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Plan the Perfect Vashon Island Getaway
Eat farm fresh and crash at a historic lighthouse.
This article originally appeared in the June 2017 issue of Seattle magazine.
WHERE: Vashon Island, a 20-minute ride via the Fauntleroy ferry.
WHY: Watch dogs herd sheep
At the Vashon Sheepdog Classic (6/8–6/11, 7:30 a.m.–dusk, $10 or $25/all-event pass; Misty Isle Farms, 12011 SW 220th St.; vashonsheepdogclassic.com), border collies are judged on six phases of timed sheep herding. Round up some local food, fiber arts and other artisan crafts while you’re there. Bonus: Temple Grandin, Ph.D., professor of animal science at Colorado State University, will give a talk about autism and cattle handling on June 11.
Discover secret sealife
Vashon Beach Naturalists will help you find sea anemones, crabs, sea stars and more at the 12th annual Vashon–Maury Island Low Tide Celebration (6/24, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., free; 3705 SW Point Robinson Road; vashonevents.com). Enjoy a free tour of the Point Robinson lighthouse, children’s activities, paddleboarding and more. (If you plan ahead, you can stay the week in the historic Point Robinson Keepers’ Quarters; reserve at vashonparks.org.)
Feast at farm stands
Pick up fresh produce, dairy products and other local goods on a self-guided tour of Vashon Island farm stands (vigavashon.org). At Sea Breeze Farm (17635 100th Ave. SW; seabreezefarm.net), owners George Page and Rose Allred offer a “Farm Experience Dinner,” during which you can walk the farm, milk a cow, visit the wine cellar and join the owners at The Farmhouse Table. Or try their restaurant-style “Dining Experience,” with the farm’s seasonal offerings. You’ll find many growers at the Vashon Farmer’s Market, which happens biweekly starting June 21 (Saturday 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Wednesday 3–6 p.m.; 17519 Vashon Hwy. SW; vigavashon.org/farmers-market), featuring farm stands, food vendors like the Orca Eats food truck, and local crafters like Bliss Organix and Vashon Island Soap Company.
Soak in the local flavors
Stop in to see the latest exhibit at the Vashon Center for the Arts (19600 Vashon Hwy. SW; 206.463.5131; vashoncenterforthearts.org), located near Vashon’s thriving downtown, then pick up artisanal mementos, from apparel and soaps to books and housewares at The Country Store and Farm (20211 Vashon Hwy. SW; 206.463.3655; countrystoreandfarm.com), and end your day with dinner at The Hardware Store Restaurant (17601 Vashon Hwy. SW; 206.463.1800; thsrestaurant.com) for classic Northwest fare like Penn Cove mussels, and a drink list featuring spirits from Vashon wineries, distilleries and cider houses.
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