Sunday, March 10, 2013


Cherishing Family Time 

     With Easter just a hop, skip, and jump away, I was drawn to produce a piece about all the family friendly activities around Orcas Island.  Easter weekend is a great example of how the community here ties together to make holidays and celebrations the best that they can be for all members of the family!  However, any time of year, this gem of an island has many activities suitable for participation from all members of the family. 
     Orcas Island’s “Great Hoppin’ Saturday,” is put on by the Merchants of Downtown Eastsound.  Featured activities will include Easter cookie decorating, Petting zoo with bunnies and lambs, Old fashioned hay-rides, Pictures with the Easter Bunny, Easter Bonnet and Parasol making, Easter story-telling, and more!  This town-wide event begins at 11:00 am.  The Orcas Lions Club also hosts an Easter Egg Hunt each year in Moran State Park. 
     If you are on an Easter family getaway, there are also several different places you can attend a Sunday service also – Orcas Island Community Church, Emmanuel Episcopal -Parish, and Life Church are just a few.
     For the times outside of Easter celebrations, there are many activities for the family on Orcas Island.
     The Funhouse creates a safe, fun and learning environment for children of all ages.  They even have features that parents can have fun with – my personal favorite is the shadow room, where your shadow gets “frozen” to the wall!  Also featured is a computer lab, pool and air hockey tables, crafting space, etc.
      If your family is looking to enjoy the often finicky sunshine while it is here, there are a plethora of outdoor activities to take advantage of!  Buck Park offers a world class skate park, tennis courts, soccer and baseball fields, a running trail, basketball hoops, and a sand volleyball court.  As this is a public park, you would need to furnish your own equipment (check out Orcas Outfitters).  Many adventures can be had at Moran StatePark – with the lakes, waterfalls, summit of Mount Constitution, and trails galore!  Parks closer to town that allow for beach exploration include Waterfront County Park and North Beach publicaccess.  For the daring and speedy, Friday nights mean there is an indoor roller skating extravaganza and the local schools’ gymnasium!  Skates are provided for a rental fee.  All ages are welcome! 
     If the family is looking to see more areas of the island, and learn a bit of the history of Orcas Island, there are a few fascinating local museums that feature interesting tidbits.  The Orcas Island Historical Museum is located right in the center of downtown, next to the Village on the Green county park.  Rosario’s Moran Mansion is an intact mansion that now features the history and life of Robert Moran, along with a weekly organ show played byChristopher Peacock on the mansion’s original organ.  This organ show also features a slide show and narration by Peacock.  The CrowValley Schoolhouse Museum is a part of the Orcas Island Historical Museum that is located a bit farther out of town (and only open in the summers).  While you and the family are out and about exploring the history of the island, make sure to stop by some of the local farms as well:  Black Dog Farm, MapleRock Farm, and Warm Valley Orchard are just a few to mention! 
     For your four legged friends, Eastsound features Orcas Off Leash Area.  This off leash dog park allows for Fido to run, chase a ball, stretch his legs, and get a good ol’ time in.  Pawki’s pet store provides everything you might need for your fuzzy family members, just in case you forgot something along the way.
 

Peep, peep at this! 

Special Offer from Eastsound Landmark Inn!

     Enjoy 5% off your unit rate when you mention that you are visiting for the Easter festivities!
     And as always, kids under 13 stay FREE!
     Also, we do have pet-friendly units available.
    Please give us a call at 1 (800) 622-4758 or send us an email at manager@landmarkinn.net for further booking information!
     Happy egg hunting!