By: Noel Bores
In the time honored New Year quest for rejuvenation and tranquility, Camano Island emerges as the ideal wellness retreat in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re a Dry January devotee, just hopping on the N/A train or simply seeking to start 2024 at a relaxing, slower pace, this hidden gem about an hour north of Seattle offers an easy escape. Full of fresh fare, quiet beaches, Camano Island has the added ease of being one of Washington’s few drive-on islands.
As you consider how you will embrace the New Year, lean into something that is uniquely Pacific Northwest, eminently relaxing and refreshingly under-the-radar. Two days on Camano Island is sure to have you recharged and have you ready to embrace the coming year. Here are some great ideas for exploring this unique island retreat.
DAY ONE
You’ve come to the island for a reason, right? Then make sure your accommodations embrace the lifestyle by seeking out a quaint cabin near the water — depending if you are a night owl or an early riser, find one with a water view that either features the sunrise or sunset. Here on Camano Island, you have both options!
There are many rental options on the island, as well as smaller inns and B&Bs. Among the favorites is Sunset Cabin Camano (@sunset_cabin_camano). Reasonably priced and located on the west side of the island — be ready for magical sunsets in a cute little beachy area of the island. For those who prefer a more rustic stay, another great option is Cama Beach Cabins in Cama Beach State Park. Located right on the water, the cabins are dog friendly — just be sure to tell them you’re bringing your furry friends so you can have a designated cabin. There are plenty of trails to do some light hiking throughout Cama Beach State Park and a great little cafe just up the hill from the cabins. (Keep in mind the cafe is only open on the weekends during fall and winter.) A variety of cabins and vacation homes option are listed here.
No matter where you choose to stay, once you are settled in, you want to do a little island exploring. Start with the island’s best beaches. Two local favorites are Camano Island State Park — located just a few miles south of Cama Beach — and English Boom, which is at the northern part of the island. Keep in mind that these are typical Pacific Northwest beaches, so they’re pretty rocky. Bring appropriate shoes! Camano Island beaches are also dog friendly but, other than English Boom which allows off-leash, the rest require that your furry friends be on leash. Two additional beaches that are local favorites include Iverson Spit Preserve (on the east side of the island) and Mabana Beach (on the southwestern most part of the island).
Needless to say, these quiet and meditative beaches are the perfect places to unwind, especially for those who come to the island to embrace a wellness routine. For those, however, who love the quiet but also maintain Damp January (or perhaps those who’ve made it through Dry January and are ready for a beverage stop) English Boom is near the island’s only brewery, Ale Spike. Located on the road that leads down to the beach, you can’t miss the sign.
Once you’ve hit the beaches, definitely stop by Kristoferson Farm. The farm is family-owned and sits on a beautiful property with a big red barn across the field from the stand where they host everything from crafting workshops to private events, to barn dinners (dinners are sporadic so check the website for updates). Even zip lines in the summer. At the farm stand you will find local coffees, teas, ciders, wines and baked goods, many of which come straight from the farm. You can also chat with whoever happens to be holding down the stand that day about the history of the farm.
Once you are ready to relax for the day, make sure to catch the sunset — whether it’s from the deck of your Airbnb, on the water at Camano Island State Park or Cama Beach. For many locals, it’s the favorite thing to do on the island, and the best way to end the day.
DAY TWO
Start the day at Terry’s Corner for coffee and pastries at Camano Commons Marketplace. While you are there, take a spin through the gift shop, as there are lots of local goodies, cute home goods and great gifts. Inside the commons is also The Baked Cafe which offers breakfast sandwiches, burgers and amazing fresh-baked breads. Grab your goodies and head upstairs to sit and enjoy the atmosphere. A handful of local artists are featured upstairs as well.
After breakfast, return to Camano Island State Park — it is a favorite place to hike or walk with the best views. Don’t miss the trail that scoots along the bluff — you get the best of both worlds, forest and water views. It’s a pretty easy hike, and if you follow the signs, you can keep looping up through the woods, or continue on a path that takes you down to the beach. There are plenty of areas to grab a spot and relax down by the water before you trek back up to the car. Be on the lookout for eagles, as there are a few mates that live close to the water. You are almost near-certain to see one or two of them while you’re there.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head back to Terry’s Corner for some snacks at Tapped. They have a good menu and are willing to modify items on the menu to accommodate vegans and vegetarians — the vegan-style cauliflower and Brussels sprouts are terrific. For those in Dry January mode, Tapped offers great N/A beers and kombuchas. However, if you are living the damp life, definitely grab a Camano Cider. Made on the island, the Lavendel features lavender from Kristoferson Farm. It is sold by the bottle, so if you’re on the wagon this January, snag one and save it for later.
Fully aware that shopping can be therapeutic, head upstairs from Tapped to find the cutest little plant shop, Cactus and Co. They will be spinning records while you check out the large variety of plants, many are of the tropical variety. Just down the main road from Terry’s Corner, located in what looks like a historic little house, is the Camano Shop, a cute clothing shop. Another amazing plant shop not far from there is called Flora and Fauna — who doesn’t love plants?
Wine lovers will also find reasons to enjoy Camano Island, regardless of whether they are participating in Dry January or not. Dusty Cellars Winery is open for tastings the first weekend of each month — make sure to try the 2020 Spartan Merlot, platinum winner of Sip Magazine’s Best of the Northwest wine awards. Also on the island is Edward Lynne Cellars; there’s plenty of events taking place at the lively tasting room, including music, just make sure to check the website.
Dinner options on Camano Island can be limited, but if you’re looking for something slightly more upscale, but not fancy, consider Blue Heron Kitchen and Bar — they have some healthy options on the menu, including vegan offerings. Pub 282 has pizza and pub food, and for those trending healthy in January, there is always the option to build your own pizza to fit your dietary needs — the vegan (no cheese, no meat) Thai-style pizza is delicious, even for tablemates who might otherwise prefer a meat option. And speaking of meat, try Primal Barbecue in Terry’s Corner. You might guess their expertise, but they also offer a few vegan options!
In the end, whatever you’re into, Camano Island has a little bit to offer everyone. You are sure to find natural beauty, uncommon quiet and accommodating hosts up and down the island — regardless of if you are seeking a wellness weekend, Dry January or simply wanting to escape the city for a quick getaway. Two days and you’ll find yourself recharged —it’s really a special place!
In partnership with Whidbey and Camano Islands and Noel Bores.
Photos courtesy of Noel Bores.
