Discover Stanwood Camano

Fall in Love with Stanwood and Camano

Sarah Cho — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 23:53:37 +0000

Photo credits to Isac Martin.

Fall has arrived in Stanwood and Camano, but that does not mean your adventure ends after the warm summer season. Check out all of the activities and experiences waiting for you this fall in Stanwood and Camano!

Kristoferson Farm

Fresh apple cider, giant pumpkins, wine, treats and more! Make sure to stop by Kristoferson Farm on Camano Island and experience all of their fall offerings. Family owned since 1912, Kristoferson Farm offers a variety of activities and experiences, including their annual giant pumpkin competition and their freshly pressed apple cider. The farm store also is also stocked with seasonal goods, including local wines, jams, cheese, bread, and more. There is

SAAL Brewing Company

Stanwood’s very own and first brewery will definitely keep you warm this fall! SAAL Brewing Company, short for Stanwood Artisan Ale and Lager, is housed in Stanwood’s historic volunteer firehouse that dates back to the 1920’s. SAAL Brewing Company offers a wide variety of food and beverage options, including fish tacos, pork banh mi sandwiches, burgers, and much more. SAAL Brewing Company is community focused, utilizing locally sourced ingredients in a sustainable way and partnering with local businesses and charities to invest in the community.

Enjoy the Natural Beauty of Stanwood and Camano at Leque Island

Take in the beauty of fall in Stanwood and Camano at Leque Island and Eide Road Preserve. Just located west of Stanwood and between Port Susan and Skagit bays, Leque Island boasts over 276 acres of tidal marsh habitat in the Stillaguamish River watershed. Many visitors stop by to enjoy the beautiful views and the natural wildlife, including marsh hawks, western sandpipers, blue herons, golden eagles, snow geese, and much more.

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Explore the Parks of Stanwood

Sarah Cho — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 18:34:52 +0000

Photo credits to Ian Gleadle.

Church Creek Park

27116 72nd Ave NW Stanwood, WA 98292

Church Creek Park is home to disc golf, baseball, and more! At 16.5 acres, Church Creek Park has a baseball field, a basketball court, nature trails, an 18 hole disc golf course, children’s play area, restroom facilities, a group shelter for picnics and special events, and more! The park is surrounded by tall trees and rolling grounds, making it the perfect for friends and families to gather and enjoy the outdoors!

Heritage Park

9998 276th St NW Stanwood, WA 98292

Looking for space to run around? Heritage Park has got you covered! Heritage Park has sports fields, restrooms, children’s play area, skate park, dog park, pump track, picnic shelters, and more! Heritage Park also has a wetland area feature with an interpretive trail and a 0.5 mile paved trail that runs east and west along the southern perimeter of the park.

Lions Parks

8328 Park Drive Stanwood, WA 98292

Looking for a smaller community park? Then make sure to stop by Lions Park. Within walking distance of many residential neighborhoods, Lions Park is a small city park off of Cedarhome Drive and Park Drive and has a children’s play area, basketball court, and picnic facilities.

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Calling All Racers!

Sarah Cho — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 19:31:27 +0000

Photos shared from the Stanwood Camano Island Soap Box Derby. Credits to Ian Gleadle and Evan Caldwell.

Since 2008, Stanwood-Camano has been the site for the local Soap Box Derby Race. As the largest Soap Box Derby race west of the Mississippi, every Saturday of Father’s Day Weekend, thousands come to Arrowhead Ranch on Camano Island to participate in the Stanwood Camano Island Soap Box Derby.

The Soap Box Derby started in Dayton, Ohio in 1934 and has continued to grow throughout the United States, with the World Championship Finals being hosted every July in Akron, Ohio. The race is a family-friendly competition for children ages 7-19, and derby racers work with a mentor at weekly build clinics to prep their cars for the big race. During these build clinics, derby racers learn various STEM skills as they utilize different tools to customize their derby cars.

Unique to the Stanwood Camano Island Soap Box Derby, over 90% of the racers participating in the event are using sponsored cars. Individual derby cars can cost anywhere up to $1,500, and the community members and businesses in Stanwood-Camano have come together as sponsors to purchase cars for racers to borrow. This allows kids from all economic and social backgrounds to participate in the race, breaking down the barriers to be involved. Additionally, many other local races host their event in the streets of their community, but the Stanwood Camano Island Soap Box Derby has a designated gravity track at Arrowhead Ranch.

The Stanwood Camano Island Soap Box Derby is hosting their 15th annual race on June 18, 2022 and are expecting over 80 racers and over 3,000 spectators. Racers will come from all over the region, including Oregon, Idaho, and eastern Washington. Those that qualify during this race will head to Akron, Ohio to compete in the World Championship Finals.

In 2021, four racers from the Stanwood Camano Island Soap Box Derby went to Akron, Ohio for the World Championship Finals. Out of the four, Bella Siddle, local to Stanwood-Camano, took first place in the race and became the first All-American World Champion from Washington State since 1966.

Learn more about the Stanwood Camano Island Soap Box Derby here.

Learn more about Arrowhead Ranch here.

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Arts Lives on Camano Island and Stanwood

Sarah Cho — Fri, 06 May 2022 17:55:19 +0000

Photos shared by Camano Arts Association. Photos featuring artwork from Tasha Smith, Mark Ellinger and Matzke Sculpture Park.

For over 23 years, the Camano Arts Association (CAA) has hosted the Camano Island Studio Tour. As one of the biggest tourist art events in Stanwood and Camano, art lovers can experience a wide variety of art, including glass, ceramic, jewelry, painting, mixed media, woodworking, textile, leather, and more. Featuring over 24 studios, 30 artists and five galleries, including the renowned Matzke Gallery and sculpture park owned by CAA co-founder Karla Matzke, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

As a self-guided tour, visitors can navigate the stops along the tour using the interactive map or a printed brochure. The 2022 cover artist for the brochure is first-time participant, Tasha Smith.

Through live demo’s, visitors have behind the scenes access to see where and how the art is created, immersing oneself in the inspiration behind the art and the artist. The Studio Tours provide a unique experience to participate in the creative process of the many local artists of Stanwood and Camano.

“It’s always a thrill to see new artists join the tour as our community continues to grow as a destination for artists,” Mary Simmons, tour director and glass artist said, “By connecting our established artists with those new to either Camano Island or Stanwood or to the Camano Arts Association (CAA), we offer a truly unique experience for tour visitors every year who have grown to trust that this juried event truly represents the best artistic talent in the region.”

The Studio Tour begins on Mother’s Day Weekend, with an encore weekend the following week. Explore the many local artists that Stanwood and Camano have to offer on May 6-8, 2022 from 10am-5pm and May 14-15, 2022 from 10am-5pm.

Learn more about the Studio Tours and the Camano Arts Association (CAA) here.

Camano Arts Association

Camano Arts Association, or CAA, began in 1999, as the brainstorm of island artists seeking a venue in which to showcase their work. Decades later, the success of that first art studio tour, has created a mecca of talented fine artists, living and working on the island. On beautiful, bucolic Camano Island, Washington, CAA artists are inspired every day to make art, while also providing arts advocacy, art education, and holding the successful annual art studio tour, drawing thousands of visitors.

Vision:

The vision of CAA is that Camano Island will become recognized as a major cultural center for the Visual Arts in the Pacific Northwest.

Mission:

CAA enriches its community and deepens relationships by increasing the awareness, appreciation, and education of art.

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Leque Island Restoration Project

Jessica McCready — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 18:17:52 +0000

Photos by Visual Photography

Leque Island

If you have not had a chance to walk to walk the new trail at Leque Island – bundle up and do it today – you won’t regret it! The flat 0.7 walking trail provides you with views that are seldom found elsewhere – not to mention the abundance of wildlife. To access the trail and 17 car parking lot turn right onto Eide Road (you must be traveling off Camano towards Stanwood on the bridge.)

Read more about the project, history, and timeline in this article from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Read more about the restoration efforts in this SC News article.

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Cozy up in a Cabin

Jessica McCready — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 17:00:18 +0000

Photos by Visual Photography

Cozy Up!

The crisp cool air and the early dark evenings call for cups of warm tea, a blanket, and a roaring fireplace. What better way to embrace the season than cozying up in a cabin – whether you are looking for a weekend getaway from the city or just an excuse to slow down and relax – we have the perfect cabin for you – coziness guaranteed.

The Cabins at Cama Beach

The waterfront cedar cabins and bungalows within Cama Beach State Park are perfect for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The luckiest of visitors might have the opportunity to see a whale in the waters right outside of the cabin, and almost everyone will catch sight of eagles soaring above and seals popping up to say hello. Multiple hiking trails start right outside of your door and the beautiful vistas await. After a day exploring the wilderness return to your private fire ring outside of your cabin or relax on the covered porch. Cama Beach features standard and deluxe cabins situated near the beach with spectacular views of Saratoga Passage, Whidbey Island and the Olympic Mountains. The 24 Standard Cabins (14’ x 20’) have a living room, kitchen area and bedroom. Waterfront cabins have two double beds OR one double and two twins and can accommodate up to four people; the second-row cabins feature more bedding options and can host up to six people. All cabins include electric heat and lights, a refrigerator, microwave oven and sink. The Deluxe Cabins (14’ x 28’) are a little larger in size and have a small bathroom with shower, toilet and sink. Plan to pack your own bedding, cookware, dishes and utensils. Does Fido want to come as well? Great news – there are four pet-friendly cabins available for an additional $15 pet fee per night.

Check-in time is 3PM, check-out time is 11AM. Reservations can be made by calling : (360) 387-1550 there is a 2 night minimum for reservations covering a Friday/Saturday or Holiday.

Kabins at Kayak Point

Kayak County Park offers a unique 3-bedroom Craftsman-style vacation house situated on a hill overlooking Puget Sound. Explore the wonders of the beach, take a hike and enjoy creature comforts of home including Mission-style furnishings, pellet stove, flat panel TV and DVD player. The kitchen includes a range/oven, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, washer/dryer, and a full complement of dining and cooking utensils. Main floor sleeps two on the queen-size sleeper-sofa and two on master bedroom queen (linens provided for queen beds). Kids will love the rustic, knotty pine paneled upstairs with three twin-sized beds built right into the wall! Outside you’ll enjoy a covered porch, two picnic tables and a fire pit with grill. RV hookups are available and the Yurt Village is right next door—should extra guests arrive.

Reservations: Minimum 2-night stay. No online reservations—book through Call Center. Contact the Call Center (M-F, 8:30am-4:30pm) at 425-388-6600 or www.SnoCoParks.org

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Balsam? Blue? Find the Perfect Tree for You

Jessica McCready — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 18:12:10 +0000

Balsam? Blue? Find the Perfect Tree For You!

You do not need to recreate the iconic scene from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation to find and cut your own Christmas tree. There are multiple local options ranging from U-Cut to pre-cut to potted – finding the perfect tree will be a delight! Bundle up the family and rejoice in an adventure that comes only once a year, but creates memories to cherish for a lifetime. You will marvel in the charm and ambiance of the local tree farms who wait for this season all year long. Whether you are seeking out the perfect Noble, Grand Fir, Douglas Fir, Balsam Fir, or Blue Spruce you are guaranteed to find that perfect tree. Be sure to grab a hot cup of cider or cocoa, dress warmly and set out on your adventure!

Holiday Forest Christmas Trees

3125 280th St NW

Stanwood, WA 98292

Phone: 360-629-9097

www.holidayforestchristmastrees.com

Muskrat Flats U-Cut Christmas Tree Farm

501 Pioneer Hwy E

Arlington, WA

360-652-9184

https://www.facebook.com/pg/Muskrat-FLATS-183361628531138/about/

Point Valdimar Farm

4921 Silvana Terrace RD

Stanwood, WA 98292

425-512-5429

https://www.facebook.com/Point-Valdimar-Farm-2021532184796123/

The Tree Farm U-Cut

3011 268th St NW

Stanwood, WA, 98292

Call (425)244-7179

https://www.facebook.com/TheTreeFarmUcut/

Not up for the adventure of cutting down your own tree? Orchard’s Nursery offers a wide selection of pre-cut Noble, Douglas, Fraser, and Grand Firs. Wanting to plant the tree postseason? They offer live trees as well in addition to wreaths, poinsettias, and Christmas cactus.

10521 State Route 532 Stanwood, WA 98292 360-629-3586

Too much to do? Grab a tree while grocery shopping at QFC, Haggens, or Grocery Outlet (pre-cut and a limited selection of live trees.)

Homemade Hazelnut Caramel Bars

After you have that beautiful tree setup and twinkling with decorations treat yourself to homemade Hazelnut Caramel Bars. Get some shelled hazelnuts at Hazel Blue Acres (430 Hevly Rd Arlington, WA www.hazelblueacres.com) OPEN EVERY TUESDAY from 2 pm to 6 pm AND EVERY SATURDAY of each month from 9 am to 2 pm. Place your order and when you are 5-10 minutes away from the farm call 360-770-7261 and they will have your order waiting for you. Or order online here.

Hazelnut Caramel Bars

Cookie Base:

1 cup flour

3 Tablespoons sugar

1/3 cup butter, well chilled

1 egg yolk, beaten

Filling:

2 cups whole hazelnuts, toasted & skinned

¼ cup butter

2/3 cup packed light brown sugar

¼ cup light corn syrup

¼ cup heavy or light cream

¼ tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla

To make base: preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a food processor or a bowl combine flour & sugar. Process or combine with a pastry blender until fine crumbs. Add egg yolk and blend briefly. Do not over-mix. Dough should just hold together when pressed. Press into the bottom of an 8 inch square pan. Bake until pale gold, about 25 minutes. Remove pan and change oven to 375 degrees.

To make filling: place toasted hazelnuts on baked cookie base and spread evenly. Combine butter, brown sugar, corn syrup & cream in a medium saucepan, and bring to a boil, stirring constantly over medium heat. Boil one minute, add salt and vanilla. Pour over hazelnuts. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and set pan on wire rack to cool. Cut into bars with a small sharp knife.

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Stanwood Camano Giving Tuesday

Jessica McCready — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 21:17:45 +0000

Giving Tuesday

GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. Created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past seven years, it has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to give. (GivingTuesday.org)

About SC Give

SC Give is the Stanwood Camano community’s local Giving Tuesday event. It is a 24-hour online giving event hosted by the Stanwood-Camano Area Foundation to celebrate and support giving and local philanthropy. Starting at 12:00 a.m. on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Stanwood and Camano Island residents unite for 24 straight hours to give to a variety of projects that provide basic needs and enhance the quality of life in our community.

SC Give helps the community in two important ways.

It engages the community by raising its awareness of community needs and brings people together to fulfill those needs in a fun and exciting way.
It provides funding for a wide variety of projects that directly benefit the community by providing basic needs and enhancing the quality of life.

Why give on Giving Tuesday rather than some other day?

All credit card processing fees for online donations made on Giving Tuesday will be covered by the Donna J. and Charles T. Cole Charitable Foundation. That means 100% of your donation will go directly to the projects you support.
Donations made through SC Give on Giving Tuesday will make projects eligible for prize funds donated by local businesses, maximizing your donation dollars.

Giving Tuesday this year is on December 1st running for 24 hours (from midnight to midnight) with 18 local organizations participating. Check out this link for FAQ

2020 Participating Organizations

(Click the name of the organization to read more about their need and fundraising efforts during SC Give):

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Holiday Happenings

Jessica McCready — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 00:22:29 +0000

Holiday Happenings

‘Tis the Season for Holiday Happenings in Stanwood and Camano Island. While this year is far from typical there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday season in our wonderful area. We all need some holiday cheer – and you all know – the best way to spread Christmas cheer is to sing loud for all to hear! So sing away while you enjoy these local events and happenings.

Christmas Lights

Grab a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa for the kids at one of our wonderful coffee stores and go on a drive (playing holiday music of course) to see the beautiful Christmas Trees in both Stanwood and Camano Island. Get out and take a selfie or family photo under the trees and then grab take-out from one of the many restaurants.

Camano Christmas Tree – the Camano Island Christmas tree is located at Camano Commons under the crab and will be set up with beautiful lights by Dec. 1st.

Stanwood Christmas Tree – The City of Stanwood will be hosting a virtual tree lighting of the Christmas Trees in Stanwood on December 5th on Facebook Live follow this event for more details.

The Lights of Christmas presents a Drive Thru Christmas – A wonderful way to experience the magic of Christmas this year! Located in Stanwood, WA, The Lights of Christmas presents a Drive-Thru Christmas, providing a holiday outing for all families to enjoy during this challenging year. See spectacular lights, dazzling displays, wave to Santa and Mrs. Claus, while listening to Christmas music from the comfort of your own car. Fun for people of all ages and affordable for everyone. Grab your keys, pack up the kids, and get out of the house for an event with Christmas spirit in Snohomish county.

2020 DATES: Nov 27-29, Dec 2-6, 9-13, 16-23, 26-30

Make a Reservation

FAQ

See a Map of the Drive Thru Route below:

Santa

Join the Camano Center for an Afternoon with Santa-Drive Thru – Tuesday, December 8, 3:00-6:00. Please sign up for time slots by clicking here.The Camano Center’s holiday tradition, Afternoon with Santa, is scheduled for Tuesday, December 8th from 3:00-6:00 and has been changed to a drive through event. Santa will be here as usual but will be up in his sleigh so families can take a picture with him in the background! The Camano Arts Association will have a take home craft project for families to take with them and the Camano Center will provide take home cookie decorating supplies. Children can bring a letter to Santa that they can place in the Santa mailbox. Families will be asked to stay in their cars unless it is their turn to take a photo in front of Santa. This is a free community event thanks to our generous sponsors. Check their website for more details or call 360-387-0222

Holiday Markets

Upstairs at the Camano Commons Marketplace you will find a holiday market every day starting on Nov. 27th thru Dec. 24th where you can find unique and local treasures – perfect for gifts.

Cohost has been transformed into a winter wonderland boutique this holiday season! Featuring over 20 local artists and creators in their pop-up shop. These handmade goods include jewelry, soaps, stained glass art, apparel, scarves, candles and so much more. Unlike a traditional market, the artists will not be onsite – they will be off designing and creating! You’ll have the opportunity to shop their goods in a traditional retail environment (not a booth-ed market). Sales will begin on Shop Small Saturday (Nov. 28th) and run thru Dec. 19th. New pieces by different artists will be on display each weekend through Christmas for a list of vendors and dates and times follow this event.

Shopping

There are SO MANY places to shop locally for all of your holiday gifts and we encourage you to shop local this holiday season. If you need more information or some inspiration – check out Hometown Holidays in Stanwood or the Whidbey-Camano Island Gift Guide.

Hometown Holidays

Hometown Holidays is a fun and festive way to support your hometown businesses! This experience was created to spread holiday cheer throughout Stanwood, and encourage everyone to shop locally this season. *FREE to participate*

Here’s how it works: Head out on the town! Shop your favorite local businesses between 4-7pm on Thursday, Dec. 10th, Friday, December 11th and Saturday, Dec 12th and get your game card* stamped at check out. Your completed game card can then be submitted to be entered to win a gift basket filled with local goods!

*You’ll be able to pick up a game card at participating businesses beginning on Shop Small Saturday (November 28th, 2020)

Some local businesses will be offering special deals during Hometown Holidays, so check this event to see what they are and to see which businesses are participating.

Whidbey-Camano Island Gift Guide

Island County Chambers of Commerce are working closely with Whidbey and Camano Islands Tourism on a “shop local” campaign funded by CARES money. Our goal is to encourage everyone to stay safe and close to home this holiday season to slow the spread of COVID-19. “We encourage you to support local businesses by shopping and dining right here in Island County.“

Look for a holiday gift and “staycation” guide to arrive in your mailbox over the next few days. The guide gives just a glimpse of a few local producers, shops, dining opportunities and places to explore. Also visit WhidbeyCamanoIslands.com throughout November and December to discover more things to do in your own backyard, places to eat or shop, unique gift ideas and a very special giveaway.

Give Back to Our Community

If you are looking for ways to give back and support our community this holiday season consider donating to The Christmas House at the Stanwood Camano Food Bank.

In 2020 The Christmas House was able to serve over 1,000 community children & provide them with an exciting and magical Christmas morning. Donations of purchased gifts, gift cards, and clothing are essential to this program. The Christmas House is supported both with financial contributions and gift drives by organizations and individuals in our community. All gifts given out are new. Great gift ideas include anything meaningful you would give to your own child. They always fall short in gifts for teenagers as they can be so hard to shop for. They do accept gift cards. In December there will be several giving tree locations around our community. Please make sure they are for the Stanwood Camano Food Bank Christmas House. Donations may also be brought directly to the Christmas House located at 9928 272nd Place, Stanwood, WA 98292 (The Caring Place location), or to the Stanwood Camano Food Bank.

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Shop Safe. Shop Local.

Jessica McCready — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 23:44:27 +0000

Photo by Visual Photography.

Shop Safe. Shop Local. Shop Stanwood-Camano

Our local businesses, and their success is vital to the Stanwood-Camano area. These businesses are not only our neighbors and our friends but also create the unique culture that is Stanwood-Camano. During this time they need your support more than ever – and having signed a pledge to business safety – you can rest assured your shopping and/or dining experience will be safe – and most importantly LOCAL.

See more information about the Shop Safe Business Safety Promise here.

Most of our businesses offer a variety of ways you can shop locally – utilizing curb side pickup, online ordering, and even personalized shoppers! One of the best things about the Stanwood-Camano community is our willingness to work together – if you need a special service or product just ask – our businesses will work incredibly hard to assist you.

Ideas to Support Local Businesses

SHOP LOCAL

Yes we said it again. Many of the items you might typically buy online or at the big box stores are available at local stores in Stanwood-Camano. And as an added bonus – they probably know your name and will greet you with a smile.

ORDER TAKE-OUT or DELIVERY

Skip cooking dinner? Yes, please. Help to support our local restaurants and order Take-Out or Delivery or sit outside when the weather cooperates. You can find a great list of take-out/delivery options on this Facebook Group.

PURCHASE GIFT CARDS

First of all, gift cards make great gifts – even to yourself. Purchase a gift card now to use in the future or send it to a friend.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING – LOCAL

Challenge yourself to see how many holiday gifts you can purchase for family members, friends, colleagues just from Stanwood & Camano Island businesses. There are so many unique items right here in our own community.

LEAVE A RAVE REVIEW

Search for some of your favorite businesses on Google or Social Media sites and leave them a rave review – the kind words will be priceless to the business owner and other shoppers will be inspired to support that businesses.

Thank you for supporting the Stanwood-Camano area businesses this holiday season – and in the future.

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