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Showing posts from September, 2025

The Vashon Paradox: Unpacking the Real Housing Story Beyond Airbnb

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Imagine a woman with a life as rich and varied as her real estate portfolio. Let’s call her Sarah. She had a lovely primary home in Seattle, a hip apartment in Berlin, a sunny condo in Mexico, and — her cherished escape — a modest but perfectly positioned beach cottage on Vashon Island. This Vashon cottage was her summer weekend sanctuary, a place where the ferry ride felt like shedding the weight of the world. Her Mexico condo already operated on an Airbnb model, a seamless way to offset expenses when she wasn’t enjoying the sunshine herself. So, when a Vashon short-term rental operator approached her about listing her island cottage, she thought, "Why not?" It was a familiar arrangement, and the extra income could certainly help. The first spring season on Vashon was largely hassle-free, with only a few minor bumps in the road. The added income was a welcome bonus. Then came summer. Sarah was enjoying a relaxed island picnic, soaking in the community vibe, when ...

Vashon Island's Cider Fest 2025: A Fall Delight for All Ages!

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As the crisp autumn air begins to settle over Vashon Island, anticipation brews for one of the island's most beloved annual events: the Vashon Island Cider Fest! Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 4th, 2025, because this is a day you won't want to miss. Whether you're a seasoned cider aficionado or just looking for a fun family outing, Cider Fest offers something for everyone. This vibrant festival celebrates the rich tradition of cider making, a craft deeply rooted in American history and particularly thriving in the Pacific Northwest. Vashon Island, with its fertile land and abundance of apple and pear trees, is home to several talented cider producers, making it the perfect location for such a festive occasion. For the Grown-Ups: A Taste of Vashon's Best For those 21 and over, the Cider Fest features a dedicated adult cider section where you can sample a diverse array of handcrafted ciders from award-winning regional producers, includin...

Stupid Bike Night: Vashon Island's Most Gloriously Unhinged Tradition

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​Tonight, as the sun dips below the horizon and paints the Puget Sound in hues of orange and purple, something truly weird (and utterly ridiculous) is about to unfold on Vashon Island. It's the first Friday of September, which can only mean one thing: Stupid Bike Night is here! ​For those unfamiliar, imagine a parade where practicality takes a permanent vacation, common sense is left at the ferry terminal, and the only rule is to be as gloriously, outrageously stupid as humanly (or cyclingly) possible. This isn't your average bike ride; it's a vibrant, glowing, slightly unhinged spectacle that perfectly embodies the quirky spirit of Vashon. Riders, adorned in costumes that defy description – from glittering sea creatures to intergalactic explorers to... well, whatever struck their fancy that afternoon – will begin to gather. Their steeds? Bikes transformed into moving art installations. Some are years in the making, elaborate contraptions that might include ...