Discover the enchanting village of Eastsound, located on the gem of the San Juan Islands, Orcas Island. This blog will serve as a detailed guide unveiling the exquisite shopping opportunities, culinary treasures, and remarkable attractions that together create an extraordinary and immersive Orcas Island experience. From the eclectic boutiques and antique stores to an exploration of unique dishes offered by our eateries, your Orcas Island journey transcends the conventional to embrace the exceptional.
Beyond retail and dining, we’ll also explore the island’s rich culture, featuring historical landmarks, peaceful parks, an artisan distillery, and outdoor adventures. Finally, we reveal the ideal place to rest and rejuvenate — The Village Inn at Eastsound, a hotel on Orcas Island prioritizing ecological consciousness without compromising on luxury. This guide to Eastsound endeavors to transform your island experience into an unforgettable rhapsody of sight, taste, and discovery.
Orcas Island Shops
Orcas Island shopping is a delightfully unique experience, bringing you an array of boutiques, outdoor retailers, antique shops, and more.
Olga’s Boutique
For the shoppers looking for a new island outfit, Olga’s Boutique captures the heart of Orcas. As a variety of curated styles, Olga’s items mirror the elusiveness of Orcas Island itself — exclusive, ever-changing, and captivating. Shoppers can expect to find a variety of clothing, jewelry, home goods, and gifts.
Wanderlust + Wildhearts
Wanderlust + Wildhearts offers a range of beautiful custom-designed necklaces produced in-house within the USA. They have unique pieces, like the Fire Opal, Turquoise pendant, Tonopah Turquoise Copper Cuff, Mexico Turbo Snail Shell, and Butterfly Wing earrings. You can also showcase your vibrant personality with our exquisite Opal Inlay earrings. Additionally, they also sell a variety of clothing items, such as beautifully patterned leggings and cozy hoodies to keep you stylish on your trip.
Kay’s Antiques
For those with a penchant for the past, Kay’s Antiques is a sanctuary brimming with unique antiques, each piece a reminder that history enriches our present. At Kay’s, you can find everything from clothing to dishes to cameras and more. This is the perfect place to find a one-of-a-kind souvenir to commemorate your vacation!
Darvill’s Bookstore
Darvill’s Bookstore is a sanctuary for bookworms. Its shelves overflow with stories from near and far, inviting you to lose yourself within its pages. Enjoy their variety of fiction, non-fiction, classics, games, puzzles, and home accessories. Darvill’s also features a coffee bar and cafe, so you can grab a deliciously crafted beverage and tasty treat to accompany your book browsing.
Island Life Outdoor Apparel
Island Life Outdoor Apparel equips outdoor enthusiasts while elegantly espousing the island ethos. They work hard to source innovative and environment-friendly outdoor clothing, gear, shoes, travel products, and more. They’re also a proud supporter of carbon-neutral brands and participate in the 1% Planet Give Back program. Their socially conscious ethos paired with a deep knowledge of all things outdoors make Island Life Outdoor Apparel a premiere spot for travelers needing to gear up in preparation for their island adventures.
Island Thyme Botanicals
Since 1996, Island Thyme has been creating handcrafted, natural, and organic skin and body care products on their farm in the San Juan Islands, Washington. They specialize in small-batch items designed for relaxation, including bath bombs, salt and sugar scrubs, and a variety of soaps with invigorating scents such as sweet orange calendula, wild rose, and spruce & fir. A self-care treat from Island Thyme is the perfect way to add a touch of luxury and indulgence to your Orcas Island visit.
Eastsound Restaurants
In Eastsound, dining is a truly unforgettable experience. Whether it’s dining by the water or savoring farm-to-table delights, these Eastsound Orcas Island restaurants are culinary masterpieces, making the act of dining a true delight. Diners can expect an intricate orchestra of flavors, mindfully sourced from local producers, promising a tantalizing meal that is both delectable and sustainable.
The Madrona Bar & Grill
Navigate your culinary journey towards The Madrona Bar & Grill and find yourself entranced by their magnificent Guinness Portabella Sandwich. A stunning marriage of portabella mushrooms marinated in a divine union of Guinness, basil, and garlic, served on a brioche bun cradling Swiss cheese, tomato, spinach, red onion, and mayo. Other menu highlights include a variety of salads, fresh seafood dishes, and handmade pastas.
The Lower Tavern
We invite you to try the Buffalo Crispy Chicken Burger of The Lower Tavern. This delectable sandwich features crispy chicken, bottled in Frank’s hot sauce, with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and mayo, all between a Kaiser roll. Let the spirit of Orcas Island waft in with every sip of their locally crafted brews, the perfect companion to this tasty delight.
Island Skillet
Looking for classic dishes and good prices? Make your way to the Island Skillet! One menu highlight is their delicious Bacon Blue Burge, made with a housemade beef patty, blue cheese crumbles, and crispy bacon. The lettuce, tomato, onion, and mayo, residing on a warm pub bun, complete this symphony. Island Skillet is also one of the best breakfast places on Orcas Island with dishes like eggs benedict, huevos rancheros, and signature skillet scrambles.
Mijitas
At Mijitas, an intoxicating fusion of Northwest flavors and traditional Mexican cuisine awaits. Indulge your palate with their innovative dishes, made from locally sourced produce. At Mijitas, try the Dungeness Crab Enchiladas, made with roasted red pepper habanero salsa with black beans and a choice of rice or local salad greens. To complement this dish, treat yourself to their Chocolate Chile Cream Pots, a rich dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Gertie’s
A quaint, family-run café renowned for its culinary wonders and fabulous customer service, Gertie’s never disappoints. At the heart of Gertie’s warming environment, indulge in The BLAT —a harmonious blend of honey-smoked bacon, lettuce, avocado mash, and tomato woven into brioche bread and served with a fresh spring salad. Enhance this journey with an Italian soda—choose from the flavor notes of lavender, rose, or vanilla. Or choose one of their signature crafted bloody mary’s.
Attractions
There are so many amazing things to do on Orcas Island to suit a wide variety of interests! Here are just a few of the top Orcas Island attractions you can check out during your trip.
The Orcas Island Historical Museum
Step through the grand doors of The Orcas Island Historical Museum and prepare to be transported through time. Within its walls, the Bison Antique Exhibit and Mapping Orcas Exhibit unfold the island’s rich tapestry of history and geography. A cherished collection of photos of Eastsound captures the essence of yesteryear, while the Crow Valley School Museum Exhibit serves as a testament to the educational heritage that shaped our community.
The Museum Park
Beneath the graceful canopies of verdant trees, The Museum Park flourishes as a nexus of community and culture. With facilities that include a stage and a climbing structure for our younger guests, it’s a place where joy is palpable in the air. During the warmer months, the park transforms into a hub of activity – from the enchanting melodies of summer concerts to the vibrant local produce and crafts at the farmers market. It’s more than a park; it’s a celebration of community spirit in the heart of nature.
Plan Your Visit
Ready to experience the captivating charm of Eastsound for yourself? Browse our full inventory of hotel rooms on Orcas Island to find the perfect accommodations for your stay!
Orcas Island Distillery
Among the green landscapes of the San Juan Islands, the Orcas Island Distillery stands as a beacon of artisanal excellence. With Apple Brandy distilled from hand-picked heirloom orchards and spirits crafted from organic grains grown by local farmers, every sip tells a story of heritage and detailed craftsmanship. Here, sustainability meets luxury, offering a taste experience that is genuinely unique and ethically produced.
Kayaking At Crescent Beach
Invite yourself to the tranquil waters of Crescent Beach, where kayaking becomes a passage to serenity and intimate encounters with nature. Glide along the pristine waters, where each stroke takes you further away from the mundane and closer to the heart of Orcas Island’s untamed beauty.
Eastsound Waterfront Park
At Eastsound Waterfront Park, the sea’s treasures reveal themselves in the form of tide pools and sea life, especially at low tide as you walk out to Indian Island. This natural spectacle serves as a living classroom for visitors of all ages, offering a hands-on experience with the marine ecosystem. Here, amidst the beauty of exploration, we are reminded of the delicate balance of nature and our role in its preservation.
Book Your Lodging in Orcas Island with The Village Inn at Eastsound
At the close of your activity-filled day, return to The Village Inn at Eastsound. As one of the top Orcas Island pet-friendly hotels, the Village Inn at Eastsound ensures not only your comfort but also that of your fur babies by including welcome bags packed with pet supplies. Our electric vehicle charging stations fuel both your conveyance and aspire to a sustainable future. Each of our Orcas Island hotel rooms is furnished using sustainably sourced materials, echoing our commitment to the planet. Last but certainly not least, our water refill station stands as a testament to our efforts to do away with single-use plastics. The blending of luxury with ecological consciousness creates a symphony of indulgence, guaranteeing an unforgettable stay in the heart of Orcas Island.
