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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 Island — Forest 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.

June 25, 2024/by Mikaela Judd

Summer Weekend Getaway Guide: Victoria B.C.

Things to do in Victoria

Victoria is just 25 miles from Port Angeles, the closest American shore. That’s 25 miles closer to America than its Canadian mainland. But the quaint British Columbia capital feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of US city life thanks to its walkable streets, historic architecture, and generally upbeat culture.

Like its residents, its gardens tend to be bright and cheerful — thanks in large part to incredible Victoria BC weather patterns. Tucked within the Olympic Rainshadow, the small metropolitan hub gets 308 days a year with sunshine! So whether you’re looking for indoor activities or plenty of fresh air, there’s a wide variety of things to do in Victoria, BC.

June 20, 2024/by Mikaela Judd

Best Restaurants in Victoria, B.C. to Try (2024)

Things to do in Victoria

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.

June 6, 2024/by Mikaela Judd

2 Days in Roche Harbor

Adventures, Blog, Roche Harbor, Things to do in the San Juan Islands

Roche Harbor Resort by Jack Riley — *Photo by Jack Riley*

You don’t have to be a boat lover to enjoy this boater’s paradise. Roche Harbor’s richly preserved history offers nineteenth-century clapboard buildings, old gardens, and incredible sunsets – all perfect for relaxing. Enjoy local seafood, some of the best doughnuts in the Pacific Northwest, and views of the surrounding mountains.

Whether you arrive by boat or seaplane, be sure to keep an eye out for pods of local orcas. They can frequently be seen playing in the waters surrounding the San Juan Islands, especially during the summer months.

May 30, 2024/by Mikaela Judd

San Juan Island Facts

Things to do in the San Juan Islands

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.

May 27, 2024/by Mikaela Judd

Ultimate Things To Do On Orcas Island This Summer

Things to do in the San Juan Islands

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.

May 22, 2024/by Mikaela Judd

San Juan Island Artist & Author: Nancy McDonnell Spaulding

Featured Artists, Things to do in the San Juan Islands

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.

May 6, 2024/by Mikaela Judd

How to Get from Tacoma to San Juan Island

Things to do in Tacoma, Things to do in the San Juan Islands

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.

May 2, 2024/by Mikaela Judd

70 Things to Do in Victoria, BC this Summer (2024)

Things to do in Victoria

Renowned for its breathtaking beauty, walkable streets, and preserved historical elegance — this compact urban hub is rife with things to do. While Victoria’s mild climate lends it to year-round exploring, the city shines during the summer — and not just in the picturesque downtown, where floatplanes land in the harbor and whale watching tours depart.

The rich diversity of British Columbia’s capital glows among its neighborhoods, stretching up the coast and into the interior of Vancouver Island. It is a captivating mix of cultures, from Canadian and First Nations to Chinese and European. Castles. Wineries. Totems. Wildlife. Views. There are more than 70 unique and exciting things to do in Victoria this summer (and throughout all of Vancouver Island)! So whether you make it a Victoria day trip, weekend or extended stay, you’re sure to have fun.

April 14, 2024/by Mikaela Judd

Friday Harbor House Weekend Getaway

Things to do in the San Juan Islands

Island life is slow and beautiful in Friday Harbor. Here, the streets feature roundabouts rather than stoplights and restaurants showcase farm-to-table cuisine. Perched one block above the Friday Harbor Marina, Friday Harbor House is ideally positioned for the ultimate weekend getaway.

This quaint San Juan Island hotel offers expansive views of seaplanes landing and ferry boats docking. It’s conveniently located within walking distance of the entire downtown core, while still feeling removed enough to give you a sense of solitude. Not to mention, it’s home to one the best restaurants on the island — The Restaurant at Friday Harbor House.

April 6, 2024/by Mikaela Judd