Celebrate Eat Local Month on Whidbey & Camano Islands
September is one of the most delicious times to visit Whidbey and Camano Islands, when Penn Cove mussels, Hubbard squash and an abundance of island-grown produce showcase the flavors of the fall harvest. Throughout the month, Eat Local Month transforms the islands into a celebration of local farms, artisan food producers, cideries, markets and harvest experiences.
Rather than centering on a single festival, the initiative invites visitors to explore at their own pace through the Whidbey Island Grown Farm & Food Trail, connecting travelers with farms, farm stands, restaurants, wineries, breweries, markets, lodging and locally made products across the islands. Along the way, visitors can taste ingredients grown, raised and harvested nearby—from sweet, briny Penn Cove mussels and just-picked vegetables to fall favorites like Hubbard squash, local apples, artisan cheeses and other island-grown ingredients that make their way onto seasonal restaurant menus and farm tables.
Throughout September, hands-on workshops, farm dinners and seasonal experiences offer even more ways to connect with the people and places behind the islands’ food and agricultural traditions. Highlights include a Rowdy Sprout Farm Botanical Dye Workshop, a Harvest Dinner at Oystercatcher, and Flowers on the Farm: Dahlia Centerpiece Class at Fainting Goat Farms on September 12. Flagship events anchor the month, including Camano Ciderfest (September 5–6), Greenbank Farm Harvest Faire (September 12) and the Whidbey Island Cider Festival (September 19), each celebrating the region's agricultural heritage with cider tastings, local food, live music, family-friendly activities and opportunities to meet the growers and makers behind the islands' bounty.
Penn Cove Mussels are harvested from sea to table
New events and experiences will also be added throughout the season, giving travelers fresh reasons to visit all September long. From farm dinners and workshops to seasonal tastings, educational experiences and pop-up events, Eat Local Month offers a chance to experience the islands at peak harvest and trace what's on the plate back to the farmers, fishermen and makers who produced it. The evolving calendar makes September an ideal excuse for a weekend—or even multiple overnight getaways—to eat and drink your way through Whidbey and Camano Islands.
About Whidbey and Camano Islands
Just north of Seattle in the heart of the scenic Salish Sea, sit two of the most charming island destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Camano and Whidbey offer different experiences with each season. A colorful palette of locally owned shops and restaurants provide deep and delicious connections to the community and the land. Off the beaten path trails and beaches share sanctuary, solitude and a deeper connection with the incredible marine and forest ecosystems that thrive within these communities. Rich history and a healthy dose of local color in all mediums is provided by the region’s many artists. Lodging options range from nationally renowned hotels with farm-to-table dining to secret spots ideal for a quiet retreat. For more information on amenities, lodging and a calendar of events visit www.whidbeycamanoislands.com. Connect on Instagram and Facebook via @GoWhidbeyCamano.