Friday Harbor House

Getting away, removing yourself from daily life and resetting your brain is important considering how we seem to fill our lives to the brim every day. Friday Harbor, about a two-hour trip from Seattle, is one of those places that just wipes clean the slate. And Friday Harbor House (FHH), sitting atop a prominent bluff overlooking the harbor, is frosting on the cake.

Built in 1994-1995, it is a lovely place that has been updated over the years. A conference center and three town-view suites were added in 2005. There are 23 rooms total, all of which have gas fireplaces, oversized jetted tubs, flat screen TVs, free WiFi and comfortable lounging robes. A continental breakfast is served each morning with house made granola, baked goods, fresh fruit and juices. About 10 a.m., coffee, tea and more baked goods are available in the San Juan Room.

The San Juan Room is used for events, weddings, meetings—any gathering for up to 70 guests. Furnishings are flexible and can be moved to meet any needs. The room has WiFi, audio equipment and systems, a retractable projector screen, a 52" flat screen TV, LCD projector and computer and iPod jack.

On the bluff in front of the inn is a lovely landscaped, grassy area with benches, tables and chairs where guests can sit back, stare at the water, mountains, boats and other islands and let their minds be still.

A small property managed by Columbia Hospitality for owners Lang and Anne Simons, it doesn't offer some of the amenities of a large resort (spa, gym, etc.). But you don't need these. You can arrange for spa treatments in your room and have an entire island to work out on. What FHH does do as well as the larger spots is offer a wonderful dining experience at The Bluff Restaurant. The dining room's atmosphere is casual with a small bar—4-5 seats—and a dining room overlooking the marina and harbor. Their philosophy is to stay as local as possible food-wise, so you'll find kelp, sea beans, nettles, berries, mushrooms and even spruce tree tips used on the menu. Waldron Island provides a great deal of their produce, and Jones Family Farm on Lopez Island is another main source. They get lamb from the Skagit Valley and some fish from local fishermen.

Chef Aaron Rock has been at The Bluff since early 2011 as Sous Chef, taking over as Chef in May 2013. Rock now lives in Friday Harbor with his wife Jodi and daughter Lily, but grew up in Chicago and played pro hockey in Toronto. He came to FHH from The Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa in Carefree, Arizona, where he was the lead line cook.  His AOS Culinary Arts degree comes from Scottsdale's Culinary School, Le Cordon Bleu. "There were no seasons in Scottsdale," Aaron says. "The Pacific Northwest was about the only place I hadn't lived. After hearing about Friday Harbor, I wanted to come out and use the local products. The vegetables don't need much, they shine on their own. I'm excited about going through the seasons and buying things at the farmers market like watermelon radishes. We want to offer guests, locals or tourists, a true island experience."

Aaron does themed interactive cooking demos, like Christmas, taking place on Saturday, December 21 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. He'll show how to perfect a parfait and share tips on creating a mouth-watering glazed ham or savory rosemary and onion focaccia bread. Guests enjoy wine and bites during the demos, then gather for a group lunch. They also hold winery and brewery dinners, like the upcoming Chuckanut Brewery & Kitchen Dinner on Saturday, January 18, at 7 p.m. Check their website for upcoming events.

Whether you want to hike, bike, eat, drink, explore or let your eyes do all the work, FHH is the perfect home base for your trip to the island.

Friday Harbor House The Bluff Restaurant 130 West St Friday Harbor, WA 98250 866-722-7356 360-378-8455 www.fridayharborhouse.com

Connie Adams/December 2013