I could walk here from my home. Lovely community and a must…read moreto visit if you're in the area.

I highly recommend this. Not just for kids but adults too. They have a very interactive museum, a…read morehands-On room and an aquarium. Everything is so interesting. Well laid out and highly interactive so this is a super engaging space for all ages.

If you haven't been to Barnston Island, you're missing out on an adventure. First, there's the…read morewacky ferry to get over there. It's basically a tugboat with a barge attached that chugs back and forth across the river every ten minutes or so. You can drive, but the ferry has limited capacity for cars (maybe six?), no public parking on the island, and you have to back up off the ferry when you get to Barnston Island. It's better to leave the car in the free lot at the end of 104 Ave in Surrey and walk or take your bike. (The ferry is also free.) Most of the island is private property (lots of "no trespassing" signs), although there is one park at the northwest corner with picnic tables and some marshy beach. A narrow paved road encircles the island, a 10 km route with very little traffic and plenty of scenery. On our summer bike ride, we saw everything from goats to eagles to skydivers, with views of Golden Ears Bridge, the North Shore Mountains and Mt. Baker in the distance. An abandoned home with brambles taking over the doorway was also strangely cool. Barnston Island has a peaceful feeling, inhabited yet abandoned at the same time. One car passed us on the entire ride, and the only other people we saw were fellow cyclists and walkers. There are also no stores on the island, so be sure to bring your own water and provisions. You can say you've been somewhere without really leaving.

The coolest (and still free!) ferry! It's a fun little ride over to the island and only 10 km…read morearound... Very idyllic and restful... Nice for a little bike ride, a walk in the country or just a peaceful drive... I wish there was a legal place to enjoy a picnic beside the river, though.., And it is a smart thing to bring some mosquito repellant because they like to attack fresh blood... Lol

Completely. Fucking. Amazing…read more There are cows, pigs, chickens, rabbits, horses, cats, owls, ducks and more in this 100+ year old barn. The massive 1200lb Nutmeg greets you near the front, as do the several feral cats (some blind), and the spotted barn owl. Depending when you visit, sometimes you are able to feed cows potatoes with your hands (it's awesome, but very, very slimy), or feed baby cows (as young as 1 week old) from a bottle. They suckle on your fingers/clothes/anything you put near them. This is an active dairy farm, and they have a lot of education about how dairy farms work, which is also nice to hear about. They also give military ID discounts, which I think is pretty awesome since I have one :) The bad news is that they're only open to the public in April (unless you arrange a special group trip). This year, I'm not even going to the Tulip Festival to see the tulips.. I'm going to Cowtown. Seriously. There aren't words I can put into a review to give you an idea of how much I love this place, except to say.. if I were to die today and there was some sort of Heaven (and I mistakenly got in..), it'd be Cowtown.

If you are looking for an usual experience on Orcas Island do not forego visiting this very special…read moreprivate museum that has over 800 works of art from 250 San Juan Island artists. It features the largest collection of HELEN Loggie's work and an extensive collection from James Hardman all in an exquisite architectural setting on the water with breathtaking views complete with follies. It is breathtaking and will provide you with inspiration and awe along with thanks that people like Leo Lambiel exist in this world.

Leo Lambiel's guided tour of his awesome home cum museum is awesome, and well worth the $20 fee per…read moreperson. His taste in art by San Juan Islands artists is eclectic -- inspiring, humorous, ironic, abstract, representational -- in a range of media. The house reflects his own craftsmanship in construction and decoration, and grew from its origins as a cabin to a mansion of many rooms, soaring ceilings, windowed walls, and outdoor stairways. Leo's folly is the grotto, which he continues to work on after 17 years. Wine also is his passion, and his wine room has patterned walls made of used corks. Altogether, a wonderful tour.

I was not expecting to be as impressed as I was by this brand new pier at Little Squalicum Beach…read more For decades, I've visited this rustic little beach park with family or friends, always gazing out at the long-dilapidated former shipping pier. Fast forward to just a few weeks ago, and they've transformed this creosote-scented landmark into a place of beauty. We were lucky to be there on a warm, sunny day. We walked out to the end and took it all in. From views of Lummi and Orcas Islands to the west, Mt. Baker to the east, and even some humongous-looking crabs wandering the shallow depths beneath the bridge, it was a delightful (and free!) way to spend some time in nature.

Really really cool experience the ONLY drawback is there isn't really a beach very rocky but man…read morewas that cool!! A LOT of wildlife in the water that you can see from the pier. SO rad would definitely recommend and will definitely be back someday

Visit Finnegan's Alley! Shop, food, professional…read morebuildings...such a cute space (three floors) tucked away in beautiful Fairhaven. This little indoor mall houses shops, food and professional offices upstairs and cute little balconies and benches for taking in the view :-)

Ed's offers the most bountiful selection and impeccable service of all the Lower Elwha firework…read morestands. As June turns to July, follow the elegantly simple signage west of Port Angeles to find this mercantile gem nestled in a picturesque valley. Not only did we find our favorite fireworks here, but the kindly proprietor applied unasked-for discounts and provided armloads of gratis sparklers making for the most enjoyable fourth of July in memory. Thank you, Ed's!

When I'm in the mood for some gorgeous views over Anacortes, Cap Sante Park is one of my go-to…read morespots. Perched high on a point across the harbor from downtown, it's the perfect spot to take it all in. And with its northerly views, you can not only watch the boats arrive at the marina far below, but peer across the mountains for breathtaking sunny day views of Mount Baker, too. It also has a "lover's lane" vibe, so I'll give it an extra star for romance potential. There are a view benches, as well as rocky outperches, to sit and ponder all the beauty. Fall potential is high, so I wouldn't let little ones wander around on their own here. Parking can be a hassle on sunny days.

Went during a sunset and it was spectacular. Even saw a rainbow. There were parking spots when we…read moregot there though it was also a lot of people concerning it was already past 9PM. Wonderful views of the marina and the islands! And beautiful Mountain views.

I poked the beast. It roared but quickly went back into hibernation. Lol. But seriously, whoever is…read moreclimbing to the top just to throw away their blizzard cups needs to stop. It's just tacky hand pathetic you can't put your trash in the bin.

1) The Lake Stevens Monster is very cool geology, but a few things detracted from the experience…read more 1a) some developer thought it would be a great idea to build a neighborhood around this piece of incredible geology and it is near impossible to get a good look at it or appreciate it because the homes are so close to it, they left no wiggle room to squeeze a trail or park area by it. 1b) the surrounding area is not well maintained.

O M G…read more Purses, food, cocktails, entertainment, a beauty bar, and an amazing fashion show...and it's all for an incredible cause. What is NOT to love about Handbags for Housing!? I was honored to attend this year as a VIP and I gotta say, the bonus perks were nice. We received a HUGE goodie bag with tons of cool schwag - including (bonus!) a tiny bottle of bubbly. Plus we had front row seating for the phenomenal fashion show, which featured local shops and boutiques putting together fun outfits to match a gorgeous handbag. After each walk-down-the-runway that particular handbag was auctioned off to the crowd. One of the bags (a Kate Spade beauty if I recall correctly) went for nearly $700! While the live auction was a little rich for my blood, I did enjoy the endless rows of gorgeous purses attendees had donated, which were marked anywhere from $5-50 depending on their label (and believe me, there were some VERY well-known labels to be found). There was also a silent auction featuring some of the more high-end bags, so basically there was literally something for everyone, in every budget category. (And if you really like a bag bargain, stay until the very end, wink wink.)

What a blast! Handbags for Housing was such a fun event; high energy, lots of beautiful, upcycled,…read moreunique, and great priced purses, great food and wine/cocktails, entertainment of the "Booty and the Beat" ladies, fashion show, auction, and so much more! What a great idea and event to help raise awareness and proceeds for Lydia Place and helping our community! A lady can never have too many purses - and it's for a great cause....Genius event! :)