly ambitious. Goals on the other hand, tend to be specific and measurable. We here at the Bird Rock Hotel deeply believe in specific goals, personal growth, the power of being kind and present and that the best is yet to come. Check out our goals for the next year and see which ones are for you. Many are easily achieved on a San Juan Island getaway, just saying….
Nothing is easier and more fun than stress-free Holiday shopping in a small coastal town on a relaxing island weekend getaway. Our Bird Rock Hotel is conveniently located 1½ blocks from the ferry dock in the heart of the completely walkable Friday Harbor, twinkling with Holiday lights. Before you go, check out our irresistible December weekend specials, don’t forget to book yourself the massage you promised yourself months ago, come on up and get shopping.
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.
Visiting San Juan Island without a car has many advantages, especially in Summer, when the ferries are full and car reservations are sometimes unavailable when you want to travel. No problem--just leave your car in Anacortes and walk on the ferry. It’s so much cheaper and they will always make room for you. Once in Friday Harbor, you don’t have to worry about metered parking and you can deeply relax while other people do the driving for you. This is your opportunity to enjoy the scenery and have two Martinis with each of your San Juan Island dinners.
On June 30, 2019, San Juan Island’s most recognizable icon, the Lime Kiln Lighthouse, turns 100 years old. It was one of the last lighthouses being built in Washington State, the last to be connected to electricity in 1951 and it’s still in operation today, sending its light beam 17 miles over the Salish Sea every 10 seconds.
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!
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:
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.
