On Camano Island, located just over 60 miles north of Seattle, in Possession Sound, you will find buried treasure.
No, I’m not kidding; for the past 15 years, the creative people of Camano Island have celebrated the thrill of the hunt. Northwest Glass Quest is celebrating its 15th year and will be held February 16-23, 2025. The event is organized by the Camano Chamber of Commerce. For 10 days, businesses and parks throughout Stanwood & Camano Island hide plastic clue balls. You win a limited-edition Hand-Blown Glass Ball when you find a plastic clue ball. These glass ball prizes are one of a kind and so beautiful. It is a wonderful activity for all ages, and there is a fantastic website where all your questions and tips for a successful quest can be answered. Make sure to learn about the Kind Quester program for regenerative ways to take part and even get entered to win a handmade glass pebble heart.
While enjoying Camano Island and looking for this sparkle in the rough, you may need an excellent spot for some delicious nibbles. I have several favorites. At Tapped Camano, celebrate your successful globe search with Blackened Fish Tacos or my favorite soft pretzels served with beer mustard and Beechers cheese fondue. Or, just across the courtyard (in my husband’s words), “order the best darn burger in the Northwest” at The Baked Cafe. They serve fantastic breakfast sandwiches, too! Speaking of breakfast – If you are like me, you can’t wait to find the best place for a morning latte and house made bakery treats- Or if you have just finished a long hike, maybe an afternoon tea and cookie? Look no further than Camano Commons Marketplace.
All three of these dining stops are located in the Camano Commons. This community hot spot is easy to find, and you can stop in there any time of day. The Commons is a favorite for locals, too, and they welcome you with big smiles and delicious bites.
If handcrafted cocktails and Pacific Northwest cuisine are more your speed, make a reservation at Blue Heron Kitchen and Bar; you will love it.
Another really beautiful place to visit is Camano Island State Park. The breakfasts at Cama Cafe are sublime. I suggest going for an early breakfast and hiking in the park or working up an appetite and then heading over there for breakfast. Either way, it is a wonderful way to spend your time on the island. I always order Eggs Benedict!
Since you might be wondering, I have a few more discoveries to share!
After your yummy breakfast, why not do some shopping at the adorable Camano Shop, located in a 1911 historic farmhouse? You will find unique gifts and local merchandise. Stop by Camano Cookies if you are hungry! Are you looking for some other fun activities? Why not go zip lining at Canopy Tours Northwest, or have you tried axe throwing? You could unleash your inner Viking while trying your hand at axe throwing at Arrowhead Ranch.
If you decide to stay the weekend, which I highly recommend, many short-term rentals, inns, and cottages are available through Airbnb and VRBO and scattered throughout the island. Many rentals are beach-close and decorated super cute. Recently, we rented a small nautical-themed one-bedroom right on the beach. We had a grand time.
I have been coming to Camano Island for several years, and each time, I discover something new, and each season brings a different experience. Winter is cozy and quiet, but in February, The Northwest Glass Quest adds excitement and fun exploration you cannot find anywhere else. I love this unique celebration of nature coupled with intrigue and artistic expression. It is such a delightful idea. Come visit in February and embrace the “Thrill of the Hunt” on this idyllic island that offers a long list of activities and fantastic dining and is still the perfect destination to relax and unwind.
For additional information on how to spend a weekend questing on Camano Island click HERE
