Visit Vashon

The ferry ride over to Vashon Island always feels like a mini-escape. The salt air, the glimpses of seals bobbing in the waves, the promise of a slower pace – it's intoxicating. So, when a charming little craftsman popped up for sale, I hopped on the boat, dreams of island living dancing in my head. The house itself was lovely: sun-drenched rooms, a sprawling garden begging for tending, and that quintessential Vashon tranquility. But it was my conversation with the realtor, a middle aged woman with a warm smile and an almost aggressively laid-back demeanor, that left me slightly…perplexed. "Is part of this house built on the public access?" I asked, gesturing to where the house corner seemed to seamlessly blend into the adjacent driveway. Her response, delivered with a breezy wave of her hand, was a bit patronizing. "Oh, honey, out here on Vashon, nobody really worries about property lines. Everyone's so friendly, it's all just one big community. ...

The air is getting warmer, the first blossoms are painting the landscape, and a certain freshness hangs in the breeze – it's springtime on Vashon Island, and that means the return of vibrant farm stands! For those of us lucky enough to call this little corner of the Pacific Northwest home, or for those planning a delightful day trip, exploring these roadside treasures is a must-do. Spring is truly a magical time to begin your farm stand adventures. After the quiet of winter, the island comes alive with the promise of new growth. You'll find early season delights like crisp asparagus spears reaching for the sun, tender leafy greens bursting with flavor, and perhaps even the first sweet berries peeking out from under their leaves. It's a taste of the season's potential, a hint of the bounty to come. One of the best resources for navigating Vashon's farm stand scene is the free map offered by the Vashon Island Growers Association. Th...

The allure of a cozy beach cabin on Vashon Island is undeniable. Imagine waking to the gentle lapping of Puget Sound, the scent of salt air filling your lungs, and spending lazy afternoons combing the shore for treasures. It’s a dream many of us harbor. But before you dive headfirst into Zillow listings and start envisioning sunset cocktails on your deck, let's pump the brakes and talk about the unique realities – and potential pitfalls – of buying a small vacation beach house on our beloved island. While Vashon's charm is abundant, its rugged beauty and island quirks can present significant challenges for prospective beach house buyers. It's crucial to go in with your eyes wide open, lest your dream retreat turn into a logistical and financial headache. One of the first romantic notions to confront reality is the idea of a quaint "walk-in" cabin. Often nestled down steep pathways leading from the road to the water's edge, these idyllic...

We hadn’t even heard of Vashon Island until an invitation arrived from an old college friend getting married there. They’d moved to the Seattle/Tacoma area for work after college, met a local, and decided to settle down. When it came time to tie the knot, they wanted a venue that showcased the area’s natural beauty while remaining accessible to their local family and friends. The Journey Begins Flying into SeaTac Airport, we paired up with two other college friends, rented a car, and headed toward Vashon. We’d heard the island was rural enough to require a car for exploring, so splitting costs for a rental and cabin made perfect sense. Not far from the airport, we found ourselves driving onto a Washington State Ferry. The breathtaking views of Puget Sound confirmed that our friends had chosen an enchanting spot to tie the knot. Once on the island, we headed straight to our Airbnb. It was as cozy and charming as the photos promised, providing the perfect space to comfortably...