The Perfect Winter Island Escape

By Kim Tate

Many of us in the Puget Sound region delight in escaping to the islands for a city getaway. Visiting Whidbey Island in the winter months is the perfect time to relax and avoid the crowds. Life has slowed down, and visitors have the chance to soak up the small-town charm.

So, pack your trusty raincoat and check out some of my favorite ways to escape the city bustle and slow down on Whidbey Island. Do keep in mind that some of the stores and activities might have weekend only hours during the winter months.

Solve a Mystery

One of my favorite events on Whidbey Island is the Mystery Weekend in Langley. This year on the weekend of February 22-23, 2025, visitors can participate in solving a who-dun-it mystery. You’ll visit stores for clues, check out the scene of the crime, and even ask suspects questions, all for the chance to put in your guess of who the culprit of the crime is.

This is a great weekend getaway event for a momcation or romantic staycation. Book a nice hotel for a night or two in Langley and enjoy some small-town shopping and eating while living out your Sherlock Holmes dreams.

Find a Cozy Thing to Sip

Did you know that wine tasting is a popular thing to do on Whidbey Island? But even if you’re not a wine drinker, the island also has a cidery and Meadery to delight all taste buds.

Spoiled Dog Winery is pet-friendly and also serves delicious Pinot Noir. They do have outdoor seating only but there are covered gazebos and heaters provided for the winter months. Enjoy a tasting and then get a bottle or even growler fill to take home with you to enjoy later.  
Comforts of Whidbey was where I stayed during my recent visit to Langley. It’s an adorable Bed & Breakfast with modern rooms located above the tasting room. Comforts of Whidbey also has a delicious range of wines including some dry and sweet whites as well as robust Syrahs.  
Ott & Hunter is a tasting room in the town of Langley, so it’s the perfect spot to stop into while doing some street shopping. It also overlooks the Saratoga Passage so you can soak in some water views while wine tasting. Reservations are recommended.  
If ciders are more your style, you’ll want to check out Made by Misfits Cider Company which is also in downtown Langley. It’s a cute shop that just opened this summer and features a selection of dry ciders, mostly with a tropical theme.  
Looking for something non-alcoholic for Dry January? In addition to the not-so-standard mead tastings offered at Hierophant Meadery in Freeland, they also make non-alcoholic Switchel, golden milk powder, elderberry syrup and respiratory teas to help you stay healthy during the winter season.  
Craving a bite to eat along with your wine? Head to Leo and Leto’s Winery and Bistro in Freeland for a cozy meal made with local ingredients and a variety of wines including fortified and sweet wines.

Embrace Nature

The mild winters on Whidbey Island make it the perfect place to get outdoors and enjoy the greenery of the PNW. Earth Sanctuary https://earthsanctuary.org/ is located outside of Freeland and offers three self-guided tours that emphasize sculptures, sacred spaces, and nature.

Catch a Flick

Love classic movies? The Whidbey Island Film Festival takes place for two weeks from January 17-26 and showcases old films over the weekend. This year there’s a special focus on black and white films.

Want to watch something modern in an old school way? Head to Blue Fox Drive In Theater to catch a family-friendly movie from the comfort of your car.

Watch a Show on Stage

Oak Harbor is home to the Whidbey Island Playhouse Community Theater, which is celebrating its 57th year. Catching one of their stage shows, with titles like A Christmas Carol, Annie, and The Sound of Music, is the perfect indoor activity for the winter months.

Buy Local

There are so many great local shops around Whidbey Island selling locally made gifts and food. One shop you’ll want to check out is Wildly Beloved Foods in Clinton. This shop is a custom pasta shop where you can buy and order a variety of pastas in many different shapes and they’re all made with Certified Organic Italian Semolina flour, local eggs from Daycreek Organic Farms, and organic baby spinach on beautiful Whidbey Island, Washington.

Even better, you can make a local treat to take with you during one of the Workshop pasta classes offered at Wildly Beloved. Make your own pasta as a souvenir and have a taste of the island back at home.

Curl Up with a Book

One of my favorite stores in Langley is Mooraker Books. This charming independent bookstore has been open for over 50 years. It’s the perfect place to find a book by a local author or your next non-fiction read about the region. Grab a new title and head back to your hotel to curl up and relax.

Visiting Whidbey Island isn’t just a summer weekend getaway idea. As you can see, the winter months offer visitors a chance to slow down and soak in some island charm on a winter weekend escape.