By Courtney Oldwyn published on January 5, 2017
Not much is better than a romantic island getaway for Valentines Day. The Harrison House Suites on San Juan Island is the perfect place to spend a few days with your sweetheart. February, in the Pacific Northwest, can be dreary. But with this San Juan Island Valentines Day To-Do list, you’ll be sure to have a day to remember with your special someone.
1. Take your Sweetie for a Romantic Morning Coffee Date
First, we hope you’ll take advantage of that cozy bed in your room at the Harrison House Suites and sleep in! Once you’re ready to venture out into the cold, wander down to the Salty Fox Coffee for a late morning cup of joe. This darling little coffee shop is located directly in front of the ferry landing in an old Victorian style house. It is locally owned by a young single mother who also sells her own art out of the shop. Grab a stool at the counter in front of the large picture window. And take advantage of the gorgeous views over the harbor and watch the ferry arrive with your love.
2. Grab a Little Something Special for your Someone Special
What is Valentine’s Day without a gift for your darling? The heart of Friday Harbor is full of shops where you’ll be sure to find the perfect gift. If you’re looking for a gift for a woman check out Deer Hazel on Spring Street. It’s a trendy little clothing and jewelry boutique. The multi-talented young women who own and run the shop make all of the jewelry themselves in a little work station in the back of the building. You’ll notice many local island women wearing the gorgeous earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets made here.
If you’re in the market for something a little more romantic (but not too racy) for your lady you can also find adorable undies, locally made by Tush and Bush Underwear for sale at Deer Hazel. Each pair is designed, created and hand sewn in Friday Harbor!
If you need a gift for the man in your life you’ve got options as well. Kings Marine on Spring Street is full of gear for the outdoorsy guy. Sandpebble, also on Spring Street, has a small section of odds and ends such as hats, t-shirts, bar utensils and books aimed at men.
If either of you love locally created art you can’t miss Island Studios! This large shop is full of all things artsy and island-made. Such as paintings, photography, glass sculptures, cards, dish-ware, pottery, recycled materials sculptures, and everything in between.
3. Pack a Picnic and Take a Drive!
A February afternoon is the perfect time to explore the island by car. Grab an island map from the team at the Harrison House Suites or at the Chamber of Commerce on Spring Street, a delicious fresh made sandwich from the Spring Street Deli, and hit the road.
From Friday Harbor, head toward the south end of the Island
Take in the incredible views on your way to the Cattle Point Lighthouse. Then backtrack, turning off onto False Bay Drive where you’ll pass through lush, green woods before coming upon False Bay and the Whittier Farms pasture lands. You’ll connect to Bailer Hill Road which turns into West Side Road and boasts some of the most spectacular views the Island has to offer. View-points along West Side Road make great pit stops for enjoying those sandwiches you brought along! Lime Kiln Point State Park is just up the road. Although there’s a fee to enter the park, this is where you’ll find the second of San Juan Island’s lighthouses.
After lunch, continue on up toward the San Juan County Park
Here you’ll find more breathtaking views! Don’t miss the scenic ponds along the roadside as you make your way toward the park. Head toward Mitchell Bay road, connecting with Beaverton Valley/West Valley Road on your way to English Camp. It’s a great place to stretch your legs while exploring the historic cabins and garden here.
Next stop is Roche Harbor at the Northwest tip of San Juan Island
Grab a half dozen of Roche Harbor’s famous cake donuts for tomorrow morning. And don’t forget a coffee at the Lime Kiln Café before exploring the resort. If you are there in the late afternoon, you won’t want to miss the breathtaking sunset. To get back to Friday Harbor, take Roche Harbor Road which leads you through the island’s inner fields and farmlands, past the San Juan Vineyards (if open, a pit stop at the tasting room is a must!) and on back to town.
4. Plan a Romantic Dinner for Two
Valentines Day just doesn’t seem complete without a romantic dinner to top off an amazing day. The Coho Restaurant is the perfect choice for an intimate, cozy and delicious meal for two. Just two blocks from your room at the Harrison House Suites, this tiny restaurant is built into a quaint historic home on Nichols street. Focused on locally sourced fresh food, the menu here changes with the season and is always prepared to order. Call ahead to reserve your table or ask your the team at the Harrison House Suites to make you a reservation.
Wishing you love and happiness this Valentine’s Day!
Courtney ~ Local Blogger for the San Juan Island Inn Collection
