Yikes:  It’s Valentine’s Day!  For all of those guys and gals who are a bit behind on their planning, we have thought up some fun ideas to inspire you to spoil your better half. Don’t worry; we’re happy to give you all the credit and if you show up to celebrate in the next few weeks, we’ll be okay with that too!

Watch the Sunset at Lime Kiln State Park:  Back to basics

You can’t go wrong while enjoying a beautiful sunset behind a picturesque lighthouse.

TIP:  If your getaway falls on a weekend, swing by the Farmer’s Market on Saturday morning and gather up some yummy island goodies for a picinic. Find that perfect rock overlooking the water and snuggle up for the show.    

Take an evening stroll at the harbor:  Better than dessert

After experiencing one of Friday Harbor’s amazing restaurants, procure some hot chocolate, bundle up and enjoy a leisurely walk along the docks right across the street from the Island Inn while watching the ferry come and go.

TIP:   Classic boats and yachts help you account for all of the places you have been and or the places you’ll go – together. 

Splurge on a cheap date: Our personal favorite

Through the month of February, grab that special someone and escape to Friday Harbor for a cheap date like only the Island Inn can offer. Flowers, truffles and bubbly will await your arrival to a harbor view penthouse.

TIP:  Rinse away your mainland worries in one of our steam showers and then prepare that perfect romantic dinner in your own gourmet kitchen.

Go with the slow during the month of February and cash INN with our 35% off discount on both penthouses and euros!  

San Juan Island has made its way to the top of many travel writers’ lists. Our island home was voted the number 2 place to visit in 2011 by the New York Times. National Geographic honored the San Juans by letting the world know they are the 3

That was some big press for our little rock in the middle of the Salish Sea.

Now that 2012 is in full swing, we thought it would be fun to compile a list of the best of the San Juans as seen and told by islanders!

Best spot for a great hike:  American Camp

Just about everywhere you go on San Juan Island you will be surrounded by unparalleled views of the Olympic Mountains, Vancouver Island, and beautiful open waters. So, you really can’t go wrong by picking a good hike around Lime Kiln State Park or English Camp. But our personal favorite based on fun and diverse terrain is American Camp.

Overlooking the Olympic Peninsula and Haro Straight, American Camp offers rolling prairies, scenic cliff side trails, and beach wandering all in one location!

Bonus:  Wildlife! You might bump into fox, eagles, and bunnies.

Best scenic drive:  The West Side

If you enjoy a leisurely drive down winding roads and beautiful cliff sides then the West Side of San Juan Island is for you. As you drive the curves of the west side enjoy views of Vancouver Island and Haro Straight. Plus, cruising along spring through fall, you might catch a glimpse of our resident orca whales that frequent this area.

Bonus:    Stop at Lime Kiln State Park, AKA Whale Watch Park, and have a picnic.

Best spot to catch the sunset:  Lime Kiln State Park

Lime Kiln State park may be known as the only whale watch park in the world, but it is also the best place to catch a gorgeous San Juan Island sunset. Find a picnic bench or a cozy nook on a rock by the water and soak it all up as the sun sets behind a picturesque light house. Stay tuned after sundown as the lights of Vancouver Island come alive.

Bonus:  Summer sing-along; keep your ears peeled for the telltale sounds of water spouting that let you know the whales are approaching!  They might also sing you a tune.

Best off leash beach:  Jackson’s Beach

Jackson’s Beach lies just outside of Friday Harbor limits and is about a 15 minute walk from the Island Inn. No matter the time of year your four legged buddy will find other doggie playmates hanging around and enjoying the water and ample supply of giant sticks.

Bonus:  Hike up the hill to find the gravel pit, a good mile loop overlooking Griffin Bay.

Best Friday Harbor Hotel:  The Island Inn!

Of course! After all that hiking, driving, and sunset watching it’ll be time to relax, put your feet up in front of the fireplace or take a nice long steam shower in one of our penthouses. If you chose to hang your hat in one of our euro-style guest rooms, chillax in our harbor view lounge and watch the ferries come and go as you enjoy a cup of our house blend coffee.

Bonus:  The Island Inn at 123 West is ridiculously affordable.  Check out our specials!

We’re really excited about the first ever San Juan Island wedding show this weekend at the Island Inn! We are proud to host the event, which will begin with a welcoming reception from 6pm-8pm Friday January 27

, from 11am-4pm, local vendors will team up to show off the amazing wedding fare that San Juan Island has to offer.

Not only is admission to this event free, we are also offering brides who attend Isle Be Wed 50% off our rack rate for that weekend! Come and spoil yourself and your special someone to a luxurious penthouse overlooking the water or hang your hat in a streamline eurostyle guestroom.

We are thrilled at the level of participation from our neighbors and are looking forward displaying San Juan Island’s amazing talent, including wedding coordinators, photographers, musicians and much more! The full list of confirmed participants is as follows:

Cakes

Cakes by Felicitations

Catering

Cynthia’s Of Course Catering

Coho Restaurant

Floral

Robin’s Nest

Venues and Lodging

The Island Inn at 123 West

Pelindaba Lavender Farm

Roche Harbor Resort

San Juan Vineyards

Lime Kiln Light House

Friday Harbor House

Lakedale Resort

Planning

San Juan Wedding and Events

Photography

Photography by Mark Gardner

Christopher Mundus Photography

Muscians 

Mary WillAllen-Harp

Amanda Brast- Classical Guitar

Sally Brown- Cello

Officiate

Archie Brooks

Spa

Spa d’ Bune

Rentals

Orcas Event Rentals

Fun

Schooners North

You may learn more about the Isle be Wed wedding show by visiting the show’s Facebook page or the website for the event. To make a reservation at the Island Inn at 123 West feel free to give us a call at 877-512-9262.

Enroll in STASH Hotel Rewards before February 28^th and you’ll score 2,000 bonus points – if you’re a planner.  Drop us a line at reservations@123west.com for the full scoop.  Signing up with STASH Hotel Rewards means you can earn and redeem points ridiculously fast at swanky spots like ours all over the country.

If you’ve got an e-mail address, you’ll have an earnings account faster than you can say “free night in Friday Harbor.”  Blackouts aren’t allowed – ever.  Either are brands or cookie cutter competitors.  Stay with us, sign up with STASH and stick with the fiercely independent crowd
that gets it.

The Island Innat 123 West is the only STASH partner in the San Juan Islands.  We’re world class in a small town and spoil you with top notch amenities and service.  Oh, and we’re a killer spot for that next meeting you’ve got to figure out for 15-35 guests.  Meet us at The Island Inn to learn more about our hotel and check out STASH Hotel Rewards For Planners for more info on Stash.

We look forward to hosting your next gathering.

We are proud of our island home; from orca whales that swim through surrounding waters to the spectacular views of the Puget Sound enjoyed on any drive around San Juan Island, this is one of the best places in the world to hang your hat.

                 As you cozy up to the fireplace in one of our luxurious penthouses or enjoy the sights from our Harbor View lounge for our Euro guests, you may not realize how many natural wonders the San Juans offer. We have compiled a list of little or unknown facts about our beloved Islands and waters.

Onward and upward:

The islands that make up the San Juans are part of an ancient continent millions of years older than the mainland. As oceanic and continental plates push together the islands are still slowly being pushed upward.

The deep end:

Parts of the Puget Sound are over 700 feet deep, making it the perfect home for scuba diving, the Giant Pacific Octopus and the Blunt Nose Sixgill Shark.  Both of these creatures love the deep dark places of our ocean floors and rarely rise to higher levels. The Giant Octopus has a body that can reach up to 7 feet long and arms that stretch up to 12 feet.  The slow moving Six Gilled shark is no bait fish either; they have been known to reach lengths of 18 feet long!

Direct flight:

As you drive the winding roads through pastoral scenery, you may notice the beautiful white Trumpeter swans that glide peacefully along the marshlands and ponds of San Juan Island. These amazing creatures fly over 2,000 miles from Alaska each winter to come and spend time among our waterways.

Bald Eagles are a common sighting as you drive or hike your way through the forests. That is because we have the largest breeding population of Bald Eagles in the continental United States. Keep an eye out as you drive toward Roche Harbor in the summer time, everyday around 4pm a man comes and feeds the large birds in the area.

These are just a few of the little known facts of the San Juan Islands. Come visit us at the Island Inn at 123 West this winter and Go with the Slow and explore one of the coolest places at a pace all your own!

January 9, 2012  Friday Harbor, WA  A collection of San Juan Island vendors have teamed up to launch the first annual Isle Be Wed wedding show, celebrating island wedding fare available to brides and grooms throughout the San Juan Islands.  The show’s coordinator, Felicity Milne, of Cakes by Felicitations, is thrilled with the level of participation and interest received thus far, saying “I am happy so many people are as excited about this event as I am. We want to showcase the many talents of our local vendors available for special events on our beautiful isle. The San Juan Islands are a truly special place to celebrate your most special day.”

The event welcome reception will be on Friday, January 27^th from 6pm – 8pm where attendees can chat with vendors and coordinators on the eve of the full show. The main event is Saturday, January 28th from 11am – 4pm and entry is free to brides, grooms and their entourage.  Each of these events will be hosted by Friday Harbor’s newest hotel, The Island Inn at 123 West.  Scott Hale, the Inn’s Chief Experience Officer, is excited about the event adding “We’re flattered that Felicity chose our venue for the inaugural show and have had plenty of fun planning and working with all of our neighbors – we’re ready for show time.”

Brides, grooms, planners, and close friends and family will have the chance to interact with seventeen different vendors throughout the show covering everything a couple will need to make their destination wedding a dream come true.  Confirmed vendors include:

Cakes: Cakes by Felicitations; Floral: Robins Nest; Planning: San Juan Island Weddings and Events; Venues: Pelindaba Lavender Farm, Friends of Lime Kiln Lighthouse, San Juan Vineyards; Photography:  Photography by Mark Gardner, ; Spa Services: Spa d’ Bune; Officiate:  Archie Brooks; Catering:  Coho Restaurant, Cynthia’s, of Course; Music:  Sally Browne – cello, Amanda Brast – guitar; Lodging:  Roche Harbor Resort, The Island Inn at 123 West; Fun: Schooners North.

Brides and Grooms may learn more about the Isle be Wed wedding event by visiting the show’s Facebook pageat or http://www.visitsanjuans.com/islebewed/.  For additional information about the Island Inn at 123 West, visit www.123west.com or phone 1-877-512-9262.

Cakes by Felicitations: The premier wedding cake designer in the San Juan Islands. Your wedding day will be made that much more memorable with a custom cake, elaborate dessert buffet or beautiful cupcake display to add that sweet touch to your special day.  We are located in Friday Harbor but serve all islands.

Pelindaba Lavender Farm:  A premier outdoor wedding location with fields of fragrant blooming lavender, pastoral and lake vistas. In the language of flowers lavender represents devotion. What a perfect setting and symbol for the celebration of a wedding.

Lime Kiln Point Lighthouse: Perched on the picturesque shoreline of San Juan Island’s West side, is a truly unique location to exchange vows. From the Lantern Room celebrate new horizons overlooking Haro Strait with the silhouette of Vancouver Island and maybe even a few orca whales as backdrop.

San Juan Vineyards:  Grounds include a chapel, pavilion, and a tasting room surrounded by 6 acres of vineyard.  Besides offering a breath-taking scenic experience, and our award winning wines, we can fine tune our offerings to ensure that your event is truly memorable. sanjuanvineyards.com

Photography by Mark Gardner: Mark Gardner has been photographing in the San Juans for over 15 years, and particularly loves photographing weddings and portraits with the beauty of the islands as a backdrop.  If you want the best in creative photography and service for your wedding, please visit

Mundus Photography:  Christopher Mundus delivers modern style to the modern bride.

Spa d Bune:  The Premier salon and day spa in Friday Harbor, offering full array of wonderful indulgences, welcoming your every need for your wedding day.  Consider having a fun, pampering spa day with your friends and family a few days before your big day.  Then on your wedding day relax while we take care of your every beauty needs.  Beautiful makeup, hair to perfection, mimosas with your bridal party if you fancy.   www.spadbune.com

Archie Brooks:  Archie Brooks will help you achieve the wedding of your dreams. In the past 23 years he has married more than 800 couples and has become San Juan Island’s most requested ordained officiate.  www.sanjuanislandweddings.com

Coho Restaurant:  Coho Restaurant serves Pacific Northwest cuisine with a Mediterranean flair. Coho showcases simple and artful fare using the bounty from Island producers. The freshest ingredients, day-of-event preparation and artistic presentation create a reputation for excellence for their catering services.

Cynthia’s, of Course:  Owner, Cynthia Burke, has 30+ years of hospitality experience along with a great crew helping to bring forth successful catering events of all styles, large or intimate. Whether you need event planning, rentals or creative menus using the freshest local products, Cynthia’s professional approach will allow you to experience a relaxed & successful event.

Sally Browne – Sally Browne has a Master’s of Music in Performance on Cello and has been playing weddings for many years, on San Juan Island and in the California Bay Area before moving to the beautiful Pacific Northwest.  Classical music is a must for your special day. It sets the mood for a wonderful event in the lives of two people.360-378-4106.

Amanda Brast – Classical and Romantic Spanish Guitarist: The perfect accompaniment for YOUR special day

The Island Inn at 123 West – Our stylish Friday Harbor hotel is perfect for you, your fiancé and up to forty of the people you really want to invite with our spacious waterfront penthouses and streamline euro-style guest rooms. Over 1600 square feet of esthetic event space connects to an open patio with a view that makes the mainland shudder.  Branching out is fun too; natural spots around San Juan Island to say you do abound.  www.123west.com

Cheap Date Imagine yourself and that extra special someone being greeted by a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers and then lounging in one of our harbor view penthouses, enjoying a bottle of bubbly and some island made chocolate truffles. January and February are the perfect time for a cheap date. Two nights in one of our penthouses, sparkling wine, truffles, and flowers included. While enjoying the romance our inn has to offer; take a stroll through our seaside town of Friday Harbor. The restaurants are superb often with incredible views!

Preferred Puppy Pass Your pup wants to go exploring and San Juan Island is the perfect spot! With miles of hiking trails for all levels of two and four legged hikers, this could be the vacation your furry family member will never forget! Stop by the front desk on your way out to explore and we are happy to get you all geared up with trail maps and recommendations. After a day of adventure and exploration, relax in one of our pet friendly accommodations with a pet bed and doggie bowls to use throughout your stay. Your pup will also enjoy a free pass to our inn when you chose our preferred puppy pass now through the month of February.

Girls Night Inn Our little inn has gotten quite the reputation as the perfect spot for what some call “Dude Ditching”, the art of taking your favorite gal pals to an awesome location and enjoying all it has to offer; sans males. In Friday Harbor, this means two nights in one of our amazing penthouses, red and white wine straight from San Juan Vineyards, Pelindaba Lavender petite voyage sets for four ladies and four Half Full wine glasses to take back home with you. Check out the eclectic shops that line the streets of Friday Harbor and stroll along the docks at the harbor with a hot beverage from one of our many coffee shops.

 Lucky for you, now is the perfect time to go with the slow™ and cash in on some screamin’ deals at Friday Harbor’s newest hotel, The Island Inn at 123 West.

As 2011 draws to a close, we took a look back on some of the things that made this year so memorable. Some amazing, some silly but all made 2011 an extraordinary year. Take a look and share of your favorite moments from the past year!

Tops Inn 2011 on San Juan Island

1. Our green as it gets Inn opened this Spring proving that luxury and green go hand and hand

2. Our first guests enjoyed our brand spanking new eurostyle guest rooms and our slick harbor view lounge over 4^th of July weekend.

3. Our humble home – the San Juan Islands collected favorable nods like being named #2 out of the top 41 places to visit in 2011 by the New York Times, #3 best trip of summer 2011 by National Geographic and the #4 best island in the world of 2011 by Travel and Leisure Magazine.

4. We welcomed the newest member of our orca family; K144, the first calf of K27 aka Deadhead. Guests who took advantage of the whale watch tours that launch just steps from our inn or cruised out to Lime Kiln State Park enjoyed the playful antics of this new baby and his larger comrades.

5. J2, otherwise known as Granny of J pod, celebrated her 100^th birthday this year!

6.We welcomed the newest furriest member of our team. Gertrude Belle is a Wire Haired German Pointer puppy, who upon being hired, received the longest title we have to offer, Assistant Vice President of International Business Development

7. Our *re_combobulate* sign was a favorite among guests of the Inn and the Island. We counted over 1,000 people photographing it throughout the summer and fall!

8. You like us!!  We chalked up 100 likes on Facebook; 75 followers on Twitter and 21 Excellent Reviews on Trip Advisor.

9.  As we entered our first easy season (as we like to call it at the Island Inn) we announced our partnership with Stash Hotel Rewards. A program created for fiercely independent hotels and guests who care about where they stay.

10. Most important: we had you as our guest!

Thank you for making 2011 even better then we could have imagined! Cheers to a super-amazing record-breaking 2012!

Top Ten ways to go with the slow on San Juan Island this winter

1. Re_combobulate Our favorite thing to do is (drumroll) nothing! Our Inn offers the perfect environment to take advantage of the highly underrated activity of relaxing.
2. Enjoy the View whether you are in our harbor view lounge or one of our penthouses, the view is worth sitting back and enjoying.
3.  Shop ‘til you Drop Fewer crowds, quaint stores selling locally made goodies and slow season deals make shopping in Friday Harbor a must.
4. Eat to your heart’s content The San Juan Islands have been called a foodie’s new paradise. Local favorites combined with Pacific Rim fusion make dining in Friday Harbor one of our favorite things to do any time of year.
5. Learn something San Juan Island is home to the only museum anywhere completely dedicated to whales.  The Whale Museum is open 7 days a week all year long and has many great exhibits for both children and adults to learn about the amazing creatures that call the waters around us home.
6. Stay for a Play Our island home is full of talent and either Island Stage Left or our local theatre always has an amazing show or music performance going on so stop by and check it out.
7. Chase a storm If you’re a true North Westerner and no amount of rain is going to keep you indoors, we suggest driving out to American Camp on the southern tip of San Juan Island to see if you can catch a glimpse of a storm (or some sunshine) rolling in.
8. Take a Hike If you’re an any time of the year outdoorsy person, San Juan Island offers amazing hiking trails with beautiful views of Puget Sound and the surrounding islands.
9. Take a drive If you would like to enjoy the views around the island as seen from the comfort of your own car, we are happy to set you up with a map pointing out scenic drives all over the island.
10. Embrace your Inner Chef! The fully equipped gourmet kitchens in our luxury penthouses may just make cooking an incredible meal for your special someone your favorite part of your vacation.

Come and experience some of the fun things that San Juan Island has to offer while staying in complete comfort at our premier Inn right in the heart of Friday Harbor. Let’s make 2012 more memorable than 2011 and rewrite your favorite winter activities with us!

Enjoy a great perk of the easy season and visit the Whale Museum for free!  The San Juan Island Whale Museum is happy to offer each of our guests free admission now through December 31^st. Each admission pass given out will be good for every person in your party for the entirety of your stay with us.

The Whale Museum is a one of a kind institution that offers many great displays and interactive exhibits focusing on education, research and stewardship of our coastal waters. You could even symbolically adopt one of our more than eighty resident orca whales and support conservation of the Salish Sea and its inhabitants.

Come and learn about the amazing marine wildlife that surrounds our island home while staying just steps away from both the water and museum in Friday Harbor’s newest hotel, The Island Inn at 123 West. To top off this amazing opportunity, we are also offering 35% off of each of our incredible penthouses and streamline eurostyle guestrooms now through December 31^st.

Reserve your winter vacation today!