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Friday Harbor is quiet this time of year.

The hustle and bustle of the holidays are over, and everyone is ready to rest and relax.

So now is the time to plan your island escape for the winter with us at Friday Harbor House.

We are located atop a bluff overlooking the scenic harbor, just two blocks from the Friday Harbor ferry terminal.

To highlight the waterfront character of Friday Harbor, each guestroom offers earthy elements complemented with modern finishes.

When you stay with us, you can choose from our menu of pillow options.

You also receive our Salish Sea Dream Kit designed for ultimate relaxation.

To get you motivated to plan your rejuvenating getaway, we have the perfect packages and specials for all types of travelers.

First, consider our Island Enchantment package:

Friday Harbor House is the perfect year-round choice for romancing your sweet someone.

Leave the hustle and bustle behind and experience a scattering of rose petals, sparkling wine, fruit, and cheese upon arrival.

The next day you can wander the town together holding hands and enjoying the shops and galleries.

Return to Friday Harbor House for a 60-minute couples massage provided in the privacy of your room.

Then sink into a romantic bath with a bath bomb that will fill your jetted tub-for-two with wonderful scents.

Our Island Enchantment package includes:

Two-night stay
Bottle of sparkling wine with a fruit and cheese plate
Rose petals scattered in your room upon arrival
Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics bath bomb
In-room 60-minute couples massage

Second, if food is your passion, consider our Epicurean Escape package:

Want to indulge in an authentic island dining experience?

Then, let the feast begin with a cheese board and a bottle of wine in your room upon arrival.

Next, join us at the restaurant for a five-course tasting menu.

To finish evening, top it off with a relaxing evening in front of your fireplace and jetted tub-for-two.

Our Epicurean Escape Package includes:

One-night stay
Five-course tasting dinner for two
Artisan cheese board and a bottle of our Friday Harbor House Red Blend upon arrival

Third, if mixing it up with an adult beverage or two is your way to chill out, consider our Sip San Juan package:

Shake up your weekend plans with a fun adventure to San Juan Island.

Stay two nights with us and look forward to sipping wines, a distillery tasting, and sampling great brews.

There’s no better way to explore the island!

Our Sip San Juan Package includes:

Two-night stay
Wine tasting for two at San Juan Vineyards
Distillery tasting for two at San Juan Distillery
Beer sampling for two at San Juan Island Brewing

And finally, everyone deserves a celebration, right?

Whether a special occasion or just a great accomplishment, celebrate with a getaway to our House with our Celebrate You package.

Toast your arrival with sparkling wine before indulging in dinner for two at the restaurant.

Top it off with house-made chocolate truffles in your room.

Relax in your oversized jetted tub with the Lavender Mini-Essentials Collection and feel refreshed after a restful night’s sleep.

Cheers!

Our Celebrate You package includes:

One-night stay
Bottle of sparkling wine and house-made chocolate truffles in room upon arrival
$50 dining credit
Pelindaba Lavender Mini-Essentials Collection (body wash, hand & body lotion, massage oil, body butter and a tea light candle)

To guide you, follow your passions, whether it be the beautiful scenery, food, drinks or just down-time.

Take time to pamper yourself with rest and relaxation during your winter island getaway.

Visit the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau to see what’s new on the islands as well.

Come relax and rejuvenate with us in Friday Harbor during this quiet time of year.

September is an amazing time to visit Friday Harbor and the San Juan Islands as it marks the beginning of the annual “Savor the San Juans” festival.

And it is a feast for the senses.

From wine tastings to a brew fest, farmers markets to farm tours, the 12th annual “Savor” officially kicks off September 21 and runs through November 9.

Also included, film festivals!

Wines and wineries:

San Juan Vineyard is a beautiful 30-acre vineyard, winery, and historic tasting room.

While visiting, you can sip from a line-up of award-winning wines including estate-grown Siegerrebe and Madeleine Angevine.

The grapes they grow on their island estates are made into light, refreshing white wines.

Those wines pair perfectly with seafood and light meats.

You can also enjoy the ambiance of the grounds at a barrel tasting or harvest festival.

Oktoberfest:

Join San Juan Island Brewing Company for their 3rd Annual Oktoberfest Celebration on October 12 from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

The celebration will feature up to 13 different styles of traditional ales and lagers all handcrafted in house.

Also expected, a German-themed menu, live music, costume contests, and games and activities for all ages.

Farmer’s Market:

Open every Saturday, April through October from 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., the San Juan Island Farmers Market features delicious island-raised produce, fruit and dairy products as well as fresh local seafood, shellfish, meats, and cheese.

Also, don’t miss the prepared food vendors that bring market customers delicious items like freshly baked goods, local seafood paella, San Juan Sea Salt, and homemade pasta!

The farmers market also hosts a wide range of talented, local artists and community organizations each week.

You can find the market at the historic Brickworks community center, just two blocks from the ferry landing.

Farm tours:

Rolling farmland, barns and farmhouses, fields of hay and livestock – the islands are home to a variety of farming styles.

Meet the largest herd of alpacas in the islands, or wind through a sweeping valley dotted with cows and sheep.

Find out what it takes to run a farm or spend your day picnicking in fields of lavender.

Visit them all during the San Juan Island Farm Tour September 21-22 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Film Festival:

The exciting seventh annual Friday Harbor Film Festival is October 25-27.

This year the festival will screen 31 new documentary films, 23 short films, and a selection of films produced by student filmmakers.

Films will be shown in six venues, all within an easy walk from the ferry landing, airport, and port.

And while your sampling the bounty of the San Juan Island, make our House your home.

Friday Harbor House perfectly complements the charm and serenity of the San Juan Islands with its modern, comfortable design.

Your room features a cozy and romantic atmosphere complete with a king bed, picture window, gas fireplace, and an oversized jetted tub – the perfect way to wind down at the end of your day.

After a peaceful night’s sleep, you are greeted in the morning by the sun rising over the bluff.

Watch the ferries and boats come and go while sipping coffee in your room or as you enjoy brunch in our restaurant.

Our charming and modern hotel, just steps from town, offers the best hospitality and views in Friday Harbor.

From helping to arrange island activities to setting up a romantic night in, our team is here to make your stay unforgettable.

We can’t wait until you #comebythehouse.

Boasting an average of 247 days of sunshine every year, the best time in Friday Harbor is the Summertime.

San Juan Island offers an abundance of outdoor activities to choose from.

If it’s adventure you like, then head out on a kayak trip or cycle around the island on the San Juan Islands Scenic Byway.

You can also hike, golf, canoe and scuba dive.

There are recreation opportunities for all types of travelers.

One of the most exciting activities is the San Juan Island Zip Tour.

The family-friendly zip tour features eight zip lines that will take you through a beautiful forest, across a pristine lake, and over protected wetlands.

This tour is an amazing way to experience the natural landscape of San Juan Island while zipping from platform to platform through the forest canopy.

If you enjoy the slower side of things, check out the Pelindaba Lavender Farm.

Spread over 25 beautiful acres with lake and Olympic Mountain views, you can stroll through the organically-certified fields.

Be sure to bring your camera.

You can also visit the nursery and on-site essential oil distillery.

Picnic on the lawns or in the fields and enjoy lavender-based snacks and refreshments during the summer.

The Annual San Juan Island Lavender Festival, held at the farm is right around the corner, July 20 and 21.

And while you’re here, stay and dine with us at Friday Harbor House.

We offer a variety of packages and specials, so you’re sure to find one that fits your lifestyle.

Enjoy the views while dining in our restaurant.

Watch the ferries come and go from our sun drenched deck.

We offer an authentic San Juan Island dining experience.

We feature seasonal specialties and the freshest fare from local waters and farms.

Menu items change frequently as you never know what our culinary team will forage from the island’s natural bounty or snag from the local farmer’s market.

And don’t forget happy hour.

Also, look for a new addition to our outdoor deck coming later in the month of July.

We are very excited!

See you in Friday Harbor during the Summertime!

Our new deck is complete and ready to be enjoyed!

Come experience our new outdoor space with the same amazing views.

The new outdoor space consists of a new patio with expansive decks on both sides along with a lush lawn with three firepits.

Talk about the ideal hangout spot.

The new space provides a distinctive, relaxed setting for guests to enjoy the restaurant’s popular island-inspired cuisine.

Enjoy our delicious dining options including daily brunch, dinner, and our fantastic new summer happy hour offered daily from 5-6pm.

Top it off with breathtaking views of the San Juan Islands.

View all of our menus here.

Relax.

Unwind.

Catch up with friends and family.

Soak up the sunshine.

Make s’mores on our firepits.

Sip on delectable craft cocktails while watching boats go by in the harbor.

Revel in stunning island views.

No matter how you enjoy it, it’s the perfect place to gather this summer.

Along with our new outdoor space, we’ve also expanded our kitchen and added a new wood stone oven to the restaurant!

We are FIRED UP about this new addition.

From wood fired pizzas and sandwiches to small plates and carefully crafted main dishes, the expanded kitchen and new oven allows us to create even more delicious menu options.

Come savor our authentic dining experience that guests have come to know and love. Plus more.

Don’t miss all the exciting changes at the restaurant this summer.

Join us!

Learn more about our new outdoor space here.

‘Tis the season for a winter escape.

San Juan Island has everything you need for the perfect winter adventure and is a magical destination during the holiday season.

From a tree lighting and artisan craft fairs to special gallery showings and outdoor activities (bundle up), San Juan Island is sure to make your holidays merry and bright.

During your fun winter adventure, let Friday Harbor House be your home base.

Book the “Holiday Spirit Getaway” package to put that extra cherry on top to your winter getaway.

Package includes:

One night’s stay
1 bottle Washington-produced red wine
Peppermint-dusted truffles
Relaxed (yet abundant) holiday cheer

Valid for stays Dec. 1-29, 2017.

Along with all of the festivities and chaos, there can also be holiday stress.

What better way to de-stress and relax than spending the day at a spa.

Lavendera Massage & Spa is just a short walk from Friday Harbor House and has a variety of spa treatments that are sure to alleviate any holiday stress.

During your winter escape, warm up with a tasting at San Juan Island Distillery or visit San Juan Island Brewing Co.

You can also experience the upcoming “Island Lights Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting” on December 1st. This fun evening includes ornament making, caroling, chestnuts on an open fire (literally), holiday crafts, Santa photos, and more! Santa will also turn on the holiday lights.

Another fun holiday event in December is the “Lighted Boat Parade.”

Enjoy hot cocoa, cider, cookies and caroling while you watch the colorful parade and Santa’s Ship being escorted to the dock.

This community event is full of lots of holiday cheer.

Whether you are wanting to escape during the holidays or just looking for a fun winter adventure, San Juan Island and Friday Harbor are sure to provide a memorable getaway.

Book your reservation today and come experience the holiday magic on San Juan Island!

The leaves are changing colors, the crisp air is returning and pumpkin spice everything is back. Fall is here!

Even with the changing of the season and summer coming to an end, there are still plenty of fun activities and things to do in Friday Harbor during the fall season.

Get your holiday shopping done early on Spring Street! There are a variety of great shops in Friday Harbor, from book stores to galleries and boutiques, you are sure to find the perfect gift as the holiday season approaches.

Enjoy documentaries?

Then mark your calendars for the Friday Harbor Film Festival!

You won’t want to miss this annual event showcasing documentary films that “Entertain – Inspire – Enlighten” us about the people, cultures and environment of the Pacific Rim.

The Friday Harbor Film Festival is celebrating its 5th year and will take place Nov. 3-5, 2017.

Experience the variety of museums!

Visit the Whale Museum and adopt an Orca, peruse through The San Juan Islands Museum of Art (IMA) and its rotating exhibitions, or step back in time at the San Juan County Historical Museum.

The possibilities are endless in Friday Harbor and San Juan Island – no matter the season!

After exploring Friday Harbor and San Juan Island, stop into the restaurant at Friday Harbor House to warm up and enjoy our featured fall cocktail, “Fall Fashioned.”

This delicious fall cocktail includes Duck Fat Bourbon, Coriander Simple Syrup and Black Walnut Bitters.

Sip, enjoy and experience Friday Harbor in the fall!

You never know when the mood will strike you.

Sometimes you just don’t feel like a home-cooked meal.

You want to set aside the pots and pans, grab the car keys (or the walking shoes), and head out for a meal.

Let someone else do the cooking! You’ve earned a night off.

And now, if you’re missing our Harbor House Burger on Tuesday and Wednesday, we bring good news:

We’re now open seven days a week!

Feeling some Tuesday brunch with Breakfast Poutine? Excellent!

Wednesday night, and you’ve got a craving for a Ribeye cooked to perfection? Done and done.

Because great food with friends shouldn’t just be a weekend thing.

See you soon!

Guestroom update: complete! The results are quite pleasing…

… okay, not just pleased. Thrilled!

The challenge was an interesting one: how do we take themes like modern and maritime, two of the “colder” design themes, and make them warm and comfortable?

Our new guestrooms reflect the San Juan Islands perfectly, replete with bright colors and furniture motifs that harmonize with and accentuate comfort rather than sacrifice it.

But enough of talking about them. See the rooms for yourselves below!

Light wooden accents give each room a coastal lowland feel, and are a subtle nod to ship design and maritime tradition.

Modern, functional furniture provides a counterpoint to the rustic feel of the wooden accents.

And we can’t forget the oversized jetted tub to round out the room.

In the mood for a island escape? We’ve got you covered.

We’re just a ferry ride away. We’ll see you soon!

Photo: Ingrid Taylar

Much like the rest of the Pacific Northwest, the San Juan Islands are rife with natural beauty.

From the pastoral landscapes of the North Bay, to the sweeping fields of Cattle Point State Park, to the majestic beauty of San Juan National Historic Park, to the droves of whales swimming the islands surrounding waters, there’s certainly no shortage of vistas for the nature enthusiast to enjoy.

And it certainly helps that, despite the Northwest’s rainy reputation, the San Juan Islands receive an average of 247 days of sun per year.

But the one we’re likely most famous for is whale watching.

The San Juans are one of the most famous whale watching destinations in the world.

The Travel Channel named the San Juan Islands one of 8 Great Places for a Whale Safari.

Matador Network called us one of “The 12 best places in the US for checking out wildlife without the crowds,” saying that “You can sign up for one of the many operating whale watching tours, or you can head to Lime Kiln State Park and wait for the whales to blow your mind.”

An excellent idea.

But again, while we may whale watching paradise, the doesn’t mean it’s the only outdoor act in town.

The list goes on: biking, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, golfing, scuba diving. They’re all here on our beautiful island home.

So as we transition into summer, make a point to experience the natural beauty of the Northwest.

It’s closer than you think.

At Friday Harbor House, we have something of a penchant for appreciating the “undiscovered” aspects of life.

Take our location.

We love being nestled away in our little corner of the Northwest.

There’s something about being off the beaten path that’s at once comforting and exhilarating.

Familiar things in an unfamiliar place.

The comforts of home far away from home.

Take our restaurant.

Just think of how many new and future favorite dishes we (meaning the general “we,” as people) have yet to find.

We know the ingredients.

We have the recipes.

Just think of them in a slightly different way, and everything changes.

Take our bar.

If you’re a cocktail aficionado, it’s safe to say that you don’t lack for options.

A handful of spirits, and about a million different other permutations of ingredients that make for endless variety.

So much variety means that there’s always a new, exciting combination of components out there to discover.

A firewater frontier, if you will.

Whether it’s at our inn, in our restaurant, or on the islands themselves, expect all the warmth of home, along with just the right amount of unexpected.