Island Notes Island Notes
Category: Heritage

The Oak Harbor Garry Oaks

When you walk among the oak trees that dominate Smith Park in Oak Harbor, you can’t help but feel you’re among some very old living things. The 150 or so Garry Oaks in the park predate the town, and, yes, the town was named after the trees.

East Side of Captain Whidbey

Captain Whidbey

Built in 1907 on then sparsely settled Whidbey Island, Captain Whidbey Inn has an incredibly rustic personality that stands apart from 21st century cool.

The Love Locks of Oak Harbor

The love lock tradition has come to Oak Harbor. The engraved padlocks, fastened to chain link in the shape of a heart on the side of a downtown building called The Loft. But there’s a twist on this enduring symbol of love.
These are dedicated to the men and women who serve our country.

A reproduction of a maintenance shop for a PBY Catalina airplane.

The Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum

The PBY – Naval Air Museum tells stories through a mix of photographs, artifacts, text, military uniforms, and hands-on activities. It tells both the big stories and the small individual stories of our men and women in service.

World War Two era airplane and staff car.

The PBY – Naval Air Museum – The Story of Gigi

The story of the PBY-5A Catalina and how it transformed Oak Harbor into a WWII Navy Seaplane Base is a fascinating tale, and one that’s exemplified by “Gigi,” a PBY-5A Catalina that first came to Oak Harbor in 1943 and now sits on display in the city.

The red barn of Greenbank Farm with the water in the background

Greenbank Farm

Art, Food, Shopping, Wetlands, and Trails Greenbank Farm is a semi-working farm with that has evolved into a community of shops offering everything from wine and cheese to pies to furniture.The farm is located along one of the narrowest points of Whidbey island and the walking trails offer beautiful views of the water.The farm was once the largest grower of … Read More

Sailboats on Penn Cove

Welcome to the Real Walton Island

In the movie “Lost and Found” two boys are sent for the summer to their uncle on a remote island – Walton Island.  They find adventure and a bit of danger as they hunt for a family treasure.  While Walton Island is fiction, the inspiration for that island is very real. It’s Whidbey Island.  The movie’s creator, Joseph Itaya, grew … Read More