There is no more beautiful spring season anywhere than here in the Pacific Northwest. The azaleas, rhodies, cherry trees and other flowering plants explode in a vivid palette of colors. The birds are chattier, the smells are sweeter, and the wildflowers are popping out everywhere. Spring is especially sweet when combined with the placid atmosphere of one of our nearby islands—take Whidbey Island, for example. From Mukilteo, it’s possible to transform your soul in just a half hour ferry ride. The serenity is palpable as you drive onto the island. Ah, escape from the bustling city life.

Things to do: 1) Learn the history. Whidbey was originally inhabited by Native people of the Salish language group. The land was so fertile it’s believed the island supported hundreds of thousands of residents ten thousand years before the first Europeans landed here. Joseph Whidbey was the first European to circumnavigate the island. He served under Captain George Vancouver. Describing Penn Cove in 1792, Whidbey wrote he had found “a very excellent and commodious cove.” Years hence, many seafaring Europeans settled in Coupeville, making it one of the oldest towns in the state of Washington.

2) Take a hike. Suggestion: Ebey’s Landing. The panorama from the top of the bluff is breathtaking. Watch giant vessels ply the shipping lanes. Poke around in the giant gun embattlements. Find out why they are there.

3) Drive over the Deception Pass Bridge. It provides one of the most spectacular views in all of Western Washington. In 1982, the bridge was declared a National Historic Monument. The area also offers some great hiking trails down to the beach and through the surrounding forests.

4) Explore the quaint towns of Langley and Coupeville. Victorian mansions, antique stores, quaint restaurants--something for everyone. While in Coupeville, spend an evening mixing with the locals at historic Toby’s Tavern. Be sure to order the fresh steamed mussels. They come right out of nearby Penn Cove.

These ideas just begin to scratch the surface of what you might discover on Whidbey Island--the perfect spring getaway even as a day trip. Check out my Whidbey slide show!