About 95% of all Americans live within an hour’s drive of a navigable body of water. And now that summer is almost here, many couples and families are making their final plans and preparations to visit destinations all over the world. According to the Seattle Times, Orcas Island is just one ‘ideal getaway’ in which travelers can truly experience the natural beauty of the area in more ways than one. What Makes Orcas Island The ‘Ideal’ Summer Getaway Destination? Here are just a few reasons Orcas Island makes the perfect summer getaway destination.
picture courtesy of Mountain Leon
What Makes Orcas Island The ‘Ideal’ Summer Getaway Destination?
State Parks
First and foremost, Moran State Park, especially the observation tower, provides one of the most immaculate views in the region. It, combined with Sucia and Jones Islands, are the perfect places to start adventuring for those thirsty for sights and experiences — especially those involving indigenous wildlife. Moran State Park is best for hiking, but Sucia and Jones Islands are nothing short of a kayaker’s paradise.
“If you have some kayaking experience under your belt and want to spend the entire day on the water, sign up for a full-day trip to Sucia and Jones Islands, two of the most beautiful state parks in Washington. Regardless of which tour you take, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including harbor seals, river otters, sea lions, porpoises, sea stars and bald eagles. If you’re really lucky, you may spot a humpback or orca whale during your trip,” writes the Seattle Times.
Local, Seasonal Dining
Orcas Island has a slew of restaurants and eateries that specialize in locally-sourced cuisine. For example, Raymond Southern, executive chef at The Mansion Restaurant, said he works alongside local farms to construct a menu based on what’s fresh and in season. Currently, the menu features an array of colorful and tasty veggies, like radishes, beets, kale, cauliflower, and microgreens: a tiny form of edible greens produced from very young vegetable, herb or other plants, ranging in size from one to 1.5 inches long, including the stem and leaves.
“With all of these great local ingredients I try to page homage in two ways,” Southern told the Seattle Times. “First of all to the ingredients themselves, and secondly to preparing them based on several places around the world I have traveled and lived. Using our ingredients here I try to respect as best as possible classic and cultural dishes that I have had the pleasure of cooking or tasting in their original locale and custom.”
Once you’ve enjoyed a fresh meal created with locally sourced ingredients, don’t forget to wash it down with a nice refreshing cocktail. Spending for cocktail hours has risen to 76% from 69% in 2010, and you can experience even more of the local cuisine by indulging in a beverage crafted with care.
Versatility
When it comes down to it, Orcas Island may seem ideal for couples and families, but its elegance also makes a nice touch for other types of travel, like corporate events. About 64% of all employees do not feel they have a strong company culture, but letting your employees enjoy even a day trip to this one-of-a-kind destination can drastically improve the culture and atmosphere of any work environment.
University of Washington fans have been “sailgating” football games on their boats since the 1920s, but boating can be a great family-friendly past time as well. Have you ever been to the quaint yet elegant destination of Orcas Island? What sounds the most appealing? Tell us in the comments!
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This is one place we have never been and I haven’t really heard about it at all. Interesting to read through and see what there is offered in that area.
I would love to relax on this island. I’ve never heard of it before. I’d like to try out the food too!
This sounds like an amazing place to spend a getaway. I have to admit I would love to head off on a summer getaway at some point and just get away from the UK weather lol.
I\’ve never heard of this island but I really want to go! That place looks absolutely amazing! I like going to a source of different islands. They always have a beautiful water and wonderful sea life.
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If only I can go there right now, it would be great! It looks like a paradise for a relaxing summer getaway.
This looks and sounds like a dream vacation for me. I wish travel was in my budget this summer.
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We have yet to travel to this area, but it would make a great relaxing long weekend away from the midwest. We are only close to lakes – large and small, so anything with a “real” beach would be great
Traveling is our stress reliever esp. on the beach which we consider our second home. We had a blast on our recent trip to Florida Keys.
I will remember this island, as I have it on my medium-term to-do list to visit the Pacific Northwest. It sure looks like a fantastic getaway.
Oh lord, take me away right now! I would love to relax on this island, what a great getaway. I wouldn’t mind going for our Anniversary!
I’ve never heard of Orcas Island. I’m not sure where it is but it looks like a bright, warm and inviting place to vacation.
I have never heard of this island before, but I am all about a summer getaway by the water! We spend a lot of time on the west coast, mainly California but this would be amazing to visit too!
Hubby and I honestly needs an escape. A getaway from the nirm. I have never heard if ircas before but it sure looks grand! I would love to explore there.
Orcas island looks like a nice summer getaway. Would love to just laze and catch a sunset. boating is something else we would love to do.
That picture is what makes it the ideal getaway. I wish I was swinging in a hammock on the beach right now.
Is this near Seattle? I haven’t been out to the west coast but would love to do some exploring. How do you get there? It sounds beautiful.
Something along the lines of “great meal with fresh local ingredients” sold it for me. Thanks for showing us how beautiful this area is.
I wish I was there right now! It has been raining down here for over a week and I think I’m ready to pull out all my hair, I need some sun and beautiful views.