I'm banking on it.

Visiting the San Juans during the Quiet Months.  Roche Harbor.  

I am banking on this one.  That my family will have these trips imprinted in their hearts.  Maybe not the details but the feeling.  Getting away together, away from our daily grind and chores - oh the whines.  Finding joy in searching for sea creatures well past dark.  Strolling down the brick lane to get hot fresh donuts.  Not even having wifi, gasp.  Making due with Uno, and the belly laughs that deck of cards produces.  The space we seek is Roche Harbor.  If you haven't been, you need to go.  The historic cottages, once home to the families of lime kiln workers, are perfect for a family getaway.  To breathe in the sea air, to revel in the history, and ponder what the future holds.

For us getting away to Roche Harbor and San Juan Island is the perfect reset, and calm before the holiday storm.   

Almost anyone in the PNW knows that the San Juan Islands are a magnificent gift that mother nature has given us.  The little secret is that the off season on the islands is incredibly majestic.  Fun Fact: the sun shines on the San Juan islands an average of 247 days/year and receives half the annual rainfall as Seattle.  Thanks to the Rain-Shadow.  That's worth the largest text size and italics.  And during the non-summer months it's incredibly quiet and calm, exactly what this family needs.  Plus you don't have to plan weeks ahead with ferry reservations and lodging.  Also what this mama needs.  There are also wonderfully charming and welcoming small town events happening.  Savor the San Juans is happening all throughout the fall and our favorite tradition is the Island Lights Festival that kicks off Friday Harbor Winterfest.

Some of our San Juan Island highlights...

We always visit the Friday Harbor Food Coop for locally made treats, and pick up some homemade bread or pizza from Friday Harbor Bakery right next door.  A must is Girl Meets Dirt jams with island made cheese and bread.  Sitting on the porch wrapped in blankets with a glass of chilled bubbly in hand.  The boys may or may not be chasing geese or playing at the nearby playground within sight.  *sigh* Oh my gosh why am I not there RIGHT NOW!

San Juan Island Distillery.  Particularly their gin.  During the off seasons a simple email will usually secure that someone will be there to open up and talk shop.  They also partner with Westcott Bay Cider and Kari's Island Elixirs.  I highly recommend the Nettle Gin.

Fresh donuts at the Lime Kiln Cafe & a late night walk to The Company Store for Lopez Island Creamery ice cream.

One of our very favorite family traditions is walking the docks at Roche Harbor after dark.  With the backdrop of the Resort all aglow with holiday lights, trying to decide which boat wins for best in show, and searching for sea creatures that illuminate when you shine your phone light on them, it's magical - and totally fills this biology-major-science-loving heart of mine.  Bonus: it's a great way to get the energy out before snuggling into bed.

Before it all ends, coffee at The Bean Cafe while waiting for the ferry home.  And popping into The Lavender Store.

This post is well planned, as I have been missing my youngest's joyful smile.  Such a good reminder to stop and enjoy each other and every day.

Thank you for reading.

Kirsty

This post was done in partnership with the San Juan Island Visitors Bureau.  Lodging was provided by Roche Harbor.