• Home
  • U.S. Destinations
    • Midwest
    • Northeast
    • Northwest
    • Southeast
    • Southwest
    • Coastal
  • International Destinations
    • Africa/Middle East
    • Antarctica/Arctic
    • Asia
    • Canada
    • Europe
    • Mexico/Central America/Carribean
    • Oceania
    • South America
  • Food & Drink
    • For the Home
    • On The Town
    • At the Bar
    • Recipes
  • Travel & Lifestyle
    • Getting There
    • Staying There
    • Travel Tips
    • Travel Gear & Gifts
    • People Stories
    • Focus on Photos
  • About
    • Our Site
    • Contributors
    • Write To Us
    • Write For Us
    • Work With Us
    • Disclosure
    • Subscribe
    • Privacy Policy
Confetti Travel Cafe
Celebrate travel, culture, connection
Coastal, Food & Drink, Northwest, On The Town, Travel Destinations, U.S., U.S. Destinations 7

A South Whidbey Island Culinary Tour

By Nancy Zaffaro · On June 1, 2016


The entire 55-mile long island of Whidbey Island, with its 196 miles of shoreline, is a culinary treasure-trove. The bounty of this island and the relaxed way of life here easily makes this a place to visit for a long weekend, week or longer.

But here, I’ve chosen just small southern part of the island, around the villages of Clinton and Langley and up into Greenbank, for an excellent overnight trip. It’s perfect either for Seattle-area residents wanting to get out of the city or to take out-of-town visitors, or out-of-towners themselves without a lot of time to see this beautiful piece of Puget Sound.

Pack a cooler to bring home the many treats you’ll find along the way.

The drive from Seattle to Mukilteo is less than an hour and the Washington State Ferry terminal that takes you to the island on a 20 minute crossing. (If you’re going mid-week and off-season, you may be able to drive right on the ferry, while weekends and high season will likely require a wait in the ferry line. Routes are frequent—usually every half hour from 4 a.m. to around midnight—but unfortunately, reservations can’t be made for this route. Times change, so check the schedule.)

Once on the ferry, sit back and enjoy the view—you’re officially now on “island time.”

DSCN0972 (640x463)

Mukilteo Coffee Roasters

MukilteoCoffeeRoasters (640x492)

Mukilteo Coffee Roaster Beth and Gary Smith.

Drive off the ferry and head over to Mukilteo Coffee Roasters, just a few miles away, with cozy seating inside and out at their Café in the Woods. Wonderful coffee house aromas are extra prevalent because the roasting is done in the adjoining warehouse. Tucked away off the main road, you wouldn’t necessarily expect that the company supplies to more than 500 stores and is an international wholesaler; they’ve been a major exporter to China for more than 20 years.

Ready for shipping to customers.

Ready for shipping to customers.

Owners Gary and Beth Smith have been in business for 30 years, are Fair Trade Certified and have built a business that works closely with their bean suppliers, who have become like family. Beth says, “We’re really fortunate. We work hard, but the work is easy when you love the coffee and love the business.” There’s a full café menu, so have lunch or grab a baked item during your stop. The house-baked lavender-lemon scones are especially good. Don’t forget the coffee beans on your way out.

 

 

 

Glendale Shepherd Farm: Gourmet Artisan Sheep Cheese

At Glendale Shepherd Farm, you have the chance to taste and purchase some of the freshest and best tasting cheese direct from where the sheep graze and the cheese is made.

Stan and Lynn Swanson’s Grade A dairy farm, has been in the family for three generations. Fourth generation farmer Lynn Swanson makes the cheese and she’s happy son Erik has decided to continue the legacy.

Lynn Swanson enjoys both working with her sheep and making cheese.

Lynn Swanson enjoys both working with her sheep and making cheese.

Enjoy a tasting and if possible, take a farm tour. Glendale Shepherd Farm sheep not only have space to roam and graze on rich, beautiful land, they also have fantastic water views. Happy sheep (and great skill and care) equals delicious cheese. Seasonally, you can purchase lamb meat from the Farm store. (They are Animal Welfare approved.)

The flagship cheese is their Island Brebis, which won a Good Food Award in 2014. It’s got a great bite, slightly salty, and is semi-hard with a dry rind. Truly a complex, high quality cheese that will stand out on the cheese plate. Drizzle their yogurt with some good quality honey and savor the fresh and slightly bitter flavors you won’t find in store-bought brands. My favorite though, is their Tallulah. This cheese has a flavorful and nutty rind that isn’t at all course or dry. The interior is creamy and mild with a fabulous aroma. This is a complicated and delicious cheese, with a lot going on in front and end tastes.

DSCN9607 (640x386)

Take home your favorites—this is why you brought that cooler. (Call ahead for hours.)

DSCN9662 (640x480)

Glendale Shepherd Farm sheep enjoy room to roam.

British Tea at One Spirit Garden

For gardeners and tea drinkers, Glo Sherman’s One Spirit Garden is a premier stop. Enjoy a British tea and spend some time in a garden that emanates joy, gratitude, solace and depth, as well as great beauty.

Sherman purchased the property in 2009 after the death of her husband. Their long marriage had taken the two to France, where they’d lived for three years and to England, for eight years. They especially enjoyed walking the gardens around their home and taking British high tea. Back in the States, Sherman wanted a place where she could bring that enjoyment to her new home and share it with others. She also wanted to create a tranquil space for mediation. Creating the gardens took time and effort and the upkeep is both good physical labor and a meditation of its own. Today, Sherman enjoys greeting locals who come regularly for tea and gardening tips and her mediation classes, as well as visitors from around the world.

DSCN9989 (640x480)

The gardens at One Spirit Garden are beautiful for both strolling or sitting in meditation.

DSCN9997 (640x480)Choose the teacup set that’s calling your name from a varied collection and choose a place to sit; there’s a deck, patio tables and a gazebo with a marble table with mother-of-pearl inlay from India. I enjoy my Lord Wendell black tea (named for Poet Oliver Wendell Holmes, of course) with the Lemon Almond Streamliner cake and a gingerbread cake served with fresh whipped cream. Both are both delicious. A flavorful cold carrot soup with cucumber follows.

Take time to wander the paths, nook and crannies, sculptures, outdoor rooms, cottage, and other nooks and crannies of the garden. When it’s time to leave, the resident peacock is often on hand, wandering the parking lot.

(Call ahead or make reservations online.)

Wine Tasting at Whidbey Island Winery

Not a tea drinker, or in the mood to visit a tasting room and vineyard rather than a garden? Then continue the trip north toward Langley to Whidbey Island Winery. DSCN0029 (640x471)This winery has won a great number of awards, especially for their reds; Dolcetto, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, and Barbera Port, made with grapes purchased primarily from the Yakima Valley and Horse Heaven Hills regions.

While much of Whidbey enjoys being in the Rainshadow that means far less rain than nearby Seattle, the growing season here is still shorter than Eastern Washington and the nights are often cool. The grapes they grow are augmented by grapes they don’t have room for or can’t grow well enough to make the wines they enjoy. They’re having good results working with rootstock and are making progress with the goal to grow more of their own red wine grape varieties. If there’s anyone who can do it, these folks can, because they already are crafting great reds.

GregOsenbach (640x423)

The tasting room at Whidbey Island Winery.

DSCN0050 (640x480)Owners Greg and Elizabeth Osenbach love every aspect of winemaking. “We’re very hands on and pretty much do everything it takes.” They planted their first grapes in 1986 and have been selling their wines since 1992. On this warm summer day, I enjoy a glass of their estate-grown Island White; crisp, with a great aroma, and add a couple of bottles to take home. The tasting room is also a great place to pick up other local foods and wine accompaniments, including canned seafood and chocolates.

Whidbey Island Winery makes a wide variety of excellent red and white wines.

Whidbey Island Winery makes a wide variety of excellent red and white wines.

 Vibrant, Downtown Langley

Leave county roads behind and head into the village of Langley. Town founder Jacob Anthes first purchased the land when he was only 15 years old and helped plat the town in 1891. Langley was incorporated in 1913 and First Street quickly grew with home and businesses.

Today, Langley is island’s third largest incorporated area and home to just under 5,000 people, with just over 1,000 within town boundaries. The attractive downtown is right on the water, a popular stop for visitors, and has a vibrant fun vibe.

Indulge in chocolates at Sweet Mona’s in Langley.

DSCN0219 (640x480)

Try your hand at glassblowing at Callahan’s Firehouse.

Downtown meets any shopping need. A must-stop is The Tipsy Gourmet, a locally owned gourmet grocer and deli that carries locally made gourmet artisan treats, great wines, cheese and deli items. Swing by Sweet Mona’s for locally produced chocolates, caramels and other confections. Their ginger dark chocolate truffles and salted caramels are marvelous. Peruse an eclectic assortment of cooking gear, clothing, décor, and other gift items at The Star Store Market and Mercantile. Get your mind off food for just a while and find something special at Gregor Rare Books; unless, of course, you find an interesting cookbook! Try your hand at—or just watch—glassblowing at Callahan’s Firehouse, located in the old Langley firehouse.

If you’re visiting in the summer, you might get lucky and visit during the Island Shakespeare Festival, which runs from early July to mid-September. This professional, rotating repertory theater performs three plays over the course of the season. The quality of performances is wonderful and the organizers have stayed with their festival seating, no tickets sold, “pass the hat” form of payment since the festival inception. All performances are held in a large orange and white circus tent,  affectionately known at Henry.

Choosing where to eat for lunch or dinner won’t be easy, but you won’t go wrong either. Useless Bay Coffee Company and The Braeburn Restaurant and are two good breakfast or lunch choices.

Prima Bistro is a long-time favorite for lunch, happy hour, and dinner. This casual, quality-first restaurant serves a varied menu of French classics with Northwest spins under Chef Sieb’s skills.

Prima Bistro owners, Sieb and Jenn Jurriaans

Prima Bistro owners, Sieb and Jenn Jurriaans

Weather permitting, sit out on the deck at Prima Bistro.

Weather permitting, sit out on the deck at Prima Bistro.

The menu is varied; there’s a salade Lyonnaise, gravlax, house risotto, house-made patés and cured charcuterie, as well as plenty of seafood, fowl and red meat small plates and entrees. The service is excellent and the décor is casual and fun. (And their bumper sticker makes me smile: “Prima Bistro…so magical ferries take you there.”)

 

A charcuterie plate at Primo Bistro.

A charcuterie plate at Prima Bistro.

Spend the Night

There are plenty of good options for spending the night; the island has some 900 rooms available.

One great choice is the Boatyard Inn, just a block up the road from downtown Langley. All rooms to this contemporary, waterfront inn are large, comfortable, and well-appointed, with great views. Each room has an outdoor deck on which to enjoy the night lights and the morning sunrise over Saratoga Passage.

DSCN0131 (640x480)Rooms vary slightly, but my living room has a gas fireplace, sofa, arm chairs, flat screen TV, a window seat and dining set. Kitchens have a ceramic sink and countertops, two-burner cooktop, microwave, dishwasher and small frig. There’s complementary coffee and teas and a basket of complementary snacks that include nuts, chips, energy bars, cookies and bottled water. The king-size bed is a couple of steps up above the living room and kitchen, and allows a view of the sunrise while still in the comfort of my warm bed. A water view from your hotel room, looking right down off the beach and watching the tide come in and out from your deck is a treat indeed.

You'll love the water front views, decks, fireplace and amenities at The Boatyard Inn.

You’ll love the water front views, decks, fireplace and amenities at The Boatyard Inn.

A deck view at The Boatyard Inn.

A deck view at The Boatyard Inn.

Greenbank Farm

In the morning, enjoy the view and be sure to notice tidal changes from off your deck, or take a walk around the wharf area. Linger over breakfast in your room or enjoy a hearty breakfast in town. Make a return trip to any shops that strike your fancy, then get ready for more great food with a visit to Greenbank Farm.

DSCN0277 (600x800)Before heading north on Highway525 to Greenbank, make a quick stop at Bayview Farm and Garden. Gardeners will love the selection of plants, foodies will love the selection of local food products. There’s also a cafe for a quick snack, and classes and other events. Don’t miss the laburnum arbor, which owner Maureen Murphy first planted some twenty years ago. The arbor is beautiful year round, but if you visit in late spring, you’ll be treated to the highlight; when the arbor tunnel burst with the draping, brilliant yellows and golds of fragrant blossoms.

DSCN0301 (600x800)

Greenbank Farm was initially established as a loganberry farm, and at one time was the nation’s largest. Today, the non-profit farm is owned by the Port of Coupeville, and the 115-acre farm plays an important role in the area. Visit the walking trails and wetland, with wonderful views of the Olympic and Cascade mountains, keeping your eyes open for great bird viewing. Learn more about the community gardens, solar energy project,land stewardship programs, and classes and organic agricultural programs through the Organic Farm School. Enjoy wine tasting, shopping, art galleries, and the year-round farm stand. With luck you’ll be there for some live music or special event.

DSCN0308 (800x574) DSCN0302 (600x800)

Enjoy a delicious, fresh organic lunch at Whidbey Pies, saving room  for that freshly bakes slice of pie. Better yet, buy a whole pie for home–or the ferry ride back home.

Loganberry pie from Greenbank Farm’s Whidbey Pies.

Final Point: Plan A Return Trip

With any remaining time before heading home, visit one of the many beaches and parks South Whidbey has to offer. Continue your journey north, or plan a return trip soon, because you’ve seen just a portion of the island. There’s still so much more to  do!

DSCN0969 (640x469)

-All photos by Nancy Zaffaro.

For More:

  • Whidbey and Camano Island Tourism, https://whidbeycamanoislands.com/
  • On our site: Luxury and Comfort at the Inn of Langley on Whidbey Island
  • On our site: When Cookery Meets Crockery: A Chef and Potter Collaborate
  • Washington State Ferry, Mukilteo, www.wsdot.com/ferries/schedule/ScheduleDetailByRoute.aspx?route=muk-cl
  • Mukilteo Coffee Roasters, www.mukilteocoffee.com
  • Glendale Shepherd Farm, www.glendaleshepherd.com
  • One Spirit Garden, www.onespiritgarden.com
  • Whidbey Island Winery, www.whidbeyislandwinery.com
  • Tipsy Gourmet, www.facebook.com/thetipsygourmet
  • Sweet Mona’s, Langley,www.sweetmonas.com
  • Star Store Market & Mercantile,www.starstorewhidbey.com
  • Gregore Rare Books, www.gregorrarebooks.com
  • Callahan’s Firehouse, www.callahansfirehouse.com
  • Prima Bistro, www.primabistro.com
  • Useless Bay Coffee, www.uselessbaycoffee.com
  • Braeburn Restaurant, www.braeburnlangley.com
  • Boatyard Inn, www.boatyardinn.com
  • Bayview Farm & Garden, www.bayviewfarmandgarden.com
  • Greenbank Farm, www.greenbankfarm.com
  • Island Shakespeare Festival, www.islandshakespearefest.org

Download PDF
artisan cheeseBayleafBayview Farm & GardenBoatard InnBraeburn RestaurantBritish teacheeseClintonday tripfarm toursferryGlendale Shepherd FarmGreenbank FarmLangleyMukilteo Coffee RoastersNancy ZaffaroOne Spirit GardenPrima BistroSeattleSeattle day tripsheep cheeseStar StoreSweet Mona'sWashingtonWashington State FerriesWhidbey IslandWhidbey Island hotelsWhidbey Island WineryWhidbey Pies
Share Tweet

Nancy Zaffaro

Nancy Zaffaro took her first solo trip at 17 years old and has been hooked on travel ever since. She's a long-time writer and editor and the Editor of ConfettiTravelCafe.com. You can see more of her work at NancyZaffaro.com.

You Might Also Like

  • Redding California Sacramento River Coastal

    Top 10 Things to Do in Redding, California

  • breckenridge colorado Southwest

    Breckenridge Colorado: A Destination to Swoon Over

  • on Mackinac Island Erin Coyle Coastal

    Enjoy These Six Activities on Mackinac Island

7 Comments

  • Joan says: June 9, 2016 at 9:05 pm

    Great photos. Love the links also.

    Reply
    • Nancy Zaffaro says: June 9, 2016 at 9:27 pm

      Thanks so much, Joan. Whidbey Island is truly a special place and this article doesn’t begin to cover all there is there!

      Reply
  • Elizabeth Rose says: June 14, 2016 at 6:46 am

    I love exploring that area too but haven’t seen all that you saw!

    Reply
    • Nancy Zaffaro says: June 14, 2016 at 8:25 am

      Sounds like it’s time for a return trip, Elizabeth!

      Reply
  • Judy Feldman says: January 2, 2017 at 11:20 am

    Great article! We’re so proud of our island! One correction though, the Organic Farm School is no longer at Greenbank Farm. We are about to begin the 2017 growing/learning season at our new home in the Maxwelton Valley.

    Reply
    • Nancy Zaffaro says: January 10, 2017 at 9:57 am

      Thanks for updating us, Judy, and good to chat with you.

      After taking a year off to re-locate, the Organic Farm School is about to begin the 2017 growing & learning season. Students will arrive in mid-March for their 8-month experiential training program and a calendar of events will be published in February. Visit the school’s web page or their Facebook page for more information.

      Good luck with all, Judy!

      Reply
  • How One Incredible Whidbey Island Restaurant Blends Local Cuisine & Art : Epicure & Culture says: December 5, 2018 at 5:53 am

    […] Further reading: A South Whidbey Island Culinary tour […]

    Reply
  • Leave a reply Cancel reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Search

    Like What You See? Write For us!

    We're always interested in publishing new stories that celebrate travel, culture and connection. Take a look at our Submission Guidelines and pitch your story.

    Follow Us on Instagram

    Follow on Instagram

    Our Contributors!

    We love our Contributors and enjoy building a community of writers. Take a look at who’s writing for Confetti Travel Cafe on our Contributors page!

    Recent Comments

    • Nancy Zaffaro on The Cliff Guest House: Stay in an Ancient Village in Oman
    • Kepler Newman on The Cliff Guest House: Stay in an Ancient Village in Oman
    • Nancy Zaffaro on Pub Classic: Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
    • aabella aabella on Pub Classic: Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
    • Nancy Zaffaro on How to Choose an International Yoga Retreat
    • Yoga Teacher Training on How to Choose an International Yoga Retreat

    Archives

    • May 2022
    • April 2022
    • March 2022
    • February 2022
    • January 2022
    • December 2021
    • November 2021
    • October 2021
    • September 2021
    • August 2021
    • July 2021
    • June 2021
    • May 2021
    • April 2021
    • March 2021
    • February 2021
    • January 2021
    • December 2020
    • November 2020
    • October 2020
    • September 2020
    • August 2020
    • July 2020
    • June 2020
    • May 2020
    • April 2020
    • March 2020
    • February 2020
    • January 2020
    • December 2019
    • November 2019
    • October 2019
    • September 2019
    • August 2019
    • July 2019
    • June 2019
    • May 2019
    • April 2019
    • March 2019
    • February 2019
    • January 2019
    • December 2018
    • November 2018
    • October 2018
    • September 2018
    • August 2018
    • July 2018
    • June 2018
    • May 2018
    • April 2018
    • March 2018
    • February 2018
    • January 2018
    • December 2017
    • November 2017
    • October 2017
    • September 2017
    • August 2017
    • July 2017
    • June 2017
    • May 2017
    • April 2017
    • March 2017
    • February 2017
    • January 2017
    • December 2016
    • November 2016
    • October 2016
    • September 2016
    • August 2016
    • July 2016
    • June 2016
    • May 2016

    Categories

    Recent Posts

    • Adventure-Seekers: Try These Thrilling Activities in Dubai
    • Staying Within Your Vacation Budget
    • Top 10 Things to Do in Redding, California
    • The Cliff Guest House: Stay in an Ancient Village in Oman
    • Calafia, Valle de Guadalupe: Mexico’s Napa Valley
    • 5 Budget-friendly Outdoor Wedding Destinations
    • Breckenridge Colorado: A Destination to Swoon Over
    • Home
    • Our Site
    • Contributors
    • Write To Us
    • Write For Us
    • Work With Us
    • Disclosure

    Categories

    • Africa/Middle East (16)
    • Antarctica/Arctic (1)
    • Art & Culture (27)
    • Asia (32)
    • At the Bar (61)
    • Canada (4)
    • Coastal (47)
    • Europe (44)
    • Food & Drink (148)
    • Food And Drink (77)
    • For the Home (39)
    • Getting There (32)
    • International (105)
    • International Destinations (130)
    • Mexico/Central America/Carribean (14)
    • Midwest (9)
    • Northeast (16)
    • Northwest (80)
    • Oceania (9)
    • On The Town (80)
    • Outdoors (25)
    • People Stories (25)
    • Recipes (31)
    • South America (8)
    • Southeast (42)
    • Southwest (22)
    • Staying There (56)
    • Travel & Lifestyle (91)
    • Travel Destinations (22)
    • Travel Gear & Gifts (33)
    • Travel Tips (77)
    • U.S. (95)
    • U.S. Destinations (163)
    • Uncategorized (1)

    Recent Posts

    • Adventure-Seekers: Try These Thrilling Activities in Dubai
    • Staying Within Your Vacation Budget
    • Top 10 Things to Do in Redding, California
    • The Cliff Guest House: Stay in an Ancient Village in Oman
    • Calafia, Valle de Guadalupe: Mexico’s Napa Valley
    • 5 Budget-friendly Outdoor Wedding Destinations
    • Breckenridge Colorado: A Destination to Swoon Over

    Tag Cloud

    Tranche coffee maker Auschwitz-Birkenau Prado National Museum Seaview Alto Piamonte rock concert vacation suitcases books Stacey Gibson roux John Gorham Lorena Maia Emmanuel Domingo Adalucia trek to Myanmar hill tribes high tea Chicago downtown restaurants Chef Tyler Hansen recipes rodeos Adele Turner Inn video International Tennis Hall of Fame whitewater Gemma Fanelli Schmit Casa del Arte Flamenco art galleries Teutonic Wine Company rooftop dining boat tour Rajat Ampat Skellig golf courses Spire Mountain olives Persimmon Hollow Brewery Royal Palace of Madrid Manta Matcher Tamber Bey

    © 2021 Confetti Travel Cafe. All rights reserved.