Space Needle Flyby on a Seattle Scenic Tour. Scott Meis
Seattle Scenic Tour Space Needle Flyby. Scott Meis

The sun glistens as the Kenmore Air seaplane picks up speed and the pontoons turn the water into a white wake. Gently, the plane lifts off, soaring past Seattle’s iconic houseboats and into the sky above. The thrilling takeoff is just the opener of this iconic Seattle tour, which gives you a birds’ eye view of the Emerald city’s magnificent skyline, iconic landmarks, and plethora of waterways. 

Read more
Jimmy Delagardelle Kenmore Air Mechanic
Jimmy Delagardelle

It’s unlikely you’ve ever met Jimmy Delagardelle, but as the Shop Foreman at Kenmore Air he plays an integral role in keeping the Maintenance Department running smoothly.

“My job is to help the flow of operations in any way I can,” explains Jimmy. 

Read more
Sean Forest Roberts, Ceramic Artist & Owner of Forest Ceramic Co.

Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, Sean Forest Roberts fell in love with making functional wares in high school. But he didn’t set out to become a professional potter. In fact, he did organic chemistry research while earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from Carleton College in Minnesota.

Today, his wildly popular poured ceramic pieces are shipped worldwide and have earned their Eastsound studio on Orcas IslandForest Ceramic Co. — a cult-like following on Instagram. He and his business partner opened a Gallery in Eastsound in 2020, where they feature their work along with other local and regional artists.

Read more
restaurant dinner
Restaurant

A West Coast gem, Victoria is often praised for its picturesque harbor, historic architecture, and tepid weather. But the food scene here is equally as enticing. And the city’s not without its culinary cred. 

The British Columbia capital is the scene of Canada’s first brewpub. The nation’s first chocolatier opened up shop along the cobblestone streets. It’s been recognized as one of the best places to enjoy high tea like a royal, is home to the oldest Chinatown in Canada, and its neighboring wine region has been not so silently earning attention. 

Read more
Fog rising in Friday Harbor Marina
Fog rising in Friday Harbor

A serene haven, San Juan Island’s natural beauty unfolds in every direction. The rolling hills, lush forests, and rugged coastlines feel almost untouched by time. Here, the air is crisp and tinged with the scent of saltwater. Sea-to-table and farm-to-table cuisine reigns supreme. Artists flourish and community thrives.

Read more
Exploring Orcas
Orcas Island Summer Getaway

A towering peak, protected pebble-covered beaches, and a thriving farm-to-table food scene has earned Orcas Island a cult-like following. Visitors and locals alike rave about the horseshoe shaped gem, where the sun is more likely to shine than not and the views abound. While it’s hard to go wrong with any activity, the following showcase some of our favorite things to do on Orcas Island this summer. 

Read more
Nancy McDonnell Spaulding
San Juan Island Artist and Author Nancy McDonnell Spaulding

“One of the things that drives my art is the desire to protect beautiful places,” said Nancy McDonnell Spaulding. An accomplished San Juan Island artist and newly published author, Nancy’s work does so by showcasing simple pleasures — often found tucked among awe-inspiring sights. 

Read more
Emerald Queen Casino de Havilland Otter
Emerald Queen Casino Seaplane

While technically a part of Washington State, San Juan Island feels a bit like a foreign country. Heck, some of its rocky coves are closer to Canada than the American mainland. And traveling from Tacoma to San Juan Island is no small feat — until recently. Reaching the quaint Olympic Rainshadow destination is now as simple as catching a 55-minute scenic flight from Tacoma’s Ruston Way seaplane terminal. 

Located within the Olympic Rainshadow, San Juan Island offers a sun-filled reprieve from the drizzle of T-town. The following outlines the four most common ways to travel from Tacoma to San Juan Island. 

Read more
Hotel de Haro at Roche Harbor Resort. Photo by Jack Riley
Roche Harbor Resort Hotel de Haro. Photo by Jack Riley

While summer boating roots run deep at Roche Harbor, this historic destination also blooms during the shoulder season. The site — a former lime quarry and manufacturing plant in the late 1800s — is now the pinnacle of luxury on San Juan Island. Modern lodging options (along with more modest historic ones), a host of dining establishments, and a plethora of nearby things to do make Roche Harbor the ultimate destination for families, couples, and gal-pal getaways.

Read more
Sunrise from Mount Constitution by Travel Trend
Mount Rainier at Sunrise from Mount Constitution by Travel Trend

Sunsets in the San Juan Islands are visceral. Visits here seem to draw you to rocky shorelines and towering peaks (we’re looking at you Mount Constitution) to bask in the burst of burnt oranges and bright magentas as they fade into gentle pastels. While no one island in this remote archipelago far surpasses another, Orcas Island sunset locations do include the tallest peak and most convenient ‘town’ access. 

Read more