Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
Sunset at Deception Pass State Park
Destination Deception Pass! Have you ever stopped for a sunset at Deception Pass State Park? This image, taken from Pass Island looking out towards Deception Island at sunset, is one of the glorious scenes that keep Deception Pass the #1 most visited park in all of Washington State! There are so many ways to enjoy the scenery of this park. From the courageous and skilled boaters who brave swirling currents and tidal ranges over 12 feet apart to the day-use picnickers who enjoy West Beach tables barely a foot from the trunk of their car and everyone in between. Even in the depths of winter, there is magic in the evergreen forests and iconic PNW views to fuel the outdoor spirit of anyone who visits!
Check out the rest of Whidbey’s beautiful destinations from this series here.
Get directions to Deception Pass here.
Best Ice Cream Spots on Whidbey Island
Whidbey Island, is home to some of the best ice cream spots in the region. Whether you are a resident or just visiting for a weekend getaway, add these ice cream shops to your must-try list.
Whidbey Island Ice Cream Company
The Whidbey Island Ice Cream Company is located in Freeland and has been open since 2008. Their one goal? “To bring joy to our community through the deliciousness of ice cream.” All their ice cream is locally made. Check out their website here before you go.
Kapaws Iskreme
Find Kapaws in the heart of Coupeville. This ice cream spot is only open during the sunny times of the year. Tour the town of Coupeville and stop by this ice cream shop for anything from single-scoops, waffle cones, and cake cones! Bring the eager kids who love combining all the different flavors – a must-stop spring/summer ice cream location. Check out their Facebook here before you go!
The Farm Stand
The Farm Stand ice cream on Whidbey Island is a locally made treat using the freshest ingredients from the surrounding area. With a variety of flavors to choose from, each scoop is a unique and delicious experience. Enjoyed at the Farm Stand or taken to go, this ice cream accurately represents Whidbey Island’s bountiful offerings. Learn more about the Farm Stand here before you head out.
Whidbey Farm & Market
Whidbey Farm & Market ice cream is made with the freshest, locally sourced ingredients to provide the best possible flavor and quality. With a wide range of flavors, they are dedicated to creating a memorable experience with every scoop. Whether enjoyed at the farm or taken to go, Whidbey Farm & Market ice cream is a treat like no other. Check out their website here.
Popsies
Grab a cone from this unique dedicated candy store on pioneer street in Oak Harbor while you walk the strip and browse the other local shops downtown. Check out their website here.
No matter which ice cream spot you choose, you’re sure to find a delicious treat on Whidbey Island. These ice cream shops are the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day and experience a fun outing with friends and family. Share your adventures with us at @windermere_whidbey_Island on Instagram.
Downtown Langley
On the southern side of Whidbey Island along the Saratoga Passage lies the lovely little town of Langley. With a population of just over 1,000, this quaint town is home to a creative culture and endless entertainment.
Established in 1891, Langley served as South Whidbey’s trading center for all types of goods with the wharf connecting Island merchants to Everett and Seattle. In the 60s and 70s, that same wharf brought in a wave of hippies who would forever shift the culture of South Whidbey. Although the Langley docks no longer see the traffic they once did, downtown is filled with remnants of the original trades-town married beautifully with the artistic culture of the mid-century hippies.
Enjoy browsing the Star Store, grabbing a cup of coffee from Useless Bay Coffee Co., or watching a film at the Clyde Theater.
Check out the rest of Whidbey’s beautiful destinations from this series here.
Rainy Days: A Whole New Perspective
Do you find that these rainy days bring you down? Or do you find the excitement of your day “rained” on? We’ve made some suggestions below that may have you looking forward to the next rainy day we have on Whidbey Island!
Don’t worry, these activities cater to everyone. Give them a chance and you may find that you enjoy them. So, if you’re looking for a reason to unplug on a gloomy day, hopefully, one of these tips spark an interest.
(This includes those of us who still want to be in comfy clothes or wrapped in a warm blanket with a hot tea or coffee – something about gray skies brings out the cozy vibes for everyone.)
Write!! A Blog, Article, Poem – anything!
Anyone that has social media or a business website can utilize a rainy day to get on producing content. Nevertheless, writing doesn’t need to be shared with anyone!
Write that poem or short story and get your creative energy flowing. Writing can be like braiding and twisting pieces of dialogue, action, conflict, and characters together to create a piece of art.
Whether it’s a personal piece or an informative article, writing encourages creativity and critical thinking that’ll leave you feeling inspired.
Suddenly…despite the rain, you created a whole other world – or you’ve taken your own learned information and found a way to pass it along to others!
Don’t know where to start a blog or website?
Tidbit: Sites like Wix and Squarespace are super easy to set up to begin blogging!
Youtube, Instagram Live, Tiktok
Not a writer? Maybe video/film is your way to share and interact.
While these apps/sites seem like only pure entertainment and meant for confident extroverts, they’re actually more resourceful than we realize!
Catch up with your long-distance friends and family with a “Day In My Life” video or record a family recipe that everyone can’t stop asking you about.
Even better…use these resources to promote your business! Make that video explaining your industry, showing off your product, or interacting with an Instagram live audience.
Go Local – Greenhouse & Plant Store
So you can’t exactly go on that view-worthy hike in this kind of weather – doesn’t mean you can’t find a way to bring that greenery home.
Here on Whidbey Island, we have many different places that’ll provide all sorts of plants and flowers.
Greenhouse Florist & Nursery
has everything from floral arrangements to beautiful sprouting plants. Looking to up-size a pot? They’ve got those too!
Mailliard’s Landing Nursery
provides the plants and flowers but also incorporates other plant needs like soil blends, tools, and bark. Want a plant but feel it needs something? Explore their pottery and home decor.
Let this rainy day be the time to bring in plants that’ll liven up your home.
Time For Self-Care
Okay, you’re only interested in staying in your comfy clothes on a rainy day but no longer want to watch TV or scroll through social media.
Take the day and replenish yourself! Spend time on meditation either with a calming Spotify playlist or in complete silence (if you can shut out the rain).
Check out our Spotify playlists:
Use a face mask, moisturize and hydrate yourself. Use the time to rest while letting any worry or stress fade away for the meantime.
Self-care doesn’t have to be spa or pampering-related. It’s all about doing what brings you peace and a sense of calm.
Aka…sit back, and relax!
Need a little more guidance with your trip into self-care?
Tidbit: Read this Psychology Today article.
Get Artzy! Paint, Sketch, Maybe a little…wine?
Not everyone has art materials lying around the house…but it’s certainly worth the rain for this one!
Gather any family and friends, bring a cocktail with your canvas, and paint anything. This isn’t a contest of skill, it’s one of lighthearted and possibly tipsy fun.
Check out our Spotify playlists:
Once all of the pieces are done – take a picture to share, and hang! If all the wine is gone…maybe hang them somewhere away from the eyes of guests but still where you can get a laugh and remember the good times.
Organize Your Life
Do we all drag our feet thinking about the list of things that need to be done around the house? Rainy days seem to force us to come face-to-face with everything that has been pushed off.
Of course, this doesn’t apply to those of us that truly thrive off of being organized. But then again, even you can find that errant task that can be done on days like these!
Check out our Spotify playlists:
Have a calm morning with a hot coffee and get to the laundry and deep cleaning. Put away all the items that have been misplaced or strewn about. Don’t forget the best part…sitting in a newly cleaned and organized space!
Do you have clothes that you or your family haven’t worn in over a year? Time to bag them up and donate!
Need a place to donate on Whidbey Island?
Tidbit: Habitat for Humanity
It’s Raining?
The dreary grey skies may get you down every now and then – but you have these activities to fall back on!
Once you’ve built these habits, a rainy day becomes a time to either enjoy rest or get on those pesky home tasks.
Don’t forget to lean back on that old favorite rainy day activity if all else fails….movie marathons!
