ORCAS ISLAND
PLANES, TRAINS, AUTOMOBILES, & BOATS (OF COURSE)
Getting here is half the fun!
If you plan on driving a car onto Orcas Island you will need to make a reservation with Washington State Ferry. Be sure to make a ROUND TRIP reservation from Anacortes to Orcas Island.
Reservations open up in phases at 7 am. The first is 2 months prior, then 2 weeks prior, and finally 2 days prior. Only 10% of the boat is kept for "standby only". If you plan on arriving on July 3rd, set an alarm to make a reservation on May 3rd at 7 am when reservations open.
Due to the holiday weekend, we recommend booking a reservation as close to your hopeful arrive date. It is better to have a reservation than not at all! You can always cancel a day prior.
FLY HERE
Kenmore Air - Fly into Seattle-Tacoma Intl (SEATAC). Airport. Book a RT from SEATAC to Eastsound. You can fly by wheeled plane or even by sea plane if you are flying from Lake Union in the heart of Seattle.
San Juan Air - Fly into Everett Paine Field Airport or Bellingham Intl. Airport. Book a RT from either airport to Eastsound.
*This option DOES NOT require a ferry reservation*
SHUTTLE HERE
You can take a shuttle from SEATAC, downtown Seattle, Everett Paine Field Airport, or Bellingham right to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal. This is a stress free, economical option! Bellair will drop you off near the main terminal. Go inside and buy a passenger ticket. Wait until they call the ferry for Orcas Island and you'll walk on the overhead walkway onto your ferry ride. Let Laura or Brian know if you will be without a car on Orcas.
*This option DOES NOT require a ferry reservation*
DRIVE HERE
Cars can be rented on Orcas or at the airport of your choosing.
Orcas Cars Cars are available to pick up at the ferry landing. Perfect if you are walking on.
Orcas Island Shuttle Cars can be dropped anywhere on Orcas Island. Let Laura or Brian know if you plan to book with them for a locals discount.
NEW LEAF CAFE
Located in Eastsound at the Outlook Inn. Best all around breakfast and dinner with a view.
We recommend a bloody mary to start your day along with their house eggs benedict. For dinner - this is one of the few restaurants that has Happy Hour in their bar from 5-6 pm.
Laura's Order: Lamb Frites with all the garlic
Torma's Order: Filet Mignon sans any garlic
Open Thursday - Monday
WILD ISLAND
Our favorite lunch. Juices, smoothies, house made bagels, and rice bowls. Much of the ingredients are sourced locally.
Laura's Order: Kale Sesame Bowl with Pesto + Lemon Ginger Carrot Juice
Torma's Order: Wild Bowl with Chicken + Pinkalicious Smoothie
Open Tuesday - Saturday
HOGSTONE
A true Orcas experience in the form of wood fired pizza and an excellent wine list. Come with an open mind and empty stomach. Make sure to ask if they have the potatoes and cheese foam goodness as an appetizer.
Our Order: Smoked Tomato Pizza
Open Thursday - Monday
CASCADE BAR & GRILL
Skip the Rosario Mansion and head straight down to the marina to enjoy the weather at this laid back island grill. Laura and Torma come here weekly for dinner with family after sailing excursions. Don't forget to try an Adult Milkshake!
Laura's Order: Blackened Salmon Salad
Torma's Order: Fish & Chips
The Lower Tavern
Beer, wine, and burgers. People watching is at its finest here on Karaoke Night (Friday nights). Located next to Island Market.
ORCAS ISLAND WINERY
Our most favorite local spot. Sip on some PNW wine and day dream what it would be like to live on Orcas Island...
Laura's Order: Syrah
Torma's Order: Malbec
ISLAND HOPPIN BREWERY
A local staple. Not much else is better than sipping a cold beer after a hike. Grab some cheese and meats at Roses Bakery beforehand or the Madrona Ale might go straight to your head.
Our order depends on the day!
THE BARNACLE
Named in one of the top ten bars in Washington. Craft cocktails, beer, wine, and charcuterie! It's a cozy little spot in Eastsound that you are sure to remember. A great place for Bartender's Choice!
Laura's Order: Chai cider with a shot of whiskey
Torma's Order: Gin with their in house tonic