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Best Places to Whale Watch on Whidbey
Discover the Best Places to Whale Watch
When it comes to natural wonders, Whidbey Island is unbelievably blessed. With expansive undeveloped areas, nine state parks, and views that take your breath away, it’s hard to imagine it could get any better.
But it does!
In addition to our incredible outdoor opportunities for explorers, we are one of the few places in the world where land-dwellers have an opportunity to get a glimpse of some spectacular mammals of the sea. Puget Sound’s cold and nutrient-rich water makes it the perfect place for whales to roam. Although you could spend the money to board a whale-watching boat and find the mammals out on the water, boats aren’t always required when you’re on Whidbey.
Below are the top 5 places to see whales from land on Whidbey!
West Beach
At the west-most point of Oak Harbor lies a stretch of beach beloved by wanderers and sea life alike. With wide-open views and miles of ocean just off the shore, it’s not hard to see why West Beach is one of the best places to see whales near Whidbey.
Penn Cove
The nutrient-rich water of Penn Cove cultivates a thriving ecosystem for small and large sea life. It’s this sea life in the form of ghost shrimp and fat seals that attracts the attention of gray whales and transient Orca alike. It’s not uncommon for the residents of Penn Cove to see a gray whale’s tail break the surface of the water as they dig in the mudflats for shrimp or a full-on chase between a stealthy Orca and a seal.
Hidden Beach
What this public beach lacks in amenities it makes up for with view and privacy. On a sunny day, beach-goers have the opportunity to see Camano Island sitting peacefully across the Saratoga Passage and – if they come at just the right time – maybe even a whale!
Lagoon Point
Just north of this charming seaside community is a county park boasting nothing more than public access to the Lagoon Point community beach. Luckily access to the beach is really all you need to catch a glimpse of traveling orcas or scavenging grey whales.
Seawall Park
Hidden below the streets of downtown Langley is a quaint little park with beautiful art, well-maintained landscaping, and a spectacular view of the Saratoga Passage. Onlookers often have the wonderful treat of seeing a whale pass or even watch them feed in the massive ghost shrimp beds. If you do, don’t forget to ring the Whale Bell!
Bonus: Your own back porch?
Can you say “waterfront property”? Yes, please! Our beautiful island has many waterfront homes and properties with beautiful views of Puget Sound. How amazing would it be to sip coffee on your own patio while enjoying pods of orca passing by or gray whales feeding on the beach right in front of you? If this sounds like your dream, give us a call today!
Now, remember, if you do see a whale you should report it to the Orca Network! Reporting sightings to the Orca Network helps with scientific efforts and helps other whale watchers like yourself!
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The Gray Whales Return to Whidbey
The Gray Whales Return to Whidbey
Gray Whales Return to Whidbey
As the cold melts away and flowers start to bloom again, Whidbey Island is blessed with a rare and wonderful gift. Many people hike to the very tip of a bluff or edge of the waves hoping to catch a glimpse of this phenomenon. Then it happens – water spurts into the air from nowhere and at the surface, you can just barely see a tail appear.
Oh, what a whale of a tale to tell….
Spring brings with it a special excitement for this curious island. As the waters warm, they welcome back one of our favorite travelers; the gray whale! Migrating every year from their winter home in Mexico to the wild waves of Alaska; gray whales often make a special stop within the waters of the Puget Sound.
As food foragers, the gray whale “dig[s] up the mudflats [on the ocean floor] for shrimp and worms.”1 They then filter these small creatures through their baleen, or whalebone, which acts as a strainer to keep the food in their mouth and push out all the water.2
Given their foraging requirements, gray whales’ proximity to the shore and repetitive presence in the Puget Sound comes as little surprise. While the average depth of the Pacific Ocean is a little over 12,000 feet, Puget Sound’s deepest point is approximately 930 feet. The shallow waters of the sound serve as a great benefit to this massive mammal that relies on both oxygen and access to the ocean floor in order to survive.
On Whidbey Island, we take great joy in the return of these travelers every year. Many islanders and tourists alike find their way to the water’s edge and peer into the waves in hopes of a glimpse. Luckily, sightings are not at all uncommon on the island. To commemorate the love we have for these ocean friends, both Coupeville and Langley have erected what is called a “Whale Bell.” These bells have a simple instruction: “See a whale, ring the bell.” These bells serve as both a monument to the whale’s impact on our island culture and a creative way to notify others of the whale’s presence so they can also look out and see!
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Every year the town of Langley has pulled together to commemorate the beginning of whale season. Complete with a parade, this festival speaks volumes of the love islanders have for their precious whales. Unfortunately, the event has been canceled this year due to covid for the health and safety of the community continue to check back here for updates. While the ring of the bell brings joyous memories of years past residences and travelers alike look forward to a day where gatherings return to celebrate these incredible creatures.
References
- “Gray Whales.” Orca Network, https://www.orcanetwork.org/Main/index.php?categories_file=Gray%20Whales
- “Gray Whales.” National Geographic, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/g/gray-whale/
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QR Codes Connecting Us to History
Whidbey Island is home to several wonderful little towns each with their own fascinating history and culture. Perhaps the most intriguing is Whidbey’s oldest town; Coupeville, home of the first Whidbey Island settlement.
Coupeville:
Coupeville is an adorable waterfront community rich in history and culture. In 1850 Issac Ebey became the first official Whidbey Island settler when he applied for the first land claim on the island. Claiming over 600 acres of what is now Ebey’s Landing, Ebey was soon to be followed by his nephew and many others. By 1854 there were 29 settlement claims in Coupeville alone and in 1881 it officially became the Island County seat.
Preservation:
Although all of Whidbey is covered in fascinating history, Coupeville is unique in its preservation. Where many of the original buildings of Oak Harbor and Langley have been torn down or decimated by historic fires, downtown Coupeville’s original buildings remain intact and in use. In fact, the town of Coupeville has more historic buildings in a condensed area than anywhere in the Pacific Northwest.
Technology:
To celebrate this fact and educate people on these beautiful historic buildings, Island County’s 4-H club took on the project of using modern technology to connect us to the past. Next time you’re in downtown Coupeville, take a closer look at those historic store windows. You might just see one of these:
Scattered down Front Street are tons of these QR codes leading to the Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association website developed by the 4-H club in 2012. This website is full of information gathered from the Island County Historical Society, City Records, and over 100 personal interviews with people recounting memories and stories of the historic downtown. Each building’s QR code will lead you directly to that building’s history: when it was built, its original purpose, and the different stores that have occupied the space.
So, the next time you are strolling down Font Street whip out that smartphone of yours and learn a little bit of history along the way.
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Whidbey Farmers Market
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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5 Things Every Septic Owner Needs
A Drain Snake
Don’t kill your system with Drano! Hair clogs happen. Instead of pouring caustic Drano into your plumbing (which can actually cause damage to pipes and will kill your septic system) try this super cheap (less than $2 each) and easy drain snake that works in seconds. This tool coupled with prevention (see #2 below) will keep you from having to resort to expensive and dangerous remedies.
A Drain Cover
There are hundreds of different types of drain covers. We have tried several to reduce the guess work for you and discovered that we like this flat and wide version best. You can order it here. Honestly, regardless of which kind you purchase your septic will thank you as long as it keeps hair and other large particles from swirling down your drains to prevent it from clogging and will save your septic.
The Right Toilet Paper
Most people are too dignified to talk about things related to the potty but as a septic system owner you need to know that there is a right and a wrong kind of toilet paper if you want to keep your system in excellent condition and prevent clogging. If you put a piece of your TP in a glass of water, stir it up a bit and let it sit for a few minutes it should dissolve pretty quickly into tiny pieces no larger than a nickel. This is called the TP test. If it stays intact in larger pieces your septic system is going to have a real problem breaking it down and the chances of you clogging your toilet are MUCH higher. Check out the results from a test The Art of Doing Stuff did here.
A Pumice Stone
With hard water being the rule and not the exception on Whidbey Island there is a constant battle to keep our toilet bowls and sinks free from the dreaded hard water rings. Using harsh chemicals to try and remove them can work but at the cost of damaging the function and life of your septic system. The solution? A simple and cheap pumice stone! A wet pumice stone won’t scratch porcelain but it will easily and effectively remove hard water build up just by rubbing it back and forth across the stain. Try it and let us know what you think!
A Good Septic Inspector
Because you now own your very own mini sewage treatment machine you will need to maintain it. Finding a great septic inspector and getting on a regular inspection rotation is as easy as picking up the phone and calling or texting your Windermere Broker. At Windermere we pride ourselves on always having the inside knowledge about and great relationships with vendors our clients will need. Septic inspectors are #1 on that list! Many of them have a program you can join that puts you on a regular inspection rotation so you don’t have to think about it every year (or 3 years depending on your system). If you don’t have your very own Windermere Broker you are missing out! Visit our website to find your match today
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Blonde Lawns Whidbey Island Utility Costs
Woman Owned Businesses on Whidbey
Happy International Women’s Day!
International Women’s Day is a global day meant to celebrate the achievements of women across the world and call to action greater gender equality. This year we wanted to celebrate the day by highlighting just a few phenomenal women-owned businesses on Whidbey Island, starting with our own brokerage owner – Kristen Stavros!
Windermere Whidbey | 32785 WA-20 #4, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Kristen Stavros is the Co-Owner of Windermere Real Estate Whidbey Island. After spending years as an agent and then managing broker, Kristen stepped into the new role as owner in 2019. Since then she has been the spearhead visionary for the Windermere Whidbey brokerage as well as inspiring change and diversity among all of Windermere.
CreAda’s Hair and Wig Salon | 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.
Bayshore Chiropractic | 840 SE Bayshore Dr # 101, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Dr. Dawn is a much-loved and respected chiropractor on Whidbey Island. With over 20 years of experience and genuine compassion for her clients; she provides outstanding quality service that is hard to find elsewhere.
Frida’s | 721 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Naomi Gamboa Schneider is the owner and operator of Frida’s Arts & Craft store. She has a deep passion for creativity and talks readily about how her store, which features all kinds of great paper and art supplies, is the realization of a long-held dream.
Seaside Salon and Spa | 5 Front St NW, Coupeville, WA 98239
Aaron Wiley’s Seaside Spa and Salon is known for being a place of deep relaxation and joy. With a number of stylists, nail techs, massage therapists, and estheticians; Seaside Spa and Salon’s repertoire of services is sure to impress.
Orlando’s Bar + Southern BBQ | 656 SE Bayshore Dr. Ste 1, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Ms. Jackie had nothing more than two cast iron pots, a tent, and a vision when she started the now-beloved Orlando’s Bar and Southern BBQ. Whether you’re looking for the best-grilled catfish on the island or just a friendly upbeat atmosphere, Orlando’s is an establishment you do not want to miss.
3 Sisters Market | 779 N Holbrook Rd, Coupeville, WA 98239
It is honestly hard to imagine Whidbey Island without the multi-generational 3 Sister’s Farm. In 2013, Roshel and her sisters added to their legacy when they opened 3 Sister’s Market which is dedicated to offering customers the best selection of products from the most local sources.
Little Town Cottage | 851 SE Pioneer Way, Suite #102 Oak Harbor, WA, 98277
Maria Rodriguez is the founder and visionary of the incredible soap shop, Little Town Cottages. With a dream to build a business she can pass down to her children, Maria started her store in 2018 by selling home decor, gift ideas, and body products. The community fell in love with her creative soap creations, and she now has expanded her store.
Collections Boutique | 24 Front St NE, Coupeville, WA 98239
Jennifer Bachmann is the owner and operator of Coupeville Front Street’s Collections Boutique. This quaint store, situated in a historic 1887 building, carries a variety of clothing lines, jewelry, accessories, and baby gifts for consumers.
Forage | No Physical Location
Anyone who has seen a bouquet by Lexi Ochoa knows this woman has an absolute talent for floral arrangements. Lexi’s bouquets are not only stunning, but they also are locally sourced. Forage uses small farms, gardens, and found flowers as much as possible in her arrangements which make them unique and last a great deal longer than other bouquets.
Map to Woman-Owned Businesses on Whidbey:
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Black Owned Businesses on whidbey
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
Buying Vacant Land on Whidbey Island
If you have always dreamed of building your own home, choosing your own layout, selecting dream finishes, and want all your desires in a home met then you will be looking for vacant land. This is a completely different world than buying a preexisting home where there is complete certainty when it comes to electricity, water, sewage, and condition. Uncertainty is not comfortable for everyone so let’s make sure you feel prepared and empowered.
First and foremost, if you ask anyone who has built their own home, they will tell you that even if you build a home from scratch you will not end up with a 100% perfect house. There are always compromises and unforeseen issues with layout, etc. Remember, vacant land is scarce and becoming scarcer, so if you find the perfect property with an imperfect house, perhaps you can consider a major remodel.
When buying vacant land, it is all about the level of certainty a parcel can provide you. A parcel that already has a water source, septic system, access/driveway, building site laid out, and electrical nearby is going to be extremely rare. Such a parcel will cost more because of the time and expenses already invested by the seller. There is also inherent value in the confidence you as a buyer can have that you will not run into complications that may make the land unsuitable for development.
Below are our TOP 5 recommendations when considering buying vacant land:
Find a vacant land purchasing specialist.
Complex is the word that comes to mind when thinking about vacant land purchases. Having a trusted guide who loves the complexity that comes with purchasing land is something you really want. Many brokers groan when they think about helping buyers with vacant land but there are a special few who just dig it! Find them! It will make all the difference. If you need a recommendation just call (360) 675-5953 and ask for a recommendation on a vacant land specialist from the manager.
Know your corners.
In the best-case scenario, there has been a survey done and the corners are clearly marked with modern official survey markers however, this is rare. You may need to negotiate to have this done by the Seller. There are other signs that can give an idea of where property lines fall though. One of the coolest technologies that most agents have nowadays is an app that uses geo-spatial technology to locate your position on a map in relation to property lines. An old-fashioned surveyor’s tape measure can help as well if you have a marker of some sort to start from. Fence lines, survey tape marking trees or branches, driveways, and other identifiers can give clues. Nothing beats a proper survey though and you are going to want that when it comes time to build.
Get as certain as possible on the big 5.
Water, sewage, electricity, access, and building envelope. These are the big 5 mysteries when you first look at a raw and overgrown piece of land. The more that these 5 things have been figured out and addressed by the Seller, the more valuable the property is. You are buying risk when these 5 are unknown. You cannot avoid risk completely but figuring out as much as you can about these 5 will help you move forward more confidently.
Work with a local builder.
Get the local builder to the lot sooner than later. Reputable builders on Whidbey will be able to help you through the feasibility process, have a great instinct for what is possible, contacts to get specialists out to the property, and experience working with Island County’s Building department. Here are 5 builders we recommend in no particular order…
Know your critical areas.
Shorelines, native American artifacts, endangered animals and plants, steep slopes and bluffs, wetlands, and streams will affect the property in big ways. There are large set-back requirements for structures, wells, and septic systems around critical areas. You may get into a situation where you do not have much of a choice about where you can position your building site. These unknowns must be understood before you decide to close on the lot. Your Realtor can help you navigate this maze.
Each property is unique, and we could share a lot more with you on the topic of buying vacant land on Whidbey, but the truth is that the best thing you can do is find yourself an excellent guide who will help you assess what it is you are really looking for and how to narrow down the search. Good luck and do not forget your muck boots!
PHOTOS BY: Kelsey Kurtis
