Friday Harbor Rocks!

Great things go on in Friday Harbor and the whole island is a mass of scenic beauty. Here are some places/companies you'll want to know.

Island Inn
The only Silver LEED-certified building in San Juan County sits right across from the Friday Harbor Marina on what was originally a fuel and oil storage facility. Talk about an improvement! Current owners purchased the land in the late 1980s and determined they would "liven up the hillside with connective spaces," creating a mixed use commercial and residential development that was completed in 2009. One of the fortunate things to come out of the economic distress of that time was that selling condos didn't work and those are now penthouses (7 of them)  and eurostyle guestrooms with private baths (6 of them) that anyone can rent while in Friday Harbor. These are lovely places and all penthouses have amazing views. Furnishings, kitchens, baths with steam showers are all top notch. Absolutely beautiful.

Above: view from a penthouse deck

Making it even more fun is their partnership with Duck Soup Inn (see below) to offer epicurean travelers elevated accommodations and exceptional cuisine. Each weekend escape includes a penthouse stay for two guests at the Island Inn (Friday & Saturday nights), a bottle of sparkling wine and chef's welcome on Friday arrival, a cooking class and meal for two with Chef Allison Saturday, all the gear and ingredients foodie apprentices will need and take-away recipes for each dish. Each class limited to eight. Rates start at $249/night (two night minimum stay). Reserve your space by calling 1-877-512-9262 or visit www.123west.com.

Island Inn, 123 West, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, 360-378-4400, www.123west.com

Duck Soup Inn
Fresh, sophisticated Northwest cuisine can be found four miles outside of Friday Harbor in a woodland setting. This is no flash-in-the-pan; Duck Soup Inn has been serving great food since 1975 and has received enthusiastic reviews from publications like Bon Appétit, Pacific Northwest Magazine, The Seattle Times, Gourmet, Travel & Leisure and Fodor's. Menus are seasonal and use Pacific seafood, island produce and homegrown herbs. The Inn is filled with comfortable booths, a fireplace and paintings from a local artist. A deck allows outside dining. Always call ahead--hours and open dates change with the seasons.

Duck Soup Inn, 50 Duck Soup Lane, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, 360-378-4878.
www.ducksoupinn.com

The Market Chef
Using as much island-grown produce, meat and seafood as possible, the culinary team of Chefs Laurie Paul (pictured) and Tim Barrette create dishes for the deli case (entrées, sides, veggies, salads, soups, condiments); specialty items like olive tapenades, peanut sauce, house made granola and their Market Chef Blend coffee; as well as grocery items they use like imported olive oils, sauces, pastas and condiments. They offer a good selection of wine and beer to enjoy with your meal at the cafe or at home. Stop by and have a mouthwatering sandwich, try their daily soup or a refreshing salad. On your way somewhere? Pick up a boxed lunch. They're also happy to cater--anything from a picnic basket to a full-service party. Laurie worked with Greg Atkinson in the restaurant at Friday Harbor House, staying on after he left. Her husband Tim also worked at the restaurant, staying on after she left to start The Market Chef. Shortly after, he left to join her at The Market Chef. Settle in at a table inside or enjoy the deck.

The Market Chef, 225 A St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, 360-378-4546.
The Market Chef Facebook page

The Place Restaurant & Bar
The only restaurant in Friday Harbor that extends over the water, you have a wonderful view of marine activity from your table. Ferries and seaplanes come and go, pleasure craft slip by and the beauty of the San Juan islands is before you. Family owned and operated since 1996, its comfortable interior has you relaxing in moments and there's even a tiny bar with 4-5 seats. Northwest dishes are made from organic produce from local farms, seafood from sustainable fisheries, naturally-raised meat and lamb, locally roasted coffee and wines from the island and beyond. They bake their own break, make their own sauces, soups and desserts. Dinner only. As with almost all places on the island, call before heading over as hours change seasonally.
 

The Place, One Spring St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, 360-378-8707
www.theplacefridayharbor.com

San Juan Safaris
With more than 30 years of experience in the eco-tourism field, Bill Wright runs San Juan Safaris based on the principles of respectful interaction with wildlife and serious fun, merging his professional goals with environmental concerns. As he states, "Our guests would rather be guided than herded and we would rather share our knowledge than shout it over a microphone." Groups are small and intimate. San Juan Safaris naturalists are happy to interact with guests and answer questions, excited to share their own experiences. Check out their website to plan your whale watching and wildlife tours.

San Juan Safaris, Two Spring St Landing, Ste 6, Friday Harbor, WA 98250,
800-450-6858, www.sanjuansafaris.com

Vinny's Ristorante
A large dining room with a small counter area, Vinny's manages to be higher-end without being fussy. Pacific Northwest seafood and steak are offered, but many guests come back for the Italian specialties. There's something for everyone here--lamb, chicken, salads. Menu items change monthly as they feature seasonal items. While there is no official bar, they do serve cocktails along with wine and beer. Hours also change seasonally.

Vinny's Ristorante, 165 West St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, 360-378-1934.
www.vinnysfridayharbor.com

Pablito's Taqueria
Tucked away, Pablito's can be easy to miss. Like most island eateries, it's easy to miss hours-wise as well with times/days open changing seasonally and, it sometimes seems, arbitrarily. However, the fresh Mexican food made by hand with Northwest ingredients is worth a visit. There are daily specials plus their coffee-braised pork tacos, chipotle marinated red snapper tacos, chorizo-kale-roasted garlic empanadas and cinnamon beef-pinto bean-queso fresco tamales.

Pablito's Taqueria, 140A 1st St, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, 360-378-3317.
www.pablitostaqueria.com

Back Door Kitchen
You might have to get directions to find it, but you'll be happy you made the effort. An inviting interior leads to an even more inviting patio. They offer international cuisine: a corn masa cake or oysters baked with Pernod, vegetable and goat cheese crepes or pan seared scallops. A relaxed bar offers cocktails, beer and wine.

Back Door Kitchen
400b A St
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
360-378-9540.
www.backdoorkitchen.com
 

The Whale Museum
For 30 years, they've promoted stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research. The least you can do it visit and see what's happening! Adopt a baby orca and shop in the museum store.

The Whale Museum, 62 First St N, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, 360-378-4710.
www.whale-museum.org

Getting to Friday Harbor

Kenmore Air
Give yourself a real experience and fly to Friday Harbor on San Juan island. See the islands and amazing beauty from above, then land on the water and taxi right up to the dock. You're within walking distance of just about everything! Founded in 1946, Kenmore Air has grown to be one of the largest and most respected float plane operations. They currently have 25 aircraft, 52 pilots and more than 250 employees in peak season.

Kenmore Air, airline or charter/group reservations 425-486-1257 or 866-435-9524.
www.kenmoreair.com

Washington State Ferries
Even for locals, riding the ferries never gets old. The view are stupendous. If you're a visitor, at least take a short ride to and from somewhere to see what it's all about. The ride from Anacortes to Friday Harbor is about an hour but you'll feel you're a million miles away.