Savor San Juans

We have so much to offer our visitors here in the San Juan Islands, from amazing outdoor activities like whale-watching, kayaking, hiking, biking and zip-lining to a staggering number of talented artists and musicians whose work is on display in our colorful art galleries and onstage all over town. Of course, all this sightseeing is going to make a person pretty hungry….and luckily for us, there is also no shortage of amazing, gourmet and often locally grown and organic food to whet your appetite for more exploring.

One of the downsides of all this food is that there is never time to try it all during your vacation! But during the month of October, we are lucky enough to have a very unique chance to do just that during one of the best events of the year, Savor the San Juans.

Click here for all of the delicious details. 

This year’s 7th annual event will be “a month-long medley of food, farms and art.” Running from October 1-31, it includes everything wonderful about fall in a tourist destination, including elements of winemaker’s dinners, harvest festivals, farm events, and great specials at some of the best places that make up the “gourmet archipelago.”

There are so many events going on with huge discounts on food and cultural events. I’ve highlighted some of my favorites to get you excited!

1) On Sunday, September 28, San Juan Vineyards (on Roche Harbor Road) will kick off its harvest festival with picking at 9 a.m., ending the day with a party with wine and door prizes. Free admission makes this a great option for everyone!

2) Come get the creative juices flowing at Artstock, Oct. 4-5 at the Brickworks in town from 3:30-7 p.m. This is another great FREE event featuring the best of the best artists of the Friday Harbor Gallery Association. Check out all of your favorites and discover something new from the Arctic Raven Gallery, Island Studios, Waterworks and Ogle Fine Art Studio.

3) The farmer’s market that makes every Saturday so special will be thriving throughout the month. From 10-1 at the Brickworks, you can pick up fresh, island-grown produce, eggs, meat, dairy products, seafood, flowers and more. Pick up something special to remember your trip by from a great selection of jewelry, pottery, paintings, photographs and beauty products. Keep your shopping energy going with baked goods, amazing pizza, hot soups, sandwiches, refreshing drinks and more.

4) My stomach is growling just thinking about the annual island harvest chili cook-off, at the Brickworks on Saturday the 11th from 3:30-6:30. Admission supports the San Juan Islands agricultural guild and gets you a job as a tasting judge, sampling local chefs’ best meat and vegetarian chili. Many dishes will include island-grown lamb, beef and pork. There’s more fun to be had in just three hours, with an art market, live music, beer/cider/wine garden, and s’mores!

5) On October 26 from noon to 4, stop by the Brickworks and get to know our friends at San Juan Island Cheese for a brand new tasting event. Chefs get together with farmers to create unique dishes featuring local ingredients like meat, produce, seafood and of course cheese. You’ll have the opportunity to sample and taste these ingredients and a delicious beverage to go with them, like island-made wine, beer, or cider.

Blog written by Libby Baldwin.

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