Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Island Living

Geoff and I popped over to Vashon Island this past weekend for our 18th anniversary celebration. Just a short ferry ride away, Vashon feels like a world away.

We started off with a stroll through the farmers market where I contributed to a paint-by-number community art project, which was a lot of fun. We chatted with vendors and bought some tasty treats to bring home!

 
 
Then we strolled through darling downtown Vashon and enjoyed burgers at a funky little place called Zombiez.
 


These fabulous and colorful blooms drew us into Herban Bloom - a charming little flower and gift shop.




Next, week jumped on our bikes and went on a fun ride around the very hill island! Our prize at the end was treats at the historic Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie - the home of the original Stewart Brothers Coffee which eventually became Seattle's Best Coffee. I had the most delicious lavender iced latte! I'm still dreaming about it.

At the top of one of the hills I spotted this darling mailbox - so Vashon!!



Then we checked into our wonderful accommodations at The Lodges on Vashon. Recently opened a few blocks from the center of town, The Lodges are "where modern meets Mother Nature." Each of the 16 lodges was fabricated off the island. They are cool, efficient, modern- day mobile homes! We enjoyed the spacious and well-appointed accommodations and beautiful grounds immensely!




For happy hour, we enjoyed a glass of rosé with new friends we just met in this fabulous outdoor community space.


To cap off our wonderful day, we ate at the highly-acclaimed May Kitchen + Bar. Several friends had recommended it and one friend even claims it is the "BEST Thai food I have had outside of Thailand." I haven't been to Thailand but it's definitely the BEST Thai food I've ever had. Even more, the entire experience was absolutely wonderful. We enjoyed fabulous cocktails (I had the Rickshaw) and had a very engaging server. The 150-year-old wood paneling was imported from Thailand. It was perfect!


IF YOU GO:

Here are recommendations from a friend who summers on Vashon. We couldn't fit them all into our 24-hour excursion but we hope to return soon for some more island living!

-The farmers market (right in the center of town when you drive in)

-Vashon Bakery (right across from the farmers market)

-Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie (So old school and awesome. Right on Vashon Highway and Cemetery Road.)

-Take out a paddle board on Quarter Master Harbor (Fat Cat Rentals)

-Lavender Farm in Burton- "u cut"- usually open on Saturdays

-Go to the Point Robinson light house- lovely and fun to have a picnic there

-Lunch: Zombie's super yummy and Zamorana (across the street- right in town) has the best fish tacos ever

-Big ass cookies from Snap Dragon (also in town)

-May Thai (Only open for dinner. Book your reservation online in advance - it's very popular.)

-KVI beach

-Manzanita Beach- many, many, many sand dollars

-Rent kayaks from Vashon Kayaking near Burton Peninsula
 


2 comments:

  1. Love your post. I practice yoga with May, a sweetheart of a woman and I hear from many that her Thai food is out of this world. Once again your blog has inspired!

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  2. Hi Amy, it's a small world, indeed. I was searching for historic Vashon photos, and came across your blog. Funny thing is, I grew the dinnerplate dahlias and zinnias in the last three flower photos. Made me smile ear to ear. Thanks for such a nice Vashon travelogue, and here's to your return visits. Well wishes. Tom @ Tall Clover Farm

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