The air just seems sweeter on San Juan Island. Maybe it’s the sea mist or the lush forests, or maybe it’s the wonderful bakers, chocolatiers, and dessert masters on the island. The San Juan Islands are filled with wonderful shops selling only the finest sweets and most are made with locally sourced ingredients. When you have this many farms on the island, it doesn’t make sense to use anything else.
Head into any of these shops or restaurants to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Most people in the Pacific Northwest know of Lopez Island Creamery and the incredible ice creams that come out of the little island. The creamery started out on Lopez Island. They moved their operations to Anacortes, the gateway to the San Juans, to cut down on their carbon footprint (the scenic ferries aren’t the best mode to transport frozen tubs of ice cream). Every flavor and every b batch is still make with the love and care as their first batch. You can find their ice cream almost anywhere. Stop by the Pelindaba Lavender Farm, the San Juan Brewery, and even Tops’l Sushi. Try the Bow Hill Blueberry, made with blueberries from Bow Hill Farm outside of Anacortes or one of their seasonal flavors for a perfectly creamy-sweet treat!
San Juan Coffee Roasting Company
If there is one thing the Pacific Northwest is known for, it’s the abundance of coffee shops. We love our coffee up here and brew some of the best in the world. The San Juan Coffee Roasting Company has been roasting and brewing the perfect cup of java since 1990. If you like your sweets in the form of coffee, then head here for one of their perfectly mastered drinks and a delicious breakfast pastry. For something extra special order the Affogato, a double shot of espresso poured over a scoop of Cascade Glacier vanilla ice cream.
Friday Harbor Chocolates is a chocoholic’s dream. This boutique shop in downtown Friday Harbor sells the most intricate, delicate, delicious truffles and chocolates you may ever taste. While most people think dessert should be enjoyed after dinner, I recommend going in for a mid-afternoon treat. If you have any children, grandchildren, nephews or nieces, then pick up one of their country critters, truffles shaped into the cutest little animals.
For a true desert, head to Coho Restaurant, a farm-to-table restaurant specializing in gourmet dishes masterfully made with only the freshest local ingredients. After an incredible meal of house-made pasta and local seafood, settle in for the grand finale: the Valencia Orange Cake. Inspired by a week-long trip to Valencia, Spain, this dish was perfected over years of minor tweaks to achieve the flawless texture and flavor in each slice. Pair this light aromatic dish with a Tawny Port flight. The marmalade notes complement the orange essence of the cake and play well with the almond flour used in this gluten-free dessert.
And on Lopez Island
On your way back to Anacortes, stop on Lopez Island and make your way to Just Heavenly Fudge. As the name suggests, their fudge is just… heavenly. Smooth and rich, locally made with the finest ingredients, this fudge is the perfect dessert to savor your time in the San Juans. Their sea salt caramel fudge is always a show stopper, but while you are in the store, sample their seasonal choices. Their small batch fudge blocks are fleeting and you may never see the same flavor again.
Be warned
Eating any of these delicious desserts may make you crave more of these delicious sweet treats! Luckily with many of these places, you can bring home a little extra as a reminder of the sweet times you had on San Juan Island. We know you are tempted to stay so give us a call to book your stay at the Harrison House Suites, part of the San Juan Island Inn Collection. It is an ideal location just a short walk to these shops or restaurants where you can satisfy your sweet tooth.
