48 Hours of Island Time: A Family Getaway to Vashon

Escape the city chaos and embrace the slow, scenic pace of Vashon Island! Our family recently embarked on a 48-hour weekend adventure, and it was the well deserved antidote to our hectic lives. Here’s how we made the most of our island getaway:

Friday: Ferry Tales and Island Flavors

Our journey began on a Friday afternoon, post-school rush. We knew the ferry line would be long – a common Friday reality – but the anticipation of island life made the wait enjoyable.  Snacks, books, and family trivia kept us entertained, and soon, the city skyline faded into the distance.

The 20-minute ferry ride was pure relief. The sea breeze, the stunning views, and the kids exploring the deck created a sense of calm we desperately needed.  Disembarking, we felt the city stress melt away.

Our Airbnb, conveniently located near the ferry terminal, provided the perfect base for our weekend. After dropping off our bags, we headed into town for our first island meal. Island Queen, a local burger joint, was a hit with the whole family. Their menu offered a delightful island twist, including plenty of vegetarian and healthy options, and the kids were thrilled with their mini ice cream cones that came with their meals.

Back at the Airbnb, we embraced the simple joys of family time. Board games, books, and laughter filled the evening.  After the kids were tucked in, we enjoyed a bottle of local wine by the fireplace, a thoughtful gift from our hosts.  The quiet, peaceful night was a welcome change from the city’s constant hum.

Saturday: Donuts, Discoveries, and Delicious Dinners

The sound of foghorns welcomed a new day, and I ventured out early to the Wild Mermaid bakery for delicious donuts, coffee, and pastries. We savored an al fresco breakfast while the kids explored the yard and play equipment.

The morning slipped away in a haze of relaxed family time.  Lunchtime arrived, and we headed  back to town and for some slices of pizza from Ol Sol Mio in the heart of town. The afternoon was dedicated to exploring Vashon’s charming shops, bookstore and galleries.  A visit to the Heritage Museum, initially met with some reluctance from the kids, turned into a fun and educational experience for everyone.

A trip to the farmers market yielded fresh salad supplies, artisan bread, and locally caught salmon. With a kitchen and BBQ at our disposal back at the Airbnb, we prepared a memorable dinner while the kids built a stick fort outside.

The evening was filled with a family movie night and a spontaneous dance contest using the Airbnb’s record player.  As the kids drifted off to sleep, the grown-ups slipped into the back yard and enjoyed the last of our wine under the starlit sky, surrounded by the gentle rustling of towering trees.

Sunday: Low Tide Adventures and Farewell Flavors

A quick breakfast at the Airbnb fueled us for a low-tide adventure. We ventured to a nearby park, where a short hike through a lush forest led us to a vast, sandy beach. The kids spent hours discovering sea shells and baby crabs, completely captivated by the natural wonders.

Reluctantly, we headed back to the Airbnb for checkout and then back to town for a final lunch. We stumbled upon PopPop Bottle Shop, which shares space with Glass Bottle Creamery.  Teriyaki for us, pinball and video games for the kids, and a chance to start planning our next Vashon trip.

The ferry line back to the city was long, but the sun-kissed, exhausted kids fell asleep almost immediately. The memories of our island escape, however, will linger much longer.

Vashon Island: A Superb Family Getaway

Vashon Island offers a special blend of natural beauty, small-town charm, and family-friendly activities. It’s a unique destination for a weekend escape, allowing you to reconnect with nature and each other. We can’t wait to return and explore more of this treasure that's so close to home.