Gardens in Bloom, A New Farm Stay, Whidbey by Bike, and More Spring Travel Inspiration from Whidbey and Camamo Islands

As the sun peaks out, farms come back to life, and temperatures rise, the island comes alive with spring fever. A variety of peak bloom opportunities are abound, while fun on the farm provides joy for all family members. Here are a few ways to embrace those spring renewal vibes on Whidbey and Camano Islands.

Photos: Kyle Houck, Embrace Whidbey and Camano Islands, and Adam Sawyer

Stay on the Farm. The Organic Farm School, a nonprofit located on 10 scenic acres at the south end of Whidbey Island, has expanded its offerings to provide an immersive farm-to-table experience for guests of all ages. Visitors gain hands-on insight into every step of bringing food from field to plate. New three-day, two-night farmhouse stays invite guests to explore the fields, harvest fresh vegetables, and bring them back to the kitchen to prepare meals. The beautifully appointed, two-story “Feed & Seed” farmhouse is reserved exclusively for one group at a time, featuring four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a cozy living area with a wood-burning fireplace, and a fully equipped kitchen. More information about the Organic Farm School and weekend farm stay opportunities is available at www.organicfarmschool.org/farm-stays. 

Green Thumbs Go Here. Don’t miss Meerkerk Gardens, a hidden gem on Whidbey Island, spans 10 acres of beautifully maintained gardens surrounded by 43 acres of serene woodland. Known for its stunning collection of rhododendrons, the gardens reach peak bloom in late April and May, when vibrant colors fill the landscape. Visit during the  Whidbey Island Gardening Workshop on March 15, an annual event hosted by the Island County Master Gardener Foundation. It features expert-led classes, hands-on demonstrations, and practical tips on topics like sustainable landscaping and vegetable gardening. Perfect for gardeners of all skill levels, it’s a great way to learn and connect with local experts. Save the date for the Whidbey Island Garden Tour on July 12 when 80 private gardens open to the delight of the public.

Explore Whidbey Island by Bike. Skip the car or ferry line and explore the island’s pastoral beauty on two wheels. Whidbey Island offers stunning cycling routes, from Brooks Hill Road’s tree-lined path to Ebey Road’s pastoral views and U.S. Bike Route 97’s scenic ride to Deception Pass. Just 30 miles from Seattle, the island is an easy-to-reach biking destination.

Plan your ride with A Bicyclist’s Map of Island County, available at visitor centers and online. Routes are also on RidewithGPS.com. Island Transit’s free buses, equipped with bike racks, help cyclists navigate busy highways. Access Whidbey by ferry from Mukilteo, Port Townsend, or via the Deception Pass Bridge. The Mukilteo ferry runs frequently and is bike-friendly. Public transit options include Amtrak Cascades, Sounder commuter rail, and Sound Transit’s Link light rail 1 Line, with connections to Mukilteo Station near the ferry. For schedules and details, visit WSDOT, Sound Transit, and Community Transit websites. 

Coupeville Creative District Announces sʷədəbš Cultural Center. At the foot of a sturdy wooden pier stretching 450 feet over Penn Cove in Coupeville sits a new café with a purpose: Beaver Tales Coffee, a local roastery and home to the sʷədəbš Cultural Center (pronounced schwe-dops). Owners Michelle and Tony Cladusbid opened this third location in March 2024 to foster cultural understanding and community connections. Last fall, the Coupeville Creative District was certified by the Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWa) and the sʷədəbš Cultural Center has been chosen as the community project.

This new space will serve as a gathering hub, providing opportunities for collaboration, storytelling, and artistic expression. At the heart of the project is the creation of an Indigenous Cultural Hub, dedicated to honoring and amplifying the rich traditions, art, and voices of Indigenous communities. The hub will host cultural programming, workshops, and exhibits that educate and inspire visitors, ensuring that Indigenous heritage remains a vibrant part of the Coupeville community’s cultural fabric. Customers are encouraged to slow down, listen, and engage. Beyond serving locals, the center aims to attract visitors eager to learn about Indigenous cultures and island heritage.

For more information, visit www.beavertalescoffee.com.

Playing in the Salish Sea. When the weather warms it’s time to explore the many waterways of the islands. From freshwater swimming holes like Cranberry Lake at Deception Pass or Goss Lake on the south end of the island to a variety of beaches fit for a dip, the islands have a myriad of options for cooling off. Those seeking to get out on the water can check out Wharf Dog Paddle and Pantry or Whidbey Island Kayaking for canoe, SUP, and kayak rentals and tours, or hop aboard Deception Pass Tours for whale watching and wildlife spotting. Book a private tour on a chartered catamaran for private full or half day tours of the Salish sea or set sail on the historic Schooner Suva for tours of Penn Cove.

For more information on amenities, lodging and a calendar of events visit www.whidbeycamanoislands.com or follow @GoWhidbeyCamano on social.