If you are looking for a unique and immersive experience during your vacation on Orcas Island in Washington, farm tours offer a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, animals, and local culture. Orcas Island, one of the San Juan Islands, is known for its serene beauty, abundant wildlife, and rich agricultural community. In this blog post, we will delve into the farm culture of Orcas Island and explore some of the most exciting farm tour experiences available for visitors.
In addition to farm tours, Orcas Island activities encompass a wide range of options for visitors, providing plenty of things to do on Orcas Island during your stay at The Village Inn. This island offers a wide range of classic Orcas Island tourist activities such as whale watching, kayaking, hiking, and visiting art galleries, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy during their stay on this enchanting island. For a comfortable stay during your exploration of Orcas Island, guests should consider staying with The Village Inn at Eastsound, one of the top Orcas Island, WA, hotels.
About Orcas Island
Orcas Island is a picturesque destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and a rich cultural heritage. Located in Northwest Washington, Orcas Island has a long history as a traditional home for the Lummi tribe and other indigenous peoples, dating back thousands of years. The island’s rugged coastlines, lush forests, and stunning views of the surrounding waters provide a scenic backdrop for exploration. Charming villages, hiking trails, and pristine beaches allow visitors to immerse themselves in the island’s natural wonders. Orcas Island’s transition from a thriving agricultural community to a tourism hotspot in the early 20th century is evident in the establishment of resorts and the development of Moran State Park, which continues to be one of the biggest Orcas Island attractions. Today, Orcas Island remains a popular tourist destination with a robust arts and cultural scene, experiencing a significant increase in population during the summer months. Accessible by ferry from the mainland, the island provides a peaceful and relaxing retreat for visitors from near and far.
Farm Culture on Orcas Island
The farm culture on Orcas Island is deeply rooted in the island’s history and community. Orcas Island, Washington, has a rich agricultural history, with a thriving farm-to-table culture deeply rooted in the island’s community. Sustainable farming practices and a solid connection to the land are integral parts of life on the island.
Local farmers take pride in growing fresh produce, raising livestock, and preserving agricultural traditions passed down through generations. The island is known for permaculture, a sustainable and self-sufficient style of agriculture, with farmers, chefs, and ranchers working together to supply local restaurants with produce and pasture-raised meats. Some islanders also grow their food, contributing to their strong ties to agriculture.
Orcas Island Farm Tours
Once In A Blue Moon Farm
Once In A Blue Moon Farm offers a variety of farm tour experiences for visitors of all ages. For children, the farm provides a supervised farm petting and play session with goats and sheep in the pasture. Kids can also interact with Rosie, the Kunekune pig, chickens, ducks, and geese. This fun-filled adventure is perfect for young ones who want to be outdoors and engage with animals in a safe and educational environment. Families can enjoy a similar experience, with the opportunity to feed alpacas, hang out with Rosie the pig, and meet the farm’s resident Border Collie, Audrey Hepburn. Private tours are also available for those looking for a more personalized experience. Guests can explore the farm and learn about its rich history, seasonal offerings, and sustainable practices. The tour includes feeding and petting animals, allowing visitors in the daily life of farm living.
Orcas Alpaca Farm
Orcas Alpaca Farm is a charming family-owned farm that offers guided tours to visitors interested in learning about these unique creatures. Guests can interact with alpacas, sheep, and other farm animals while exploring the beauty of Orcas Island. The farm sells a variety of merchandise, including alpaca yarns, socks, lamb skins, and logo wear, allowing visitors to bring home a piece of island-grown goodness. The tour provides insights into the characteristics of alpacas, their care, and the daily routines of farm life. Visitors can also discover the luxurious fleece of alpacas, known for its softness and warmth, and appreciate the historical significance of these animals. Orcas Alpaca Farm offers a glimpse into the rustic charm and tranquility of island living, inviting guests to connect with nature and local agriculture.
Shellfish Farm
Buck Bay Shellfish Farm on Orcas Island has been a popular destination for seafood enthusiasts since the 1940s. Initially focusing on clams and oysters, the farm has expanded its offerings to include locally sourced seafood delicacies. Visitors can witness the meticulous process of cultivating and harvesting oysters and clams on-site. In 2020, Buck Bay elevated its dining experience by opening a bistro overlooking the waterfront. The bistro menu features a variety of delectable dishes such as halibut fish and chips, prawns, salmon, Dungeness crab, oysters, and clams, complemented by a selection of local beer and wine. Apart from seafood, Buck Bay is a traditional farm with four acres of organic gardens that supply ingredients for the bistro. The farm emphasizes a farm-to-table approach, sourcing from local providers, especially Orcas Island farmers. Guests can also explore the fish market, which offers freshly caught fish, shellfish, or organic vegetables grown on-site.
Plan Your Visit
Ready to experience the best of Orcas Island farming for yourself? Browse our full inventory of Orcas Island hotel rooms to find the perfect accommodations for your stay!
Lum Farm
Lum Farm on Orcas Island offers interactive experiences through self-guided farm walks from Spring through Fall. This activity allows visitors to explore the breathtaking surroundings of the farm while interacting with a charming assortment of farm animals. The farm has established some guidelines for farm walkers to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. Visitors are advised not to bring dogs onto the farm premises, exercise caution around farm animals, and avoid entering their pens. The animals are kept safe by interacting with the friendly critters from outside the enclosures. Visitors must be mindful of the electric fencing and follow all posted guidelines. The farm provides visitors with an educational and immersive experience while promoting animal welfare and bio-safety practices. Although there is no petting zoo where guests can enter animal enclosures, the farm walk offers a delightful alternative for connecting with nature and the farm’s inhabitants.
Book Your Lodging in Orcas Island with The Village Inn at Eastsound
For an enriched Orcas Island getaway, consider a stay at The Village Inn at Eastsound, a premier Orcas Island hotel that offers a variety of amenities to enhance your travel experience. Our hotel encompasses several features to cater to different preferences. For eco-conscious travelers, the property has electric vehicle chargers on-site. All Orcas Island hotel rooms are pet-friendly and come with welcome bags and pet supplies to ensure your furry companions feel at home. The hotel’s commitment to environmental stewardship is reflected in its sustainably sourced furnishings. Furthermore, the availability of a water refill station on-site encourages guests to reduce their use of single-use plastics during their stay. Book your stay at The Village Inn at Eastsound today and create enduring memories during your Orcas Island vacation.
