Sunday, December 21, 2008

Freeland: New Years' Weekend on Whidbey


DISCOVER FREELAND
Freeland is quickly becoming the retail and financial center of South Whidbey Island. We're developing a strong and growing business community, with good paying jobs. We're an attractive, active community in which people want to live and play. We're nestled between two striking bodies of water - Holmes Harbor and Mutiny Bay - amidst the beauty of Whidbey Island. Click on the highlighted words in this section to learn more about what to do in Freeland!

PLACES TO STAY:
The Villa or The Casa at The Tuscan Lady
A TUSCAN LADY, 619 E. Dolphin Drive, Freeland. 360-331-5057. A Tuscan Lady offers guests a wonderful place for relaxation, romance and serenity. Lush gardens surround you as you sip your morning tea. Please take the time to explore our web site and learn about the many features and amenities of this quiet and personal bed and breakfast and vacation rental located on beautiful Whidbey Island.


CLIFF HOUSE, Hidden in a lush forest on the very edge of Whidbey Island's west side is a setting so unique, there is nothing anywhere quite like Whidbey Island's Cliff House. "Cliff House, the most fabulous of all! Sunsets are not to be believed - it must be one of the most romantic places in the world." Cruise News.
"One of the 50 most romantic places on earth."
Travel and Leisure. "Then the magic opened up - we found ourselves in a bright clearing. There were gardens and pathways and finally, the immutable Cliff House, waiting above Admiralty Inlet like a faceted jewel." Pacific Northwest Magazine









HARBOUR INN: A Country Style Motel.
The Harbour Inn is South Whidbey's most affordable lodging. We offer guests the comforts of a B&B with the privacy and convenience of a motor inn. Free wi-fi! Next door to The Beach Cabin!



PLACES TO EAT & SHOP IN FREELAND:
THE BEACH CABIN, 1594 Main Street (across from Payless grocery). 360-331-1929. Come in and try our fabulous panini sandwiches, or consider special ordering some of our fabulous dishes to serve at your next party. In addition to some great food, The Beach Cabin has a variety of unique gifts and home accessories, perfect for your home or cabin! For some TripAdvisor.com reviews, click here.
The Beach Cabin will be OPEN December 31st - January 4th, including New Years Day, 10 am - 6 pm! For a great story about our Beach Cabin Hat, click here!

THE BEACHFIRE GRILL, at Holmes Harbor Golf and Beach Club will be open New Year's Eve, as well as New Year's Day. 360-331-2363.

CHINA CITY RESTAURANT. 360-331-8899. Since 1999, when the Ng family established the first China City, it has become a prime destination place for both tourists and locals alike. Our menu features various dishes ranging from the styles of Mandarin to Szechuan to Hunan. Not only do we specialize in the best Chinese cuisine, our staff is dedicated to serve you to make your visit the most pleasurable and memorable it can be.



GERRY'S KITCHEN, 1675 Main Street, 360-331-4818. Gerry's Kitchen is open Tuesday - Sundays, and serves a great Sunday Brunch. Closed New Years' Day.

GORDON'S ON BLUEBERRY HILL, 5438 Woodard, Freeland 360-331-7515. Booked for New Years Eve but will be open New Years Day 11:30-2:00 for lunch, and 5:00 for dinner. Reservations highly recommended.



RED ROOSTER ANTIQUES & MUTINY BAY ANTIQUE MALL

The Red Rooster Antique Mall and the Mutiny Bay Antique Mall, both located on Main Street in 'downtown Freeland' will be having a sale New Years Weekend on Whidbey. Closed New Years Day, but open January 2nd and 3rd.

VIDAstore, Shop Fair Trade. Located in the back of the Interstate Label Building 1715 B. East Main St, Freeland. 360-331-4078. VIDAstore carries handcrafted items from all over the world, specializing in home furnishings and accessories from Latin America. The shop is small, and a bit off the beaten path, but chock full of amazing products such as tagua seed jewelry from Colombia, hand crafted walnut furniture from Peru, La Chamba Cookware from Colombia, Chulucan ceramics from Peru, ceramic lamps from Nicaragua, pine veneer pendant lights from Costa Rica, telephone wire baskets from Aftica, Mexican pottery, orange peel jewelry from Colombia and recycled newspaper baskets from Nicaragua-plus so much more. Open December 31st, closed New Years Day, open 9 - 4 January 2nd & 3rd.

THE PAINT ESCAPE, 1664 Main St., Freeland.
360-331-3166. Closed New Year's Day, but open New Years' Weekend on Whidbey! What we offer: Drop in painting - reservations are recommended, but not always needed. Host a Party at the shop or at home, Private painting by appt.


WINE TASTING IN FREELAND

Vino Amore at 1614 Main Street, Freeland 360-331-7661. Enjoy wine tasting Saturday & Sunday from noon to closing! Choose from 1,200 wines from around the world; we can help with food and wine pairing. Many gifts and wine/bar accessories are in stock as well as unique treasures, antiques, & gourmet goodies.


ARE YOU A THRIFT STORE NUT?
Second Chance, 1664 Main Street, # B, is having a huge 2-day sale on great clothing, furniture and more, December 29 - 31st. Closed New Years' Day, open Jan 2nd & 3rd.

GETTING IN SHAPE IN FREELAND! Island Athletic Club is open New Years' Weekend! Island Atletic offers day rates and discounts for those who are members of IHRSA and FitLife Clubs. We have lots of group exercise offerings (Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, BodyPump, BodyFlow, BodyStep, BodyJam, Group Cycling). Of particular interest to weekend guests are our indoor and outdoor hot tubs, indoor swimming pool, and steam rooms and saunas. Island Athletic Club will be closed at 2 PM on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve and closed all day on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Regular hours are 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM on weekdays, 8AM to 6 PM on Saturdays and Noon to 8 PM on Sundays.

MASSAGE IN FREELAND. Both members and non-members may schedule massage at Island Athletic Club. Offering a range of massage styles and length of session from 30 to 120 minutes. DANIEL HOLMBERG and LESLIE PACKARD, Licensed Massage Therapists.
Available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday. Call 331-2582 for appointment

NEW YEARS DAY IN FREELAND ... Go ahead, make a SPLASH at the
POLAR BEAR DIVE!<
For the truly intrepid and brave, here are the details:
Start the New Year off with a splash! Join us for a refreshing dive into 2009. Be a part of the 5th Annual Polar Bear Dive. All participants will receive an official. Polar Bear Dive T-shirt, a small thermal blanket, and will enjoy warm refreshments. This event benefits 4-H Youth Programs.
Call South Whidbey Parks & Recreation District for more information:
360-221-5484. All ages; youth 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Date: New Year's Day (Thursday, January 1)
Time: Registration opens at 10:30am, and the dive happens at noon
Fee: $15 or 2/$20 (affordable for families!)
Location: Freeland Park
JANUARY 2, 2009: CLICK FOR A LINK FROM KOMO FOR YESTERDAYS' POLAR BEAR DIVE!



FREELAND PARK At the south edge of Holmes Harbor Freeland Park is great for all seasons! Walk the beach, rain or shine, public boat launch, rain or shine!