NWWanderer

in addition to duck soup on sji, i also like the backdoor kitchen. quarryman suites at roche harbor are the nicest rooms in the islands, imo, if you're up for a bit of a splurge.

if you do make it over to orcas, the best place for lunch imo is the olga artworks cafe, just past moran state park. awesome blackberry pie, plus the artworks gallery is fun to browse/shop in.

i don't think you'll have any problem filling 3 days--i always feel like i don't have enough time up there to just relax!

nukesafe

I have a suggestion if you do choose Orcas Island; the Lambiel Museum. Sort of a local secret, as it has never been advertised. We happen to know this guy who has turned his home into a private art museum. He does tours by appointment only.

Leo is a charming character who started collecting works of artists from the San Juans and his collection of over 250 artists has taken over what was once a modest home overlooking the water. The place goes on, and on, with a grotto, a Greek Temple folie, and so much more.

If you have a couple of hours to spend, I highly recommend it. Here is the website: http://lambielmuseum.com/

You have to call him to set up your visit at 360-376-4544.

owlwoman

Again, thank you everyone, I finally settled on a nice B&B on SJI that has been raved about on another web-site. There were so many nice looking places, I did look at the Quarryman Suites in Roche Harbor, but felt I wanted to be closer to Friday Harbor for the variety of restaurants.

Nukesafe, thank you for the tip on the art museum, sounds like something we'd enjoy and will plan a visit on our day trip to Orcas.

nukesafe

Quite all right Owl Lady. Let us know how the tour went, if indeed you take it.

If you drive up Whidbey Island be sure to stop at Deception Pass. A short walk on the bridge, especially when the tides are strong, is well worth the time. Park in the small parking lot on the left, just before the first span.

You will drive right by our house on the Guemes Channel about two miles before you reach the Anacortes Ferry Terminal. Wave as you go by.

owlwoman

Will do, Whitbey Island looks beautiful, we should have a good amount of time to explore before we head to SJI ...love waving at fellow Fodorites as we travel

clarasong

Only thing is, owlwoman, if you as someone about "whitbey' island, they might not know. It's Whidbey...anyway, have a great tie, and bring a rain jacket. I go to Whidbey quite often and it's overcast and damp today...started out nice, but what the heck...we Washington folks never let that stand in our way.