Admiralty Light House History
Photo by: @pnwdeparture
If you’re sailing into Admiralty Inlet from the open ocean Point Wilson sits to the West of you and Admiralty Head to the East. This entrance to the vast inland waters of Puget Sound is marked by lighthouses on either side to alert ship traffic at night. Let’s review some of Admiralty Light House History. The original Admiralty Head lighthouse was built in 1861 and had similarities to a church. It was later rebuilt in 1903 and decommissioned in 1922. Today it remains an iconic historical part of Fort Casey State Park. When open, the interpretive center features a real Fresnel Lens along with a fantastic collection of historic photos and even a gift shop. A Spiral Staircase leads to the lookout where you can enjoy expansive views of Puget Sound, the Olympic mountains, and watch the ferry as it crosses to Port Townsend.
Check out the rest of Whidbey’s beautiful destinations from this series here.
Fort Ebey State Park
Fort Ebey State Park is so much more than just a pretty picture. These remnants of an old gun emplacement from 1942 overlook Admiralty Inlet and create the perfect recipe for a trip back in time. During World War II, this battery with underground rooms was dug into the high bluff as a defensive fort. Don’t forget to bring your flashlight for exploring the dark corridors. On clear days see if you can spot Point Wilson Lighthouse across the bay. In addition to 25+ miles of trails to enjoy and wildlife to observe, you might also spot a surfer or paraglider. Check out all that you can do at Fort Ebey here.
Check out the rest of Whidbey’s beautiful destinations from this series here.
Photo taken by @pnwdeparture
Fort Casey Forts
The coast artillery post displays of Fort Casey State Park includes four inactive historic guns atop bunkers, dark tunnels underneath and control towers to climb. It creates an opportunity for both historical education and exploration. One of three forts built in the 1890’s, Fort Casey is part of the “Triangle of fire” safeguarding the entrance to Puget Sound. Now, over 100 years old, the Battery Moore section has recently been restored to keep it safe to explore for future generations. It will look different in person than in the older photo on the front of this card. Take this to compare when you visit! If you are just visiting and find yourself falling in love with Whidbey Island and wishing to tour homes while your here, or wish to learn more about Whidbey Island connect with us.
Check out the rest of Whidbey’s beautiful destinations from this series here.
Visit Fort Casey
Greenbank Farm
Greenbank Farm was originally established in 1904 by Calvin Philips, then sold to loganberry farmer John Molz in 1940. The farm grew to become the largest loganberry-producing farm in the United States by 1970. Seven years later, the farm went up for sale. In an effort to retain its history and save the farm from becoming a residential housing development a collection of community governments purchased it. Today, the gorgeous barn still stands among the beautiful farmland attracting tourists and residents alike. Visitors enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants, perusing the fine art galleries, a walk along the trails, or a slice of the heavenly marionberry pie.
Check out the rest of Whidbey’s beautiful destinations from this series here.
Random Acts of Kindness
Performing random acts of kindness can be a great way to brighten someone’s day and make the world a better place. The best part is that these acts of kindness don’t have to be big or extravagant – even small gestures can make a big impact.
We have compiled five simple things you can do as a random act of kindness:
- Buy coffee for the person behind you in line: Next time you’re waiting in line for your morning caffeine fix, consider buying a coffee for the person behind you. Not only will you make their day, but you will also inspire them to pay it forward.
- Create kind notes for your mail carrier: Our mail carriers work hard every day, regardless of the weather, to ensure that our packages and letters reach us safely. Take a few minutes to create some kind notes thanking them for their hard work. You can leave them in your mailbox for your carrier. You can also leave a small gift, like a snack or a drink, as a token of your appreciation.
- Do something kind for your significant other: Whether it is doing the dishes, folding the laundry, or making their favorite meal, doing something kind for your significant other can show them how much you care. It doesn’t have to be a big gesture – sometimes the little things mean the most.
- Pick up trash at the park: The environment is something we all share, and taking care of it is everyone’s responsibility. Next time you are at the park, take a few minutes to pick up any litter you see. Not only will it help keep the park clean, but it will also set a good example for others. You can find Washington State Parks here.
- Write a gratitude letter: Finally, taking the time to write a gratitude letter can be a meaningful way to show someone how much they mean to you. It could be a friend, a family member, or even a coworker – just take a few minutes to express your gratitude and let them know how much you appreciate them.
In conclusion, performing random acts of kindness is a simple but powerful way to make a difference in someone’s life. Whether it’s buying coffee for a stranger or picking up trash at the park, every act of kindness has the potential to make the world a better place. So the next time you have the opportunity to do something kind, seize it – you never know how much it might mean to someone else.
Bowman Bay/Rosario Beach Trail
5 Recipes for your 4th of July BBQ
Celebrate the 4th of July with these 5 BBQ recipes! Fire up the grill, invite your friends and family, and spot some fireworks to celebrate the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress that happened on July 4, 1776.
Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
2 cups ketchup
1 cup cider vinegar
1 cup water
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
3 teaspoons ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
6 pounds assorted bone-in chicken pieces
Directions
- In a large saucepan, combine the first 11 ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 1 to 1-1/2 hours or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Remove half of the sauce; reserve for brushing chicken. Keep remaining sauce warm for serving.
- Grill chicken, covered, over medium heat 25-35 minutes or until juices run clear, turning occasionally and brushing with reserved sauce during the last 10 minutes. Serve with remaining sauce.
Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn
Ingredients
4 ears fresh corn
2 tablespoons butter
1 clove garlic grated or minced
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
Directions
- Preheat grill to 350-400 degrees F. Remove most of the husks on the corn and leave the innermost layer intact. Pull them back just enough to remove the silks, then place back over the corn.
- Place corn on preheated grill. Cook, turning once or twice until kernels are bright yellow, 15-20 minutes.
- In the meantime: place butter and garlic in a small heat-safe bowl. Microwave until butter is melted, 10-15 seconds.
- Remove remaining husks and brush the corn kernels with melted garlic butter while still hot. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley.
- Serve immediately.
Greek Lemon Orzo Salad
Ingredients
1 cup / 200 g risoni / orzo pasta
350 g / 12 oz cherry tomatoes , halved (or 2 large tomatoes)
2 Lebanese / Persian cucumbers , diced
150 g / 5 oz firm feta , cut into 1/2cm/ 1/2″ cubes
1/4 – 1/2 red onion , cut into wedges and sliced thinly
1 green capsicum/bell pepper , cut into 3 cm / 2.25″ strips (Note 1)
150 g / 5 oz whole black olives , seed in (adjust qty to taste)
1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
DRESSING
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 5 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (or other mild mustard)
- 1 garlic clove , minced
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Place Dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well. Set aside for 10+ minutes.
- Cook orzo / risoni per packet directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop them cooking further. Drain well.
- Place orzo and remaining Salad ingredients in a bowl. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to coat. Serve!
Creamy Potato Salad
Creamy Ranchified Potatoes Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Ingredients
2 pounds small red potatoes, quartered
1 cup cubed fully cooked ham
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of potato soup, undiluted
1 carton (8 ounces) spreadable chive and onion cream cheese
3 tablespoons minced chives
1 envelope ranch salad dressing mix
1 teaspoon pepper
6 ounces pepper jack cheese, grated
Directions
- In a 4-qt. slow cooker, combine the first 7 ingredients. Cook, covered, on low until potatoes are tender, 6-8 hours. Top with cheese; stir to combine.
Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Ingredients
16 oz elbow macaroni, cooked (or other tubular pasta)
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
6 tbsp unsalted butter
1/3 cup all purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
4 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
2 cups Gruyere cheese shredded
salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups panko crumbs
4 tbsp butter melted
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
1/4 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease a large 3 qt or 4 qt baking dish and set aside. Combine shredded cheeses in a large bowl and set aside.
- Cook the pasta one minute shy of al dente according to the package instructions. Remove from heat, drain, and place in a large bowl.
- Drizzle pasta with olive oil and stir to coat pasta. Set aside to cool while preparing cheese sauce.
- Melt butter in a deep saucepan, dutch oven, or stock pot.
- Whisk in flour over medium heat and continue whisking for about 1 minute until bubbly and golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until nice and smooth. Continue whisking until you see bubbles on the surface and then continue cooking and whisking for another 2 minutes. Whisk in salt and pepper.
- Add two cups of shredded cheese and whisk until smooth. Add another two cups of shredded cheese and continue whisking until creamy and smooth. Sauce should be nice and thick.
- Stir in the cooled pasta until combined and pasta is fully coated with the cheese sauce.
- Pour half of the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese and then the remaining mac and cheese.
- In a small bowl, combine panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter and paprika. Sprinkle over the top and bake until bubbly and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.
Connect with us and tell us what you think! Share your creations and celebration with us on Instagram at @windermere_whidbey_island
Whale Park in Langley
Have you heard the whale bell ring while in Langley in the spring? While that is a nice rhyme it is also a legitimate question. Every spring gray whales feed off ghost shrimp in the muddy shallows just off the shore. If you are lucky, they will come right up to the seawall! The bell and “Hope the Whale” are the stars of this iconic park. What some people miss is that the blowholes in “Hope” are there to collect money to fund ADA modifications to improve access to Seawall Park below. This will help everyone see the whales when they arrive. Bring your coins and listen to the clang!
Check out the rest of Whidbey’s beautiful destinations from this series here.
Top 10 Best Things About Whidbey Island
Whidbey Island is a beautiful and picturesque destination located in the Puget Sound, just a short ferry ride from Seattle. With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and abundance of outdoor activities, it’s no wonder that Whidbey Island is a popular destination for travelers and residents alike. In this blog, we will explore the top 10 best things about Whidbey Island, from its scenic beauty to its thriving arts and culture scene.
Top 10 Best Things About Whidbey Island
- Scenic beauty: Whidbey Island is known for its breathtaking views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Whether you are driving along the winding roads or hiking through the forests, you will be treated to stunning vistas at every turn.
- Outdoor activities: With its numerous parks, trails, and beaches, Whidbey Island is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you are into hiking, biking, kayaking, or just soaking up the sun on the beach, there is something for everyone on this beautiful island. One of our favorites is Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve in Coupeville.
- Small-town charm: Despite its proximity to Seattle, Whidbey Island has a laid-back, small-town feel that is perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The island’s charming towns and villages offer a variety of local shops, restaurants, and breweries that are worth exploring.
- Local produce and seafood: Whidbey Island is known for its rich agricultural heritage, and the island is home to a number of farms that produce fresh, locally grown produce. The island is also home to a thriving seafood industry, with local fishermen bringing in a variety of fresh, locally caught seafood. Seabolts comes highly recommended.
- Wineries and breweries: Whidbey Island is home to a number of wineries and breweries that offer tastings and tours. These local businesses offer a chance to sample some of the best wines and beers produced on the island.
- Arts and culture: Whidbey Island is home to a thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues that offer a variety of performances and exhibitions throughout the year. The island is also home to a number of festivals and events that celebrate the island’s rich cultural heritage.
- Accommodations: Whether you are looking for a luxury resort or a cozy bed and breakfast, Whidbey Island has a wide range of accommodations to choose from. The island’s many hotels, inns, and vacation rentals offer a variety of options for travelers of all budgets and preferences.
- Dining: With its abundance of locally grown produce and seafood, it is no surprise that Whidbey Island is home to some excellent restaurants. From seafood shacks to fine dining establishments like Frasers Gourmet Hideaway or China City, the island has something for every taste and budget.
- History and heritage: Whidbey Island has a rich history and cultural heritage that is worth exploring. The island is home to a number of historic sites, including Fort Casey State Park, which offers a glimpse into the island’s military past.
- Accessibility: Despite its rural location, Whidbey Island is easily accessible from Seattle and other major cities in the region. The island is just a short ferry ride away, making it a perfect getaway for those looking to escape the city for a few days.
Whidbey Island is a truly special place that has something for everyone. From its breathtaking views and outdoor activities to its charming small towns and delicious local cuisine, there’s no shortage of things to see and do on this beautiful island. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, Whidbey Island is the perfect destination for those who love nature, culture, and a slower pace of life.
If you are thinking about moving to Whidbey or just have questions about the area please do not hesitate to connect with us here.
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Destination Deception Pass
Deception Pass is a stunning destination any time of the year. It’s busiest in the summer because people enjoy splashing in the salt or freshwater options at the park or putting their feet in the warm sand under blue skies and hot sun. However, from mid-fall to early spring in the PNW fog rolls in over the trees and around the bridge giving it a cozy yet mysterious feel. Many will call this time the true Pacific Northwest-style that offers a different take on the island’s appeal. Whatever your preferred season, Deception Pass State Park is the most visited park in Washington for a reason! Get out and explore!
Check out the rest of Whidbey’s beautiful destinations from this series here.
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