The islands of the Pacific Northwest are not shackled to seasonal tourism. The unique archipelago that make up the isles of Washington state in particular are about as picturesque and quintessential of the region as are the rolling wheat fields, orchards and snow-capped (maybe not this year) mountains—all which send in hordes of sightseers year-round. The title of Island County is allotted to the two islands most conveniently located to the Emerald City—with only 35 miles (including ferry ride) to the bigger and more populated Whidbey Island and 60+ miles (and no ferry) to little sister, Camano Island. Not to be overlooked by its larger, denser and better known isle sibling, Camano Island is a glorified subculture of its own, with a thriving agricultural scene ran by multi-generational family-operated farms, nationally renowned artists, unparalleled beaches and views scanning the Port Susan Bay accented by endless sunsets.
The eponymous Camano Island Inn Restaurant & Spa epitomizes what Camano Island can do—in the form of a bed and breakfast, restaurant and remarkable viewpoint. The Inn has been a staple structure on the island since the early 1900s, originally put in the ground to serve as a boarding house for nearby mill workers. Since then, the building has remained a lodging accommodation, longest as the Camano City Hotel until that closed in the 1950s and the Inn became a private residence, and later, a nursing home. In 1995, the Camano Island Inn was remodeled, updated and opened for businesses three years later.
Starting from the outside-in, the Inn is a humble abode, reminiscent of a waterfront renovated family cabin, flanked with wood shingles and propped up with stone steps and pillars. Beachy and rustic, the property wraps around the side to lead guests into the immaculate lawn that hosts the veranda and gazebo that both gaze over the edge of the hill and down into the shimmering bay. Also captivating for the eyes is the stone moongate (a circular passageway found in Asian architecture), a focal point for weddings, standing for unity at the alter of the many ceremonies the Inn hosts annually.
A true bed and breakfast, the emphasis is put on the bed (or rooms) and the breakfast (or entire meal deal). The Inn has nine charming and endearing rooms (or beds), most having private waterfront patios for two (which is worth the stay alone) and some with over-sized Jacuzzi, outdoor hot tub, indoor fireplaces, heated tile bathroom floors, view-facing love seats or canopy King-size beds. A two-room spa makes a nice addition to a relaxing weekend, with advance booking required, and offering treatments ranging from couples massages to facials and wraps. Outside of the private beach with exclusive access, guests also have means of entry to the upstairs guest lounge, complete with a fireplace, spacious deck, kitchen facilities, refrigerator and sitting area with television that no one should use unless the sun is down. Original artwork from local artists adorn the walls of the Inn and rooms and WiFi streams strongly if necessary to use while in this heaven.
Other than the natural splendor and the Inn’s keen ability to complement it with its own charisma, the true star of this show is the talent tucked away in the kitchen. Much more than breakfast, chef Jason Aldous is a knife-wielding farmer in the cookhouse that has already caught the eye of media further south. Since leaving his prestigious position as the sous by the side of celebrated chef Blaine Wetzel at Lummi Island’s Willows Inn, Aldous has taken his own lead and own kitchen at the Camano Island Inn and is slowly pulling in the attention he greatly deserves. A meal earlier this spring commenced with grilled spring leeks drizzled in a vinaigrette made from last year’s spring leeks, pickled and preserved. Locally farmed, foraged or found, Aldous’ menu not only supports the Inn’s own garden but the community around it—sourcing from as many Camano producers as possible, many of which guests pass on their way around the island to the Inn.
A hidden gem on an oftentimes overlooked island, the Camano Island Inn a beautiful respite, that not only soothes the soul but the stomach as well.
