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Freebies on Whidbey
Free? Such a fine idea. Whether because of benefactors, enlightened management, or simply because it is simpler, many things are free on Whidbey.
Buses
Thank you, Island Transit! Bus rides on Whidbey and Camano are free. Someone realized that the cost of putting cash boxes, providing security, and generally managing the system cost so much that it was easier and possibly cheaper to let folks ride for free. Free definitely makes life easier. There’s no need for folks to wait for someone else to search for exact change. It is easier for kids to ride. Generally, things are more congenial all around. A bonus: in the more rural sections, you can wave at the bus to get them to stop. They’ll also drop you off along the route, no bus stop required. An extra bonus: Island Transit also provides special customized services for paratransit or destinations that aren’t on normal routes. They even conduct special bus tours to hikes and dedicated events. There are so many options that you should call for details.
Libraries
Read all about it! Or listen, or watch, or talk about it. The libraries on the island are part of the Sno-Isle Library system, a collection of libraries in Snohomish (Sno) and Island (Isle) counties that joined to benefit from numbers as they try to provide services to their neighborhoods from the mountains to the islands. Library cards are free, which isn’t much of a surprise, but they also supply movies on DVD, a streaming service, meeting rooms, events, and a repository of local information. Check them out for printing, too. They can also provide professional researchers who know there’s more to research than ‘Googling it’. Don’t be surprised to see people and cars near the libraries, even after hours. Wi-fi is free and has been known to leak out beyond the walls. Don’t stress about that book you forgot to return, no fees! Just bring it on in.
Free Wi-Fi
The libraries are a nice entry to free wi-fi, but various establishments have turned some public areas into free wi-fi zones. Very handy if you’re trying to figure out where you are, how to get to where you want to go, and whether there’s food along the way. The good news is that such zones are growing, so keep checking for those signals.
Phone Booths
One business that offers free public wi-fi is Whidbey Tel, which also offers that increasingly rare service – phone booths. Mostly, if not exclusively, on the south end of the island are the old-style phone booths that still work. Local calls are free. How many phone numbers have you memorized? By the way, old-style goes all the way back to a phone with a dial on the wall, a handheld speaker on a cord, and a mouthpiece that’s basically a horn mounted to a wall. Check the foyer of the Cash Store in Bayview for that experience.
Parking
Free parking is not just a spot on a Monopoly board. Parking on the island is easy to take for granted, but a trip to The Big City on the mainland is a reminder that finding a place to safely get out of traffic can cost money. There are places where there’s a fee to be paid, like near the Clinton ferry, but even there the price per day gets close to the mainland’s price per hour.
Ferry
Riding the ferry for free? Yep, sort of. On most routes and most ways of traveling cost money to use the ferry. But, if you want to be a walk-on traveling from Clinton to Mukilteo, you won’t have to pay. There may be some message in the fact that you have to pay to get back onto the island, but at least the price is right for half the trip. Check it out here.
Parks
Parks, Whidbey’s got them. Some of the most popular parks on the island are free to use. County and state parks may require Discover Passes, but that’s for cars. Walk, bike, or bus your way to the local parks and enjoy a lot of nature and the outdoors for no charge. A few local organizations have also provided access to trails and such. Whidbey Camano Land Trust and Island County Parks & Trails offer dozens of sites to wander around.
Outdoor Art
From sidewalk sculptures to murals to sculpture gardens there is art about. Some sites request a donation, which is only appropriate, but Whidbey’s downtown streets host art that is worthy of galleries and museums, and may be for sale. Artists appreciate the interest, the compliments, and the business. Price Sculpture Garden proves that the art doesn’t have to be in town. Oak Harbor Main Street, Langley Main Street, and the Sculpture Forest are just a couple of great sites to check out if your looking to enjoy outdoor art.
Performances
Listen for them. Several times a year, there are music and dance festivals in the streets and in the parks. Watch the signs and find there are free indoor performances, too. If not free, they may be ‘pay-what-you-can’, and they mean it. World-class performers live here. Be thankful and applaud them, as appropriate. Windermere is a proud sponsor of the 4 free community concerts held in Windjammer Park every August as a bit of a pre-game to the full meal deal 3 day free Oak Harbor Music Festival!
Nature
Nature isn’t only in the parks. Nature is everywhere; we just happen to put some buildings and roads on top of it. Birders know there are constantly shifting visitors to watch. Whales come closer to shore than boats can legally do. One ferry worker got on the intercom to point out that the boat was slowing for whale traffic, which was a sight that would cost a lot of money from a whale-watching boat. Wander the public beaches and be a beachcomber. The beaches aren’t just sand. There are agates underfoot, and occasionally bigger items like mammoth bones and fossils.
Boats
Boats aren’t free, but find the right spot and launch your kayak from the beach and explore.
Swimming
Check out our article about the swimming options here. Got a wetsuit? Swimming in the ocean takes some care, but there’s no pay booth, either.
Sports
Basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, frisbee golf, pickle ball the list goes on of sports at the parks. Fortunately, the outdoor ones are easiest to spot. Play nice. And play!
Senior and Youth Centers
Seniors and youth have organizations supporting them with entertainment, but also support for the basics of getting through life. It isn’t always easy to find food and shelter. Advice about those essentials as well as job searches, Medicare information, and technologies, are available. There’s more. Ask. They may have what you need. A couple f great resources here on Whidbey are The Boys and Girls Club, The Hub After School, and Senior Resources.
Food
Food banks can be essential, or at least handy. Fortunately, Whidbey’s rural nature means the choices have been known to include fresh produce and fish. A meal made from food bank food can be better than what’s served in some restaurants, and is easier to fit your dietary needs. Dropping by in season can also mean picking from the local gleaners who pick fresh fruit from peoples’ yards who provided access to fruit trees. North Whidbey Help House, Gifts From The Heart Food Bank, and Good Cheer are a few here on Whidbey.
Volunteering
For almost every topic, there are opportunities to help by showing up. Being a part connects you to resources that may not be obvious otherwise. Who knows? In addition to finding free stuff, you might actually be asked to help and get paid to do it!
That is not all. There’s help with maintaining a home (Habitat for Humanity, Hearts & Hammers). Raising a family is hard, but it is made easier by Mother Mentors. Starting a business has many avenues (EDC, SBA, etc.). One reason for Whidbey’s long list of freebies is because Whidbey residents care, knowing that sometimes the best things are free, and know how to have a good time. The more the merrier – and if you can, chip in a bit. A little can help a lot.
Often times local events are free to attend. Keep an eye out for local events happening on Whidbey here.
Extend the Life of Your Herbs
Don’t give up on your gardens just yet!
These 5 alternative approaches will have your herb garden thriving all winter long.
Just because the temperature has changed doesn’t mean your green thumb has to hibernate! You just need to modify your approach to stay gardening throughout the cold season.
Are you ready to start producing flavorful foliage all winter long?
Cold-resistant herbs like chives, mint, oregano, parsley, sage, and thyme tend to withstand the cold better than some of their counterparts such as rosemary. Regardless, any of these can survive when they follow these five steps.
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Encase your herbs using cold frames or cloche.
Cold frames and cloches protect your herbs from the cold by encasing the entire plant. The enclosure traps the heat rising from the soil, raising the temperature several degrees when it otherwise would be too cold. This can promote further growth of your herbs.
What is a “cold frame” or a “cloche”? A cold frame is a house-shaped frame with glass panels that slope downward in position that capture the most sunlight for the enclosed plant. Cloches tend to be smaller in size and significantly more portable. Traditionally they are glass and bell-shaped. However, their higher price tags have encouraged the DIYers to create their own using cut-off milk jugs or soda bottles to enclose each plant. If you choose the DIY approach, don’t forget to push the edges about an inch or two below the soil to prevent them from blowing away. You can purchase plastic ones here.
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Cover in mulch or straw.
Like a warm blanket, a thick layer of mulch or straw will allow your herbs to continue growing in the cold season. This approach works best in places that don’t experience extreme cold. When you would like to harvest, simply pull back the mulch or straw blanket, cut the herbs you need, and then return the mulch/straw blanket to its place. Keep in mind your herbs will not produce at the same rate as they did during the warmer seasons. If a small layer of snow falls atop the mulch/straw blanket it will act as additional insulation. When spring returns you can turn the mulch/straw blanket into the soil with little to no waste.
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Repot your herbs and transport them inside to a greenhouse or sun porch.
If you are growing your herbs in the ground one of the most popular options for keeping them alive and producing is to repot them and move them somewhere warmer. The optimal way to accomplish this is by first trimming them back to about an inch tall making them easy to transport. You can use the trimmings and if there are extra follow step 5. Using a sharp shovel separate them at their bases ensuring that the roots of each one will fit into its container with well-draining planting mix. They will grow back when replanted in the garden in the spring.
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Grow herbs in your sunny window.
Herbs can add that extra greenery to your kitchen window. Make sure they receive at least six hours of sunlight a day. If not, you can use artificial light to supplement, keeping in mind it takes about 14 hours of artificial light versus the six hours of sunlight per day. Keep your plants in an atmosphere where the temperature ranges between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a well-draining potting mix and water often.
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Extend life in a cup of water.
Some plants don’t need soil at all. You can place a cut of basil, mint, sage, oregano, thyme, and green onions in a cup of water on your window sill and they will begin to produce roots and grow new leaves. This is a great way to get extra from your harvest.
Be sure to remove lower leaves to keep them from being submerged in the water.
Keep in mind all plants will do better outside but these ones are a great alternative. Their leaves might be thinner and a tad less flavorful, but they will still be fresh for weeks to come.
If you liked this article, you can find other useful household articles by searching our blogs. Keep reading here.
Easy Apple Cake
As the chilly Fall months come upon us, there is nothing better than heading into the house for a little slice of warmth. This easy Apple Cake will quickly become a favorite. We know you are busy and think baking will take too much of your time. However, this simple and delicious recipe brought so much joy into our lives and we hope it will bring some into yours too. It is so easy to prepare, and you end up with a moist, tender cake that is perfect for any time of day! Having a cake that is snackable in the house is such a treat for yourself and loved ones. Warm it up, have a cup of your favorite beverage and sit down to a plate of goodness.
Ingredients for Easy Apple Cake:
1 1/2 cup softened butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/4 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
2 medium apples, peeled & diced
Directions for baking your Easy Apple Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees
- Mix butter & sugar, beat in eggs, and stir in vanilla, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and apples.
- Pour batter into pan, bake for 40-45 minutes – test with a toothpick. If it comes out clean it is ready!
Download your very own Easy Apple Cake Recipe card here!
Tag us in your Instagram posts at @windermere_whidbey_island don’t forget to tell us good it was!
Fall Season: Apple Pie Recipe
Fall has finally arrived!
Many people have their own way of celebrating the changes of the season, whether it be the pumpkin spice latte in place of their usual, the apple cider wax melts in their burners or the purchase of the burnt orange coats and warm fussy socks. For us… one of our all-time favorite ways of celebrating is with the smell of warm apple pie filling our homes with mouths nearly drooling till the vanilla ice cream is plopped on top and served.
…and we would like to share that experience with you.
Don’t have a recipe of your own? Give this quick and easy one a try. It will not disappoint.
Pre: 30 Min
Cook: 1 Hour
Servings: 8
Makes: a 9-inch pie
INGREDIENTS:
_ 7-8 Granny Smith Apples
_ 1/2 C unsalted butter
_ 3 TB all purpose flour
_ 1/2 C white sugar
_ 1/2 C packed brown sugar
_1/4 C of water
_ 1 thawed 9-in double crust pie pastry
INSTRUCTIONS:
_ Peel and core apples. Slice into thin strips and set aside.
_Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 C).
_Press one pastry into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Roll out the remaining pastry and cut into thin strips to make the lattice topping.
_ In a pan melt butter over medium heat. Once melted add add flour to form a paste. Cook about 2 minutes until fragrant.
_ Add both sugars and water to the paste and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes then remove from heat.
_ Meanwhile place apple slices into the pie crust pie creating a mound.
_Pour the sugar paste over the top of the apple slices reserve a bit to brush your lattice topping with
_Using the remaining pie crust you cut into strips create a lattice topping and brush with remaining sugar mixture.
_ Bake in your preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 350 degrees F (175 C) and continue baking until apples are soft roughly 35 to 45 minutes.
TOP WITH:
_ Vanilla Ice cream
_Serve slightly warm
_ Tag us on Instagram @Windermere_Whidbey_Island
_Enjoy
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Penn Cove Mussel Rafts
Gracing the waters of Penn Cove floats a particularly unique & quite famous feature of our island. Wood & rope intertwine to create seemingly countless rafts bobbing on the waves above and creating magic below… You may not know this, but Island county is home to the oldest & largest mussel farm in the United States. Penn Cove Mussels, Inc. began culturing mussels in 1975 with the desire to harness the cove’s naturally nutrient-rich water to harvest bigger and better mussels than the ones currently available on the market. The results were incredible! Penn Cove mussels grow at a remarkable rate, enabling the mussels to reach harvest size within one year. This rapid growth rate causes Penn Cove mussels to have a firmer texture, sweeter flavor, and a thinner shell with more meat. These crowd-pleasing mussels are a favorite of chefs all over the country and with only two hours separating Penn Cove from the Sea-Tac Airport; mussels harvested in the morning are easily on dinner plates in Houston by the evening. To read more about this local aquaculture visit our blog here.
Follow the photographer on Instagram @abhithapa.art
Check out the rest of Whidbey’s beautiful destinations from this series here.
Penn Cove Mussels
Every city or county has that one thing they are famous for. Their claim to fame that puts them on the world map. For some it is a world-famous sports team, others it is a historical location, still some gain fame from the presence of rare exotic animals.
For Island County, it is our mussels.
No, not the Emerald Cup kind of muscles we didn’t make a typo, we mean our Penn Cove mussels.
The History of Penn Cove Mussels
You may not know this, but Island county is home to the oldest and largest mussel farm in the United States (and maybe the world). Penn Cove Mussels, Inc. began culturing mussels in 1975 with the desire to harness the cove’s naturally nutrient-rich water to harvest bigger and better mussels than the ones currently available. The results were incredible! Penn Cove mussels grow at a remarkable rate, enabling the mussels to reach harvest size within one year. This rapid growth rate causes Penn Cove mussels to have a firmer texture, sweeter flavor, and a thinner shell with more meat. As you can imagine, it makes them quite a crowd-pleaser.
Whidbey Island’s proximity to Seattle and the Sea-Tac Airport mean these wonderful shellfish don’t have to be a local secret. Instead, these mussels are quickly air-shipped all over the world for others to experience and enjoy. Mussels harvested in the morning are on the lunch plates of Seattle seafood lovers by that afternoon and dinner entrees in Houston by the evening.
Celebrated with a Festival
35 years our Penn Cove Mussels have been celebrated with a festival. The original celebrations consisted of a community chowder contest that has morphed over the years into 3 days’ worth of activities and fun. The most recent events have attracted more than 6,000 mussels enthusiasts from far and wide. This event alone significantly helps the local merchants recover from the slow winter months.
Musselfest festivities typically kick off on a Friday with the “Mussel Mingle.” This is a time where people gather at the Coupeville Recreational Hall to enjoy food, drink, and music. The next two days are packed full of mussel cooking demonstrations from incredible Seattle chefs, the massive mussel chowder competition involving 16 different local restaurants, the mussel eating competition, tours of Penn Cove Shellfish, Inc., a mountain bike event (“Mussels in the Kettles”) and more!
Musselfest is a massive community affair that requires all hands on deck to pull off. Dozens of volunteers from all over Coupeville donate their time, finances, and resources to make this festival work. For the past few years, Windermere Whidbey agents have volunteered their time at the Waterfront Beer Garden where they serve up some great local ale while listening to amazing local musicians.
Unfortunately, like most events, the Penn Cove Musselfest was canceled due to Covid this past year, but the long-standing love for the festival carried on with the traditional T-Shirt and posters for all of the collectors. Past posters can be purchased here while supplies last.
The 2022 Musselfest is anticipated to take place March 4th, 5th, and 6th pending the state of Covid and guidance from the state and county. Click here to check the status.
Chuckanut Drive – A Detour Worth Taking
After living in Whidbey Island for a few years I finally decided to venture out and take the cliff-hugging drive along the Chuckanut Drive, a detour worth taking.
SR11 is a 21.28-mile-long highway that serves Skagit and Whatcom counties, in Washington.
I started the drive in Edison, the town of kindness, and made my first stop at the Breadfarm. If you love carbs as much as this Italian gal, you will be in love with this bakery. Founded in 2003, Breadfarm is an artisan bakery focused on the production of rustic loaves of bread and pastries, only using high-quality natural and organic ingredients. I just love their olive baguettes, ham & cheese croissants, herbed focaccias, and thumbprint cookies!
Once leaving the town of Edison I proceeded to Chuckanut Drive to begin my scenic tour.
Here are my 5 top recommendations for the Chuckanut Drive:
- Rhododendron Cafe – This is a popular cafe’ and restaurant which features a monthly rotating menu’, with cuisine from different parts of the world.
- Bat Caves Trailhead – A famous trail also known as the Oyster Dome Trail. It is a very steep and densely wooded trail but once you get to the top you will be able to enjoy views of the San Juan Islands and Samish Bay. Fun Fact: The bat caves are home to Townsend’s big-eared bats.
- The Oyster Bar – You will definitely enjoy an incredible view combined with an amazing lunch. Did you know? The Oyster Bar used to be a shack where oysters were sold to passing drivers.
- Taylor Shellfish Samish Farm Store – At this location, they have been growing oysters on about 1,700 acres of Samish Bay tideland for about 100 years. The shop sells clams, oysters, mussels, salmon and so much more.
- Clayton Beach – Clayton Beach parking lot is the access point to Larrabee State Park, Washington’s first state park in 1915. Larrabee State Park has 2,700 acres with two lakes, a campground, and miles of hiking trails.
I ended my excursion in Fairhaven, a town well known for its frequent festivals and Victorian charm. Filled with lots of artsy shops and delicious restaurants, Fairhaven is a popular tourist destination.
I particularly enjoyed the Iron Rooster Bakery with its traditional pastries, croissants, quiches, and my beloved macaroons!
Have you taken this drive? If so, do you have any recommendations for the next time I go?
Click here https://www.scenicwa.com/chuckanut-drive for more info.
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Farmers Markets on Whidbey
Whidbey Farmers Markets
If you were given the task of describing this beautiful island, how would you respond? What would you say? Would you highlight the Navy community of Oak Harbor? Or maybe the vibrant artisan culture? What about the plethora of State Parks that help to preserve our island’s beauty?
We all know any one of these features would be a more than fair depiction of this wonderful oasis we call home, but there is one more description that is often glanced over.
Farms.
Did you know Whidbey Island is home to over 400 farms both large and small? Fresh fruit, vegetables, livestock, flora, honey – you name it. The agricultural life on this island is incredible and something to be admired.
That admiration is often reflected in the island’s farmers’ markets where you can purchase produce grown and harvested by these local farmers. Below is a list of the three main Whidbey Farmers’ Markets on the island.
Whidbey Island Farmer Market | Windjammer Park, Oak Harbor
Coming this summer, for the first year ever, is the Whidbey Island Farmers Market in Oak Harbor! After the dissolution of the Oak Harbor Farmers Market earlier this year, passionate farmers and vendors gathered together to create a new non-profit market for the people of Oak Harbor. They will be a great addition to the Whidbey Farmers Markets!
This year the market will be located in Windjammer park and feature vendors such as Maya Farm, The Case Family Farm, Flightline Franks, and so many more.
As of right now, the market is set to be every Sunday from 11 AM to 3 PM between June to September.
Stay up to date by following their Facebook Page.
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Coupeville Farmer Market | 788 NW Alexander St, Coupeville
Established and well-loved, the Coupeville Farmers Market has been selling local produce to islanders for over 40 years. With organizers focused on cultivating an appreciation for community, it’s not hard to see why it has lasted for such a long time.
Frequent vendors include Bell’s Farm, North Whidbey Farm, Arbia Pizza, Blanket Creations by Mary, Whidbey Kettlecorn, and many more.
The market is Saturdays from 10 AM to 2 PM, between April to October.
To learn more, you can visit their Website.
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Bayview Farmers Market | Bayview Rd, Langley
Undeniably the largest Whidbey Farmers Market on the island would be Bayview. With approximately 50 regular vendors a week including Blackberry Moon Farm, Lesedi Farm, Julie’s Lumpia Hut, and so many more; this market attracts visitors both on and off-island. You do not want to miss a chance to stroll through these stands!
Starting in mid-April and ending in mid-October, this market is 10 AM to 2 PM Every Saturday.
You can learn more and get the exact start and end dates on their Website.
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Black-Owned Businesses on Whidbey
Windermere Whidbey is a proud supporter and celebrator of Black History Month. This year we wanted to do something extra special to commemorate the month, so we have collected a list of Black-Owned Businesses on Whidbey that we think you are going to love visiting.
Orlando’s Bar and Southern BBQ | 656 SE Bayshore Dr Ste 1, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Orlando’s Bar and Southern BBQ is a community treasure that started with nothing more than two cast iron pots, a tent, and a woman with a vision. Starting at the local farmer’s market, Ms. Jackie and her family served up southern-style food that took the Oak Harbor community by storm. Within a few years the business grew from a tent to a truck, and now an incredible downtown restaurant few can resist. Whether you’re looking for the best-grilled catfish on the island or just a friendly upbeat atmosphere to enjoy, Orlando’s is an establishment you do not want to miss.
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CreAda’s | 910 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Ada Moseley is the owner and head stylist for CreAda’s Hair and Wig Salon. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, she is a stylist that provides the highest level of hair care and knowledge to her clients. She is known for making her clients feel special from the moment they walk through her door as well as cultivating a respectful and diverse atmosphere within her salon. If you’re looking for experience and compassion from your stylist, she is the one to call!
Shaw Photography | No physical Location
Shaw Photography is owned and operated by Willie and Kelsey Shaw. Whidbey Island natives, Willie and Kelsey met in high school and fell in love. As adults, the couple has built a business combining their skills in photography and videography that allows them to work together and gives them more time with their two young sons. Willie is an especially talented videographer who you may recognize as the cameraman behind Annie Cash’s Your Local Look Videos. If you’re looking for an engagement, maternity, or family photographer, you can’t go wrong with this insanely creative couple.
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Lesedi Farm | 2812 Thompson Rd, Langley WA 98277
A truly unique treasure for Whidbey Island, Lesedi Farm is owned and operated by Dorcas Young. Dorcus was born and raised in Botswana on her family’s 500-acre farm where she learned the art of cultivating crops and raising livestock. After meeting and falling in love with a Washington State native, Dorcus moved to Whidbey Island with her husband and four children. She brought with her seeds from Botswana to plant in her garden and soon followed the inspiration for her farm. Dorcas now sells produce from her garden at local farmers’ markets as well as Botswana-styled meals and food products. You can find her products at Pike Place Market, West Seattle Farmers Market, and Bayview Farmers Market.
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Jahleel Vester with Summit Funding, Inc. | 275 SE Cabot Drive, Suite A8
Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Jahleel Vester is a Whidbey Island native who absolutely loves his community. Anyone who meets Jahleel knows that he has a passion for living life to the fullest and serving his clients well. As an individual who knows all too well the historical struggles of the black community within the housing market, he desires to be a role model and trailblazer for others. Working with Summit Funding has given Jahleel the opportunity to build a business that aligns with his vision and dreams. If you’re looking for a passionate loan officer ready to educate you and find the solutions you need, look no further.
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Ozell Jackson with HomeBridge | 32650 State Route 20, Suite 201, Oak Harbor, Washington 98277
Ozell Jackson is a Puget Sound native who greatly values community and making a meaningful impact. Through the years he has served the community as a football, basketball, and soccer coach, instilling the discipline of making plans and taking responsibility for mistakes in his students. This passion for service drives his career as a Loan Officer and is why he chooses to work with Homebridge, who he feels shares this goal with him.
We’re committed to helping you with your homeownership questions through this turbulent time. Send me a message today to…
Posted by Team Jackson Ozell & Julie Jackson, Loan Originators on Thursday, April 2, 2020
Mrs. Billies Beauty Salon | 715 SE Fidalgo Ave. suite #201, Oak Harbor
Mrs. Billies Beauty Salon is located comfortably within The Loft on Fidalgo and Dock in Oak Harbor. Billie Foster is an incredibly talented hairstylist with over 26 years of experience who offers a variety of services to any and everyone regardless of their hair type or texture. She’s known for receiving a great amount of joy in making her clients feel good about the way they look. Whether you want to switch up your color, try extensions, do silk presses or relaxers; Mrs. Billie has got you covered.
Dean’s Sports Plus | 730 N Oak Harbor St, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Dean Lewis, the owner of Dean’s Sports Plus, always had the vision to own his own business and be his own boss. His sporting goods store is the realization of the dream. Having spent the last 30 years servicing clients’ sporting needs, he not only has returning customers but multiple generations of them. He has earned a reputation within the community for being an outstanding repairman for sports equipment ranging from bicycles to snow skis. So the next time you need a chain fixed or a wheel adjusted, you know who to call!
Did we miss a business? Let us know in the comments!
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Where to get your Lashes done on Whidbey
Squash
It is that time of year when the fruits of our labors begin filling up not only our dinner plates but also become an integral part of beautifying the spaces around us. You guessed it, we are talking about SQUASH.
If you are anything like some of these green thumb agents, you have spent the past several months pouring your heart and soul into your garden prepping to produce these beautiful and tasty gems. But it is quite possible that you now have so many you do not know what to do with them. If that is the case keep reading for places you can donate your extras…. like my office.
Perhaps you are more like those of us that take advantage of the local Farm to Table programs our local farm community has to offer. You may have begun to receive these tasty treats in your special boxes. Keep reading to discover one of my favorite recipes.
BUT….maybe your most like me and you are… “Growing them…well… in the grocery store”. Let’s be honest autumn is my favorite time of year, but I wasn’t blessed with a green thumb. I am more like a big kid eagerly waiting for Shermans Farm to open so I can enjoy the full experience of finding the perfect squash for tonight’s dinner. I like sipping my warm cup of cider while riding on the tractor taking in the beautiful Whidbey farm views and snapping pictures of my kids next to the biggest pumpkins they can find.
Regardless of who you are, there is one thing we all have in common this season. We will all come into contact with SQUASH!
The majority of people will likely only use them as decorations, and that is ok. There is no denying these power-packed veggies are beautiful and studies show that sprucing up the space around you will make you feel happier. So, first things first…
Let’s Get Crafty:
CENTERPIECE
It can take as little or as much creativity as you desire. Place a variety of squash together with some leaves, flowers, candles, or acorns to spruce up your gathering space. For more inspiration follow one of our favorites local to our area: Erin Benzakein, founder of Floret. Floret is a Skagit Valley family-owned farm and seed company and New York Times Best Selling Author of A Year in Flowers for tutorials on arrangements.
OVERSIZED ACORN WITH ACORN SQUASH
Supplies you will need:
- Hot Glue Gun
- Hot Glue
- Twine
- Acorn Squash
Begin by placing a dab of glue at the top of your squash. Make a loop in the twine and attach the top of your squash. Place glue around the top ¼ of the squash and being laying your twine in a circular motion starting at the stem and continuing down to a ¼ of the squash, carefully laying each layer of twine up against the last.
For the Tummy:
Most importantly, squash provides a plethora of nutrients for our bodies. It is quite literally called a power-pack veggie. They are high in Vitamin A, B6, and C, folate, magnesium, fiber, riboflavin, phosphorus, and potassium.
The best thing about squash is that there are so many ways to eat it. I love it SO MUCH I am attaching one of my simple favorites.
BAKED ACORN SQUASH WITH BUTTER & BROWN SUGAR
Serves: 2-4 | Preparation: 10min | Cooking: 1 HR 15 min
Ingredients:
- 1 Acorn squash
- 1 Tbsp Butter
- 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Maple Syrup
- Dash of Salt
DOWNLOAD THE FULL RECIPE CARD HERE!
Uplift the Community with Your Extras:
With all joking aside, if you have been blessed with having too much squash this year, the North Whidbey Help House in Oak Harbor, and Good Cheer Food Bank in Langley would love to have your donations.
Stay blessed. Have a favorite squash recipe or idea you want to share? Let us know in the comments below.
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