Thank you for posting on the message board and please allow me to welcome you to the San Juan Islands!
Out of curiosity... what was the deciding factor in your decision to visit the San Juan Islands? Where else were you considering going to?
While February is one of the slower months in the islands there is still many more things to do than you have time for. Just check out the list of events, workshops, musical acts, cooking classes, art exhibits, and open mics that I have included below.
If the weather is cooperating I have another laundry list of activities for you... on the top of the list is Moran State Park. I'm sure you have probably already done some research into Mt. Constitution, cascade Lake, its viewpoints and it's hiking trails so I won't go into that.
You should definitely get out on the water on some sort of charter or kayak tour even if it's just for a couple hours... nothing makes a clam chowder and grilled salmon lunch taste better than a little exercise. Go for a
sea kayaking tour and work up an appetite.... you are bound to see all sorts of wildlife such as bald eagles, porpoises, maybe whales, seals and sea lions, crabs and much more.
You should also take the ferry ride for a day trip over to see Friday Harbor and Roche harbor on San Juan Island. Don't miss the mausoleum, the whale Museum, Wescott Bay oysters, the sculpture park at Roche harbor,
Limekiln State Park a.k.a. whale watch Park, a walk on South Beach, the historical Museum, and the British camp. Dining recommendations in Friday Harbor... steps wine bar and café, Downriggers overlooking the ferry landing, and the backdoor kitchen.
I hope someone else can chime in and help me with some recommendations for dining on Orcas Island. So I hope that gives you a good idea of what's on the San Juan Islands menu... I hope your cabins come equipped with a hot tub... nothing beats soaking in a hot tub overlooking the cool blue ocean watching the sunset giveaway to the stars.
Here are several events occurring this February that you might be interested in...
San Juan Jazz Quintet
December 14, 2008 - May 31, 2009
Times: Sundays 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
www.sanjuanjazzquintet.comLocation: Bella Luna Italian Restaurant, 175 No. First St.
Phone: 360 378 4118
Admission: Free
San Juan Jazz Quintet has been playing together with a few changes in personnel for over 15 years, but with at least one consistent feature ..... they enjoy one another, and get a big kick out of playing for the enjoyment of their audiences. The band plays a wide range of jazz, blues, Latin jazz, swing, smooth jazz, be-bop and they know one rap tune.
"Hands at Work"
January 31, 2009 - March 21, 2009
Times: 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
www.orcasmuseum.orgLocation: Orcas Island Historical Museum, 181 No. Beach Rd, Orcas Island
Phone: 360 376 4849
The Orcas Island Historical Museum is hosting an exhibit of photographic works and hand-crafted objects featured in the newly-released book "Hands at Work". Photographs are by Lopez Island artist Summer Moon Scriver and text is written by Iris Graville also of Lopez Island. The stunning black and white photographs depict the hands of local potters, carpenters, weavers, bakers, painters, knitters, jewelry makers, blacksmiths and more as they work at the handcrafts they love. Graville's text is based on interviews of island people who support themselves by this work. The handwork links present day islanders to islanders of the past, who took pride and care in the individually crafted products they created for family, local and export use.
Fantastic Breads
January 31, 2009 - February 1, 2009
Times: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Bakery San Juan
Phone: 360 378 7003
Admission: $75 per afternoon class - Advance registration required
Winter Series Cooking Classes with Gretchen Allison of Duck Soup Inn.
Fantastic Breads
With Patrick Honeywell of Bakery San Juan. He makes the best bread around. Learn from a Pro! Patrick is an amazing teacher and this will be tons of fun with hands on learning!
Centennial - Compassion, Love and Our Town
February 1, 2009
Times: Sunday 6:00 p.m.
www.historicfridayharbor.orgLocation: San Juan Island Library
Phone: 360 378 2390
Evergreen State College Professor, William Ray Arney, and John Davis, Director of San Juan Community Theatre's production of Our Town, will discuss the themes touched upon in Thornton Wilder's classic play. Known for its simplistic style, Our Town explores complicated issues such as the meanings of life, death and love. How has our community, and our town shaped our sense of compassion and love? Join us in this discussion!
Roche Harbor's Annual Salmon Classic Invitational 2009
February 5, 2009 - February 7, 2009
www.rocheharbor.comLocation: Roche Harbor, San Juan Island
Phone: 800 451 8910 X739 or 360 378 5562
Admission: $600 per boat (plus sales tax) which includes moorage and meals.
"The Largest Black Mouth Tournament in the World". 2009 marks the sixth Annual Salmon Classic Invitational at Roche Harbor Marine & Resort. A three-day sport fishing extravaganza that attracts anglers from all over the Northwest & Canada. With over $25,000 dollars in cash & prizes this event brings out fishermen from all walks of life to fish our island waters. Cash prizes include $10,000 First Place; $5,000 Second Place; $1500 Third Place: $2,000 Mystery Fish and Best Boat Total weight prize of $1500... all in CASH! Each night donated prizes are drawn from the Northwest's favorite fishing tackle and accessory companies IE; Frabill; Scotty; Shimano; Laminglass; Simrad; Berkely. In addition, each Angler qualifies for the grand prize drawing. A top of the line Sport Fishing Boat package as a part of the Northwest Marine Trade Association Derby Series! Derby entries are limited to 100 boats with 4 anglers per vessel. $600 per boat (plus sales tax), which includes moorage and meals.
"Images of the San Juan Islands" Book Signing
February 6, 2009
Times: Friday 7:00 p.m.
www.whalemuseum.orgLocation: The Whale Museum, Friday Harbor
Phone: 360 378 4710 x30
Admission: Free/donations welcome
The Whale Museum presents a book signing of "Images of the San Juan Islands" by local author/photographer Mark Gardner. Books will be available in the Whale Museum's gift shop.
Island Playwrights Festival 2009
February 6, 2009 - February 8, 2009
Times: 7:30 p.m. except Sunday, February 8 at 5:00 p.m.
ww.sjctheatre.org
Location: San Juan Community Theatre
Phone: 360 378 3210
Admission: Adults $16, Students $8, Student Rush $5
Locally written monologues and one-act plays inside the Gubelman Theatre.
Vegetarian Cooking - Duck Soup Style
February 6, 2009 - February 8, 2009
Times: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Call for directions
Phone: 360 378 7003
Admission: $75 per afternoon class - Advance registration required
Winter Series Cooking Classes with Gretchen Allison of Duck Soup Inn.
Vegetarian Cooking - Duck Soup Style. Get the most flavor from your Veggies!
Basil Lemon and Beet Salad
Mushroom and wild rice soup with herbs
Chile Relleno with cumin tomato sauce, avocado salsa and creamy polenta.
Banana chantilly crepe
Orcas Idol
February 7, 2009
Times: Saturday 6:30 p.m.
www.spotlightonthepositive.comLocation: Orcas Center
Phone: 360 376 2281
Admission: Adults $20, Students $10
The much awaited, must see sell out event of the year - great family fun for a great cause! Local performers return for the hit show that empowers the audience to choose the next Orcas Idol by voting for their favorite singer or duo (new this year!). The winner receives prize money and a professional recording sessions! See website for further details!
2009 Kids' Fest and Kids' Fest Passes
February 8, 2009 - February 13, 2009
Times: Varies
www.orcascenter.orgLocation: Orcas Center
Phone: 360 376 2281
Admission: $5-$12 / $20 Fest Pass or $50 Family Pass
Orcas Center Kids' Fest featuring performances to be enjoyed by children and parents together.
Unangax Dream Dancers
February 8, 2009
Times: Sunday 2:00 p.m.
www.orcascenter.orgLocation: Orcas Center
Phone: 360 376 2281
Admission: $5
Over 30 Native Eskimo dancers ranging in age from 16 to 77 will appear in their traditional ceremonial regalia to perform the stories of their Aleutian heritage.
Centennial Town of Friday Harbor Birthday Party
February 9, 2009
Times: Monday 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
www.historicfridayharbor.orgLocation: San Juan Island Grange Hall
Phone: 360 378 2390
Live music, entertainment, refreshments including a community-size Centennial birthday cake, Town of Friday Harbor time-line panels on display.
INSIGHT'S Fables
February 9, 2009 - February 10, 2009
Times: Monday, Tuesday 6:30 p.m.
www.orcascenter.orgLocation: Orcas Center
Phone: 360 376 2281
Admission: $5
Orcas High School Senior Chloe Scott will adapt and direct a series of short fables using young actors.
Centennial Book Discussion with Author Laurie R. King
February 11, 2009
Times: Wednesday 6:00 p.m.
www.historicfridayharbor.orgLocation: San Juan Grange Hall
Phone: 360 378 2390
The San Juan Island Library will offer all Islanders the opportunity to read Folly by Laurie R. King, and meet the author! The book discussion of Folly will explore what it means to live in our Island community.
Arthur Whiteley Lecture Series
February 12, 2009
Times: Thursday 7:00 p.m.
www.sjnature.orgLocation: The Commons, Friday Harbor Labs
Phone: 360 378 3646
Admission: Free and open to the public
Testing Einstein's happiest idea by watching things fall sideways - Dr. Eric Adelburger.
Book-It All Over's - The Jungle Books
February 12, 2009
Times: Thursday 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
www.orcascenter.orgLocation: Orcas Center
Phone: 360 376 2281
Admission: $5 (free for all Orcas K-8 graders)
Book-It All Over returns to Orcas Island with their unique form of literary theater, this time with Kipling's delightful classic, The Jungle Books, for all island children in grades K-8.
Island Playwrights Festival 2009
February 12, 2009 - February 15, 2009
Times: 7:30 p.m. except Sunday, February 15 at 2:00 p.m.
www.sjctheatre.orgLocation: San Juan Community Theatre
Phone: 360 378 3210
Admission: Adults $16, Students $8, Student Rush $5, bargain night Thursday, Feb. 12 Adults $12, Students $6
Locally written monologues and one-act plays inside the Gubelman Theatre.
A French Dinner with Wines to Match
February 13, 2009 - February 15, 2009
Times: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Call for directions
Phone: 360 378 7003
Admission: $75 per afternoon class - Advance registration required
Winter Series Cooking Classes with Gretchen Allison of Duck Soup Inn.
A French Dinner with Wines to Match
Berlingueto - Provencal Anchovie and Herb Stuffed Eggs with Salad Dijon
Bouillabaise - Saffron Seafood Stew with rouille and garlic toasted French Bread
Gateau Aux Noir - Nut cake filled with jam, topped with creme fraise.
Wines to be announced.
Michael Cooper - Masked Marvels and Wondertales
February 13, 2009
Times: Friday 6:30 p.m.
www.orcascenter.orgLocation: Orcas Center
Phone: 360 376 2281
Admission: Adults $12, Children $8
A one-man extravaganza, Michael Cooper will present his breathtaking handcrafted masks and original stories of courage and wonder.
Lorraine Feather and Shelly Berg
February 14, 2009
Times: Saturday 7:30 p.m.
www.orcascenter.orgLocation: Orcas Center
Phone: 360 376 2281
Admission: Adults $24, Orcas Center Members $16, Students $10
Sophisticated, clever patter. Quirky, nimble rhythms. Orcas Islander
and nationally-renowned lyricist/singer Lorraine Feather has been
called “a lyrical Dorothy Parker” by Jazz Times, and her 2008 album Language
was #1 on the jazz radio charts. She welcomes the equally celebrated
pianist, composer, and arranger Shelly Berg, and together they will
spin out tunes with Feather’s lyrics and reinventions of instrumentals
by jazz greats such as Fats Waller and Duke Ellington.
Arthur Whiteley Lecture Series
February 19, 2009
Times: Thursday 7:00 p.m.
www.sjnature.orgLocation: The Commons, Friday Harbor Labs
Phone: 360 378 3646
Admission: Free and open to the public
Our climate fix must be big and quick - Dr. William Calvin
Crossroads Series - China, India and Global Economic Leadership
February 20, 2009
Times: Friday 7:30 p.m.
www.orcascenter.orgLocation: Orcas Center
Phone: 360 376 2281
Admission: $10 donation please
Features Joseph A. Massey, Professor of International Business and
Founding Director of the Center for International Business at the Tuck
School of Business, Dartmouth College.
Chiara String Trio with Pianist Soyeon Lee
February 22, 2009
Times: Sunday 7:30 p.m.
www.orcascenter.orgLocation: Orcas Center
Phone: 360 376 2281
Admission: Adults $24, Orcas Center Members $16, Students $10
In residence at Harvard University, the Chiara String Quartet is
finding new meaning to the classical string quartet canon. The Quartet
(minus one) will be joined by a rising star, Soyeon Lee, whose
passionate, imaginative performances have earned her solo appearances
with the Cleveland Orchestra and London Symphony.
The Klezmatics
February 25, 2009
Times: Wednesday 7:30 p.m.
www.orcascenter.orgLocation: Orcas Center
Phone: 360 376 2281
Admission: Adults $24, Orcas Center Members $16, Students $10
The Grammy-award winning Klezmatics have brought the traditional folk
music of Eastern European Jewish peoples into the 21st century,
incorporating high-energy eclectic musical influences such as gospel,
punk, and Arab, African, and Balkan rhythms.
Centennial "Our Town" Presentation
February 26, 2009 - March 13, 2009
Times: Show times vary by date
www.historicfridayharbor.orgLocation: San Juan Community Theatre
Phone: 360 378 2390
To celebrate Friday Harbor's Centennial, and to provide an example of theater inspired by rural town life in the early 20th century, San Juan Community Theatre will present consecutive performances of Thornton Wilder's classic play, "Our Town".
Centennial Friday Harbor 1900-1930 Lobby Exhibit
February 26, 2009 - March 13, 2009
www.historicfridayharbor.orgLocation: San Juan Community Theatre Lobby
Phone: 360 378 2390
Using aerial, archive and contemporary photographs and other content, the San Juan Community Theatre lobby will feature an exhibit showing the changes that occurred over time, beginning with the Town's incorporation in 1909 through the 1930's.
Mariachi Huenachi
February 27, 2009
Times: Friday 7:30 p.m.
www.orcascenter.orgLocation: Orcas Center
Phone: 360 376 2281
Admission: $5
Twice named Grand Champion in the national Mariachi Spectacular
competition, Mariachi Huenachi is based at Wenatchee High School. This
spirited band of over 2 dozen young musicians will perform the
traditional mariachi tunes of Mexico. A Fiesta for all!
Northwest Puppet Theater Inaugural Season
February 28, 2009
Times: Saturday 2:00 p.m.
www.lopezcenter.comLocation: Lopez Community Center
Phone: 360 468 2203
The Northwest Puppet Center, an internationally renowned puppet center, presents performances by Carter Family Marionettes and esteemed guest artists. These programs are brought to communities near and far with touring performances and educational outreach.
