Situated on Whidbey Island’s mussel-laden Penn Cove, Coupeville, Washington, is a beacon of maritime charm from the tippy top of Main Street to the briny bottom of its historic wharf. Its timeless whimsy is full of magic and more than a filming location for Practical Magic; it makes an idyllic escape any time of year.
Stay
Located on Front Street in the heart of downtown, accommodations at Salty Von’s Waterfront Inn are hard to beat. Multiple suites feature expansive decks and breathtaking views for miles, fully operational kitchens, and every comfort imaginable for your home away from home, making you sad to leave and longing to return.
Play
Moments from your doorstep, the quaintness of Coupeville awaits. Located within Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, wander its streets for one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants, and galleries. Stroll the iconic 1905 wharf, a true testament to the town’s seafaring days.
Take some time to explore the rest of Whidbey Island, with its sprawling hills and farmland rising above the saltwater and settling along its diverse coastlines.
Green Bank Farm, a quick fifteen-minute drive from Coupeville, is definitely worth a visit. You can see the original 1904 dairy farm barn and grounds, peruse shop wares, visit art galleries, a wine shop, and stop by Old Spots Bistro for some coffee and pie.
3 Sisters Market in the other direction is second to none for grass-fed, all-natural beef, pork, chicken, eggs, and grass-fed lamb. In addition, a variety of products from local purveyors can be found here.
Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve is situated between the two. You can explore the area via trails that lead to breathtaking views. Nearby Fort Ebey and Fort Casey State Parks are also rich in history and activities.
Dine
The Oystercatcher is a must for fresh, scratch-made flavors that highlight the bounty of the PNW. Around for over 26 years, new owners Executive Chef Ben Jones and wife Sophia took the reins in 2023. Without skipping a beat, the two have solidified its legacy through their interpretation of a wildly phenomenal menu.
Try the ‘Chef’s Tasting Menu’ for a five-course meal full of surprises by Jones’ talented team that includes sous chef Adam Bayley.
Little Red Hen Bakery, located directly below, offers an amazing selection of pastries such as scones, croissants, cookies, hand pies, Danishes, and more. Their bread lineup is also impressive with sourdough, caraway rye, sprouted wheatberry, and barley porridge with walnuts, among others.
There are a number of ways to get to Whidbey Island that include driving or ferry rides. Visit Whidbey Island and Camano Island – Things to Do, and Places to Stay (whidbeycamanoislands.com) to plan your trip.
by Emily Molina