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Friday, April 25, 2014

Friday Harbor Bed And Breakfast

By Essie Osborn


Researching this topic raises the question: Is it better to visit a Friday Harbor bed and breakfast - or run one? This charming town on beautiful San Juan Island looks like the perfect place for a peaceful getaway or for a peaceful life. There are gorgeous views of the water, the mountains, and of flower-filled gardens everywhere you look.

This island became important as a salmon cannery. Later, island residents raised vegetables and fruit for export to the mainland. Today the economy depends largely on tourism. This island chain is one of the most scenic parts of Washington state. Friday Harbor is the capital of San Juan county and its major commercial center.

The population of between two and three thousand permanent residents shows that this really is a small town. It's surrounded by mountains and water; the views are breathtaking. Everything else is sky, beaches, boats, and charming homes and businesses. Visitors are encouraged to get on 'island time', which is slow and sweet.

You can get to San Juan by regular commercial flights, seaplane, ferry, or private boat. There is taxi service for those who arrive without a car. Getting around is easily done on foot; the town is only about two mile square. You can also rent bicycles and mopeds for exploring on land or a kayak for the water. Reservations are always a good idea for overnight stays and essential in the summer.

There are quite a few B&Bs in town. One establishment offers one fabulous suite to provide the height of privacy and individual attention. Others have up to seven. Several appear to actually be hotels, but they promise an authentic B&B experience, with comfort, privacy, and gourmet breakfast food.

To pick and choose, there are great photo galleries and amenity descriptions online. You can see bedrooms, private balconies, charming gardens, and magnificent views of water, mountains, garden walks, and sunsets. Customer reviews that may help you make a selection are posted for each registered inn. There are gracious cottages, vintage Victorians, and more contemporary accommodations - something for every taste.

There is even one place to stay that's in a marina. That's because it's a commodious boat. Go online to check this one out; there are several bedrooms that look as spacious and elegant as you could wish, as well as decks with views of the busy waterfront.

This is a laid-back destination with lots to do. There are shops, an open-air market, galleries, restaurants, museums, and parks. You can stroll along the beaches and look for flotsam or for whales. There are bus tours, ferry trips, whale watching boats, and bird watching hikes. Wildlife includes deer, two species of whales, Trumpeter Swans, eagles, seals, rabbits, and raccoons. You can rent a bike or a kayak, hike up a mountain, take a moped ride around the island, or book a scenic plane toup.




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