Langley is a small city (0.8 square miles) on Whidbey Island in the Puget Sound in Washington state. This 'Village by the Sea' is accessible from the mainland by ferry from Mukilteo. Annual highlights include an Island Fair, Welcome the Whales Fest and a gypsy style jazz festival in honour of Django Reinhardt. A mystery weekend involves a fake newspaper story, all the stores - where clues can be found, and residents who play the characters in the story. There is a prize for the first person to solve the 'crime'. There is much to eat, drink and do in the Langley area.
1. Earth Sanctuary
Chuck Pettis, land artist and author of the book, 'Secrets of Sacred Spaces', founded Earth Sanctuary in order to reestablish the forest that once existed there. Thousands of firs, spruces, maples and cedars have been planted and are now sheltering a thriving underbrush. The wetland ecosystem has also been recreated where heaths, sedges and ferns have started growing. Stone circles, stacked stones, a labyrinth and infinite tower are among the attractions in the sculpture garden. The retreat center can accommodate up to 20 people during the day and 6 overnight. Visitors can take self-guided tours around the property and are trusted to place their entrance fee in the registration envelope at the gate. The shop sells branded t-shirts and caps.
2059 Newman Road and 5536 Emil Rd, 98260 Langley, Phone: 360-321-5465
2. Langley Whale Cente
The Langley Whale Center is the public presence of the Orca Network, a non-profit organization that seeks to provide safe habitats for whales, orcas and other marine mammals. The center has a permanent exhibit of skulls, bones, barnacles and whale lice. Annually, the Welcome the Whales Festival and Awareness Month is held. Beyond these events, there are ongoing education and awareness programs, and a lending library of reference material. A shop sells DVDs, CDs, printed material and whale-themed gifts and jewelry. The center is run by volunteers and is open from 11 am to 5 pm, Thursdays to Sundays and on special holidays.
105 Anthes, Langley, Washington, 98260, Phone: 360-221-7505
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3. Whidbey Island Center for the Arts
This community initiative was 10 years in the making and opened its doors in 1996. Each year between 350-400 volunteers produce and present 85 performances in the 246-seat theatre, from October to June. Included in these are five plays with eight performances each. All year long the organizers are assessing production proposals and conducting auditions. The art exhibitions, education programs and workshops also continue year-round. Series include local artists, family, piano and special events. The Django and OneAct Fests are held annually. Matinee performances are free for students.
565 Camano Avenue, Langley, Phone: 360-221-8262
4. Whidbey Island Distillery
This family-owned enterprise is run by three generations of the Heisling family. They bought the 9 acre property on a hillside in 2009 and renovated the existing buildings to house the distillery and the tasting room. Their blackberry liqueur has the highest rating in the country and their product range has become world renowned. Rye whiskey and loganberry and raspberry liqueurs are all made on site from the finest ingredients, sourced locally. Besides the tours and tasting that they offer, the property has itself become a tourist destination. The distillery's products can be purchased in several stores and restaurants throughout Washington state.
3466 Craw Road, Langley, WA 98260, Phone: 360-321-4715
5. South Whidbey Historical Society
This active society is run entirely by volunteers who staff the museum on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, maintain the buildings on site, tend the garden, keep records of the history, raise funds and act as tour guides. Three buildings have been relocated to the grounds and restored. They are: McLeod Cabin, Brooke Hill House and an antique barn which houses horse drawn carts and carriages. There are several historical collections on site which depict the various aspects of island life. The museum shop sells books on local history. The Society hosts regular evening events as well as fundraising, through guided bus and walking tours.
312 Second Street, Langley, Phone: 360-221-2101
6. Braeburn Restaurant
Lisa Carvey, the owner of Braeburn Restaurant once worked there as a waitress. Originally from Vermont, she returned home to pursue a career in event organizing and wedding planning. When Braeburn came on the market in 2010, she returned across country and bought it. The restaurant was remodeled and expanded in 2017. An island atmosphere is cultivated in the two storey, turquoise and white building with a space for garden patio dining out the back, where dogs are allowed. The food is termed, 'comfort food classic' and there is plenty of it. It sticks to your ribs.
197 D. 2nd St. Langley, WA 98260, Phone: 360-221-3211
7. South Whidbey Commons
65 members of the community came together to create a 'third place' in the area; somewhere besides work and home that people could gather and connect. A coffee shop, book store and work place training resulted from the meeting. Young people come for training and learn a variety of soft and hard skills in the hospitality industry and then are afforded an opportunity to gain experience and a track record. They are mentored by older or retired members of the community. The facility is open 7 days a week, and on Fridays there are live events. The Common Room which seats 30 people can be hired for meetings or presentations.
124 2nd Street, Langley, Phone: 360-221-2414
8. Taproom at Bayview Corner
Local residents, Damien and Tiffany Cortez decided they wanted to remain on the island to raise their family and sought to open a business that would sustain them. They started the Taproom in the old Bayview Cash Store. It was the first bar in the area since the 1940s and brought some life to the nights there. They sell a range of craft beers and local wines. The Taproom soon became so popular that a restaurant and family seating area were added on. Baskets of snacks can be ordered at the bar. The restaurant serves a full a la carte menu. Opening hours are from noon to late, every day of the week.
5603 Bayview Rd, Langley, Washington, Phone: 360-222-2643
9. Chocolate Flower Farm
The Chocolate Flower Farm first began in 2005 when it was established as a specialty plant nursery. It specialized in dark maroon-colored plants and became known for selling hard-to-find dark-colored plants that smelled chocolate. As the years went by, the farm’s offerings expanded into the repertoire that it is known for today. Now, the Chocolate Flower Farm offers a wide range of specialty plants as well as all kinds of chocolate-themed products ranging from their best-selling raspberry and chocolate jam to natural cocoa body butter, and even chocolate candles. Pick up your very own Chocolate Cosmos plant to take home, or purchase a Chocolate Carden Seed Kit to create your own chocolate-scented garden at home.
5040 Saratoga Road, Langley, Washington 98260; Phone: 360-221-2464
10. Double Bluff Brewing Company
This company is situated on Whidbey Island and is named after the area it is situated in. From Double Bluff, there are views of the mountains nearby and the Puget Sound. Former scientists and home brewers for 20 years, the owners decided to change careers and opened a distillery and beer garden. Ingredients for local beers are bought from farmers in the Pacific Northwest, whereas ingredients for European Ales are sourced in the countries of origin, The venue is open daily, and once a week there are live music events. Patrons can bring dogs, children and their own food, if they so wish. Beers, ciders and non-alcoholic beverages are on sale.
112 Anthes Avenue, Langley, WA 98260, Phone: 360-333-9113
11. Cascade Orienteering Club
This non-profit organization was established in 1977 and is run by volunteers. Orienteering is considered a sport so the Cascades Club is affiliated to a national and international network. There are leagues at various levels, including school and ultimate orienteering. There are also series, e.g. the Winter Series. All year round, long, short and evening events are scheduled in various terrains in the Puget Sound area. The events which are held on most Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays are suitable for all ages and skill levels. Club members as well as newcomers are welcome. There is a beginner instructor at each meet. Communication with the organization is via the web site.
12. Spoiled Dog Winery
A mere minutes from the Clinton ferry, at the southern end of Whidbey Island, is the Spoiled Dog Winery, a working farm, and winery that welcomes guests to its estate and tasting room year-round. Due to the unique maritime climate of its location, Spoiled Dog Winery specializes in wines made from Pinot Noir grapes. To ensure that their bottles are of the best quality possible at all times, they only produce a limited number of cases annually through an exceptional hand-crafted process. Each bottle of wine is handled gently, in a meticulous fashion, and is fermented and aged in French Oak barrels to produce a soft, supple, and elegant wine. Sample their range of offerings at the tasting room while enjoying the beautiful views of Whidbey Island.
5881 Maxwelton Road, Langley, Washington 98260; Phone: 360-661-6226
13. The Machine Shop
Get transported to the past at The Machine Shop, the go-to arcade in Langley for all the best classic and vintage arcade games and pinball machines. This family-friendly arcade is known for being the place to find the best of past, present, and even future arcade gaming. Visitors can play on one of over 90 classic pinball machines and arcade games – yes, you’ll need quarters – like the 2017 Aerosmith Premium or the much older 1964 Williams Jumpin’ Jack. Apart from their great games, The Machine Shop is also the home of a backroom gallery that features up-and-coming artists every month in an effort to support and cultivate the community’s artists. Meanwhile, The Machine Shop also features works by Heavy Light Works, a local artist, around the arcade.
630 Second Street, Langley, Washington 98260; Phone: 425-367-3319
14. Callahan’s Firehouse Studio and Gallery
Callahan’s Firehouse Studio and Gallery is a beloved local glass-blowing studio situated on the gorgeous Whidbey Island. Not only can guests peruse an extraordinary gallery full of mind-blowing glass art, but they can also interact and converse with the professional glassblowers who work out of Callahan’s Firehouse Studio. Learn all about the glassblowing trade, see the masters at work, and explore the various types of glasswork on display and available for purchase. At Callahan’s Firehouse Studio and Gallery, patrons can find anything from stunning nestled bowl sets to memorial glass. There are also firehouse classics, paperweights, glass décor, and seasonally crafted glasswork to boost your holiday spirit.
179 Second Street, Langley, Washington 98260; Phone: 360-221-1242
15. Ott and Hunter Winery Tasting Room
The Ott and Hunter Winery Tasting Room is one of Whidbey Island’s unique wineries. This boutique winery is family owned and operated and focuses on producing small-production wines. Located on the southern end of the island, Ott and Hunter are unique in that they create wines that use no, or as minimal new oak barrels as possible, as well as very minimal inputs. Ott and Hunter also utilize native fermentation processes and age their wine less to create their unique and nuanced line of wines. Visit the tasting room to try the different variations that the winery has to offer.
201 1st Street, Langley, Washington 98260; Phone: 360-221-7131
