Where is the Guemes Island Resort? The Resort is located on Guemes Island, across a small channel from Anacortes, WA. Once you get off the ferry, you’ll continue north on the only road for 4 miles until you see signs for the Resort.
We need to take a ferry?! Yep. It’s an adventure! The island is serviced by a small car ferry, which holds about 20 cars and leaves from Anacortes about every hour. The ferry is cashless and runs on island time, so be patient and give yourself some extra time. Note that if you’re are staying on-island on Thursday, the last ferry leaves Anacortes at 8:30pm, if you miss you won’t get on the island till Friday!
Ok, but where the heck is Guemes, and how do we get there? Guemes is a small, mostly residential, island about 2 hours north of Seattle, or 2.5 hours south of Vancouver (not including border wait). You can fly into SeaTac in Seattle, Paine Field in Everett, or Bellingham in the US, or Vancouver north of the border. If you’re flying, you’ll need to rent a car for the drive to Guemes.
Where do we stay? We have reserved all rooms in the Resort for family. Lodging on the island is limited, but we can help! Please text or call one of us to talk about your options.
Where are you registered? We’re nearly 100 years old between us… your willingness to make the trek is the only gift we need.
What should we bring? Guemes has hiking trails, a great beach, and little else. If you’re staying on island, you may want to stop by the grocery store in Anacortes before you get on the ferry. We will stock the “upper kitchen” at the resort with cereal, milks, yogurt, and hand fruit. If you want to make a big breakfast, or plan to stay on the island on Saturday before the wedding, you will need to bring groceries with you. We’ll have drinks available most of the time, and there is wine, beer, and a few snacks for sale at the Resort store.
What do I wear? The wedding is casual. We mean it. Mat is wearing flip flops for the ceremony. Maybe wear a shirt with buttons or a collar, but shorts are fine. We expect it will be warm during the day, and pretty darn cold at night. So bring layers. It’s all dirt, sand, and grass, so flat shoes are highly suggested. (Even for you, Andrea Gatti).
But what happens if it rains? Hahahaha. No idea. We all huddle in the tent and remember that rain on weddings is good luck!
Should we bring our kids? 100% yes. Our’s will be there, we’d love to see yours, too!
We’re going to pop across the ferry to Anacortes on Saturday morning. What should we do? Anacortes is a sweet little coastal town, and we hope you get to see it. There is a main street, with breakfast and brunch options. We particularly love Calico Cupboard, The Brown Lantern, Adrift (which also sells darn cute t-shirts), Union Tavern, and the ice cream at Mad Hatter’s. There is a farmer’s market on Saturdays, with all the bells and whistles you’d expect. If you choose to park on the Guemes side and walk onto the ferry, it’s a 10 minute walk from the ferry terminal to downtown Anancortes, and another 10 to the farmer’s market. If you are looking for a beautiful view, you can hike or drive to the top of Cap Sante Park.
We’re coming a few days early/staying a few days after, what should we do? The PNW is a beautiful part of the world, and we hope that you make the most of the fact we’re asking you to come all the way out here. Some ideas to make the most of your stay:
The San Juan Islands. Ferries to most islands leave from Anacortes
North Cascades National Park via the North Cascades Scenic Highway
Olympic National Park via ferry from Whidbey Island
Whidbey Island – drive down Whidbey then ferry back to Mukilteo/Everett Day trips/activities
Deception Pass State Park – one of our favorite places; 20 minute drive from Anacortes. Walk over the bridge, hikes, walk on West Beach, boat tour
Whale watching boat tours departing from Anacortes
Washington Park loop in Anacortes; 2.2 miles, spectacular views
Chuckanut drive – 24 scenic miles from Skagit Valley north to Bellingham
Curios shops, restaurants, and BreadFarm in the artsy town of Edison