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9 Romantic San Juan Island Winter Escapes

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Nov 29, 2018
9 Romantic San Juan Island Winter Escapes

Slow-paced island life, farm-to-table cuisine, and intimate accommodations make the San Juan Islands the perfect romantic escape this winter.

From Lopez and Orcas to Roche Harbor and Friday Harbor, discover some of our favorite romantic places to cuddle up with your someone special.

Tucker House Inn, San Juan Island

Just steps from the Friday Harbor Marina, this quaint B&B is tucked in a quiet residential neighborhood. Owned and operated in conjunction with Harrison House Suites, the Tucker House Inn’s labyrinth of Victorian buildings and cottages were built in 1898. The elegant architecture is matched by beautifully cared for grounds – which feature delectable edibles like a blueberry bush and fresh herbs. Eco-friendly and pet-friendly, this idyllic destination is particularly well known for its two-course breakfast served each morning of your stay.

Friday Harbor House, San Juan Island

Located two blocks from the Friday Harbor seaplane dock, the Friday Harbor House offers a modern twist to seaside lodging. Each room features an oversized Jacuzzi and gas fireplace. Fidalgo Bay Coffee is freshly ground and put in your room on your arrival, so you can enjoy a cup of pour-over jo without even leaving your room. The inn’s exquisite restaurant boasts water views and a selection of authentic San Juan Island cuisine.

Earth Box Inn & Spa, San Juan Island

Take a moment to reground yourselves in the simplicity of Mother Nature’s tones mimicking the earth, sun, sea, and sky. The indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna are perfect for a dip and steam together. But the real star here is the on-site Day Spa, which offers a variety of traditional and hot stone massages, wraps, facials, and foot therapies.

Rosario Resort, Orcas Island

Tucked beside Cascade Bay, Rosario Resort’s elegant craftsman style mansion was finished in 1909. Built by Seattle shipbuilder and Mayor Robert Moran, it is richly appointed with elegant woodwork, a 1,972-pipe organ, and a 1900 Steinway Grand Piano. Complimentary concerts take place Saturdays at 4:00 PM. The performances are breathtakingly beautiful. And be sure to make a reservation at the Mansion Restaurant, where renowned chef Raymond Southern is putting modern twists on old classics.

Roche Harbor Resort, San Juan Island

On the Northern end of San Juan Island, where the water is calm and the cellphone service is sometimes spotty, rests Roche Harbor Resort. Once a lime kiln factory, this elegant estate is now a favorite destination for leisurely travelers and boaters. It offers a plethora of outdoor activities ranging from kayaking to hiking. During the summer, its cobblestone walks bustle with activity as visitors meander through manicured gardens and savor donuts fresh from the fryer. While the summer is nice, the quiet of winter makes this a favorite for those who want to cuddle close and enjoy an upscale prime rib dinner, where the house-made horseradish will wow your taste buds.

The Edenwild Boutique Inn, Lopez Island

Don’t arrive planning to binge-watch your favorite sitcom on a big screen TV. The Edenwild Boutique Inn is a TV free zone. While they do offer complimentary WiFi, this Lopez Island gem is best designed for unplugging. Its spacious rooms feature full baths and unique amenities like large soaking tubs and wood burning fireplaces. Mornings start with scratch baked goodies, fresh fruit parfaits, and Lopez Island coffee. Bike and kayak rentals are available on site for those who wish to explore. But with the wraparound porch and stunning ocean views, you may just want to cuddle up and never leave!

Inn at Ship Bay, Orcas Island

This stylish, contemporary inn is located in an 1869 renovated farmhouse. Just one mile from Eastsound, the inn is nestled by the idyllic waters of Ship Bay and overlooks Madrona Point. The restaurant is of particular note. Known for its use of high quality, sustainably sourced ingredients, its seasonal menu changes regularly. And, its freshly baked sourdough is proofed from a starter that’s over 100 years old.

MacKaye Harbor Inn, Lopez Island

Located at the southern end of Lopez Island, MacKaye Harbor Inn was formerly home to a sea captain. The view pays homage to its first owner with striking views of the sea. The rooms are cheerfully furnished with golden-oak and brass details. Breakfast includes house specialties, such as Finish pancakes. Plus, if you’re lucky enough to reserve the Harbor Suite, you’ll be treated to a private bath, deck, and fireplace.

Outlook Inn and New Leaf Café, Orcas Island

Tucked at the edge of Eastsound, the Outlook Inn is just steps from some of Orcas Island’s best novelty shops, bakeries, and restaurants. Its waterfront location offers views of Fishing Bay and Indian Island. The staff is known for being exceptionally friendly. And, the inn’s restaurant, New Leaf Café, is praised for its unpretentious elegance and sea-to-table cuisine.

Bird Rock Hotel, San Juan Island

Located just a short walk from the Friday Harbor Marina, Bird Rock Hotel offers a boutique small town experience. Praised for its comfort and charm, this elegant hotel’s historic exterior is complemented by its modern interior which features upscale amenities such as Jacuzzi suites and harbor views.

Doe Bay Resort and Retreat, Orcas Island

Doe Bay gives ‘rustic’ a new name. While their seaside cottages and yurts may not be the most refined resort experience you’ll ever have, this idyllic destination has a charm that’s unparalleled. A visit to their clothing optional spa is enough to make anyone relax – especially with its water views. And, let’s not forget about the restaurant where the seed-to-table cuisine will blow your mind with its incredible flavors.

I Want to Getaway

MORE ORCAS ISLAND ADVENTURES

DOE BAY ON ORCAS ISLAND

Doe Bay on Orcas Island has long been known for its unique laid-back vibe. But this idyllic destination is as equally prized for its unpretentious, seed-to-table cuisine.

9 BEST PLACES TO SNAP A SELFIE ON SAN JUAN ISLAND

If you’re San Juan bound, don’t miss your chance to snap a selfie by these epic lookouts, historic sites, and cute creatures!

BROWN BEAR BAKING ON ORCAS ISLAND

In a variety of delectable flavors and sizes, Brown Bear Baking on Orcas Island serves pastries worthy of praise.

CHEF RAYMOND SOUTHERN IS REVOLUTIONIZING ROSARIO RESORT

With its craftsman style exterior and 1,972 pipe organ, Rosario Resort has often been praised for its old world elegance. But since 2016, Raymond Southern took over the kitchen and the buzz surrounding this historic site has been a bit more edible.

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Roy Kiers, Chateau Victoria’s Guest Service Representative

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Apr 18, 2017 Mikaela Cowles
Roy Kiers, Chateau Victoria’s Guest Service Representative

Originally from Ontario, Roy Keirs moved to Victoria in 1995. He’s considered it home ever since. As a music loving, beer sampling, and hiking enthusiast, Roy loves to share tips about his favorite places to go and things to do in Victoria. And, as the Assistant Guest Services Manager at the Chateau Victoria, he’s often asked him to do just that!

The newly refurbished Chateau Victoria is located just a short walk from the edge of Victoria’s Inner Harbour. From its top floor restaurant – Vista 18 – you can enjoy sweeping views of the harbour, Parliament Buildings, Fairmont Empress, and more. Originally built as condos, the generously sized rooms offer guests a comfortable place to retreat after exploring the city.

On its ground floor, the hotel is home to Clive’s – a swanky craft cocktail bar known for house-infused bitters and snazzy libations. It was here where Roy and I spent a few moments while he shared his inside scoop on where to go and what to do.

Do you come to Clive’s often?

Fairly regularly. Often when I’m coming it’s after a performance when I want a guaranteed great drink and quieter atmosphere.

One of the best things about coming here is you can just tell Jayce (Clive’s Executive Bar Keep) what sort of booze you like and which direction you want to go – savory, sweet, sour – and he’ll make it happen.

(Roy is a tenor in Victoria’s CarpiCCio Vocal Ensemble. They have semi-regular performances throughout the area.)

Beyond a visit to Clive’s, what are some of your go-to activities?

I love to get out in nature, whether that’s walking through one of the fantastic parks in town or heading to Goldstream. That’s one of the amazing things about Victoria. You can experience all the best parts of the city and then be surrounded by trees in 20 minutes or less.

What are the best parts of the city?

The food and beverage scene. It’s just incredible here. Restaurants are really focused on using fresh, local ingredients. And the microbrewery scene is just exploding.

One of my favorite things to do is a DIY pub crawl. You hit a few pubs. At each one, you get a small bite and try a local brew. It’s just the best.

Book Your Victoria Vacation!

Roy’s DIY Pub Crawl Recommendations

Scattered throughout town, pick and one or a few to visit on a self-guided pub crawl walking tour.

Garrick’s Head Pub

Garrick's Head Pub for Fried Pickles

One of the oldest English pubs in all of Canada – Garrick’s Head Pub transports you to another world. Tucked into Victoria’s historic Bastion Square – the pub opened in 1867. Here, the deep fried pickles are a favorite. Beer battered, they offer delightfully salty and sour crunch. Pair them with a pint of Victoria brewed Fat Tug IPA by Driftwood Brewery.

Commons

Half-Price Oysters at Commons

Don’t be fooled by the industrial chic décor. Commons is deeply in touch with its down in the dirt roots. They don’t just tout farm-to-table cuisine. They practice it. Ten months out of the year (the viable growing months) their kitchen is supplied with organic vegetables, fruits, and herbs from their local farm. They raise their own grass-feed livestock. And, they source sustainable seafood. Pub crawlers will dig their happy-hour selections, including ½-price oysters (served raw and cooked). They pair well with a locally brewed pint of Phillips Blue Buck.

Bard and Banker

Bard and Banker in Victoria BC

Gathering for a pint and a bite has always brought strangers and friends together. So it’s only fitting Bard and Baker – an establishment opened to do just that – made the historic building at the corner of Fort and Government its home. Originally a bank, the interior is as elegant as its stone exterior. Mussels are the go-to here. Poached in a white wine and leek sauce, they come served with fries and fresh slices of baguette. They pair excellently with a pint of Hoyne’s locally brewed Off the Grind. (As an added bonus, there’s live music daily!)

Darcy’s Pub

Live music’s the name of the game at this downtown pub, where nightly shows feature performers of all genres. But the food at Darcy’s Pub doesn’t disappoint either. Order up some Phillips BBQ jumbo wings and pair them with a pint of Phillip’s Hop Circle IPA.

The Drake

The focus here is beer. Locally brewed, hop filled goodness, poured to perfection. The Drake’s menu is comprised of West Coast Craft Beer – primarily from Victoria. They offer a British pub-style counter service, so make sure you belly up to the bar if you plan to order. Their menu is designed for grazing, including meat boards and tapenade toasts. Taps rotate daily. So give the bartender a little insight into what you like and they’ll guide you to perfection. Or order Hoyne’s pilsner. You can’t go wrong with that one!

Canoe Brewpub

Beer Flight at Canoe Brewpub in Victoria

Exposed wood beams and brick walls set the stage perfectly for Canoe Brewpub’s sultry and unpretentiously flavor-forward menu. From beers to bites, they locally source and handcraft with care. Don’t limit yourself to just one pour. Their beer flights feature distinctly different pours and pair excellently with their meat and cheese plate.

Yes. I want to explore Victoria!

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making granola at harrison house suites

Anatomy of Harrison House Granola

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Apr 5, 2017 Mikaela Cowles
Anatomy of Harrison House Granola

Granola. The name evokes a backcountry, hodgepodge scene of slightly under bathed hikers in need of sustenance. And while Harrison House Suite’s combo of nuts and seeds will certainly fortify you to face the day, this granola’s complex flavors are a far cry for hodgepodge.

Carefully tweaked and developed over time, it’s so popular the Friday Harbor B&B sometimes has trouble keeping up with demand. After all, they also have a 2-course gourmet breakfast to cook daily, homemade yogurt to make, and a garden to tend.

(Harrison House has a few fruit producing plants on site – like their prized blueberry bushes and fig trees – which help supply the kitchen when in season.)

But, somehow they manage. And the requests come from far and wide. They’ve shipped all the way to Singapore and regularly supply an Alaskan fisherman with 50-pound batches!

Homemade granola and homemade yogurt

It Envelops You Up Like a Bear Hug

Making the granola takes nearly a full day with the assembly, stirring, cooking, and cooling. It’s comprised of mostly seeds and nuts. Plus, a little touch of unsweetened coconut flakes, honey, and brown sugar for good measure. (They also carry a No B.S. version that has no refined sugar.)

As it cooks, the granola’s sweet aroma is like a grandmother’s kitchen – like the unpretentious goodness of an oatmeal cookie that envelops you up in a bear hug of comfort.

Making Granonla

Meals Made With Love

Each guest at Harrison House Suites is treated to a gourmet, 2-course breakfast. The first course always includes some combo of granola and house made yogurt. Typically, this is topped with a fresh fruit or house made compote.

As with most of the kitchen tasks, making the yogurt is a team effort, often spearheaded by husband-wife duo Glenn and Susan Miesch introduced. Glenn and Susan are not only the head innkeepers, they are also the breakfast sous chefs and jack of all trades. The secret to making great yogurt, Susan reports, “Is keeping two cups of the previous batch.” Like sourdough, the reserved culture develops a complex tartness overtime.

Harrison House Crew

The second course is developed and cooked by Chef Jessie Bryan. Her menus put a twist on traditional breakfast fare. She explained:

It’s really a fun opportunity to introduce something surprising to breakfast. One day we might make shakshuka (eggs poached in tomato sauce with peppers and onions) and the next day we might make a riff on Panzanella. It really just depends on what’s available.

You can certainly order a pound (or a few) of the granola online. But it’s best enjoyed in the Harrison House’s quaint dining room prior to a scrumptious second course.

Plan Your Friday Harbor Trip for some Harrison House Suites Granola!

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