New Years' Weekend on Whidbey 12/31/08 to 1/4/09

Bayview: New Years' Weekend on Whidbey

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DISCOVER BAYVIEW: Bayview is part of unicorporated Island County, and sits along Whidbey Island's Scenic Isle Way, along both sides of SR 525. The mix of businesses in this convenient area of Whidbey Island has a gas station, tire store, grocery, hardware, crafts, restaurants, a bike shop, a nursery/garden center, a high school, and more. Click on any of the highlighted words in this section for more details.

The historic Bayview building, sits on what is known as Bayview Corner. The Bayview building was restored and is managed by Goosefoot.

Bayview is also the home of the South Whidbey Seniors' Center, Island County Fire District 3, and Whidbey Telecom.

EATING OUT IN BAYVIEW

NEIL'S CLOVERPATCH CAFE,
14485 State Route 525 Ste 3, 360) 321-4120. Neil's Clover Patch Cafe at Bayview is open from 6:30 am to 2:pm Christmas eve and closed Christmas day. On New Years eve, we will be serving Broiled Lobster Tail, Garlic and rosemary roasted Leg of Lamb, Fresh Dungeness Crab Cakes and other great specials, open until 8:pm unless we are busy. New Year Day we are open from 8:am to 2:pm and will be featuring Neil's Eggs Benedict and more! Yum!

Clinton: New Years' Weekend on Whidbey

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WELCOME TO CLINTON AND WHIDBEY ISLAND!
Photos by RoseAnn Alspektor.
Clinton is one of the major gateways to Whidbey Island. As you get off the ferry, you will notice a beautiful waterfront park. This public park was designed to use sustainable building practices, including materials reuse, recycling,salvage, as well as using native vegetation and more. Click here & here, to read more about Clinton Beach Park.

LYNAE'S ISLAND FRAMERY, 4777 Commercial St # A-2, Clinton, (360) 341-1418 is offering 10% off framing of any art by local artists (that includes kids' art and home photos) on any orders placed thru January 6th; plus in-store art (framed and unframed) will be on sale for 25% off.

ROCKHOPPERS, 8898 SR 525, Clinton.
360-341-4420. Rockhoppers will be open December 31 to 5:00PM, closed 1/1 Thursday, Friday 9:00 - 5:00PM, and Saturday we are open from 9:00AM to 10PM. We've got a huge number of fun games for groups and families to play while visiting. We also offer freshly baked goodies and soup as well as sandwiches. Saturdays we welcome our musicians and we offer a wonderful five course dinner. Dinner is served family style and begins at 6:00PM and the music starts at 8:00PM. You can find out more information on our blog... www.ferryfolk.com.

Coupeville: New Years' Weekend on Whidbey

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Penn Cove, photo by RoseAnn Alspektor.

DISCOVER COUPEVILLE: Coupeville is one of the oldest towns in Washington State. Its historic waterfront thrives today, and is an hour's trip from downtown Seattle. Coupeville and Central Whidbey Island offers peaceful landscapes and opportunities for biking, hiking, kayaking, sailing, or just breathing in the fresh sea air and relaxing in locally owned and operated restaurants and inns. A wide variety of interests are met in exploring the Island County Museum, Admiralty Lighthouse, Meerkerk Gardens, antique shops, art galleries, heritage farms, working studios, wineries, farmers markets, and an Arts Center with year round fine art classes, are but a few of the choices.

The landscape of Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve is open to visitors and residents alike. The 25 square mile historical reserve encompasses a mixture of federal, state, county and private property, all managed in a way that preserves its historic essence. This means that changes in the cultural landscape will continue but in a way that respects the past. Historic farms are still farmed, forests harvested and century old buildings used as homes or places of business.

TO DO IN COUPEVILLE (for more ideas, click on the title above):

Lavender Wind Farm. Winter weather is cooling things off at Lavender Wind Farm. But, the gift shop there is staying warm in spite of the snow. The shop is stocked with your favorite lavender items and they're experimenting with the newest product - Lavender Extract. That means goodies to test. Yum!
2530 Darst Rd., Coupeville, WA 98239 360-678-0919

Christopher's on Whidbey, 103 NW Coveland, Coupeville. 360-678-5480
Dec. 31, 11:30-2:00 lunch 5pm-8:30 dinner -a limited number of seats still available. Special 4 course dinner. Regular hours over the New Years Weekend on Whidbey!

WHERE TO STAY IN COUPEVILLE
The Blue Goose Inn, 702 North Main Street, Coupeville. 360-678-4284. The Blue Goose Inn offers exceptional Bed & Breakfast accommodations from two lovingly restored neighboring Victorian homes. Both homes are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and are within walking distance to the waterfront district, shops and dining. The Blue Goose Inn is offering a NEW YEAR SPECIAL at The Blue Goose Inn! Enjoy a complimentary romance package when you arrive, plus a fabulous New Year's Day brunch, with champagne or mimosas.

Freeland: New Years' Weekend on Whidbey

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DISCOVER FREELAND
Freeland is quickly becoming the retail and financial center of South Whidbey Island. We're developing a strong and growing business community, with good paying jobs. We're an attractive, active community in which people want to live and play. We're nestled between two striking bodies of water - Holmes Harbor and Mutiny Bay - amidst the beauty of Whidbey Island. Click on the highlighted words in this section to learn more about what to do in Freeland!

PLACES TO STAY:
The Villa or The Casa at The Tuscan Lady
A TUSCAN LADY, 619 E. Dolphin Drive, Freeland. 360-331-5057. A Tuscan Lady offers guests a wonderful place for relaxation, romance and serenity. Lush gardens surround you as you sip your morning tea. Please take the time to explore our web site and learn about the many features and amenities of this quiet and personal bed and breakfast and vacation rental located on beautiful Whidbey Island.

CLIFF HOUSE, Hidden in a lush forest on the very edge of Whidbey Island's west side is a setting so unique, there is nothing anywhere quite like Whidbey Island's Cliff House. "Cliff House, the most fabulous of all! Sunsets are not to be believed - it must be one of the most romantic places in the world." Cruise News.
"One of the 50 most romantic places on earth."
Travel and Leisure. "Then the magic opened up - we found ourselves in a bright clearing. There were gardens and pathways and finally, the immutable Cliff House, waiting above Admiralty Inlet like a faceted jewel." Pacific Northwest Magazine

HARBOUR INN: A Country Style Motel.
The Harbour Inn is South Whidbey's most affordable lodging. We offer guests the comforts of a B&B with the privacy and convenience of a motor inn. Free wi-fi! Next door to The Beach Cabin!

PLACES TO EAT & SHOP IN FREELAND:
THE BEACH CABIN, 1594 Main Street (across from Payless grocery). 360-331-1929. Come in and try our fabulous panini sandwiches, or consider special ordering some of our fabulous dishes to serve at your next party. In addition to some great food, The Beach Cabin has a variety of unique gifts and home accessories, perfect for your home or cabin! For some TripAdvisor.com reviews, click here.
The Beach Cabin will be OPEN December 31st - January 4th, including New Years Day, 10 am - 6 pm! For a great story about our Beach Cabin Hat, click here!

THE BEACHFIRE GRILL, at Holmes Harbor Golf and Beach Club will be open New Year's Eve, as well as New Year's Day. 360-331-2363.

CHINA CITY RESTAURANT. 360-331-8899. Since 1999, when the Ng family established the first China City, it has become a prime destination place for both tourists and locals alike. Our menu features various dishes ranging from the styles of Mandarin to Szechuan to Hunan. Not only do we specialize in the best Chinese cuisine, our staff is dedicated to serve you to make your visit the most pleasurable and memorable it can be.

GERRY'S KITCHEN, 1675 Main Street, 360-331-4818. Gerry's Kitchen is open Tuesday - Sundays, and serves a great Sunday Brunch. Closed New Years' Day.

GORDON'S ON BLUEBERRY HILL, 5438 Woodard, Freeland 360-331-7515. Booked for New Years Eve but will be open New Years Day 11:30-2:00 for lunch, and 5:00 for dinner. Reservations highly recommended.

RED ROOSTER ANTIQUES & MUTINY BAY ANTIQUE MALL

The Red Rooster Antique Mall and the Mutiny Bay Antique Mall, both located on Main Street in 'downtown Freeland' will be having a sale New Years Weekend on Whidbey. Closed New Years Day, but open January 2nd and 3rd.

VIDAstore, Shop Fair Trade. Located in the back of the Interstate Label Building 1715 B. East Main St, Freeland. 360-331-4078. VIDAstore carries handcrafted items from all over the world, specializing in home furnishings and accessories from Latin America. The shop is small, and a bit off the beaten path, but chock full of amazing products such as tagua seed jewelry from Colombia, hand crafted walnut furniture from Peru, La Chamba Cookware from Colombia, Chulucan ceramics from Peru, ceramic lamps from Nicaragua, pine veneer pendant lights from Costa Rica, telephone wire baskets from Aftica, Mexican pottery, orange peel jewelry from Colombia and recycled newspaper baskets from Nicaragua-plus so much more. Open December 31st, closed New Years Day, open 9 - 4 January 2nd & 3rd.

THE PAINT ESCAPE, 1664 Main St., Freeland.
360-331-3166. Closed New Year's Day, but open New Years' Weekend on Whidbey! What we offer: Drop in painting - reservations are recommended, but not always needed. Host a Party at the shop or at home, Private painting by appt.

WINE TASTING IN FREELAND

Vino Amore at 1614 Main Street, Freeland 360-331-7661. Enjoy wine tasting Saturday & Sunday from noon to closing! Choose from 1,200 wines from around the world; we can help with food and wine pairing. Many gifts and wine/bar accessories are in stock as well as unique treasures, antiques, & gourmet goodies.

ARE YOU A THRIFT STORE NUT?
Second Chance, 1664 Main Street, # B, is having a huge 2-day sale on great clothing, furniture and more, December 29 - 31st. Closed New Years' Day, open Jan 2nd & 3rd.

GETTING IN SHAPE IN FREELAND! Island Athletic Club is open New Years' Weekend! Island Atletic offers day rates and discounts for those who are members of IHRSA and FitLife Clubs. We have lots of group exercise offerings (Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, BodyPump, BodyFlow, BodyStep, BodyJam, Group Cycling). Of particular interest to weekend guests are our indoor and outdoor hot tubs, indoor swimming pool, and steam rooms and saunas. Island Athletic Club will be closed at 2 PM on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve and closed all day on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Regular hours are 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM on weekdays, 8AM to 6 PM on Saturdays and Noon to 8 PM on Sundays.

MASSAGE IN FREELAND. Both members and non-members may schedule massage at Island Athletic Club. Offering a range of massage styles and length of session from 30 to 120 minutes. DANIEL HOLMBERG and LESLIE PACKARD, Licensed Massage Therapists.
Available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday. Call 331-2582 for appointment

NEW YEARS DAY IN FREELAND ... Go ahead, make a SPLASH at the
POLAR BEAR DIVE!<
For the truly intrepid and brave, here are the details:
Start the New Year off with a splash! Join us for a refreshing dive into 2009. Be a part of the 5th Annual Polar Bear Dive. All participants will receive an official. Polar Bear Dive T-shirt, a small thermal blanket, and will enjoy warm refreshments. This event benefits 4-H Youth Programs.
Call South Whidbey Parks & Recreation District for more information:
360-221-5484. All ages; youth 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Date: New Year's Day (Thursday, January 1)
Time: Registration opens at 10:30am, and the dive happens at noon
Fee: $15 or 2/$20 (affordable for families!)
Location: Freeland Park
JANUARY 2, 2009: CLICK FOR A LINK FROM KOMO FOR YESTERDAYS' POLAR BEAR DIVE!

FREELAND PARK At the south edge of Holmes Harbor Freeland Park is great for all seasons! Walk the beach, rain or shine, public boat launch, rain or shine!

Greenbank: New Years' Weekend on Whidbey

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Photo by RoseAnn Alspektor.

GREENBANK FARM
WINE SHOP & TASTING ROOM, WHIDBEY PIES CAFE, GREENBANK CHEESE & SPECIALTIES

GALLERIES
Raven Rock Studio, at Greenbank Farm, will be open every day, 10 - 5 pm, during the New Years' Weekend on Whidbey event from 12/31 to 1/4/09! 360-222-0102
Raven Rock Gallery will be open on New Years' Day. Come walk this beautiful spot on Whidbey Island, and then come inside and warm up with us!

... MORE WINE TASTING IN GREENBANK, (but not at Greenbank Farm!)
Holmes Harbor Cellars will be open special hours this holiday season.
In addition to normal weekend hours of 11-5pm we will also be opening our doors on Fridays through the end of the year. We look forward to seeing you and having you taste our award winning wines! 4591 S Honeymoon Bay Road, Greenbank. Call for more information (360-331-3544) or click here.

Langley: New Years' Weekend on Whidbey

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Perched on a bluff on Whidbey Island, overlooking the waters of Saratoga Passage and the Cascade Mountains, Langley's quiet streets are lined with historic buildings, book stores, antique shops, clothing boutiques, cafes and restaurants.

Click here for information on lodging in and near Langley. Many places are pet friendly! For pet-friendly choices, click here.

TO DO IN LANGLEY: There are several performance venues right in downtown Langley. For schedule information, click on the name of each.

Whidbey Island Center for the Arts. January 3rd, is a special performance by
TINGSTAD AND RUMBEL. Grammy Award winners Tingstad and Rumbel perform virtuoso American finger-style guitar and beautiful melodic woodwinds inspired by music from
America, Asia, the British Isles and Spain. The music speaks to the heart and embraces relationships to the natural world and tradition. Understated, yet powerful,
the artists and the music encourage an appreciation for community and stewardship.

The Clyde is open New Years Eve and New Years Day (and Christmas Eve and Christmas too). The hands-on owners say this, "We pretty much only close if the power goes out or none of our four projectionists can make it out of their driveways. One time Blake even cross-country skiied in to show the movie!". For full schedule details, click here.
On New Year's Eve and New Years Day the feature is Twilight-- with the suggestion to Dress Goth on New Year's Eve, when they will be handing out some Twilight "swag". Hmmm, some Happy New Year Swag too? January 2nd-5th, The Clyde is showing the animated family film Bolt, or the adult Soul Men with Bernie Mac and Samuel L Jackson. Prices still the very low $6 ($4 for under 12 or over 65) with prices at the snack bar lower than you'll see ANYWHERE else.

LANGLEY WINE TASTING

Whidbey Island WInery on Langley Road is open 11 - 5 for sales and tasting, with gift ideas and the assistant winemaker on hand to answer any and all questions. It's a warm and friendly stop on the way into Langley. Whidbey Island Winery will be open New Years Day, and open all weekend for the New Years Weekend on Whidbey, 11 - 5. Cheers!

EATING OUT IN LANGLEY:

THE EDGECLIFF, 510 Cascade Avenue will be open for dinner with dinner specials. The Edgecliff is having a New Years party till the wee hours, with a champagne toast at midnight.

THE FISH BOWL RESTAURANT on 2nd Street is having a fun party on New Year's Eve, featuring the talented and famous jazz band "Blue Matter" coming to play for all to enjoy. 7 until 10 pm. Enjoy dinner, appetizers, beverages and plenty of fun! 360-221-6511.

PRIMA BISTRO 201 ½ First Street, above the Star Store. Join us New Years Eve for a festive celebration to usher in 2009.
Champagne flights, live music of Danny Ward, jass saxophonist, and for sale again will be the famous Tuzzie Muzzie hats. (proceeds to benefit Good Cheer). Dinner, with extra special specials, served until 10, limited menu through midnight.
It's gonna be a party!!! Call soon for reservations, space is limited and filling fast, 360-221-4060.

SHOPPING & GALLERIES IN LANGLEY:

The Chocolate Flower Farm will be open 10 - 6 NEW YEARS DAY, as well as 10 - 6 thru the entire New Years' Weekend on Whidbey. Come in for hot chocolate samples, and check out this wonderful a little shop in Langley that features all things chocolate, chocolate candles and unique things for the garden.

EDDY'S in Langley. Eddy's is a creative T-shirt shop that features many locally designed products. Open New Years Day and all New Years' Weekend on Whidbey.

Karlson/Gray Gallery 302 First Street, Langley. 360/221-2978. Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, and open on New Years Day.

Music For The Eyes, 314 1st Street, Langley. 360-221-8197. Open every day, including New Year's Day, 11 - 5. Saturday, 10 - 6. What is Music For the Eyes? We started out as a collection of rugs and things from Central Asia--the five countries with names ending in 'stan after the break-up of the former Soviet Union (Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan.) Some people say our shop is more of a museum, because we include pictures and artifacts we collected from those countries. You can see and buy a variety of things, from tent bands to musical instruments, to jewelry and robes.

WHIDBEY ISLAND SOAP COMPANY 109 First Street, Langley. 360-331-8214. Open 10-6 every day through January 11th. Enjoy the best of holiday shopping and after Christmas bargains. This lovely little shop is filled with exquisite luxuries for you and your bath.
The owners offer their own handcrafted, all-natural, soaps, lotions, bath salts, and healing Head-to-Toe salve.
Come enjoy a cup of tea and cookies while browsing the wide selection of loose leaf teas, tea accessories, cozy pajamas, robes, soft bamboo towels, candles and other delights.

LODGING IN LANGLEY:

Celebrate 2009 at Country Cottage of Langley. Celebrate 2009 at Country Cottage of Langley. Stay 2 nights in the first week of the New Year and enjoy our New Years Week Special package that includes a Jacuzzi Cottage, a bottle of Sparkling Wine and a bag of sweet treats for $179 per night. Other packages and a Lay-Away Club available too. 215 Sixth Street, Langley. (800)713-3860 or (360)221-8709.

Oak Harbor: New Years' Weekend on Whidbey

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OAK HARBOR BEACH & PARK, photos by RoseAnn Alspektor.

WHERE TO EAT IN OAK HARBOR:
CHINA CITY RESTAURANT,
Welcome to China City! 33505 State Route 20, Oak Harbor. (360) 279-8899 We have two locations on Whidbey Island, a beautiful destination within the gorgeous Northern Puget Sound . You can find us in the cities of Oak Harbor and Freeland. Oak Harbor is well known as the home to the Whidbey Naval Air Station and scenic Deception Pass State Park . Freeland is widely adored for its quaint and friendly surroundings. Countless tourists travel to Whidbey Island and China City using the Washington State ferry system at Mukilteo/Clinton and Port Townsend/Keystone; or across the beautiful deception Pass bridge. Open New Years Eve and New Years Day.

FRASERS GOURMET HIDEAWAY, 1191 SE Dock St.
Oak Harbor,(360)279-1231. The moment guests enter Frasers Gourmet Hideaway - owned and operated by Chef Scott Fraser and his wife Josee - they will notice an attention to detail and a feeling of pampered senses that continues throughout the evening. Tuesday to Saturday 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm. New Years Eve special special 5-course meal with champagne toast at midnight!

Drive the Fabulous Whidbey Island Scenic Isle Way

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This introductory section will give you links to a variety of places on Whidbey Island. Click on the highlighted link to explore Whidbey, map your route, or just sit back and take an armchair tour!

Even during the winter months, a scenic tour of Whidbey Island is extraordinarily beautiful.

The Whidbey Island Scenic Isle Way provides a map, photographs and 10 major stopping points of fun and historical places to stop and explore.

Welcome to Whidbey Island, whether you already live here, or are visiting!

OUTDOORS New Years' Day & enjoy anytime.

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OUTDOORS, PARKS, TRAILS, BEACHES, HISTORICAL PLACES AND MORE ...

Go ahead, make a SPLASH at the POLAR BEAR DIVE in Freeland!
For the truly intrepid and brave, here are the details:
Start the New Year off with a splash! Join us for a refreshing dive into 2009. Be a part of the 5th Annual Polar Bear Dive. All participants will receive an official. Polar Bear Dive T-shirt, a small thermal blanket, and will enjoy warm refreshments. This event benefits 4-H Youth Programs.
Call South Whidbey Parks & Recreation District for more information:
360-221-5484. All ages; youth 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Date: New Year's Day (Thursday, January 1)
Time: Registration opens at 10:30am, and the dive happens at NOON. You can do it!
Fee: $15 or 2/$20 (affordable for families!)

ADMIRALTY HEAD LIGHTHOUSE & FORT CASEY STATE PARK
You are welcome to visit the lighthouse anytime it is open. The park is open from 8 am until dusk year round and you are welcome to walk around the outside of the lighthouse. You do not need to schedule a tour to visit the lighthouse during its regulars seasonal hours. There is no cost to come in the lighthouse or Fort Casey State Park

Ebey's Landing National Historical Reverve
The Reserve does not close or have operating hours, and is a great place to visit year-round. However, facilities in the Reserve which offer visitors recreation and education opportunities all have varying hours for operations depending upon the season and some charge a fee.
Scenic Waysides: Daily - 8:00 a.m. to dusk
State Parks: Daily - 8:00 a.m. to dusk
Island County Historical Museum:
Summer: Daily (except Tuesdays) - 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Winter: Friday through Monday - 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Sunnyside Historical Cemetery - Coupeville. If you're game for wandering around outdoors in late December or January, this place is special!

Saratoga Woods, DNR & Metcalf Trust Trail Systems Miles of public trails for hikers, horseback riders & mountain bikers. No motorized vehicles.

OPEN NEW YEAR'S DAY ... Indoors!

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Here is at least a partial list of who is open on New Year's Day (since we know not all of you will be watching football!).

The Beach Cabin, 1594 Main Street, Freeland is open 10 - 4 on New Year's Day. Eat. Shop. Drink fabulous coffee.

The Beachfire Grill, Holmes Harbor Golf Club, Freeland is open New Year's Day. Eat! Watch any golfers freezing! Watch football in the bar area.

China City in Freeland and China City in Oak Harbor are both open on New Year's Day. Try one, then the other.

The Chocolate Flower Farm, Langley. Shop. Buy a chocolate candle! Open 10 - 6 pm!

The Clyde in Langley is open on New Year's Day. New Years Day the feature is Twilight.

EDDY'S IN LANGLEY. Located on 1st, Eddy's is a great T-shirt shop with many other great products to browse thru.

Frasers Gourmet Hideaway in Oak Harbor is open on New Year's Day. Eat. Enjoy. Smile.

GORDON'S ON BLUEBERRY HILL, 5438 Woodard, Freeland 360-331-7515.
Booked for New Years Eve but will be open New Years Day 11:30-2:00 for lunch
and 5:00 for dinner. Reservations highly recommended.

Karlson/Gray Galleryin Langley.

Music For the Eyes, in Langley, is open on New Year's Day, 11 - 5 pm. Hand-knotted rugs and textiles, and much more. Come talk about where you have traveled.

NEIL'S CLOVERPATCH CAFE, Bayview. 14485 State Route 525 Ste 3, 36-321-4120
Open 8 am - 2 pm, with a yummy Eggs Benedict.

Raven Rocks Studio at Greenbank Farm will be open New Year's Day, from 10 - 5 pm.

Whidbey Island Soap Co. in Langley is open on New Year's Day. Need a new bathrobe? Soaps? Lotions?

Whidbey Island WInery on Langley Rd. is open 11 - 5 on New Year's Day. Wine tasting!