NeighborhoodsOak HarborReal Estate May 11, 2021

5 Most Affordable Neighborhoods Near Oak Harbor & NAS Whidbey

Watching today’s housing market is like reliving a supply and demand lesson straight out of your High School Macroeconomics class. Home prices continue to rise due to the sheer lack of homes for sale on Whidbey Island. Especially in the lower price points $400,000 and below.

Here are 5 of the most affordable neighborhoods within 10 miles of downtown Oak Harbor and NAS Whidbey.

#1 City of Oak Harbor:

Median Price Point as of this post = $318,000 (15.6% increase from last year). Because Oak Harbor has been developed over the decades by various builders at different rates there are a lot of little neighborhoods. The most affordable area can be found in the middle of the City, on the East side between Highway 20 and SE Regatta Dr. Most homes in this area are from the 1950s in developments like Patton’s Pasture & Shady Oaks.

City of Oak Harbor

Design by Windermere Whidbey Island

#2 Rolling Hills:

Median Price Point as of this post = $338,500 (16.9% increase from last year). Located between Oak Harbor and Coupeville Rolling Hills was incorporated in 1961 but you will find a broad range of homes built across the decades. There are many manufactured homes, a few mobile homes and lots of stick built. One of the unique features of this community for Whidbey Island is their Community facilities which includes a pool, clubhouse, basketball court, baseball field, picnic shelter, and even some waterfront with a private pier. Water is managed by the community. All the homes are on septic systems, some with a community drain field.

Want to learn more about Rolling Hills? Click here. 

Rolling hills

 

 

 

 

 

 

Median Sales Price for Rolling Hills by Windermere Whidbey Island

#3 Penn Cove Park:

Median Price Point as of this post = $348,500 (12.2% increase from last year). Although Penn Cove Park now connects to Cove View Circle, has several water view homes, and has a new construction project going on nearby we are going to focus on the original homes built for this neighborhood that don’t have water views, because this is the more affordable area. Homes were built mostly between 1950-1980, all are 1-story. All are connected to a very rare, combined sewage treatment plant (not on septic) managed by Penn Cove Water & Sewer. This best part of this neighborhood is the location. One of the most enjoyable beaches with a low slope and sandy areas and public boat launches is right at the end of Monroe Landing. You can look across Penn Cove and enjoy views of the seaside Town of Coupeville and its iconic wharf.  Conveniently located between Oak Harbor and Coupeville you have access to two very different types of commerce and can petition to be in either school district.

Penn Cove

 

 

Median Sales Price for Penn Cove by Windermere Whidbey Island

#4 Northgate Terrace:

Median Price Point as of this post = $295,000 (15.8% increase from last year). Most of this community was first developed in the late 70’s. It is a mix of manufactured and smaller stick-built homes. There is a homeowner’s association, water is managed as a community by King water and there is a community clubhouse you can rent for gatherings. It is conveniently located right off of Highway 20 between the City of Oak Harbor and Deception Pass Bridge. More information can be found on their community web site here.

Northgate Terrace

Median Sales Price for Northgate Terrace by Windermere Whidbey Island

#5 Deception Park View:

It may be a tiny little neighborhood but it’s a delight and as you can see from their website they really care about their little community. It has a very active Homeowners Association. You can learn all about their recent efforts to create a Community Recreation Area in the neighborhood on their website here.

Deception Park

Median Sales Price for Deception Park by Windermere Whidbey Island

REady to move to whidbey

CoupevilleDestination WhidbeyNeighborhoodsPlaces May 10, 2021

Coupeville Wharf

Several small wharfs once reached into Penn Cove only able to be used during very high tide. In 1905 the Coupeville Wharf was built, extending 500 feet to accommodate the increase in commerce due to the activation of Fort Casey. Often referred to as the “Old Grain Wharf”, had an important job to do. It was the key to the distribution and storage of grain grown on our local farms, as well as, bringing goods to the island.

Today, the wharf is home to a gift shop, restaurant, coffee shop, restrooms, naturalist display, kayak rentals, and more! It can be a long 500-foot walk to the end, but chances are high of seeing an eagle, fish, jellyfish, sea star, or sea anemones in addition to beautiful water and mountain views.  Kayakers and boaters love making a stop at the Coupeville Wharf. It is a picturesque icon and hopefully, it will stay that way for another 100+ years!

Check out the rest of Whidbey’s beautiful destinations from this series here.

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EventsPlacesThings to Do on WhidbeyUncategorized May 5, 2021

Where on Whidbey to Shop for Mom

Time is flying by, and Mother’s day is right around the corner. If you’re anything like us sometimes it can be difficult, not to mention nerve-racking, to find the right gift for the woman who raised you. 

She could prefer a gift with meaning and sentiment or one with a practical day-to-day use. 

While one mother may love a beautiful flower arrangement, another may think of it as a waste. Mothers definitely deserve the extra time it may take to find the perfect gift or sentiment that is as unique as she is.

To help you celebrate your Momma on May 9th, we’ve put together a list of where on Whidbey to shop for mom so you can give her exactly what she wants!

What better way to support local businesses and show your mother how much you appreciate them and all they do?

 

Purple Moonfor the Mom who loves a super unique gift

Purple Moon Store

The purple moon is a gift shop located in Oak Harbor. They carry everything from jewelry to home decor and hand soaps. 

Shopping for mom last minute?

Message Purple Moon on Facebook for gift basket options!

Visit Purple Moon on Facebook for more information.

 

Aqua Giftsfor the Mom who loves it all

Aqua Gifts

Located in historic Coupeville, and open since 2003, Aqua Gifts offers a mix of gifts including jewelry, accessories, and apparel!

This shop will give you the products you know and some new great finds!

 

Bayleaffor the Mom that enjoys food and wine

Bayleaf

Bayleaf is an enthusiastic gang of food and wine lovers. Your Mother can sit back on Sunday enjoying a glass of wine with the family. 

Looking for a shop that’ll make your gift a little more personal? 

Visit Bayleaf at their website to fill out a personal gift form!

 

Foragefor the Mom that treasures the traditional but beautiful

Women with Forage Bouquet

Looking for a place that’ll create a beautiful locally-sourced bouquet? 

Forage will handpick the perfect blooms for each one. 

Visit their gallery and see the amazing detail and design put into their work. 

Lexi Ochoa, owner and design principal, has made lovely arrangements for Windermere!

 

Do you have your own ideas of where on Whidbey to shop for mom? We would love to hear them! Drop a comment below and tell us where else you can pick up a great Mothe’s Day gift!

 

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EventsThings to Do on WhidbeyUncategorized April 8, 2021

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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PlacesThings to Do on Whidbey February 26, 2021

How to Spend a Weekend on Whidbey Island During Each Season of the Year 

Whidbey Island visitors know that they can come back time and time again and always see and do something new, and depending on the time of year you visit, this is especially true! Each season brings something special to discover, and whether you’re visiting in the heart of winter or in the middle of a hot summer, our island is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway.

In this post, we’re sharing our recommendations for where to stay, where to eat, and what to do depending on the season!

How to Spend a Winter Weekend on Whidbey Island

how to spend a Weekend on Whidbey

  • Stay: Snuggle up in a picturesque cabin at Captain Whidbey. Nestled on the Penn Cove waterfront, this historic inn offers cute cabins, Scandanavian-inspired rooms, a lodge, a restaurant, and an idyllic setting perfect for relaxation.

 

  • Eat: Oystercatcher is always cozy, and this tiny restaurant is easier to get a reservation at in the winter. Request a window table and look out over Coupeville and Penn Cove! We also recommend heading to Saltwater Fish House and Oyster Bar—its dark, cozy atmosphere is perfect for the winter.

 

How to Spend a Spring Weekend on Whidbey Island

Seasons

  • Stay: The Inn at Langley offers a totally luxe waterfront experience! The guest rooms, suites, and cottages offer waterfront views, and you can indulge in spa packages and fine dining without leaving the indulgent comfort of the inn. Plus, the immaculately maintained grounds are lovely and filled with vibrant blossoms to enjoy.

 

  • Eat: Visit Flower House Cafe at Bayview Farm & Garden for breakfast or lunch, and check out the iconic Laburnum Arbor when it’s in bloom while you are there. For dinner, head to Ultra House, a hole-in-the-wall type of place and an absolute gem. If you love ramen, it’s okay to set your expectations extremely high when you visit Ultra House—they aim to impress the palate.

 

  • To Do: Spend some time exploring Whidbey Island’s stunning gardens. Meerkerk Gardens in Greenbank features scenic trails surrounded by a huge variety of plants and flowers. Meerkerk is especially known for their rhododendrons, which bloom from early to late spring.

 

How to Spend a Summer Weekend on Whidbey Island

How to spend a Weekend on Whidbey

  • Stay: Comforts of Whidbey is a summertime oasis, and views of vineyards, bucolic pastures, and the shimmering Puget Sound are aplenty. This bed and breakfast is also conveniently a winery, so you can enjoy their wines in the tasting room before you head upstairs to your lodgings.

 

  • Eat: Callen’s Restaurant is right on the water in Coupeville, and not only do they have excellent food, they are close to the ferry to Port Townsend in case you are island hopping. In Langley, the Prima Bistro upstairs deck offers a gorgeous space to enjoy French-inspired Northwest fare, and you can finish off the evening at Captain Whidbey Inn’s outdoor deck. Captain Whidbey offers phenomenal views + delicious cocktails.

 

  • To Do: One thing on Whidbey Island that’s only available during warmer months is kayaking tours with Whidbey Island Kayaking. You can choose from several different types of tours—head out on a half-day adventure paddling to see wildlife and classic PNW scenes, go on a guided bird-watching kayak tour, or even head out at night for a memorable bioluminescence kayaking tour.

How to Spend an Autumn Weekend on Whidbey Island

How to spend a weekend on Whidbey

  • Stay: Auld Holland Inn offers a totally unique experience in Oak Harbor. This old-world gem features Dutch architecture, beautiful gardens, charming accommodations, and an onsite restaurant.

 

  • Eat: For a pricey but memorable experience, Orchard Kitchen is known for their rustic, “farm-to-table” experience. During non-COVID times you can enjoy family-style dinners at community tables.

 

  • To Do: Whidbey Island is known for its many small farms, and autumn is the perfect time of year to enjoy our bountiful harvests. Sherman’s Pioneer Farm is a popular destination for locals this time of year, and you can take a tractor tour through the pumpkin patch, stock up on fresh local produce, and meet the resident cows, all in a festive fall atmosphere.

 

For more Whidbey Island recommendations, keep exploring our blog! 

PlacesUncategorized June 10, 2019

Blonde Lawns on Whidbey Island

Blonde Lawns on Whidbey Island

Hello Summer! Can you believe it’s here? That beautiful time of year filled with beach walks, swimming lessons, trips to Kapaws Iskreme and so much more! Here on Whidbey we have countless summer traditions we treasure greatly. From our Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration to the Whidbey Island Fair, there is so much to cherish about this time of year. One tradition you may be unaware of is actually more of a movement.

Blonde Lawns.

Through the course of the summer months you can watch the emerald grass of this evergreen island fade to a sandy shade. Before you know it, this rock will be rocking a brand new blonde look.

What’s with the lack luster lawns? Well, it all has to do with conservation.

It’s no surprise to anyone that Whidbey tends to be a rather environmentally conscious. We love taking the extra step to ensure the beauty and resources we enjoy today will be around for tomorrow. One of those resources we care deeply about are our aquifers.

Aquifers:

Aquifers is the scientific term for ground water. Deep below the grass you walk on are pockets of “permeable” soil which store water that can then be tapped into for use. Annually these aquifers are recharged by the rain that falls to the ground.

According to Island County, Whidbey Island’s sole source of potable water comes from the ground.1 Sounds great, right? I mean, it’s Washington and it rains here. We should be good.Whidbey Island

Unfortunately, not all is good in the aquifer hood.

According to a report released by the Washington State Department of Ecology, “increasing demands for water from ongoing population growth, declining stream flows and groundwater levels… have put Washington’s water supplies at risk.” Whidbey is by no means immune to this water depletion; in fact, seawater intrusion and our lack of rain fall in comparison to the rest of Western Washington puts us in a pretty tight spot.

So, what does this have to do with the blonde lawns of Whidbey (I think you can guess).

The summer months, when there is little rain, poses a particularly difficult dilemma for island aquifers. Between keeping ourselves hydrated in the summer sun, watering plants, animals, and filling the pool in the backyard we use A LOT of water.

This increase of use and lack of resource hits hard on our aquifers and our wallets! Many newcomers to Whidbey are shocked when that first summer water bill comes in. The rules of supply and demand are no strangers to Whidbey Island water.

So how can we save our aquifers (and our wallets)? By going blonde!

Grass is far more durable than people sometimes realize. More times than not the golden grass that takes over Whidbey in the summer will be green again by next spring. Blonde lawns DON’T mean dead grass.

So, save yourself time, money, hassle and save our precious resources. Let your lawn go blonde!

 

Resources:

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Geo Caching, Whidbey Island, Discover, outdoors, Things to do on whidbey, Oak Harbor, Coupeville, Freeland, Langley

GeoCaching on Whidbey Island

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uncategorized June 4, 2019

Geocaching on Whidbey Island

Geocaching on Whidbey Island

Why is Whidbey Island the Perfect Place?

It is no secret that Whidbey Island is an astonishingly beautiful place. It’s the kind of atmosphere that draws you outside to enjoy the many state parks and breathtaking beaches. Countless trails dot the landscape all across the island. These trails and parks are what make Whidbey Island the perfect place for one very special activity: geocaching.

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What is Geocaching?

Geocaching is a hobby that has been around for almost twenty years, following the significant improvements on the global positioning system. The concept of the game is simple; go to a location indicated on your app/GPS, find the hidden treasure, re-hide and repeat. Geocaching’s simple, yet successful, concept attracts millions from across the globe to get outside and participate. On Whidbey Island alone there are over 300 caches!

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From the Geocachers:

We asked a few Geocachers about the draw to the hobby and they gave us a wealth of knowledge.

Sandra, a long term Geocacher, expressed “so many activities today [are] related to being indoors and sedentary in nature,” but she believes breaking that trend is what brings people to the hobby.

“Geocaching [is] directly related to being outside, the benefits are exercising your brain and your body! I’ve also been introduced to wonderful like-minded people who enjoy adventures.”

Bill, a fellow Geocacher, echoes every word of Sandra’s beliefs in the benefits of Geocaching. Asked why he started he simply said, “it was a way to get out!” As a retired man Bill is grateful to have geocaching for a hobby. Its something that keeps him active, helps him meet new people and discover new places.

So how easy is it to get into Geocaching?

Step 1: Download the App

This is the easiest part! Both iTunes and Google Play offer Geocaching as a phone app. All you need to do is search for it and download.

Step 2: Set Up a Profile

Setting up a profile allows you to save those caches you have already found and will start to develop statistics after you’ve been participating for a while.

Step 3: Start Finding Caches!

The app will immediately give you directions to the caches nearest you. You will follow it to the location and after that you are mostly left to find the treasure.

geocahing, whidbey island, washington

We Gave it a Try:

We decided to give it a try ourselves and it was great! We discovered there was a geocache right next to our Coupeville office. When we got a little lost and confused, we found out there was a helpful hint to guide the way. After a little snooping we found a tiny pill box with the visitor log!

 

 

 

 

 

Overall it was a pretty great experience and we can’t believe there are SO MANY more caches to find and places to discover on Whidbey Island! Sandra stated it best, “Whidbey Island is a magical place to live and geocache in… I loved discovering the “Mother of All Erratics” in the Saratoga Woods near Langley, (as well as) new trails and Dugualla State Park on North Whidbey, and secret places in Deception Pass State Park. We have lived on Whidbey almost 38 years and all of those places and more were discovered through geocaching!”

Go get out there and explore!

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Uncategorized February 19, 2019

Best Places to Watch the Sunset on Whidbey

Best Places to Watch the Sunset

Since it is February and love is in the air we would like to acknowledge that there are few things as romantic as the setting sun. As the business of the day dwindles down and the colors in the sky change, it paints the perfect scene to forget all your worries and appreciate the one you’re with.

You don’t have to own waterfront property to enjoy the splendor of Whidbey Island. Jump in the car and within a few minutes you could be sighing with wonder as you watch mother nature work her magic. We’ve decided to help you and your loved one find your perfect spot for a romantic night by compiling a list of the best places to watch the sunset on Whidbey Island. We hope these dreamy locations help to ignite passion that’s as deep as the sunset colors in the sky.

Ebey’s Landing Bluff Trail – Ebey’s Landing Rd, Coupeville, WA 98239

Situated right between the sweeping views of the valley fields and the expansive Puget Sound with the Olympic range visible in the distance; Ebey’s landing is easily one of the most breathtaking views on the island. When the sun begins to drop down across the sound it will be a hard call on you’ll be torn between watching the sky change its hue or viewing the night fall on the sleepy valley below. Both are good options.

 

 

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Libbey Beach Park – 2750 W Libbey Rd, Coupeville, WA 98239

Sometimes the hardest part about watching the sunset is finding a place to sit and cuddle up. That is no issue at Libbey Beach! All along the rocky beach you will find a log wall with a flat top. A perfect place to perch for the setting sun.

 

West Beach County Park – 2407 W Beach Rd, Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Unfortunately, Whidbey isn’t always the warmest this time of year. For those of us who still want to see the beauty of the sky changing into night, West Beach County Park is a great option! This little park is located on the North end of West Beach Rd and has a wonderful little lot where you can simply put your car in park and watch the sun fade from the comfort of your vehicle.

 

Fort Casey – 1280 Engle Rd, Coupeville, WA 98239

Watching the sunset behind this historic army fort is a great way to end any adventurous date. Before the dark overtakes it, the both of you might want to take some time to get lost within the fort’s empty corridors. When you’re ready, simply climb up to the top of the concrete fortress and watch the sun inch it’s way below the horizon.

 

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Joseph Whidbey State Park – Crosby Rd & West Beach Rd, Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Cuddled up on the lone westward facing bench of Joseph Whidbey State park is possibly the most romantic place to be as the sun fades away at the end of the day. Removed from the rest of the park’s picnic tables, the solo bench towards the edge of the hill and above the community BBQ shelter provides the perfect place to look out over the stunning view Strait of Juan de Fuca. Void of visual obstacles, you and the one you love will fully be able to experience the sky dance through the stages of the setting sun.

 

Deception Pass – 41229 WA-20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Perhaps sitting on a bench just isn’t your style and you want something a little more exciting and dynamic. Deception Pass bridge provides the perfect experience for couples wanting a little more adventure in their sunset experience. Sunsets at the bridge provide a unique and breathtaking experience from every location. You and your significant other can enjoy the rush of cars going by as you walk across the historic bridge and see the lights from the sky dance across the flowing water below. Or you can find your way below and see the patterns the bridge’s shadows make across the trees and beaches.

 

 

 

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Uncategorized December 20, 2018

What's Your Winter Style?

What’s Your Winter Style?

It’s official. The clock has struck twelve and the new year has begun; bringing with it a time of resolutions or rest.

For many, January is the restart button for their workout routines. With the holidays passed they can finally buckle down and bust out the dumbbells again. For others, the winter winds make that idea unimaginable. They would far rather grab their favorite warm drink, a comfy blanket, and cozy up on the couch with the ones they love.

So, which is your winter style? Or are you both?!

For the Workout Warrior

January brings new inspiration to the workout warrior. With a vision of the new year in mind they are dedicated to bringing back that bikini body or conquering some challenging goals. Unfortunately, winter weather doesn’t always make outside exercise possible. Below is a list of local gyms where you can stay fit!

Thrive Fitness – 32650 WA-20 Bldg D, Oak Harbor

www.thrivecf.com/

North End Fitness – 2800 Goldie Rd #102, Oak Harbor

www.northendfitnesscenter.com/

Crossfit – 720 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor

www.crossfitoakharbor.com/

Unsize Me – 670 SE Pioneer Way #101, Oak Harbor

www.unsizeme.com/

Hoping to complete your workout at home?

Check out these 15 Best Apps to Help You Get Fit: https://www.menshealth.com/technology-gear/g23007883/best-fitness-apps/

 

For the Cozy Cuddler

If the whole workout routine isn’t for you, you probably just need a little more Hygge in your life. Hygge, pronounced “hue-guh,” is a Danish word loosely translated to fun, cozy, comfort, and happy. It’s more than a word though; it’s a concept and a lifestyle. It’s to live in comfort and contentment with the things and people who make you happy. Below are some ways you can bring Hygge into your home.

  1. Wrap yourself in comfort!

    Things like scarves, sweaters, and chunky blankets can really bring a feeling of comfort to a person. Need a new something cozy? Swing by Seaside & Sylvan in Greenbank to find your perfect Hygge style pieces.

  2. Be present!

    Try to remember that this moment right now is special, unique, and will never happen again. If you find this difficult, the app Headspace can give you some meditation techniques to help.

  3. Warm up with a hot drink!

    There’s no spirit lifter quite like a warm cup of coffee, tea, coco, or cider. Lavender Wind Shop and Rock Island Coffee may have just what you need for that warm winter drink.

  4. Spend time with friends!

    Sharing a meal or playing games can be a great way to build community and spread happiness with the people you love. Keep it simple with a Papa Murphy’s Pizza and, our favorite game, Qwirkle!

  5. Find something fun to do!

    Relaxing hobbies like journaling, art, knitting, reading, or hiking can be a great way to bring a sense of peace. Want to discover some great local trails? Download the AllTrails app.

Want to learn more about Hygge?

Read The Little Book of Hygge: https://www.amazon.com/Little-Book-Hygge-Danish-Secrets/dp/0062658808/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1543349186&sr=8-2&keywords=hygge

 

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Uncategorized December 10, 2018

O’ Christmas Tree, O’ Christmas Tree how ever did you come to be?

O’ Christmas Tree, O’ Christmas Tree how ever did you come to be?

  Every year around this time families all over America participate in the annual ritual of putting up the Christmas Tree. Laughter, joy, wonder (and sometimes a little fighting) ensue as we pack ourselves into the car and drive to our nearest tree farm (or store) to find the perfect tree. Have you ever looked at the gleaming lights against those evergreen needles and wonder why we do this?

               The truth is humans have been decorating their homes with evergreens for as long as historians can tell. It’s believed the evergreen pine’s ability to survive the coldest of winters served as a reminder that one day spring would come and the world would be green again. The custom was especially resilient in Germany where many continued to decorate their homes with these trees well into and past the renaissance era. It is even believed that the Protestant reformer, Martin Luther, was the first to place lit candles on this winter tree.

The Christmas Tree, as it’s known today, really gained popularity during the reign of Queen Victoria. Victoria’s German husband, Albert, brought the tradition of the evergreen tree into Buckingham Palace and caught the attention of the entire world. Soon there was not a home in all of Europe or America without a Christmas tree donned with ornaments and lights. 

Want to know where you can get that perfect tree? Below is a list of local farms and stores that can help!

 

Pacific Wind Tree Farms – 2870 N Torpedo Road, Oak Harbor

Ready for some family fun? Pacific Winds Farms has been beloved local Christmas Tree farm for generations. You have the option between looking through precut trees place conveniently close to the entrance or you can brave the forest, saw in hand, and put those high school woodshop skills to work! While friendly staff help to bind your tree, feel free to visit the gift shop and sip on some fresh hot coco and cider. They will be open Tuesday – Sunday from 10am – 6pm.

https://www.facebook.com/pacifivwindsfarm/

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A Knot in Thyme – 4233 DeGraff Road, Oak Harbor

When you drive up to A Knot in Thyme you might just feel like you fell into history. The gift shop’s vintage green farm building has a warm rustic charm and the horse drawn wagon adds a romantic feel to exploring the 60-year-old groves. Be sure to ask the store clerk about their “Kissing Balls” and grab an ornament or two to go on your brand-new tree! They are open Monday – Saturday from 9am – 5pm.

https://www.facebook.com/aknotinthyme/

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A post shared by A Knot in Thyme (@aknotinthyme) on Nov 13, 2018 at 10:30am PST

Oak Harbor Lion’s Club – 32630 WA-20, Oak Harbor

You may notice every year, directly after Thanksgiving, the patch of forest next to the Chamber of Commerce gains a few more trees. That is because Oak Harbor’s Lions club pitches up tent there every year to sell Christmas trees! The club sells trees of all kinds from to the public through their pop-up shop and all their proceeds go to their non-profit. It’s a great way to get a tree and give back this holiday season! They will sell every day from 10am – 7pm until every tree has a home.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Community-Organization/Oak-Harbor-Lions-Club-256993564350765/

 

Hennrich Tree Farm – 1650 Hastie Lake Road, Oak Harbor

Want a winter weekend adventure? The surrounding forestry at Hennrich Tree Farms makes your tree hunt feel an adventurous nature walk. Breathe in the fresh air and let your wild side out as you forage for your perfect tree. Hennrich opens their doors December 1st and are open every Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 5pm while supplies last.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Farm/Hennrich-Tree-Farm-143484279035656/

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A post shared by Caleb (@cal2eb) on Dec 3, 2017 at 4:34pm PST

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