My Favorite Savor the San Juans Events

Updated May 2017

October is a lovely month in the San Juans. Long sunny Fall days give way to crisp, starry nights. Our hard working island farmers harvest the abundant fruits of their labor, and in turn, our skilled island chefs create delicious feasts, living up to our fame as the “gourmet archipelago”.  Island artists delight with new creative works, inspired by nature and paradise. Savor the San Juans is a month-long medley of food, art and culture, so rich that it’s hard to decide what to do. Here are several of my absolute favorite Savor events.

1. San Juan Vineyard Harvest Festival

Fall begins for me the last weekend in September, when Savor the San Juans officially starts and I join the folks at the San Juan Vineyard for their Harvest Festival. Farm workers, volunteers, islanders and tourists alike will be picking Siegerrebe grapes side-by-side, eating together and tasting the new wines. This kind of volunteer work grounds me, makes me feel happy and real. The wine is good too…

2. Friday Harbor Farm Parade

I won’t miss the Friday Harbor Fall Farm Parade for anything in the world. Here island kids parade their favorite chickens, decorate their most handsome pigs and farmers celebrate the end of another season by driving large equipment down Spring Street, all harkening back to a bygone era.

3. Oktoberfest

Many restaurants celebrate Savor throughout the month with amazing specials.Among them is the absolutely-do-not- miss Oktoberfest at COHO Restaurant. They’ll serve Bavarian Bier paired with authentic German cuisine. I can’t wait.

4. San Juan Island Farmers Market

October isn’t too late to taste the freshest ingredients San Juan Island has to offer. Join me on just about any Saturday and I’ll be scouring the Farmer’s Market for my favorite seasonal veggies and locally-prepared specialties. I can’t wait to devour local oysters on the half shell with a crisp Westcott Bay Cider.